The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,600 Podiatrists Daily

January 04, 2008 #3,133 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Honey Dressings Can Prevent MRSA Infections: AZ Podiatrist

Honey dressings and gels, as well as tubes of manuka honey, have been gaining in popularity overseas, fueled by scientific reports on their medical benefits and occasional news accounts of the dramatic recovery of a patient with a longtime wound.

Dr. Robert G. Frykberg

Dr. Robert Frykberg, chief of podiatry at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix, said the Medihoney product has worked on about half the patients with diabetic foot ulcers who have used it. He said the Medihoney dressing also can prevent the dangerous drug-resistant staph infection known as MRSA from infecting open wounds.

Source: Linda A. Johnson, Associated Press [12/31/07]

Yankees' Physician and Trainer Do Grand Rounds at NYCPM

Students and faculty at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine were privileged recently to attend a special Sports Medicine Grand Rounds at the College, where they heard lectures by Dr. Stuart Hershon, an orthopedic surgeon who is the Team Physician for the New York Yankees, and by Gene Monahan, the Yankees’ Head Trainer. Their visit was arranged by NYCPM alumnus Marc Brenner, DPM, a long-time friend of Dr. Hershon’s. The Grand Rounds was made possible by a grant from CryoDerm™.

(Left to right) Dr. Stuart Hershon, the New York Yankees Team Physician; Lloyd List, CEO of CryoDerm, Gene Monahan, the Yankees Head Trainer; and NYCPM alumnus Marc Brenner, DPM.

Dr. Hershon discussed foot and ankle issues and injuries that he has encountered with Yankees players . He focused in particular on injuries caused by players fouling balls off their forefoot, and also discussed sprains. He then discussed several cases of easily-missed fractures of the tarsal navicular, an injury he said was much more prevalent in other sports such as track, basketball, soccer and football. He said athletes with this type of fracture were unable to run with explosive speed, a complaint that a doctor would never even hear from the average person.

Gene Monahan, the Yankees’ Head Trainer, lectured on 1) the foul ball bruise, which requires immediate compression; 2) protection of the pitcher’s drag foot during the pitching motion; 3) treatment of plantar fasciitis and 4) subungual hematomas.

APMWA Announces 22nd Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 22nd Annual Student Writing Competition.

1. All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include ethics, practice management, or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.

2. There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.

3. First prize will be one thousand ($1,000.00) and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.

4. This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.

5. Entries must be received by 4/1/08 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com

6. Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry. All royalties from such publication shall be forwarded to the entrant.

Employers Can Have Two Classes of Retirees for Health Benefits: EEOC

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announces that employers legally can eliminate or reduce health benefits for retirees when they reach age 65 and become eligible for Medicare but continue to provide benefits to retirees younger than age 65. The decision, published in the Federal Register, allows employers to establish two classes of retirees -- those younger than age 65 and those ages 65 and older -- and offer different benefits to each group.

In addition, the decision allows employers to eliminate or reduce health benefits for the spouses or dependents of retirees ages 65 and older. The Society for Human Resource Management, AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, the American Benefits Council, and other groups support the decision, according to EEOC.

Source: American Health Line [1/2/08]

Query: Licensure in Mexico

How does one go about getting a podiatry license to practice in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?

Keith Sklar, DPM, Schaumburg, IL

RE: E-Mailing Patients (David Gurvis, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli, DPM, Steven H. Goldstein, DPM

We use e-mail two ways in the office. One is to remind patients of their next visit and the other is to e-mail copies of x-rays (when requested or required). I use Sammy, which comes with a module that makes this very easy. Just enter your patient's e-mail address into the program and you can then e-mail every patient who has an appointment on any given day. It has reduced the number of phone calls we use to make in order to remind patients of their appointments.

Also, having a digital machine makes e-mailing copies of x-rays instantaneous to not only patients but also to other doctors. This is useful when consulting for a second opinion.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

Since many of my patients came from all over the country for cryosurgery the best way to follow-up with them was by email. I reserve this method for these patients only, not local patients who could certainly schedule an appointment for follow-up. I also received many initial patient contacts from the use of my website. That was money well spent to broaden my patient base.

Steven H. Goldstein, DPM, Wayne, NJ, stevefootdr1@cs.com

ASSOCIATE-TO-PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY NEW HAMPSHIRE

Established practice located 1 hour north of Boston in tax-free New Hampshire is seeking a well-trained graduate of a 24-month surgical/general podiatry residency. This is a practice with a nice mix of surgery, biomechanics, injuries, diabetic and general care. No nursing homes. Very modern office with EMR, US, excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. E-mail inquiries howardbon@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHANDLER/GILBERT/PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Multi-location office and soon to open a third location. Seeking a well-trained graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency. This is a practice with a nice mix of 35% surgery/trauma, 20% diabetic/wounds, 25% biomechanics, 20% pediatric. No nursing homes. ER Call for 2 hospitals. Opportunity for partnership at 2 surgery centers. Very modern office with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, ESWT, Vascular Testing Machine. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained certified staff. Board eligible/certified a plus. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to main@footanklespecialtycenters.com or FAX to 480-782-1290.

FOR RENT AND IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY ARIZONA

Excellent free-standing location and exposure in Sun City, AZ. Across
from Boswell Hospital. Has been a podiatric office for 15 years with an approved Medicare SurgiCenter w/in the office. Office is a turn-key facility and can include present equipment. 3750 sq ft with 9 tx rooms, large reception and BO area. Email tbirdpod@cox.net or 602-510-2871.

ASSOCIATION POSITION - IOWA

Associate position with potential partnership in a multi-office,
multi-faceted practice, four-physician office. Staff privileges in many hospitals and ASCs. Applicant needs to be personable, skilled, ethical and hard-working. Competitive base and incentive compensation and benefits. Fax CV and letter to 712-255-1389.

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com -- www.homephysicians.com

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

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85

PM Classified Ads Reach over 10,000 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 10,000 DPM's. Write 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 Ext 110.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.