The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

February 07, 2012 #4,378 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2012- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

NY Podiatrist Takes Icy Plunge for Make-A-Wish

Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Shapiro and his wife, Marsha, both from Lido Beach, NY, took the plunge on Super Bowl Sunday into the frigid Atlantic ocean waves in Long Beach, NY. This was the 5th year in a row they did this for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Cheered on by chants of "Let's Go Giants," and battling an air temperature of 37 degrees, more than 5,000 people jumped into the Atlantic Ocean for the 15th annual Long Beach Polar Bear Club dip. 

Dr. Andrew Shapiro and his wife Marsha

Organizers expect to raise over a half a million dollars from this event. The Shapiros raised over four thousand dollars. The Super Bowl Sunday tradition started in 1998 with two friends who began collecting funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation to honor the memory of their friend's 4-year-old son, who died of cancer. To date, they've raised more than $2.5 million to grant wishes for kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

Podiatry is a Gratifying Field: CT Podiatrist

Taking care of people’s feet is work Dr. Aparna Chauhan enjoys, and to share the benefits of her skills with her neighbors, she has opened a podiatry office in Ridgefield, her hometown. “It’s a very gratifying field,” she said. “You make the relief right then and there. People walk in with pain, and walk out without it.” Dr. Chauhan is also a partner in New Haven Podiatry Associates, a three-doctor practice, with offices in Hamden and New Haven. 

Dr. Aparna Chauhan

A native of India, Dr. Chauhan goes by ‘Doctor AC’ because people have difficulty pronouncing Aparna Chauhan. “Nobody can say my name. I get called whatever,” she said. “One of my patients asked me, ‘Can I call you ‘Dr. AC?’ and I kind of liked it.” She earned her doctor of podiatric medicine degree from Barry University in Miami, FL, and also has a master’s degree in chemistry.

Source: Macklin Reid, The Ridgefield Press [2/5/12]

Two-Thousand Downloads in 24 hours for Meet the Masters Sets a Record

Dr. Harry Goldsmith must be giving away something that podiatric physicians really, really want. On the show “Meet the Masters (MTM)” hosted by Dr. Bret Ribotsky on PodiatricSuccess.com, podiatric physicians in record numbers were listening and grasping for each word that these two luminaries exchanged. 2012 coding was the topic.

Drs. Bret Ribotsky and Harry Goldsmith

Ribotsky said the “servers must be smoking hot” as over 2,000 copies of this Tuesday night's show have already been downloaded in less than 24 hours, on top of almost 500 who listened live. Ribotsky reminds all that each and every show of Meet the Masters is available for FREE. So far, 127 hours with the best of the best are available.

Query: Atypical Forefoot Pain

My patient is a 51 year old male, big rig (truck) driver with worsening right foot burning and pain of 6 months' duration, primarily of the 2nd MTP joint and somewhat on the 1st and 3rd. It initially felt as if a "sock was bunched up under his toes," but this particular sensation resolved. Now, it bothers him only when pushing on his accelerator pedal, and is relieved by using cruise control. He never has the pain walking, cycling (he is a mountain bike racer and a recreational road cyclist), or at other times. There are no other medical problems, no OTC or prescription drugs, and he has no pain in his lower back. His only significant foot finding was a weak R3 Mulder's sign. His foot structure otherwise appears normal.

He had no response to low Dye straps, and had temporary improvement with steroid injections at his right 2nd intermetatarsal space. Any ideas before I put him through the inconvenience and expense of an MRI or NCV test?

Gary Bjarnason, DPM, Roanoke Rapids, NC

RE: Treatment Options Talocalcaneal Coalition (Edmond F. Mertzenich, DPM, MBA)
From: David Taylor, DPM
 
If the patient is taking trips to Alaska, he can afford the surgery.  He is simply making a choice to spend his money elsewhere. How do you know an orthotic or SMAFO won't help unless you try them? If his symptoms get bad enough and the orthotics are not helpful, he will find a way to have surgery.

David Taylor, DPM, Flint, MI, dttaylor_19@yahoo.com

RE: The Use of Uloric vs. Allopurinol in the Management of Gout (Peter Vannucchi, DPM)
From: Catherine Yack, DPM, Vincent Gramuglia, DPM

It seems that many of us are treating more than the pedal manifestations of the disease. I applaud those who possess this medical acumen. However, should we be prescribing medications like allopurinol and uloric, or would it be more prudent to give a Mayo block and some colchicine and allow the family physician to handle the systemic etiology; in this case diabetes, anemias, atrial fibrillation, autoimmune disease, upper motor neuron pathologies, etc. I am curious what the prevailing opinion is in this scenario.

Vincent Gramuglia, DPM, Bronx, NY, a2onpar3@optonline.net

I see a lot of gout in my office, and the vast majority of patients are on diuretics and drink no alcohol. I let their primary care doctors medically manage them. The other group of people I see for gout are people who have switched from white bread to whole wheat or eat a lot of whole wheat bread and drink little or no alcohol. Also, when I send them to the lab for a uric acid level and CBC, often their white count is elevated as well as their uric acid being high normal to slightly elevated. So, I feel obligated to treat for an infection as well as gout.
 
Catherine Yack, DPM, Huntsville, AL, cpod52@bellsouth.net

RE: Shoes/OTC Inserts for Size 20 (Chuck Ross, DPM)
From:  Cam White, Jeffrey S. Hurless, DPM

Try 2bigfeet.com  They have a New Balance 623 in sizes and widths up to size 20 ($75.00). Alternatively, you could try looking up Friedman's Shoe in Atlanta, whose clients include many NBA players with very large feet. I'm not aware of any OTC orthoses made for a size 20 foot.

Cam White, Austin, TX, camwhite.shoes@gmail.com

In response to a recent question asking where Chuck Ross, DPM could find a size 20 shoe: You can find this size and larger at healthyfeetstore.com.

Disclosure: healthyfeetstore.com is run by Dr. Hurless
 
Jeffrey S. Hurless, DPM, Thousand Oaks, CA, jeffreyshurless@yahoo.com

RE: Walk for the Cure...NOT! (Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM)
From: Arthur Gudeon, DPM

I toe-tally agree with Dr. Steinberg. The Komen organization, even though overwhelmingly forced to recant their position, should be ashamed of having bowed to political activists at the expense of women's health in the first place. I'm also aware of the lawsuits they've generated against well-meaning charitable organizations that tried to use the "for the Cure" statement in raising funds for various breast and other cancer research walks.

The Komen Foundation also happens to have a much higher percentage of their donations going for "administrative" costs than many other legitimate charitable organizations, such as the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, whose administrative costs are FULLY covered by Cable Vision, so ALL donated funds go towards research and development. I've played in a tennis event called Play for Pink for the past few years, with donated funds going to Komen. I'll be asking them to change to Play for Purple from now on, with funds going to Lustgarten or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan.org) !
 
Disclaimer: I do have a personal interest in the Lustgarten Foundation, as my wife, Susan, has been bravely battling pancreatic cancer for over 1 1/2 years now, and I'd like research to find a way to keep her around for many more years.

Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY,  afootdoc@hotmail.com

RE: How To Address Patients (Louis MacDonald, DPM)
From: Kathleen Toepp Neuhoff, DPM
 
We ask patients what they would like to be called, and put that in their record and then use it for each visit. The majority of the patients prefer their first name, a few like their title, and some have a name that has no connection with their legal name (we have one who wants us to call him "Baldy").

I am not an attorney, but I do not think the HIPAA laws prevent us from asking a patient to come from the reception room into the exam rooms!  We also have patients sign a release that allows us to send a thank-you to the person who referred them, so we do not breach their rights without permission.
 
Kathleen Toepp Neuhoff, DPM, South Bend, IN, vetpod@aol.com

RE: Sammy Systems (Ken Katz)
From: Howard Dinowitz, DPM

I have been with Sammy Systems ICS since their inception. The reasons are very simple - quality products, quality service, latest technology, priced competitively. ICS has never deviated from this for the 25 years I've been with them. What else does one need?

Howard Dinowitz, DPM, Brooklyn, NY, drdinowitz@verizon.net

RE: FL Podiatrist Promotes Laser Surgery with Groupons (IRA Baum, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I read with interest my colleagues' postings about the podiatrist who utilized Groupon for usage with the fungal laser. However, I respectfully disagree with those who remarked with negative comments. My logic is: how is this podiatrist different from anyone of us who participates with an insurance plan? The trade-off is volume for price. The only difference is this podiatrist is using a service which is not covered, so he controls the price. I think it was a smart play on his part. I thought of the same idea over a year ago. My only problem was I don't own a laser. I am still convinced oral terbinafine is the gold standard.

My only concern for this doctor is if he did score on volume - the laser treatment had better live up to expectations or he may have a lot of people "bad mouthing him" over taking cash for a procedure with questionable outcomes. (Of course since the amount of money he took, comparitively speaking, was low, this may not be as much of a concern for those charging in the 1,000 dollar range.) I find it interesting that any time a podiatrist attempts to make money - he is often pulled down by fellow podiatrists.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Cosman Radiofrequency Generator for Sale! Model RFG-1B Like New Condition. Comes with Manual, 17 Dispersive Electrodes, 2 CSK-R 10 Kits, 2 CSK-R 5 Kits, 11 CC RF Cannula 10cm/10mm/22G, 4 CC RF Cannula 10cm/5mm/22G, 1 - 5cm RF Cannula/22G (4mm Sharp Curved Tip), & 2 Replacement Fuses. Asking $10,500 OBO Please Contact: nffpbosk@gmail.com

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with patients located in facilities, homes, office, etc. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested email CV to  or call Terri at 323-353-8103.homefootcare@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NJ

Looking for a three-year surgically-trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter. drwfoot@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA

Emerald Coast on the North Shore of the Gulf of Mexico, a well-established group practice with multi-offices, seeking an associate with opportunity for partnership for a PSR-24/36 Doctor well-trained in foot/ankle/diabetic problems/wound care/surgical and medical podiatric care, covering 3 area hospitals, NO nursing homes. e-mail letter of interest, CV, and references to basewedge@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ARIZONA

Podiatrist to joint established practice in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Modern office utilizing EMR, Digital X-Ray, ultrasound, full DME, seeking entrepreneurial, ambitious individual who can provide excellent care and expand already existing patient base. Send CV to ArizonaFeet@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VICTORIA, B.C. CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean fast growing area, Associate for multi-office full scope practice Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN KENTUCKY

Available in beautiful southern Kentucky in progressive, multi-office practice with 6 providers. Excellent base salary, malpractice, full benefit package with 2-year track to partnership. Looking for someone that wants to grow with our practice, work hard and develop relationships with local hospitals and surrounding communities. Strong communication skills, bedside manner and willingness to learn a must. Narrow window for interviews: email CV and letter of interest before March 1: footdocky@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

I'm not just looking for an associate. I am looking for a doctor who wants to build a highly successful career with a doctor who is as committed to their success as he is to his own. Go towww.YourFutureInPodiatry.com to find out about this opportunity.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building.  Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 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 13,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.