The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 18, 2011 #4,066 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MI Podiatrist Provides Winter Footcare Tips

Keep your feet healthy with these winter foot-care tips from Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a Waterford and Novi podiatrist on staff at several local hospitals, including Southfield's Providence Hospital.

Dr. Jeffrey Klein

• Change immediately into dry shoes and socks after going outside or after exercising to air out your feet and keep them dry.
• Apply a moisturizer to your feet, particularly on the bottom where scaly patches may grow.
• Cracked, dry skin between the toes is a sign of athlete's foot. Use an anti-fungal cream twice a day for a week, then once a day until the condition improves.

Source: Patricia Anstett, Detroit Free Press [1/16/11]

FL Podiatrist Joins Barry Faculty As Director of Clinical Research

Dr. Robert J. Snyder, a podiatric physician and surgeon for more than 30 years and leading wound care specialist, joins the faculty at Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. Snyder begins his new role as a professor and director of clinical research this January.

Dr. Robert Snyder

Snyder joins Barry from private practice at University Hospital in Tamarac, Florida, where he is director of the Wound Healing Center. Snyder who serves on the editorial advisory boards of Ostomy Wound Management, WOUNDS, and Podiatry Management, and reviews articles for the New England Journal of Medicine, will teach student doctors about wound management, limb preservation, and research at Barry.

NBA Players Wear Shoes for Endorsements, Not Foot Safety: UT Podiatrist 

Studies have shown that whether a basketball player wears high or low-tops has no significant effect on their risk of ankle injury. But when it comes to foot injuries, experts say the low-tops may not provide the support players need to buffer their feet from constant pounding. Over time, lightweight shoes may also contribute to stress fractures and chronic injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and Achilles strain (the three most common foot injuries in the NBA) because they don't have the same cushioning.

Dr. Michael Lowe

Convincing a player to wear more supportive shoes can be easier said than done. "Thirty years ago, they did what you said," says Dr. Michael Lowe, a podiatrist and team doctor with the Utah Jazz for 31 years. "But it's becoming less and less and less now, because they have the contracts, and if they're seen wearing a shoe that's not in their contract; then they lose the contract. ... They play more for the money than the wisdom of what that shoe's going to do for their career."

Source: Hayley Mick, The Globe and Mail [1/14/11]

NY Podiatrist Teams with Local Businessman for Shoe Drive

Rotarian and businessman Gary Groo and podiatrist Dr. Michael Wodka team annually to collect new and gently worn shoes for the needy. In recent years, the enthusiasm of the shoe drive has become a "Battle of the Schools" project, with a $250 scholarship going to the winning school or participating organization.

(L-R) Dr. Michael Wodka, NYS Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, and Gary Groo, owner of Groo's Shoes, load a trailer with donated shoes.

Shoes are donated to non-profit groups that serve the public, including families in need. Shoes not used are sold by the pound to Third World countries and businesses, and the money received is used to purchase new shoes for schoolchildren in Orange and Sullivan counties. Every year, about 15,000 pairs of shoes have been collected during the shoe drive, which extends through March 31.

Source: Barbara Bedell, Times-Record Herald

Defuse Patient Hostility

Defuse patient hostility by asking “What can I do to help?” Patients who are expecting a confrontation will find themselves disarmed by your friendly willingness to assist.

Source:  Adapted from “What Can I Do to Help?” Winning Without Intimidation via Communication Briefings

Query: Scarf Complication

A Scarf bunionectomy was performed on a 52 y/o female. The patient gave every inclination that she understood the post-op instructions of non-weight-bearing, but has admitted to being a "bad patient". The incision dehisced one week post-op w/distal screw loosely protruding from wound over the first metatarsal.

Scarf Complication, 16 Days Post-op

There were no signs of infection, so the skin edges were debrided and re-approximated. Above is an x-ray taken 16 days post-op. What should be the next course of action?
 
Name Withheld

RE: Overlapping 2nd Toe (Sean Ravaei, DPM)
From: Todd Lamster, DPM

This patient exhibits severe lesser digiti adductus. I can recall my attendings warning me that this is the most difficult of all toe deformities to address successfully. Looking at the picture and x-ray that were provided, all the toes are involved. Therefore, one would have to straighten all the lesser digits with PIPJ arthroplasty/arthrodesis, with MTPJ releases, and K-wire fixation for four weeks. The alternative is to perform a second digit amputation.
 
Todd Lamster, DPM, Phoenix, AZ, tlamster@gmail.com

RE: Recurrent Neuroma Pain (Doug Smith, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

Dr. Doug Smith describes a neuroma in the fourth intermetatarsal space. To the best of  my knowledge, I cannot recall ever recognizing a neuroma in this location. I have always felt this did not occur in the fourth interspace because the fifth metatarsal had a fair range of motion; at least more than the other four metatarsals. No question, I probably missed some. I would like my colleagues to discuss how often this rare condition occurs in their practices.
 
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@aol.com

RE: New Balance "Toning Shoes" Class Action
From: Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)

As a brief note to podiatrists who have questions asked by patients about New Balance toning shoes, a class action suit is now being presented in the courts to: "...halt the dissemination of this false and misleading advertising message, correct the false and misleading perception New Balance has created in the minds of consumers, and to obtain redress for those who have purchased any New Balance toning shoes.’’
 
The American Council of Exercise did some studies on these shoes and it asserts: "no statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation" occur as a result of wearing toning sneakers.
 
At least one person in California alleges that they caused her harm. You can read about the lawsuit in more detail by clicking here.  Active patients frequently wish shoe advice from us. I think it pays to try to keep up on these issues.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

RE: Credit Card on File (Joe Gonzalez, DPM)
From: Joel Lang, DPM

My response to Dr. Gonzalez is that every office has a 'financial policy' regarding patient accounts. It is either designed by the doctor - in advance, or it will be designed by the patient - on the fly.

I retired about 13 years ago (ancient history for some). In practice I had a one-page printed financial policy statement signed by me and every new patient. It set out how different kinds of services were to be paid. While ‘credit card on file’ was not popular at that time, all deductibles and copays were required to be paid at the time of the visit. My secretary's ‘mantra’ was...

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

RE: Expensive Office Modalities And "Possibility" of Insurance Reimbursement (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM

I would like to share an apropos experience. Readers of PM News know that I believe it is imperative that we retain control of our practices and that WE are the ones who set the standard of care. Yesterday, I had a new patient come into the office. He had been previously diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. He is a Medicare patient and went to a first DPM who gave him a cortisone shot and told him to come back in one month (no diagnostic imaging performed). This left him very disappointed. So he went to...

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

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 to ohiodoctors@aol.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. Applications due by Jan 31st.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON

Board certified podiatrist (ABPS, ABPOPPM) wanted to join Orthopedic & Arthritis Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA. The position is per diem, 2 days/ week. Interested candidates should send their CV to: Brenda Surowiec, Orthopedic & Arthritis Center, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115. Or email to bsurowiec@partners.org

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 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate opening. Well-established podiatric group in Southwest Florida. Multi-office practice with EMR, Digital x-ray, Ultrasound and more. Seeking full-time associate that is PM and S-36 trained, personable, independent and highly motivated. Must be BC/BS in rearfoot and ankle with confidence in complex reconstructive cases. Full benefits package, competitive salary, excellent lifestyle. Email CV to: JLH459@aol.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Well-established Multi-practice Central Florida Office is seeking an associate. Look for a personable, energetic individual who is self-motivated and conscientious. We offer a Competitive salary with full complement of benefits. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. Please submit CV to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NY

Experienced board certified podiatrist wanted for busy diversified practice located in Nassau County, New York. Energetic DPM, please send CV to JELLA810@GMAIL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Associate position leading to partnership available for motivated, surgically skilled, personable podiatric physician. Good compensation and benefits. Respond to footcenter1@sbcglobal.net with a cc: to lisa.schulze@yahoo.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - NEW YORK

Well-established, multi-doctor podiatry practice with offices in Putnam and Westchester counties.Compensation based on productivity. Excellent opportunity for recent or June 2011 residency graduate to build skills and learn practice management. Full-time preferred but right part-time candidate will be considered. Email cover letter and CV to: podiatry2011@gmail.com

PART-TIME / FULL-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: A-Storjohann@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA, SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking motivated, independent foot & ankle surgeon to join large practice. Our multi-office practice covers all aspects of foot and ankle pathology, including heavy hospital volume. Offering competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV and two references to bleich5252@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WISCONSIN

Seeking a surgical podiatrist in Central Wisconsin. Great salary and benefits. Potential for partnership. Busy, well-balanced practice in a rapidly growing area. Email interest to ftsurg@yahoo.com or fax resume and cover letter to 715-241-8102.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO/INDIANA

PrimeSource Healthcare, a leading provider of mobile, on-site healthcare services at long-term and skilled nursing facilities. Our exceptional growth has created a need for traveling, independent contractors of podiatry services in Ohio/Indiana. Earn between $175k and $225k per year. E-mail CV to Kris Wright, kwright@pshcs.com. 847-580-5960. Visit us at pshcs.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Douglas Richie, DPM is seeking a well-trained, motivated podiatric physician to join his two office practice located in North Orange County, California. Applicants must have completed a 3-year residency program and must have exceptional skills in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and podiatric biomechanics. This is a salaried position with a goal of long-term buy-in for equity ownership. Send letter of interest and CV to drichiejr@aol.com

SHOCKWAVE MACHINE FOR SALE

D-Actor 200 by Storz Medical. High Frequency Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) System. A little over a year old, excellent results for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Must sell;  practice merger. Selling for $18,000 (new machine >30K) Will include onsite training if necessary. Email footdoc21@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - MICROVAS UNITS

Two lightly-used microvas units , 16-lead machines (included) , $7,000 each or best offer for both. Great therapy modality: edema, neuropathy pain, increases peripheral flow, increase soft tissue healing. Great practice from vascular surgeons sending patients for treatment, pays for itself. Unit comes with the charger and 16 leads. jhalvorsen@familyfootandlegcenter.com 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COOL TOUCH LASER 

Cool Breeze Cool Touch CT3 plus laser used for fungus toe nail infections Less than six months old. Great price won't last  long. Considering a laser? This laser is perfect for you. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

An extremely well-run, paperless office on sale. Owner moving out of state due to family reasons. State-of-art EMR system, trained staff. Office across from main hospital. From 2005-2009, average gross was ~500 K with potential of grossing a lot higher. For more details contact: podiatry-practice4sale@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Be an owner not a worker. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.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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