The OSC Celebrates 20 years- Look how far we have come!

After reviewing the minutes, letters and insteps of the OSC over the past twenty years, I realized how far the association has come from its inception. All the past and current board members have worked very hard towards the same common goal to improve the chiropody profession. We should all be proud of our achievements thus far, and look forward to the next 20 years.

To illustrate the history of the past twenty years I originally set out to create a time line of events that have taken place until I soon realized that there were far too many things to put on the timeline. So instead I created a top 20 list highlighting OSC growth, activities and achievements over the first 20 years.

I would like to personally thank all the past board members for their contributions of time and enthusiasm toward the profession.

In Chronological order…

In 1985 the creation of the Ontario Association of Chiropodists

In 1985 the First Annual Association Conference

In 1986 Bylaws, code of ethics and a logo established for the Association

In 1987 The acceptance of OSC by Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Relations for incorporation and Introduction to the Ministry of Health. The OSC Objectives in the beginning remain as they are today: 1) Protect Chiropody 2) Pursue Educational Programs 3) HPLR review involvement 4) stay involved in Government Relations 5) Increase Public Profile

In 1988 OSC asked to directly submit to the Health Professions Legislative Review (HPLR) to protect the Chiropody title and create a new Health Disciplines Act and regulations (RHPA) for the profession.

In 1989 Fee Guide established to be used by insurance companies

In 1990 hired a management team to run the day to day activities of the association.

In 1993 Diagnostic review with the college for RHPA

In 1995 OSC established program with University of Brighton , a 2 year B.Sc. degree program

Hired a professional to do an environmental scan of the association and the professions needs

In 1995 The initiation of name standardization initiative and MOH leads

In 1996 the first Foot Health Month.

In 1996 With the aid of a Government Lobbyist a MPP contact program was established

In 1996 MD contact program and Angus Reid Poll

In 1997 The launch of the OSC web site

In 1998 The Red Tape Reduction submission

In 1999 OSC attends the Canadian Health and Life Insurance Association Conference (CHLIA)

In 2000 5 Year HPRAC review and AIT (Agreement on internal Trade) involvement

In 2001 the initiation of the OSC and OPMA agreement to joint submission to the college in 2002.

In 2004 Strategic Plan development of the OSC and where we would like to go from here.

On top of these achievements there were many others including Continuing Education courses, Conferences, Insurance involvement, charity walks, government involvement and social events such as golf and tennis tournaments.