The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,502 Podiatrists Daily

July 27, 2013 #4,833 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Algner E.A. Broach, III, DPM

Dr. Algner E.A. Broach, III, who had a long and distinguished career as a podiatrist in both the U.S. Armed Services and in private practice, died June 29 from complications of pneumonia and dementia. He was 80. Dr. Broach graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence. For a short time, he worked as a research assistant with Dr. Albert B. Sabin in developing the oral polio vaccine. He also served as a staff member at Cincinnati Jewish and Bethesda Hospitals. He was a well-known podiatric physician and surgeon.

Dr. Algner E.A. Broach, III

He served as the Commander of the 2291st United States Army’s 1,000-bed hospital and the 914th Combat Support Hospital. He received a number of civic and military awards in his service to his fellow man. He was a member of Tuskegee Airman Inc., an organization that honors the original Tuskegee Airmen and was awarded The Legion of Merit by the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps and the U.S. Army Reserve for his distinguished service to the country.

Source: Cincinnati Herald [7/26/13]

CO Podiatrist Discusses Heel Pain

Among all of the musculoskeletal complaints that patients have, heel pain accounts for about one percent of the total. “When you think about how many bones, ligaments, and joints there are in the body, that’s a significant number,” said podiatrist Benjamin Carelock, DPM, who recently joined Dr. Terry Cook's practice in Cortez.

Dr. Benjamin Carelock

“The history of the course of the pain is the most telling thing,” said Carelock. “With plantar fasciitis, you usually have pain when you first get up, and then feel better as the day goes on. If you have a stress fracture, the more you’re on it, the more it hurts. If heel pain is related to a nerve problem, it may be constant or hurt more when you’re at rest or trying to go to sleep.”

Source: Cortez Journal [7/26/13]

NY Podiatrist Speculates on Royal Baby's Foot Type

“Feet are destiny!” says Dr. Suzanne Levine, the fashion world’s go-to foot doctor. “I can’t wait to see the royal baby’s feet. Will he be plagued by aristocratic feet like his grandmother, Princess Diana — or will he be blessed by having down-to-earth feet like his mother, Kate?”

Dr. Suzanne Levine

Levine went on: “I remember the first time I saw a photo of Diana barefoot and I saw her arch. It was so high, which is associated with aristocracy, because it looks so elegant and delicate. But it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It’s the opposite of flat feet. The high arched foot is unable to comfortably absorb the shock of heel to ground. ... I am hoping the baby has a combination of his mother’s and his maternal grandmother’s feet."

Source: Liz Smith, New York Social Diary [7/26/13]

MA Podiatrist Committed to Volunteering Again Next Year at Marathon

Until this year, among the worst wounds Dr. Paula Marella treated at the Boston Marathon finish line were stress fractures and blisters. With 28 years of experience as a volunteer treating the foot wounds of Boston Marathon runners, Marella witnessed injuries that were anything but typical this year. “It was good to see how everyone chipped in and asked, ‘What can I do next?’” she said. “It was all hands on deck.”

Dr. Paula Marella (Photo: Kathryn Gallerani)

Marella started volunteering at the Boston Marathon in 1985. At the time, she was studying to be an athletic trainer and was earning her undergraduate degree in that field from Northeastern University before deciding to go to medical school. She opened her Duxbury office in 2001 and is on the surgical staff at Jordan Hospital.

Source: Kathryn Gallerani, Wicked Local Duxbury [7/26/13]

FL Podiatrist Named Reviewer for Academic Medicine

Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Associate Dean at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, was selected to be a reviewer for Academic Medicine, the journal published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, which includes all the U.S. allopathic medical schools.

Dr. Leonard Levy

Dr. Levy is Associate Dean at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale and the first podiatric physician to be a Fulbright Scholar. He completed his service at the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Query: Vasyli Medical Affiliates Program

Is anyone participating in the Vasyli Medical Affiliates Program? This program apparently allows you to refer patients to the Orthaheelusa website and receive 10% of the gross sales revenues of products bought by your patients?

Eric Simmons, DPM, Durham, NC

RE: Chronic Pruritic Lesion (Arthur Gudeon, DPM)
From: G. Dock Dockery, DPM, David Feingold, DPM

This is most likely lichen simplex chronicus, caused by rubbing the dorsal foot with the opposite heel. Simply covering the area for a couple of weeks with a non-removable wrap will make major improvements. I would be very disturbed that a patient with a chronic condition would refuse a simple biopsy. It might be time to refer this patient to a dermatologist.
 
G. Dock Dockery, DPM, Seattle, WA, gdockdockery@aol.com

This appears to be lichen chronicus simplex. You need to break the itch/scratch cycle with a topical corticosteroid and possibly Benadryl, if it is worse at night.

David Feingold, DPM, Kearny, NJ, footfixer1@aol.com

RE: Discontinuing Diabetic Shoe Program (Neil H Hecht, DPM)
From: Steven E. Black, DPM

I too have suspended my diabetic shoe program participation.  Too many pairs are put into review and never seem to come out of review.  I now have 10 pairs that are still outstanding since last year. I feel Medicare has made it impossible to be fully compliant with their requirements. How can I be sure my referring MD has a note on his chart regarding anything? I don't even know if he charts at all!! 

This program was designed to encourage the use of appropriate shoes in a high-risk population. Then they made it so difficult to provide this service that probably there are fewer people in appropriate shoes than before. I know orthotists are having the same problem getting paid. This is just stupid.

Steven E. Black, DPM, Lancaster, CA, sblack152@aol.com

RE: Economical Digital X-Ray System or Processor (Birute Balciunas, DPM)
From: Marc Garfield, DPM 
 
Unless much has changed, digital x-rays are not an economical alternative to film unless you can make good use of your darkroom space, cut back staff, work faster, get more done by reviewing x-rays remotely, save time because x-rays are never misfiled, etc. But all of this comes at a cost of upwards of $20-30K for a system with adequate resolution, software, and hardware.

DR systems take direct images like a camera; CR systems use digital x-ray plates. The hardware on these can wear out over time and require replacement. My DR system is 5 years old now and is holding up. If you are using plates, you are missing out on about 1/2 the benefit of digital x-rays.

Don’t forget to factor in $800+ for support fees per year on your budget. So the switch should be well planned and considered. I am glad that I have one, but I do not think it is saving me money.
 
Marc Garfield, DPM, Williamsburg, VA, mgarfield1@cox.net

RE: Missed Follow-ups a Potent Trigger of Lawsuits
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
The study discussed in the July 23, 2013 issue of PM News said the following: "... the most frequent risk-management issues were failure to contact patients after missed appointments and a lack of tracking to ensure appropriate follow-up care was completed."
 
After reading this, most of us probably nodded our heads in agreement and went on to the next topic. The topic, however, begs for more discussion. On one hand, the study quoted implies that if a patient misses a follow-up visit and something goes wrong, the patient may decide to sue the doctor. On the other hand, patients are adults, and to the best of my knowledge, there is no law anywhere which can force a person to keep any doctor appointment. So, let's open the floor for discussion. What have you done in your practices that has increased patient adherence in keeping appointments, especially post-operative visits?
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Charles Lombardi, DPM's Discussion on "Meet the Masters"
From: Charles M Lombardi, DPM

I never said that the three-year model caused the shortage of positions, and quite the contrary, said it played no role in the shortage. The MAVs used for the new PMSR program are the same as the old PM&S-24 program, and in fact, very few programs did not convert.

Charles M Lombardi, DPM, Bayside, NY, LOMBARDI@nyfootsurgeons.com

RE: Shotgun Surgery?

This is what it looks like when a 357 Magnum with a 38 special bullet is shot into a toe. Pretty impressive shot if you ask me.

Did the shooter use a flouroscopic sight?

P.S. The patient no longer complains about paying a co-pay.
 
Source: Dr. Burton J. Katzen, Temple Hills, MD.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - DEBARY, FLORIDA

Turn-key operation; 1,200 sq. ft. Suite, $56,000 for immediate sale due to illness in family; everything included; aggressive young podiatrist can triple gross income; www.DeBaryFamilyFootCare.com  ; Email  sweisman@cfl.rr.com for details.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE 980 LASER

This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts, toenail  problems, two-year plus warranty, MSRP: $25,000. E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for an established 25 year old practice. PSR24 or 36 would be preferred. Excellent opportunity. Please send CV or letter to bafamt@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY NY

Part time position in busy practice leading to f/t. Looking for well trained minimum PSR-12 with great technique and people skills for part time leading to f/t position in fast growing practice. Competitive salary with huge growth potential. Send cover letter, CV and work experience to: PodassociateNY@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PENNSYLVANIA

Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to: 123bunion@gmail.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Medical Center. Full-time career opportunity: surgery, diabetic foot care, wound care, general podiatry, resident training & research. Split position: (90%) on-site BMC and (10%) off-site health center clinics Boston University School of Medicine Academic appointment. Requirements: Completion of 24-36 month surgical residency. Please forward CV and letter of interest to: Erin.walker@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION- DAYTON, OHIO

Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base.  Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR;diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to Ohiomedical@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SF BAY AREA

East SF Bay Area associate wanted for 3-office practice. CA License and PSR-24 minimum. All aspects of podiatry. Need to be highly motivated, a self-starter and be able to start Aug. 1, 2013. Salary BOE. Send CV to drscivally@sbcglobal.net
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, Midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Excellent opportunity for a full time podiatrist to join busy group practice! Surgery, wound care, sports medicine. Affiliated with residency program. Personable and great communication skills a must! Competitive salary, bonus, benefits package. Send CV to footdoc22@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST WANTED: CHICAGO

4 Days per Week Chicago Practice - will perform all phases of podiatric medicine Accredited JCAHO Surgical Suite. Benefits will cover Malpractice and Health Insurance. Six Figure Base Salary. Inquiries:  email your CV to Dr. J. B. Jenkins - yanagandb@gmail.com

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