The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

January 31, 2011 #4,077 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Receives Meritorious Service Award

One of the highlights of the New York Clinical Conference was the presentation of the APMA Meritorious Service Award to Dr. Renato Giorgini. This award is an honor reserved only for those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments on the state or regional level, for scientific, philanthropic or other professional or public services representing podiatric medicine. 
 

APMA President, Dr. Kathleen Stone presents Meritorious Service Award to Dr. Renato Giorgini.

For over three decades Dr. Giorgini has served as a professor of surgery and former chair of the surgery department at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He is an author, lecturer, and has trained over a thousand students and residents during his illustrious career.

NYSPMA Rocks the House at Golden Ticket Event 

1955 was alive again at the Golden Ticket Event held as part of the Foundation for Podiatric Medicine's New York Clinical Conference. Attendees enjoyed food and drink, 50's music, period celebrity impersonators, and a chance to play games to win fabulous prizes (donated by podiatric exhibitors) in a Chinese-style raffle.

Attendees at Golden Ticket Event

CA Podiatrist Loses Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Case

Assistant U.S. Attorney and judge pro tem Mark Cullers released his decision yesterday relieving the defendant and The Daily Californian's editor in chief and president, Rajesh Srinivasan, of charges of intentional infliction of emotional distress brought against him by Fresno podiatrist Dr. Harvey Purtz.

At the Jan. 19 hearing, Purtz argued that the publication of articles describing former Cal football player Chris Purtz's altercation at a San Francisco adult club was "a major triggering event" in his son's life that led to a deterioration of his mental state and to emotional distress on his father's part. However, the court ruled that libel on the memory of a deceased person is not deemed to inflict legal action constituting defamation on surviving relatives.

Source: True Shields, Daily Californian [7/28/11]

Obama Likely to Oppose Some Parts of Med-Mal Bill

The Obama administration is likely to oppose the Republican medical-malpractice legislation introduced Jan. 25, according to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Following her first congressional testimony on the reform law enacted in March 2010, Sebelius told reporters Thursday that the administration has not yet taken an official position on the malpractice reform bill sponsored by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), who is a physician, and supported by the American Medical Association, but some of its central provisions are opposed by President Barack Obama.

“It has some of the provisions that the president said he would clearly not support at the end of the day,” said Sebelius, regarding the bill's creation of caps on awards for punitive damages and its “state-based framework.”

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [1/28/11]

Query: Xiaflex

I have a patient who read an article in the Dallas Morning News regarding a new product called Xiaflex, which is injected into Dupuytren's contractures of the hand. This patient also has multiple plantar fibromas. The patient was requesting I make Xiaflex available to him. Are there any podiatrists out there who have tried it? If so, how successful is it?

Kory Williams, DPM, McKinney, TX

RE: Radiographs and Plantar Fasciitis (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

With all due respect, Dr. Forman does not decide what is standard of care. Failure to order this test "without a sound reason" is below the standard of care? Sound reason #1: the patient exhibits clinical signs and symptoms consistent with and typical of plantar fasciitis. Sound reason #2: The patient does not present with symptoms or clinical findings consistent with other problems that can affect the heel--numbness, swelling, ecchymosis, pain on medial/lat compression, no history of trauma, change of activity level, osteopenia, etc.
 
There are a couple of sound reasons--not to mention the cost issues and healthcare abuse of non-necessary tests for the malpractice lawyers. This is also our responsibility as podiatrists. In my opinion, if you cannot tell a classic case of plantar fasciitis, you might consider taking more CMEs for a few years. Now, I do agree that if a patient is not "classic" in the presentation, then initial x-rays are indicated. I do not take x-rays on ALL heel pain patients, regardless of presentation. I do tell all non-x-rayed patients to return for an x-ray and further workup if their symptoms continue.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Source for Pfizer 20B Laser Parts (John Mozena, DPM)

I found a guy in Littleton, CO who sent me connector parts I needed for my Pfizer 20B laser. He also services the units at his location. He is very knowledgeable and inexpensive. Hi-Tech-Med, Inc., 706 W. Easter Ave. Littleton, CO 80120, (303) 901-0186 office. His name is Scott Tueber.

Neil B. Levin, DPM, Sycamore, IL, DRFEET1@aol.com

RE: Universal Training of Podiatrist and Parity (Simon Young, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Barry Mullen, DPM
 
I must have misread Dr. Young's post when he stated that, in his experience, a significant proportion of recently graduated residents are disrespectful, unprofessional, and lazy. Dr. Young's "prestigious" hospital must be lacking a thorough selection process, or its attendings must behave exactly as the residents that he describes.

Case in point, I have met many MD's with extensive residency training and "expertise" behave exactly as Dr. Young describes. Your residents are an extension of who you are and what you represent. If you nurture, cherish, and educate them, you will learn so much more from them. With very few and rare exceptions, I have never encountered a significant number of bad residents; on the contrary, most are exceptional.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

The lone comment that I concur with Dr. Young revolves around the dilution of quality podiatric medical students over time. This stems from the podiatric medical schools expanding their acceptance criteria due to smaller, available applicant pools. In an effort to meet financial quotas, schools are forced to fill slots with inferior students, or risk losing money. For years, this broad issue has affected our profession and needs resolution. One result is that...

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

RE: Providing Post-op Care (Justin Sussner, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

I think that Dr. Sussner would benefit from such an encounter in many ways. You can educate the patient about her condition and her treatment options, and support her desire to seek "the best" and "most prestigious" surgeon. You can also remind her that even the best and most prestigious surgeons can and do have complications. If that would be her unfortunate case, you would be highly regarded by her if you were to solve her post-op complication.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: Employee Embezzlement (Name Withheld)
From: Dale Feinberg, DPM

Not only was I ripped off by a trusted employee, the same thing happened to my brother, the neurologist. Laurie was like a family member. We even gave her a wedding in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, too many of our podiatric brothers and sisters are being embezzled as we speak and just don't know it yet. The podiatrist in the mirror this morning may have a future rude awakening tomorrow. If you do not prosecute these criminals, then you are as guilty as they are. Rarely are these criminals investigated. If you do not press charges, you may not say anything against them in a future hiring reference without risking being sued for slander. They may even go on to get a job with the podiatrist down the street.

The time and effort going through your books will make you sick, but if you stay the course, justice will be served. You will never see your money again, but you will have peace of mind that your old employee has a felony on their record and cannot be bonded. I stayed the course and the local media jumped on the story, and was there for my day in court with a post-indictment TV interview. Just looking at your employee with the orange jumpsuit in handcuffs is as they say: PRICELESS.

Dale Feinberg, DPM, Yuma, AZ, hd5bl@aol.com

RE: APMA Takes Swift Action on Defamatory Video
From: Dwight L. Bates, DPM, David S. Wander, DPM

The sting of a reproach is the truth of it. Some of what this guy says is true. 

Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Athens, TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com

I viewed the video regarding this orthopedic surgeon and his ridiculous comments regarding the education and training of DPMs. I also agree that his comments are potentially damaging and can spread a significant amount of misinformation, and applaud the efforts and swift action of the APMA and ACFAS. However, it's my opinion that this doctor does not have to be educated. I personally believe that he is very well aware of our educational requirements, residency training, surgical training and abilities, etc., but has simply chosen to distort the facts that he already knows. Instead, he has willfully chosen to spread his own "propaganda" and as a result, he looks like a fool.

If, for any remote reason, he actually doesn't know the truth (which I personally doubt), then he looks even more foolish. An "educated" medical professional is certainly expected to check his/her facts prior to making such strong statements. Either way, his video served no real purpose, and really seemed a very desperate attempt for him to gain credibility by degrading his "competitors." Pitiful.

David S. Wander, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, dswdpm@gmail.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

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 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 - SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Eight-physician podiatry group with six locations in South Central Pennsylvania looking for a ninth full-time associate with a minimum of a three-year surgical residency and interest in future partnership. We offer a very busy, fast paced environment with an excellent support team. State-of-the-art practice with our own physical therapy department and surgical center. We offer a six figure salary with competitive bonus incentives, CME allowance, 401K, paid malpractice insurance, as well as established patient base. Persons interested in pursuing this opportunity, email CV to: MFATRANS@AOL.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

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 - 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

GREAT OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE- PHOENIX, AZ
 
A great opportunity to join and gain ownership interest in a well-established, diversified practice in Phoenix. Seeking motivated, ethical, well trained, personable AZ licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of podiatry. Practice is state-of-the-art and encompasses all phases of podiatric care. New and established practitioners are welcome, or someone open to merging a smaller practice with ours. Board Qualified/Certified required. Please send CV  phxpod@gmail.com

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.

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? We also have the Q- Clear Q- switch laser too. This laser is perfect for you. E-mail footcare@comcast.net

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 will come with the charger. jhalvorsen@familyfootandlegcenter.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

SPACE AVAILABLE- NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share with DPM and chiropractor, 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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

SPACE AVAILABLE - BRANSON, MO

Great opportunity to develop a podiatry practice in a four condominium Branson office building with a growing ophthalmology practice along with a well established optometry practice and a multi-disciplinary ambulatory surgery center in Branson, a top ten retirement destination.The available condominium is a grey box so it can be build out to specifications. Rental and/or ownership options are available for this condominium. Practice development financing and ASC ownership available for the right doctor. Great schools and affordable lakeside or golf course living available. Contact Dr. James Bureman @ jbureman@missourieye.com or 417-861-5839

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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