The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

October 14, 2010 #3,983 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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High Heels Can Cause Haglunds' Deformity: TX Podiatrist

Women often believe that aching feet are a natural consequence of a busy and fashionable life. Take the right steps, though, and you can feel and look your best at the same time.

Dr. Russell Pendleton

High-heeled shoes, especially with pointy toes, can cause an array of issues. The dire-sounding Haglund's deformity, also known as the "pump bump" because it's often caused by shoes with stiff backs, is a heel bone enlargement that can cause painful bursitis and require surgery, says Russell Pendleton, a podiatrist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Azle.

Source: Daphne Howland, Dallas Morning News [10/5/10]

OCPM to Benefit From State Funds For Partnering With Community College

State money earmarked for public universities and colleges is buying students greater access to "real world" learning and creating partnerships between the institutions and non-profit organizations.  The state passes capital-improvement money through a given school to a nonprofit, requiring in return that the partners forge an agreement that benefits the college.

OCPM Building in Independence, OH

For instance, Cuyahoga Community College and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine will receive $250,000 for a portion of the cost of improvements to the college's building. The College of Podiatric Medicine will provide for at least 15 years: Four hours of foot screenings from two podiatric college faculty members; eight credit-hours of medical-assisting experience for Tri-C students; two credit-hours for observations of anatomy dissections.

Source: Karen Farkas, The Cleveland Plain Dealer [10/11/10]

FL Podiatrist Provides Advice on Buying Athletic Shoes

Everyone who exercises should invest in a good pair of shoes, says Dr. Elizabeth Scheiber, podiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic. "The first thing is to start off with a good fit. You have to make sure that there is a thumbs-length distance between your longest toes and the shoe," says Scheiber.

Dr. Elizabeth Scheiber

"If you have a bony prominence, such as a hammertoe or bunion, you need to be sure that the mesh of the sneaker will not irritate that area," says Scheiber.

Source: South Florida Today, WTVJ-TV (Miami, FL)

IPMA Sponsors Shoe Drive

Winter can be especially difficult on homeless people or the underprivileged who don't have suitable clothing or shoes. Lafayette's Drake Hoover, 16, is leading the Shoes for the Needy project for the second consecutive year. Last year, the project collected 600 pairs of shoes that were distributed in Lafayette. It is sponsored by the Indiana Podiatric Medical Association.

Drake Hoover (Photo Jordan Kartholl)

"My dad, Dr. James Hoover is a podiatrist, and I've learned it is important for people to have a good pair of shoes to protect their feet in the winter," he said.
  
Source: Bob Scott, JCOnline [10/12/10]

Organized Medicine Stands Up Against Medicare Pay Cuts

Preventing a 23% Medicare physician payment cut is one of several major tasks Congress faces when members return Nov. 15. The American Medical Association and dozens of other medical societies are reminding lawmakers that stopping the reduction before it takes effect on Dec. 1 is crucial to keeping Medicare sustainable.

The AMA, 65 national medical societies, and 24 state societies sent a letter to Congress on Sept. 29 asking members to stabilize Medicare physician pay, at least through 2011. Congress adopted short-term delays of the cuts several times in 2010, including once after contractors for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began to process Medicare claims with the cuts.

Source: Doug Trapp, AMNews [10/11/10]

Presentation Planning

Be sure that you are not putting the cart before the horse when you plan a presentation. You should develop and refine your content before you plan your visuals. The purpose of visuals is to reinforce your presentation, not to detract from it.

Note: It is okay to look at old visuals to gain inspiration and ideas. Just don’t build your presentation around old slides. Doing so stifles your creativity and will result in a stale presentation.

Source: Adapted from The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations, Larry Tracy, Tracy Presentation Skills via Communication Briefings

QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)

Query: Cutting Edge Laser for Pain and Inflammation

A rep from Cutting Edge Lasers came by and was very enthusiastic about the multilock laser for treatment of pain and inflammation. Does anyone have experience with this?

David Mader, DPM, Naugatuck, CT

RE: Prevention of "Bed Bugs" (Pat Caputo, DPM)
From: David Secord, DPM, Mark E Weaver, DPM

I'm told that Western Cedar oil is a great way to kill both the bug and the eggs. It smells nice as well.

David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX, secord@medscape.com

Short of  hiring a professional, I have used Raid 'Fumigators' for spiders and other pests in the barns and airplane hangers as well as the houses with great success. I suggested this to a patient to try, and he came in yesterday very happy that last night was the first night he did not get bit.  I do not believe the residual effect is great, however, I believe it will kill anything already there. 

I have tried many, many other 'bombs' with little success. Only the product named 'Fumigator' seems to penetrate the nooks and crannies. It is a smoke, not a mist. It's about ten bucks for a three-pack at Home Depot. They do not carry Raid products at Lowe's. Do not take a single breath of the stuff, and air the place out really well before returning.

Mark E Weaver, DPM,  Ft. Myers, FL, tcopn@att.net

RE: Is Parity Achievable? (Name Withheld)
From: Dr. Michael DeBrule

My heart goes out to Name Withheld who wishes to achieve parity with the foot-ankle orthopedist for his surgical privileges. The foot-ankle orthopedist likely has a conflict of interest and benefits financially from denying you privileges. It sounds like you have excellent training and should be allowed to step up to the plate. Assuming you have exhausted negotiations, please contact your attorney. Draft a legal release letter giving the hospital opportunity to honor your full surgical privileges within 30 days.

Also, ask them for a small sum of money too for loss of income (enough to cover your legal fees). In return, you agree not to pursue further legal action for past loss of income and discrimination.  You also agree not to speak out and publicize this matter. That should get their attention in a hurry! If they don’t agree to your terms, don’t be afraid to take the next step. You aren’t doing this just for yourself, but for everyone in our profession.

Michael B. DeBrule, DPM, Marshall, MN, Dr.DeBrule@InnovativeFootCare.com

RE: Is Parity Achievable? (Name Withheld)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

Name withheld states that he/she has been denied privileges for which he has had thorough training and experience. Ostensibly, the reason given by the orthopedic surgeon who must "sign- off" on this is that the programs taken were not "governed" by allopathic boards and were therefore not adequate. The irony is that this same excuse could be used to not permit the very privileges this doctor HAS been assigned. It may not surprise many readers that variants of this same "excuse" have also been used to limit privileges among even allopathic providers...especially if they were foreign trained. Naturally it's a matter of competition. Probably most of the governing hospital staff even realizes this. Defense against this is a multi-pronged effort:

1. Demonstrate that the hospital has "foreign trained doctors" who, although their experience has been by so-called "allopathic" venues, are certainly not registered in the U.S. and may have different quality standards and protocols.

2. Obtain information to give to the Hospital Board on your procedure list. You may be surprised to know that many of the procedures you did WERE actually over-viewed by medical doctors and osteopaths. Your program certificates might bear the co-signatures of MDs. In fact, most do. If you served your residencies in an allopathic hospital (most are), then the proof is right there. Even though the board itself is not run by MDs, the hospitals...

Editor's note: Dr. Rosenblatt's extended-length letter can be read here.

Greek Health System Opts for Amputation as Money-Saver

This Saturday, one of Greece’s most respected newspapers, To Vima, reported that the nation’s largest government health insurance provider would no longer pay for special footwear for diabetic patients. Amputation is cheaper, says the Benefits Division of the state insurance provider.

The new policy was announced in a letter to the Pan-Hellenic Federation of People with Diabetes. The Federation disputes the science behind the decision of the Benefits Division. In a statement, the group argues that the decision is contrary to evidence as presented in the international scientific literature. Greece’s National Healthcare System was created in the early 1980s, during the tenure of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou. Papandreou, an academic, won election under the slogan, Αλλαγ?, which is the Greek word for Change.

Source: The Daily Caller [10/11/10] Via Lee Rogers, DPM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS, MO

Leading group practice looking to add one podiatrist to established location. Group's podiatrists enjoy incentive compensation plan (production and sharing group profits), benefits including health and malpractice, and supported with integrated practice management and EMR systems. Perfect opportunity for solo practitioner to join group setting. Could also be part time opportunity for the right individual. Please forward CV to StlPodGroup@gmail.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume and photo to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

Part/time, full/time associate for busy, well established multi-doctor, multi-office NYC group. Seeking motivated, ethical, NYC licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of Podiatry. Board Qualified/Certified preferred. Salary plus incentives, pension/medical/dental. Partnership potential. Fax CV to 631-369-6570.

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to  f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND

FT/PT Associate position available with busy multi-office podiatry group on Long Island. Our practice is state-of-the-art, and encompasses all phases of podiatric care. We welcome new practitioners, or someone who would be open to merging a smaller practice with ours, and benefitting from our practice management overlay. We also invite residents graduating in 2011 who want to practice on Long Island to apply for this position. Compensation includes competitive salary and bonuses. Vacation pay and malpractice insurance are also offered with a full time position. Please send your CV by fax (631) 293-3462 or e-mail to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA 
 
A great opportunity to join a very busy, well established, diversified practice in Clearwater, Florida. We are seeking an Associate who is BC/BE and highly motivated, minimum PSR24+. We offer a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume to Jaye@fdn.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND, NY

Associate full-time. Well-established, busy, well-rounded podiatry practice looking for a motivated podiatrist. Suffolk Co. LI NY. Board eligible, Board certified PSR-24/36 trained. Fax resume to 631-581-0857

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATESHIP - MARYLAND

A great opportunity to join and gain ownership interest of a well established, diversified practice in Maryland. 2-year residency needed, EHR, ultrasound, ASC, hospital close by with wound care center. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Established podiatry practice in Houston, TX has an opportunity for a well-trained associate to start immediately. Great opportunity for a new graduate or established solo practitioner looking to join a successful practice with a fast track to partnership. Practice is modern and offers all of the latest equipment and technological advances available in podiatry. Aside from seeing patients and providing outstanding care, individual must be personable, passionate, and willing to help market themselves to referral sources as part of a plan implemented by our business development coordinator. Salary with bonus and benefits available. Send cover letter, CV and 2 letters of reference to houstonpod@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Well-established group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: PADNET SYSTEM BY BIOMEDIX

Less than 1 yr old. Two computer laptops included to allow flexibility of testing in 2 offices. Training by Biomedix included in price. Willing to sell for remainder of balance on lease. Contact by email at hassenfratz@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SW LOUISIANA

Only full-time podiatrist in city of 30,000. Great economic base of oil refineries and numerous petrochemical companies as well as riverboat casinos. Located in sportsman’s paradise. Practice comes with 2600 sq. ft. office building and all supplies. 7 area hospitals. Reasonably priced. Contact peshdpm@pol.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE  - MARYLAND, DC SUBURB

Great opportunity. Retiring after 38 years in practice at the same location. Practice is fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, computer network, orthotic scanner and state licensed ambulatory surgical center that is fully equipped. Owner will stay on as needed for easy transition. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
Rare opportunity. Busy all around practice, including pediatrics. Hospital guarantee of $200,000 for first year. Ready to retire. Will stay on for transition. Low price of $130K. E-MAIL tracy.podiatry@comcast.net or call: 209.835.4276 

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER - PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE - NJ

Privileges available in a new 2 ORs. New certified multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center in Fairlawn, NJ - 8 minutes to the George Washington bridge. Specializing in podiatric surgery. Center will pick up and return patient home. Syndication is available. Center will accommodate doctors in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and long Island. Will assist in getting NJ License. Call for information (516)476-1815 e-mail podo2345@aol.com. To view center, go to FAIRLAWNASC.SHUTTERFLY.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

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