The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

January 15, 2010 #3,754 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist Concerned About Earthquake in Haiti

Dr. Sergine Desrosiers is first generation American, born and raised in Mercer County, NJ after her parents moved to the states from Haiti. In 2001, the 37-year-old moved to Bucks County where she makes house calls as a podiatrist. She has a strong connection to Haiti and particularly to Leogane, which is about a 25 minute drive from Port-au-Prince. She has grandmothers there as well as a long list of aunts, uncles and cousins, other relatives and friends.

Dr. Sergine Desrosiers

Not everyone has been accounted for. She has been glued to CNN and to her computer, where she has been receiving a barrage of updates. “The most frustrating part is not being able to get in touch with them,” she said. “We just keep e-mailing everybody and using Facebook to keep everyone informed.”  Some of her cousins who live stateside had just attended a funeral in Haiti hours before the earthquake. They learned of the disaster when they landed back in the U.S. “They’re grateful they’re safe but they left other people behind and they don’t know their status,” Dr. Desrosiers said. In fact, her family doesn’t know the status of a lot of folks as the ability to communicate has been greatly reduced.

The doctor said she was planning on going on a medical mission to Haiti in March. That doesn’t seem possible now, she said. “The mission was supposed to be with students. I’m an assistant professor at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine,” she said. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking them to the area, being worried about their safety in terms of the structure of the buildings.”

Source: Ben Finley, Philly Burbs [1/13/10]
 

Barefoot Study is "Much Ado About Nothing": IN Podiatrist

Compared to running barefoot, running in conventional running shoes increases stress on the knee joints up to 38%, according to a new study. "There is an increase in joint torque that may be detrimental," says D. Casey Kerrigan, MD, the lead author of the study, published in PM&R: The Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Bruce Williams

"It's much ado about nothing," says Bruce Williams, DPM, past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and a spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Association. "She showed there was an increase in joint forces, but that's it," says Williams, a podiatrist in Valparaiso, IN and a runner. There was no link shown between running shoes and running injuries, nor with development of arthritis -- both beyond the scope of the study.

The bulk of research studies have found that runners don't have a higher incidence of knee osteoarthritis than the general population, Williams tells WebMD. "If you are happy with your running shoes, you don't necessarily have to change them," Williams says. But if you have an injury, he suggests consulting a sports podiatrist and getting advice about the best shoe features for you.

Source: Kathleen Doheny, WebMD Health News [1/7/10]

OH Podiatrists Merge Practices

Ohio Foot and Ankle Center owner Dr. Aaron Chokan on Wednesday announced a merger with Canton podiatrist, Dr. Marvin Boren of Advanced Foot & Ankle. The Canton office will mark the fourth location for Ohio Foot and Ankle Center, which includes locations in Green, Cuyahoga Falls, and Alliance.

(L-R) Drs. Marvin Boren and Aaron Chokan

In addition to an emphasis on treatments for common ailments of the lower extremities, Chokan specializes in foot and ankle surgery, wound care, diabetic surgery, and foot reconstruction.

Source: Canton Rep.com [1/13/10]

Put Stress in Perspective

If you are under stress, examine the situation and ask yourself, “What difference will this make tomorrow?” If the answer is “Little” or “None,” let it go. Take a long-term view by asking yourself, “How important will this seem next year or in 10 years?”

Source:  Adapted from “Stress Is Killing Your Business,” Mimi Barre, Redlands Daily Facts via Communication Briefings

RE: Off-Label Heel Fissure Treatment
From: Paul Busman DPM, RN

Due to the non-medically approved nature of this, it may have limited clinical usage, but I'm just putting it out there. Last week, I noticed a bit of heel tenderness. Closer examination showed a smallish plantar posterior fissure where some dried heel callus had cracked right down to the tender skin below. I was away from home with no way to debride the callus. Applying a Band-aid and antiseptic cream did not help. I happened to have a bottle of Gorilla Glue in the newer white, fast formulation. Gorilla Glue is a super tenacious polyethylene glue which is activated by moisture.

I moistened the area with water and applied a small amount of the glue. In a few minutes, the glue bubbled and swelled (normal), and within about ten minutes it had skinned over enough for me to put my socks on. The result was instant relief. I gave the patch a good workout as my wife and I toured two art museums and walked all over Philadelphia for three days. It endured all of this plus several showers with no signs of peeling. When we returned home, I shaved off the glue and excess callus to find the skin below fully healed.  Note that the original brown formula takes much longer to cure and would be less useful for this purpose.

Paul Busman DPM, RN, Clifton Park, NY, brewerpaul@aol.com

RE: Surgical Centers as an Investment (John Moglia, DPM)
From: Larry Zimmerman, DPM

I have been an owner/investor in a free-standing surgery center  (originally 17 owners and 7 disciplines)  for 11 years and have been on the managing board for over half of that time. We have two procedure rooms for scopes, etc. and four operating rooms.
 
First of all, they are NOT cash cows as some people might lead you to believe. It is very difficult to negotiate good contracts with insurance companies, even though you get paid sometimes a third of what a hospital gets paid. If you form a surgical center with a hospital, the hospital will have to have the controlling interest to get their higher rates. Then, you may be strapped with their often very inefficient model to run it. You need aggressive/efficient docs who are easy to get along with (one jerk can sink the entire ship) and be willing to make concessions as to what types of equipment and implants are used. It also helps to have docs who are fast (especially ophthalmologists). Orthopedics and spine surgery usually get paid the best.
 
You also need to watch every cost. It is now a tough, tough business. As a group, we (13 left) do take checks home every month, but about half of what we took home four years ago. Even if you would only break even, they can be money-makers for you because they are so much more efficient than the hospital. In my case, I can do twice the caseload in the same amount of time as I would do at the hospital.
 
Larry Zimmerman, DPM, Mansfield, OH, zimmysuzie@earthlink.net

RE: New Balance TV Ads (Allen Mark Jacobs, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

In my 30+ years of practice, I have seen this problem surface frequently. We podiatrists receive four to seven years of intensive training on how to evaluate and treat the foot only to then find out that a person can go into a "sneaker store"  or even some Walmarts and be cast for custom made orthotics at a low price. What made my blood boil was the nerve of one of my patients to tell me that because it was cheaper, she was going for her orthotics to a store similar to the one described by Dr. Jacobs. She asked if I would recommend the type of orthotic and would adjust it to my standards. There are even orthotic labs run by podiatrists who are actively training non-podiatrists on how to cast for orthotics with the hope of getting their business.
 
The truth in the matter is that in most states anyone can make and sell a patient a foot orthotic. I am saddened  that the astute management of New Balance, that promotes itself  as having its customers best interests at heart, did not choose to align itself with podiatry when it comes to orthotics.  We do, however, have one major advantage. Patients come to us with a foot problem. We examine them, and if we reach a biomechanical diagnosis, the orthotics become part of our treatment plan. Most patients would prefer that we do all the treatments that will help them, including the prescribing and casting for custom-made orthotics.  
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

In a similar vein, I have had local "orthopedic" shoe stores try to undersell me by telling patients that the orthotics I prescribed were too expensive and not the right kind. This made for one very irate patient who demanded her money back. So, now that we have pedorthists telling patients how to treat their feet, insurance companies deciding our scope of practice as well as income, and major sneaker manufacturers stabbing us in the back, the obvious still comes up for me. Why, after so many years, has the public relations and marketing of our profession failed the way it has? After 30 years in practice, I still come in contact with people who do not know what a podiatrist is, let alone our scope of practice.

We have failed to enlighten the public. Many still think that if they injure their foot or ankle, they need to go to an orthopedist, even if they have been podiatry patients for years. Some still do not know that we are surgeons. The time is long overdue for this profession to educate the public as to our complete scope of practice and our unique specialized skills in foot and ankle care. It should be ingrained deeply in society. There is no question who the public thinks of when it comes to teeth. We need to make sure that podiatrist becomes synonymous with feet in their minds in the same way. 
 
Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Manhasset, NY, holfoot153@aol.com

Podiatry has been like a wounded whale surrounded by hungry great white sharks for years. Everything Dr. Jacobs mentioned is true and has been one of podiatry's battle fronts for the last 20 years. Unfortunately, I'm not sure there is a concrete solution to stop other industries from encroaching on our specialty. It would seem to me that neither podiatrists nor their patients (even post-Good Feet "orthotics" patients) financially support these companies. I don't think a financial blockade of these companies will put much of a dent in their operations. Short of that, what other avenues, to either modify their claims or stop their advertisements are there? Please, for those of you who are "mad as hell and can't take it anymore," be realistic in your response. Legal paths are expensive and time-consuming, and would not appear to serve the purpose.

Ira M. Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TENNESSEE

Well established practice for sale. Full scope medical and surgical practice including DME. Exceptional practice with a high volume of new patients. Excellent hospital and surgical center privileges with investment opportunity. Great area for a family and the outdoorsman. 731-446-7285/E-mail nraines@charter.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MINEOLA, NEW YORK

Full-time associate position with future partnership potential available with busy multi-office practices on Long Island. Must be proficient in all phases of podiatry with emphasis on surgery, biomechanics and RFC. Minimum standards include either a three-year PSR, or board qualified/certified status with ABPS. Existing hospital privileges with a NY based facility helpful. Interested doctors are encouraged to e-mail their CV to mets724@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW JERSEY
 
Part-time practice for sale. Located in Bloomfield, NJ. Great location in professional building. All modern equipment including digital x-ray. Please contact doccapo@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY, NY

Recruiting a podiatrist who enjoys doing surgery! We are a seven–doctor podiatry group and we’re great to work with. A residency program is attached to our practice. Interviews will begin shortly for this special position. Please forward CV to: healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice and medical building for sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area, Central Fl.; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion & investment; good insurance climate. 352-223-2713 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Full benefit package included. If interested, please email your curriculum vitae to foot1st@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

20+ years, full scope, turn-key practice in the same medical building location. Podiatrist-friendly hospitals just down the street, wonderful, appreciative and cooperative patients await. Excellent expansion potential. Maine offers an enjoyable life style, recreation abounds, reasonable housing costs, excellent school systems, low crime rates. Colleges and universities nearby as are cultural opportunities. Retiring seller will stay for transition. Please contact: mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BROOKLYN, NY 
 
Full or part-time position available for a busy well-established podiatry practice in downtown Brooklyn. All phase of podiatry. Modern office with EMR, Ultrasound, digital x-rays with a great support staff. Must be highly motivated, ethical, with good communication and clinical skills. please email resume to tkd@gishpuppy.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSETTS

PSR-24 trained podiatrist for busy multi location practice, high volume and high-tech. Seeking energetic individual for high volume of patients with multiple needs. Orthopedic, sports medicine, wound care, pediatric orthopedics and surgery skills required. Looking for immediate hire for the right candidate with possibilities for partnership. Contact Debbie Roberts debbierobertsm4@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH AND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Quality Podiatry Group of Florida provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 
Well diversified growing podiatry practice with good mix of office, surgery center and hospital procedures seeking a full-time associate.  Must have NC license or taking state exam this year. Candidates should have excellent bedside manner equal to their medical skills. E-mail a cover letter and CV to DPMCAREER@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - ALABAMA, GULF COAST

26 year old practice for sale. Owner desires to sell. Practice operated 25 hours per week. Surgery and general podiatry. MD referrals. Surgery center and hospitals in close proximity. Highly profitable. Priced to sell. Seller will lease office to buyer. Contact Mike Crosby at 1-888-776-2430 or mcrosby@providerresources.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CINCINNATI, OHIO

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to join one of the most successful practices in the United States. We do not have a seniority system. If you are motivated and have completed a PSR 24-36 residency, your income is limited only by your enthusiasm and desire to achieve. Email resume to khart@cincinnatifootcare.com

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