WHO WE ARE
FIP is the global voice of podiatry – uniting national organisations to advance foot health, professional recognition, and high-quality education worldwide. It is a non-profit organisation operating under French regulatory authority. Here you can read about FIP’s history, purpose, and global work to strengthen podiatry and foot health care.
THE STORY
Our beginnings (1947–1953)
The International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP) began in 1947 as the Fédération Internationale des Podologues, founded by French-speaking national organisations in Belgium, France, and Switzerland. Madam Decosterd (Switzerland) served as the first President, and the first Congress was held in Zurich in 1953.
From European roots to a global federation
Over the decades, FIP has grown from its European roots into a global federation—uniting national organisations, advancing education and professional standards, and strengthening the place of podiatry within healthcare systems worldwide. Key milestones include the development of shared European education standards in the 1970s, strategic governance modernisation from the 1990s onwards, and an expanded international role through major partnerships and global congresses.
Vision, mission, and strategic purpose
Today, FIP is guided by a clear vision: a world where excellent foot health care is universally accessible, professionally recognised, and globally integrated. Our mission is to unite, direct, and empower the global podiatry community through shared knowledge and leading resources—ensuring that every step forward improves lives worldwide. Our strategic purpose is simple: to empower the global podiatry community to keep the world on its feet.
Our role today
As the global voice of podiatry, FIP leads advocacy, supports collaboration, and helps drive progress in foot and ankle care. Through strong partnerships, we work to accelerate advances in podiatry and improve outcomes for people everywhere.
