Gateway Health is proud to share that Clinical Lead Podiatrist, Steven Garoni, has become one of the first podiatrist in North East Victoria to achieve national endorsement to prescribe scheduled medicines.
This achievement expands the care Gateway Health can provide to our communities, giving patients access to timely, point of care treatment. It also reduces pressure on GP clinics and emergency departments by ensuring people receive the right care, at the right time.
Steven commenced this advanced practice pathway in March 2023, supported through a funded position provided by Goulburn Valley Health under the Practice Allied Health Workforce Advanced Grant from the Department of Health. Over 18 months, he undertook supervised practice across multiple hospitals and health settings including here at Gateway Health, compiled a portfolio of real case studies and evidence and completed both in person and online professional development. His endorsement was confirmed in July 2025.
As of March 2025, only 288 podiatrists nationwide had achieved prescribing endorsement. Steven is now part of this small group, and currently the only endorsed podiatrist in North East Victoria.
Gateway Health CEO, Trent Dean, said this outcome reflects Gateway Health’s focus on innovative care models that build capacity in Rural health.
“Steven’s achievement shows the impact of investing in advanced practice roles and creating new pathways to care. It means our community can access treatment sooner and avoid unnecessary hospital visits,” Mr Dean said.
Steven said the endorsement reflects his commitment to improving patient outcomes in Rural health.
“Being able to prescribe scheduled medicines means I can provide more complete care at the point of need. For our community, that translates into faster treatment and better health outcomes, without unnecessary delays,” he said.
This milestone strengthens Gateway Health’s mission of supporting people to live well, by delivering high quality, innovative care in the communities where it’s needed most.
