June 30, 2006 #2, 619 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Increase Seen in Flip-Flop Injuries: IA Podiatrist

Jill Scholz, an Iowa podiatrist says flip-flops not only cause pain but also can lead to foot injuries. "Flip-flops are dangerous because they don't cover your feet, so when you trip, fall or bump into something, you're more likely to get cut," Scholz said. "People will miss a step and fall because there's no support, and they'll end up with ankle or foot fractures. It's also not uncommon for people to come in for toenail injuries after wearing flip-flops," she said.

Many flip-flop wearers suffer from lacerations as well as foot pain. "Flip-flops have no support for the heel or arch of your foot, so they can cause pain, tendonitis and swollen joints and muscles," Scholz said, adding that she sees an increase in arch and heal pain from mid-summer to early-fall because of the increase in flip-flop wearing.

Scholz said each summer she sees patients for injuries that occurred while wearing flip-flops, along with several patients who have pain directly related to flip-flop wearing. Scholz recommends wearing sandals that have support and cover most of the foot. "The only time I would recommend wearing flip-flops is in a community shower to prevent fungal infections," she said. Scholz said flip-flop-related injuries and pain caused directly by the sandals have increased in the past 10 years that she's been in practice.

Source: Angela Meng, Iowa City Press-Citizen [6/28/06]

Rocktologists Band Includes NJ Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Barrett, an orthopedic surgeon based in Cape May Court House, was kicking names around with his son, Sean, when they came up with the one that gets this band some attention and some chuckles at gigs — all of them for local charity events.

The Rocktologists made their public debut for a good cause, a fundraising talent show last year put on by Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, where most of the doctors are on staff. Most of the members are doctors when they're not rockers. Dr. Randy Nuschke, the keyboard player and a singer, is an internal-medicine specialist. Dr. Charlie Birk is a podiatrist and a guitarist and singer. The drummer is Dr. Dave Landset, a gastroenterologist. Dr. Julianne Childs is a hematologist and oncologist who also sings, and they have had other doctors who played gigs or rehearsed with the band when they could.

They get to play once a month or so for an audience and practice a few times a month in Barrett's big waiting room in Cape May Court House — on nights when his office staff makes sure to clear out early. Their latest public appearance was a National Cancer Survivors Day celebration this month at Shore Memorial. And in one job at the Deauville Inn in Strathmere, The Rocktologists helped Ocean City High School's crew team raise $12,000 toward the cost of a new boat.

Source: Martin DeAngelis, Atlantic City Press (NJ) [6/28/06]

Most Employers Cutting Retiree Health Care: Study

Most U.S. employers are planning to further scale back health benefits offered to retirees, as companies struggle with the upward march in the cost of medical care and weigh increased contributions from the government's Medicare program, a survey found.

Ninety-five percent of the mostly Fortune 500 companies polled expect to further restrict their retiree health plans over the next five years, and 14 percent plan to stop providing coverage entirely, the survey of 163 companies by benefits consultants Watson Wyatt found.

Employers have been exiting the retiree health business for a decade-and-a-half, amid rapid inflation in the cost of health care and increasing mobility of workers. But some feared the pace would quicken amid recent changes that boost benefits provided by Medicare, the government's health insurance program for the nation's 43 million elderly and disabled people.

Source: Kim Dixon, Reuters, [6/28/06]

For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf

Query: DPM/DO

When I went to podiatry school in Iowa, I was told that one or two DO programs would accept DPMs for an accelerated DO program. The DPM’s had to complete osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and some courses we did not take. It was either Kansas or New England program. Has anyone heard of it?

Jengyu Lai, DPM, Rochester, MN, jylai99@yahoo.com

RE: Nationwide Survey Shows Widespread Consumer Confusion over Differences Among Healthcare Providers
From: Sloan Gordon, DPM

I read these survey results in true amazement. One, because "doctor" is a confusing term or title. Two, because the AMA has spend countless millions having their own 'healthcare extenders': PAs, NPs, Certified Surgical Assistants, Anesthesia Assistants, et. al., 'playing doctor' and trying to convince the public these are in fact, "doctors". So, who should be the real physicians? The MDs/DOs and their extenders or those of us who attended <insert specialty> medical school?

Just show up in an ER and see what "doctor" you can find? Chances are you will see a NP or a PA and that will be your first line of treatment until you are treated and streeted. Some MD will come along within 24 hours to sign the chart, however, thank you JCAHO.

This is a catastrophic problem that faces healthcare and who will care for us. I don't see a change anytime soon. But, I'm sure on the Barry Block team so that future generations of real physicians (like us) can add DPM-MD to their name for parity, with recognition as a positive side-effect.
It's an embarrassing survey for them, as if they shot themselves in the foot.

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX, sgordondoc@sbcglobal.net

RE: First Consult Website
From: Jill Scheur, DPM

I came across www.firstconsult.com while searching for a particular article on neuromas. It's a great website with a lot of information on all its aspects foot care. When I registered for a free trial - podiatry wasn't an option to choose for a specialty. It just amazed me how much information they had about the foot and not one podiatrist wrote anything on this site. The site has a 30-day free trial. I wish they would have recognized podiatrists. Let's all work on getting together more as a profession.

Jill Scheur, DPM, Buffalo, NY, DrJillsFootPads@aol.com

Editor’s comment: Although podiatry is not listed as a specialty, you can register as “other health professional.” This is yet another example of the awkward situation podiatry faces. Although 72% of the public believes we are medical doctors, we have yet to receive the legal and economic parity we rightfully deserve. Although MD’s eventually accepted DO’s as having parity status, our limited scope makes that path a dead end. The adage “If you can’t beat em, join em” still remains the best course for the future of podiatry.

RE: MD/DO Degree for Podiatrists (Lowell Weil, DPM)
From: Tilden H. Sokoloff, DPM

Lowell Weil brings all the points home. We are practicing as MD's with the scope and practice limitations that all specialties have imposed on them. The day of the unlimited practitioner is over.

The key issues are recognition for our extensive training and our residencies. The chiefs of medicine and surgery and other specialties all enjoy training our students, residents because we are bright, willing and interested and hungry for knowledge. Many wish their own MD students would share the same enthusiasm.

A new program will be announced soon that will allow the MD/DPM to become a reality. It will be based on proper recognition of our current training and will include intensive in the courses and core rotations. Some of the best medical education minds have participated in developing the program.

The leadership of the APMA must embrace the change. Project 2000 set many wheels in motion. This proud profession that practices a specialty that improves the quality of life, saves limbs, and repairs deformities which cripple people needs proper recognition from governmental agencies.

I am troubled that many foreign graduates fill our hospitals for training and residencies, when we have American podiatric medical students and doctors who are far better trained and educated. The time for the MD degree is NOW.

My hat is off to Leonard Levy DPM, for his persistence in believing that this dream is possible. He made it happen and whether we all agree or not, the wheels of change are "movin."

Tilden H. Sokoloff, DPM, Ketchum ID, THsokoloff@aol.com

RESIDENCY POSITION – VIRGINIA

One Year Foot and Ankle/Rearfoot Surgical Fellowship with excellent salary/benefits available July 1, 2006. If you are finishing a PSR-24 and don't have a job yet, this is an excellent way to learn additional surgical and business skills. Please fax resume to 703-
491-9994.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW JERSEY

Well established practice with modern equipment for sale. Two main offices and two satellite offices included. One podiatrist has been able to make very comfortable living, but also great for two docs looking to start up. Willing to transition over 1 year. This is a great opportunity! contact DOCCAPO@YAHOO.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PITTSBURGH, PA AREA

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, surgically trained podiatrist to join a well-established, high volume, multi/location practice in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. Must be willing to perform all aspects of podiatry. Incentive-based salary, compensation package, with potential for partnership. Must presently have Pennsylvania license. Would like to fill position asap. Fax resume to 412-831-2115.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Well established surgical podiatry practice for sale. Located in a state-of-the art out patient surgical center.Grossed $1,038,000 in 2005. Low down payment. Price negotiable. Contact Camille Todd/Transworld 321 217-3625 or camille@tworld.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEW ENGLAND

Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ESWT - BEST OFFER CONSIDERED NOW!!!!

If you are using or thinking of using ESWT, I have a new machine that has only been used twice. There is no Orbasone in the country priced like this one. Will provide training and installation. Take a look at http://www.orbasone.com Call 1-856-229-2939.

ASSOCIATE POSITION--NEW YORK CITY

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, surgically trained podiatrist to join a well-established, high volume, multi/location practice in Manhattan and Queens. Must be willing to perform all aspects of podiatry. Must presently have New York license. Position available immediately for the right candidate looking for a future partnership opportunity. Fax resume to 212-753-3521 scottlurie@eastsidepodiatric.com

PSR-24 RESIDENCY POSITION - SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

The P0H Medical Center (POH), Pontiac, MI has an opening in its Podiatric Medicine Residency Program. POH is a major teaching affiliate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly focused individual, who just graduated or has already completed a PPMR/RPR and or a PSR-12 program. POH offers an excellent learning environment with three high volume surgical venues and two busy foot/ankle clinics, including a limb salvage and wound clinic; as well as a competitive salary and benefit package. For further information, please contact S.J. Goldstein, DPM, POH Medical Center (248) 338-5392 FAX – (248) 338-5567

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES- FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills. Hospital privileges available at 548 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should want to perform rearfoot surgery including Charcot reconstruction. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated and have a current Florida license. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Base, percentage, benefits including insurance and 401K. Fax CV to (239) 566-8778.

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