The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 11, 2013 #4,662 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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CSPM Receives Large Contribution From Bako Pathology Services

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has received a gift of $25,000 and a pledge of $100,000 more from Bako Pathology Services to benefit the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM). The gift will equip a new clinical skills laboratory, which will replicate a patient treatment room and be used for both teaching and testing of podiatric skills. A portion of the funds will be used to upgrade audio-visual equipment in the existing anatomy lab, enabling students to better view dissection demonstrations and capture digital images for future instruction.

Dr. Brad Bakotic

“CSPM is grateful to Dr. Bradley Bakotic, CEO of Bako Pathology Services, for this generous contribution which will significantly enhance our students’ experiences in acquiring both knowledge and clinical skills,” said  John Venson, DPM, dean of the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM). Dr. Bakotic will also share his expertise in podiatric pathology with SMU students as an invited lecturer this spring.

New Zealand Podiatrist Discusses "Corporate Feet"

Podiatrist Simon Speight, of Speights Podiatry in Auckland, sees a lot of "corporate feet" and says it's not the heel height that is the main cause of foot problems but the compression on the toes created by a small toe-box. "In some senses, high heels are better than your floppy streetwear shoes because they're good and stable and solid. When the foot is unstable it gives rise to all sorts of problems, arch pain, that kind of thing.

Simon Speight

Often people only get pain at the gym, then wear a high heel, and it goes away. High heels are not to be rubbished. It would be cruel to suggest women give up their heels." However, he does caution that the higher the heel, the more likely calluses are to form on the ball of the foot. This is why some women in Britain are turning to Botox injections in the feet to numb the nerves.

Source:  Rebecca Barry Hill, The New Zealand Herald [12/15/12]

GA Supergroup Acquires Ankle and Foot Centers of Northeast Georgia

David N. Helfman, DPM, CEO of Village Podiatry Centers, LLC (VPC) has announced the acquisition and merger of Ankle and Foot Centers of Northeast Georgia into its growing portfolio. With these acquisitions, VPC now has 250 employees, 40 locations, 38 physicians, and interests in pathology labs, imaging centers, and 8 (CON) approved surgical facilities.

(L-R) Drs. David Helfman and Steven Arminio

Steven Arminio, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Northeast Georgia said: "After practicing over 30 years, and assessing various options, Village Podiatry Group, LLC made the most sense for us and our physicians."

CA Podiatrist Charged with Child Porn Possession

Prosecutors say a Southern California podiatrist is facing up to three years in prison if he's convicted of possessing child pornography. About 1,100 child sex images were found last month on the Santa Ana office computer of 58-year-old Dr. Pete Thomas. Orange County prosecutors on Wednesday charged the doctor with a single felony count. Thomas is free on $50,000 bail pending arraignment on Thursday. A conviction could lead to three years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A technician installing software on the Coastline Podiatry office computer discovered the images and notified police.

Source: Associated Press [1/9/13]

Query: Alternative to Lazerformalyde

What is available for verrucae treatment in a formaldyhyde-type product? Lazerformalyde is no longer available.

Billie Bondar, DPM, Rochester, NH

RE: Confusion Over New AFO Height Requirements (Paul Kesselman, DPM)
From: Josh White, DPM, CPed

The recent “Article for Ankle-Foot/Knee-Ankle Foot Orthoses – Policy Article – Effective January 2013” has created much confusion regarding how high AFOs need to extend to qualify for Medicare coverage. The article poorly describes two different “usually” required heights, one, “between the proximal border of the gastrocnemius and the apex of the head of the fibula (a region that is generally 2-4 cm distal to the apex of the head of the fibula)” and the other “within 1.5 inches distal to the apex of the head of the fibula.”

The full text of the section describing the required height reads as follows: ...

Editor's Note: Dr. White's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Changing the Rules For Board Certification
From: Name Withheld

I am a young practitioner coming to the end of my board qualification status. I am now getting ready to apply for my board certification exam, and I found out ABPS has changed the requirements. Specifically, they have changed the number of required cases overall, and they have excluded a number of surgeries that we are required to log, apparently for no reason. This change will prevent me from taking the boards this year, and thus my board qualification will be expiring.

These changes will force young surgeons to potentially do inappropriate procedures just to reach the mandate. Again, specifically the board says a cheilectomy is not an acceptable procedure for board requirements. This may lead to podiatrists doing a procedure with longer recovery times and more potential complications just to get "our numbers." I did not take the test last year due to lack of case diversity, and now this change.

How else can the powers that be give podiatry a bad name? This is another case of podiatry eating their young and finding a way to give the screwgee to a young practitioner. Why not grandfather in the requirements for those eligible like they did for those already certified many years ago?

Name Withheld

RE: The Self-Esteem of Podiatry 2013 (Jack Sasiene, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM

I read the post by Dr. Sasiene and can appreciate his frustration at what he perceives within the APMA and/or his state society. I would like to provide my two cents worth, so to speak.

It was former Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who stated, "You go to war with the army you have - not the army you might want or wish to have at a future date." This quote is especially prophetic in what we all face with the turmoil of healthcare reform in the future. Your state and national organizations (APMA) represent...

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

RE: Employment Advertising (Joel Lang, DPM)
From: Thomas E. Silver, DPM

I agree with Dr. Lang regarding contracting a local medical assistants school if there is one located in your community. I have a good relationship with the extern director at a local school and regularly get MA students who do a 2-month externship (without pay) in my clinic. We interview them initially similar to any regular job applicant, and only select the best ones. I have hired several of these students over the years after they completed their externships. Most will work very hard and really help out during their two months, even if they don't work out as employees.

The most important recommendation I can make is to contact Jay Henderson at Real Talent Hiring (realtalenthiring.com) before you hire anyone.

Thomas E. Silver, DPM, Golden Valley, MN, tsilver01@juno.com

Residency Shortage (Paul Kruper, DPM)
From: Ivar Roth, DPM
 
While I am in complete agreement that there should be a residency for every “qualified” graduate, upon closer inspection of the “problem”, my observations are from offering a preceptorship program for those who did not get a residency (usually failed boards) and from interviewing recent graduates. The recent graduates who have not passed the boards should have been told somewhere through podiatry school that they were not compatible with being a doctor. Some of the students that I have spoken with and observed are just plain slow mentally, under-motivated, or have a significant mental/social disorder/problem that is not compatible with them actively entering practice.
 
I realize that the schools are under pressure to matriculate students, but it seems that the bottom percent or two should have been washed out somewhere along the line instead of doing them and the profession a disservice by graduating them. The bottom line is that the schools need to make sure that they accept only qualified students, beyond some minimum requirements, and have a mechanism to make sure that “problem” students somehow are identified and a process is in place to deal with them, even to the point of returning their tuition. While I do not like bringing up this subject, it is real and our profession needs to deal with it.

Ivar Roth, DPM, Newport Beach, CA, ifabs@earthlink.net

RE: FL Podiatrist Performs ORIF Repair
From: Charles Morelli, DPM

In yesterday's post of "podiatrists in the community," it was refreshing to read an article about podiatry that did not refer to either "flip-flops" or high heels being bad for your feet. The last sentence stated, "Podiatry is sometimes seen as the step-child of medicine, but the specialty involves much more than ingrown toenails."

There is a litany of things that can be said about podiatry and the problems we have, but PR and the way the public views us is a very large part of the problem. I encourage every podiatrist who ever sits for an interview to discuss aspects of our profession that elevate us as the doctors, surgeons, and diagnosticians that we are, and not as the chiropodists of yesteryear. Enough with the ads of cartoon feet wearing party hats and blowing horns. It's demeaning.

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

RE: NY Podiatrist Advises Against Cosmetic Foot Surgery
From: Richard Frost, DPM

What about surgery for painful second hammertoes with associated non-painful bunions? Do you do surgery on both? What about the asymptomatic hereditary bunion in the younger patient who is concerned that it will be painful later in life (when the patient is less healthy). What if patients don't want the bunions to get to that point and want surgery now?

Richard Frost, DPM, Spokane, WA, rfrost@rockwoodclinic.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - K-LASER

K-laser for sale. 32 out of 59 payments have been made. New owner would assume lease of only 27 payments. E-mail advancedfoot1@aol.com.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - IL

Established podiatric practice seeking a full-time podiatrist to take over current practice. Position is an employed hospital based position with excellent family medicine referral/support. Current practice profile does approximately 50% routine foot/ankle care, 50% surgical care, wound care and orthopedic care. Practice located in vibrant small college town in western Illinois. For further information, contact Patty Luker, CEO at 309-734-1400 or email patty.luker@osfhealthcare.org.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in foot and ankle surgery but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to: jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRONX, NY

Seeking a well-trained, confident, ethical and personable candidate for a multi-office practice. All aspects of podiatry performed
(surgery, biomechanics, palliative care, vascular studies, diagnostic ultrasound, flouroscan, DME). Competitive compensation package. Please send your CV to: docdpm2@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, well established practice in central Florida looking to fill an associate position leading to partnership for the right person. General and surgical podiatry, wound care. Close to attractions, short drive to beaches. Florida license necessary. Competitive pay with incentives. Please send CV to footpainbegone@Gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to: Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHWEST INDIANA

Looking for a well-trained, entrepreneurial-minded podiatrist to compliment a busy modern (EHR, Digital X-ray, Diagnostic US, etc.) practice. Highly competitive compensation package. Great area to work, live and raise a family. Send resume/CV to: Pjames@cffaac.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, external fixation, and ankle replacement surgery. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.com

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 - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, six figure salary, 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 POSITION - NEW YORK

Established and modern podiatry practice seeking well trained podiatrist for our two offices located in the Hudson Valley. Individuals must be highly motivated, ethical, and have PM & S-36 training. Partnership potential! Please see our recruitment video (845) 471-2243, esims@simspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Busy, well-respected practice in Western Massachusetts looking for associate and offering future partnership. New, large office offering all levels of podiatric care with state-of-the-art technology and EMR. Excellent opportunity for podiatrist who is ready to settle down or getting started. Search is confidential. Send CV/ references to tapoflife@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION- SOUTH JERSEY & SUBURBAN PA

Busy, diverse, progressive & well established, multi-office prestigious practice seeking PSR 24/36 who is personable, confident & ethical with excellent surgical skills. Excellent employment package with great upside potential. Respond to: footandankle22@aol.com with CV & Resume.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI – EAST CENTRAL

Podiatric medical group seeks recent graduate or 2013 graduate who is interested in working with former residency director who can enhance your already strong training Full scope practice with the cases to fast track to board certification. We are located close to St. Louis for day use. Exceptional school system in a low crime, low cost of living area. E-mail resume to: drfootski@hotmail.com

RESIDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR - MICHIGAN

Genesys Health System in Grand Blanc, MI is seeking an exemplary leader to serve as the Program Director for the Hospital's Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with the added Credential in Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR). Apply online www.genesys.org.

SPACE AVAILABLE - MANHATTAN

ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY to sublet or take assignment of long-term sublet  BELOW MARKET RENT!. Gorgeous, incredible location, architecturally-designed new office in prestigious 24/7 doorman building on Central Park S. 3 Tx rooms, recept, bathrm, windows. Must have good financials. Move-in ready. See Video. Contact Dr. Goldberg at chirojil@aol.com or 646-584-7252.

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs and Students

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