The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 02, 2010 #3,769 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Due to a technical glitch, some readers received an incomplete version of today's PM News. We apologize for this inconvenience.

Gary P. Jolly, DPM, FACFAS, 61

Dr. Gary P. Jolly died on January 31, 2010 after battling cancer for the past two years. Jolly served as president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) in 2004-05.  He will be remembered as a visionary leader who often challenged the status quo and constantly urged “raising the bar” in the education and training of foot and ankle surgeons, from medical school through the end of one’s career.

Dr. Gary P. Jolly

Jolly earned a BS degree from Upsala College in 1970 and his DPM degree from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 1975, followed by four years of residency and a fellowship at the Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia.  Jolly achieved certification from the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in 1975 and became an ACFAS Fellow that same year. During his career, Jolly served as a clinical professor of surgery, residency director, and a prolific author and speaker.  Most recently he was senior partner of the Connecticut Reconstructive Foot Surgeons in Plainville, Connecticut.

NC Podiatrist Honored by Intriguing African American Women

The Intriguing African American Women of Onslow County is honoring five women who have helped to shape the area through their dedication to their careers and the community. Lt. Kittra Owens, DPM is one of 13 active duty U.S. Navy podiatrists and the only podiatric surgeon at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. A native of Mobile, AL, Owens received her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Tuskegee University and her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree from Temple University.

Owens was commissioned as a Navy officer in June of 2009. She also provides care to more than 100 athletes for Onslow County Special Olympics and Military Retiree Health Fairs each year. Her accolades include six first-place awards in oratorical presentations for original podiatric surgery research. She recently contributed to McGlamry's Foot and Ankle Surgery textbook.

Source: Aniesa Holmes, JDNews.com (NC) [1/31/10]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky:  How does APMA interact with lobbyists?

Faye Frankfort, APMA Director of Governmental Affairs

Faye Frankfort: I can tell you that on a weekly basis we have either face-to-face or conference call meetings with coalition members and coalition groups. We are in coalition with a host of non-MD and DO organizations that too were fighting for the non-discrimination provision. We are also in a coalition with just the chiropractors and the optometrists.  We meet with them and talk with them, and discuss with them, and write letters with them, and lobby with them about issues that are purely discriminatory against non-MD, DO physicians, and podiatrists. 

Dr. Lawrence Harkless

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's show features Lawrence Harkless, DPM, PM Hall of Fame podiatrist  and Founding Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at  Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA.  You can register for this event  by clicking here

Pare Presentations

Use the following checklist to cull unnecessary graphics from your presentation materials:

•  Does the chart, graph or image emphasize trivial or irrelevant information?
•  Can you include the information in another graphic without cluttering it?
•  Does the information confuse rather than clarify?
•  Have you included the information, simply and effectively, elsewhere in the text?

Remember: Include graphics only if they explain ideas better than words—simplifying, clarifying or summarizing your points.

Source: Adapted from E-Writing: 21st-Century Tools for Effective Communication, Dianna Booher, Pocket Books Reference via Communcation Briefings

Query: Derm Condition in Diabetic Patient

I have been treating this 81 year old white male for the past few years. He is diabetic with a history of hypothyroidism and hypertension. His medications include levothyroxine, furosemide, carvedilol, lisinopril, finasteride, terazosine, aspirin, metformin, and metolazone. His skin has always been very dry and cracked, and gets worse in the winter. Recently, he presented for his routine follow-up visit and his skin was worse than I had ever seen it.

Derm Condition in Diabetic

He reports no recent history out of the country, and has no pets at home. I have had the patient on various skin emollients, softeners, exfoliatives, with and without occlusion. The appearance today almost had a verrucous look to it. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

David Sands, DPM, Great Neck, NY

Query: PICA Demutualization

How should our accountant handle the funds distributed from the demutualization of PICA?

Scott Werter, DPM, Myrtle Beach, SC

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. In the absence of contract wording regarding this issue, funds go to the covered employee, who received the 1099 form. The employee must, in turn, pay taxes on this money. The employer receives the tax deduction for the premium paid. Your accountant can provide you with additional information based on how you initially expensed the PICA premium.

RE: The Passing of Gary Jolly, DPM
From: Allen Mark Jacobs, DPM, Sloan Gordon, DPM

Dr. Jolly was a true leader and pioneer in our profession, advancing plastic surgical interventions for foot and ankle deformity. He was a dedicated professional, teacher, and leader to his final days. I learned a great deal from him over the years. He was loved by his residents and students, admired and respected by his colleagues. I was present recently when his former residents honored him at the Connecticut state meeting. We "worked out" together at a meeting not long ago, and Gary was going to fight his disease to the end. He continued to teach and share knowledge and insight almost to his death. He never gave up hope. His passing is very sad indeed.
 
Allen Mark Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO

I learned of the untimely passing of Dr. Gary Jolly of Connecticut.  Dr. Jolly has been an icon of the profession for a long time and I believe that a lot of DPMs liked him not only for his expertise, teaching abilities, sensible attitude but for his 'late start' in teaching and being a hands on part of the profession. He will be missed.  I did not personally know him well, as I only spoke to him a few times, but I never missed the opportunity to hear him lecture or speak with him at a conference.
 
Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX

RE: Lateral and Dorsal Splaying of a Fifth Digit (Mark Williams, DPM)
From: Sloan Gordon

Lateral and Dorsal Splaying of a Fifth Digit

Unless you have MRI documentation of a plantar plate tear and have ruled out the patient being very flexible or having ligamentous laxity, I would take a much simpler approach.

Does the patient have a tailors bunionette deformity or subluxation of the 5th MTPJ? If MRI shows the tear, I would repair it, however, the digit may still abduct. Often, I take a much simpler approach and do a V to Y repair with an arthroplasty and axial pinning of the toe. This has worked very well for me.

Sloan Gordon, DPM, Houston, TX, sgordondoc@sbcglobal.net

RE: Botox as Adjunctive Treatment in Jones Fractures?
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

It has been very interesting reading the responses both posted and sent to me in follow-up to the new question I asked regarding treatment of a common condition.  Please allow me to summarize the responses and offer a comment or two.

• Many have regurgitated the anatomy and physiology that they were taught in school - and questioned why would I think differently.
• Many have stated that weakening a muscle gives the opposing muscle a great disadvantage - In a cast "really"?
• A few of you have commented - Interesting "a new way to look at a problem."

An open mind that asks lots of questions is the greatest gift we all have; and through this process, all great change happens. Dr. Block's magnificent forum allows each of us to get almost instant feedback. Thus, for ideas and development, we have with this listserve, the greatest ability to question the status quo and develop new treatment. As Dr. Rosenblatt eluded to, our profession in on the map today as a direct result of many podiatrists not accepting the conventional treatments, and striving to re-invent ourselves.

Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@yahoo.com

RE: Caveat Emptor on Tax Breaks Name Withheld (NY)
From: Name Withheld (PA)

Last year, I bought a new x-ray machine, fully handicap accessible, and was told by the company that I too would get these marvelous tax credits and breaks.  My jaw dropped when my $5,000 tax credit had to be reduced to $83 because of the  alternative minimum tax (AMT). I was able to write off a portion of the machine as a business expense, though. It certainly was not the $5,000 tax break I was assured it would be.

Name Withheld (PA)

RE: Time to Act: (Patrick Nunan, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

As I was taught by an older doctor when I first started practice and used the term, it is improper to use the term "limited license" as Dr. Bijak and his detractors use when referring to podiatry. As podiatrists, we are licensed to treat the foot medically and surgically WITHOUT "limits." "Limited license" implies that one can treat the foot EXCEPT doing x or y. That being said, I do share some of Dr. Bijak's concerns about national and state associations being less than adequate in addressing members' concerns about such issues as practice scope and discrimination.

Russell F. Trahan, DPM, NY, NY, dr.trahan@att.net

Dr. Nunan might be tired of Dr. Bijak's ranks, so you're not going to like my rank either. Dr. Bijak hit the nail on the head. After 33 years of watching the APMA doing little to protect and advance our profession, it is now a story of too little, too late.

In fact, I feel so strong about it that when Dr. Block said he would no longer print my complaints about the APMA unless I was a member of the APMA, I finally rejoined. There is a culture of arrogance that begins at the top of the APMA and trickles down to the CPME and affiliate societies. Have you ever tried to get a straight answer for the CPME?

I applaud Dr. Bijak for saying what has to be said and Dr. Block for publishing it.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, doc@footsportsdoc.com

In response to Dr. Bijak, I am saddened by his obvious despair. To say that podiatrists are one step above nurse practitioners is unfair. We should stop comparing ourselves to other specialists. We all have an important role to play in keeping our patients healthy. Nurse practitioners provide an important function especially in the more rural communities. The podiatric care that I observe my colleagues providing continually amazes me. I have friends who are internists, orthopedists, and general surgeons. They also complain and write their concerns in their respective journals.

Should we speak out? Yes, by all means. But to not pay APMA dues is the surest way for us to be swallowed up by the medical establishment. I certainly understand the frustrations, but we need dollars to get our message across to those that have the power to affect what we do. On the contrary, we need even more podiatrists belonging to the APMA and contributing to APMA PPAC.

Let's stop the comparisons and just do what we do better than anybody else. The cream always rises to the top!

Barry Drossner DPM, Aventura, FL, bdroz50@aol.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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INLAND EMPIRE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Associate needed full or part-time for multi office practice. Must be ABPS BC/BQ. Hard working, ethical individual who is looking to a possible partnership opportunity. Looking for current licensed or resident completing program this spring. Email CV to bkatzman2@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible / Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter and resume and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation Surgical/Sports Fellowship Aug 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011. Applicants must be able to obtain a California license. Responsibilities include assisting in all types of foot and ankle surgery, (approximately 500 cases), seeing patients in the sports clinic and must complete 2 papers/research projects. Benefits include salary of $56K/yr, medical, dental, malpractice, and CME allowance. Interviews will be at the Midwest Podiatry Conference March 11-13, 2010, but on-site visit is preferred. Minimum 24-month surgical residency training pre-requisite. Applicants should send a letter of interest, CV and three letters of recommendation to: Amol Saxena, DPM, 650/853-2927 HeySax@AOL.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 – 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 - MASSACHUSSETTS

Full-time/Part-time podiatrist needed for a busy nursing home practice. Please send inquiries to debbierobertsm4@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSOURI

Expanding multi-location practice seeks motivated individual to contribute to growth. Practice enjoys strong reputation and name recognition. Prefer candidates with interest in partnership opportunity. Established locations available for PSR 24+ and includes incentive comp with benefits/coverage. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com or call John Murray at 314.842.3875

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

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

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

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 DPM's and Students

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