The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 18, 2009 #3,472 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Heel Spurs Don’t Cause Pain: IL Podiatrist

Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed through a foot exam, plus x-rays to rule out a stress fracture. In half of patients, X-rays reveal calcium deposits known as “heel spurs.” These are generally harmless.

Dr. Marlene Reid

“Twenty years ago, we used to always do surgery to remove the spurs,” said Marlene Reid, a podiatrist who gives interviews on behalf of the American Podiatric Medical Association. “Now we believe spurs do not cause the pain.”

Source: McClatchy Newspapers, [2/15/2009]
 

CA Podiatrist “Changed” From Humanitarian Visit to India

Eradicating polio is a long-term mission and goal of Rotary International through its PolioPlus program. There are four polio hotspots in the world: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. While abroad, Rotarians work in teams to give vaccines but also encourage people on the front lines of eliminating polio to maintain their efforts. Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, a podiatric surgeon who lives in the Kern River Valley, recently visited India.

Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross adminsters polio vaccines in India

“India has changed me”, said Spohn-Gross “I can no longer turn a blind eye to third-world poverty and their problems...they are humans and this is a humanitarian crisis. I pray that my experience will move others to do more...if we could all just do more this world would be a better place. For me, it is about being a physician and what that requires. It is not just an occupation but a vocation. Much is asked of us because of the kind of profession we chose. I must do more, and I must rally my colleagues into doing more, too.”

Source: The Bakersfield Californian [2/14/09]

Stimulus Bill Won’t Solve Money Issue: TN Podiatrist

The stimulus bill is prompting serious debate here in Middle Tennessee. Some people are pointing out the major benefits of the stimulus bill; others believe it will do more harm than good. Everyone has an opinion, and thoughts on the president's newly passed stimulus package are varied.

Dr. H.H. Nuss

"Where is this money coming from? It's fictitious, it's not real money. You're not going to resolve any money issue by spending money that you don't have," said H.H. Nuss, DPM, Nashville podiatrist and Conservative voter.” 

Source: NewsChannel5.com - Nashville, TN [2/14/09]

Famous Failures

As the movie industry celebrates this year’s success by handing out Academy Awards this month, you can use the Oscars to motivate yourself. Share these two examples of famous movies that a Hollywood studio, MGM, originally judged wrong:

• Gone With the Wind. MGM producer Irving Thalberg advised against investing in that now-classic movie. The reason: “No Civil War picture ever made a nickel!”
• The Wizard of Oz. After an early screening, a famous MGM memo emerged. Its writer’s advice: “That rainbow song’s no good. Take it out.”

Bottom line: Don’t listen to naysayers. Study the situation, make your plan and then give it your best effort.

Source: Adapted from “Key to Success? Ya Gotta Get Up" by Harry K. Jones via Communication Briefings

Query: Mucoid Cyst

I have a 29 y.o Asian female who first presented with a sore 5th toe. This began several months ago. She had a blister, got a pedicure.  Toe became more swollen, painful. After treating the area for a possible infection, the presentation became more cyst-like.

Mucoid Cyst

I have tried to drain it, given 2 injections of dexamethasone without relief. It looks like a mucoid cyst, but doesn't fit the "typical" profile.  I would like recommendations on treatment, including surgery with skin flaps.

Bonnie Tatar, DPM, Pittsburgh, PA
 

Query: Computerized Gait Analysis
 
Can someone provide some insight into computerized gait analysis, in terms of equipment and set-up?

Bruce Pinker, DPM, Suffern, NY
 

RE: Reason to Dismiss? (Larry Aronberg, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

We have a simple rule in our office. The staff, including myself, respects the patient without regard to race religion, sex or ability to pay, BUT in return we also ask for respect from the patient. All your schooling and training why do you put up with that? DISMISS. 

Neil A. Burrell, DPM, Beaumont, TX, nburrell@gt.rr.com

Assuming Dr. Aronberg's patient wasn't talking to someone else via a Bluetooth earpiece, in my office she would have been promptly escorted to the door and told to never come back. I'd then document her comments in her chart and send her the required certified letter making it official.  You are a highly trained professional who deserves at the minimum some respect in your own office. No amount of money is worth being treated in that manner. People like that do so because others let them get away with it. Don't put up with it.  Practicing medicine now-a-days is hard enough without distractions like that.

Doug Smith, DPM, Raleigh, NC, footfixer@nc.rr.com

Sometimes, we have this love/hate relationships with our patients. You would think difficult patients wouldn't think highly of you, yet they still keep coming back. I have had several patients over the years who have acted that way but they still keep coming. I wish some of them wouldn't. I had one who would come in and would ask for a "trimming" and wouldn't want to give any medical information or fill out any forms. I said to her that this wasn't a hair salon and if she wanted to get treated, she needed to fill out the forms. She did reluctantly but when it was time to see her again, she said all she wanted was a "trimming." I said, "fine" and cut her nails and charged her $200. When she was told the amount, she went berserk. When she demanded why I charged her so much, I said that if she wanted a "trimming" I was going to give her a good one. She never came back. It was worth it even though I didn't get the 200 bucks.
 
Neal Frankel, DPM, Chicago, IL, drnrf@aol. com
 

RE: Junk Faxes (Burton J. Katzen, DPM)
From: Norm Wortzman, DPM

I read with amusement Dr. Katzen's unique solution to the junk fax problem we all face on a daily basis. What a great idea. I hope it works. Unfortunately, I find it impossible to locate a fax number or address for any of the companies that send me these junk faxes. Without regard to TCPA, most of these faxes come through with my own fax number on the top of the page where the senders fax number is required by law.

On occasion, I have tried calling the phone number listed on the fax, only to be connected to a call center where they have no identifying information on the company sending the fax. If anyone has had any success in dealing with this issue (not withstanding Dr. Katzen's solution), I'd like to hear about it.

Norm Wortzman, DPM, Quincy, MA, Footdocnw@aol.com
 

Collapsible Heel Shoes

A new footwear design concept that aims to make women safer and more comfortable behind the wheel, without compromising on their style, is launched today.

Collapsible Heel Shoes

Sheilas' Wheels has developed the Sheila Driving Heel which gives women the best of both worlds - a safe, flat driving shoe and a glamorous pair of heels in one - all interchangeable at a push of a button. More than 11.5 million women drivers in the UK are putting themselves and other drivers at risk by wearing the wrong footwear when behind the wheel, according to new research from Sheilas' Wheels - the car insurer for women.

One in ten (10%) female motorists admit that they have had a car accident or a near-miss because of their shoes slipping off or getting stuck between, or under, the foot pedals while driving.

Source: Shopping Blog.com
 

ASSOCIATE POSITION NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BRONX, NY

NYNJ Foot & Ankle Associates www.nynjfootandankle.com is a rapidly growing practice that was started 12 years ago. All aspects of foot and ankle services are provided including large surgical volume, diabetic wound care, trauma and general podiatry. We are now hiring part-time for our Bronx, NY location. Excellent salary opportunity for the proper candidate.  A partnership track is available for the proper candidate. Fax CV to 718-547-9232

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - CALIFORNIA

Three podiatrists needed for busy North Hollywood office.  Full-time Monday-Friday 8am-2:30pm.  No weekends and no call. Pay negotiable. New podiatrists are encouraged to apply. Please email resume and salary request to Coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT - SEATTLE, WA

Full-service, state-of-the-art podiatry office is offering office space for an independent podiatrist or podiatry group. We have digital X-ray, PADNET, physical therapy equipment, all podiatry equipment and staff to assist you to make the most out of your podiatry practice. Our office is conveniently located close to North West and Stevens Hospital right across from North Gate Mall. You can send your letter of interest to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com or call 425-223-9588

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CINCINNATI, OHIO

This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join one of the most successful practices in the United States. No seniority system. If you are motivated and have completed a PSR24-36 residency, your income is limited only by your enthusiasm and desire to achieve. Fax resume to: 513-577-7261 or E-mail resume to Kroesch4poh@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION -SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

I’m looking for podiatrist who wants additional practice hours. Perfect for combining your own practice with an additional income. Must be on Aetna Insurance, Horizon Blue Shield, Medicare, and most commercial carriers. I am looking for someone who has a desire to learn how a very successful practice is run, so that I will be able to have time away from my practice. Payscale to be discussed. Could lead to partnership or sale. E-mail contact information, CV, and why you would be perfect for this opportunity. Contact foot.care@verizon.net

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com

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.

NEEDED  CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 
 
FLEXIBLE, Part-Time or Full-Time opportunity with growing podiatric medical group in a busy office in Los Angeles. CURRENT DME supplier number a plus. No nursing homes. Most days are available with flexible hours available. If interested, e-mail scpodgroup@yahoo.com.
 

PRACTICE FOR SALE – ANDERSON, INDIANA

Well established office in Anderson Indiana for sale. Seller currently works 3 half-days per week and gross over $200K. Excellent locations and growth potential. Very podiatry-friendly community. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition. Contact seller at mddpm@sbcglobal.net for more information.

PODIATRY ASSOCIATE WANTED – NJ

Northern NJ. Bergen County Must be well-trained. No nursing homes or house calls. Modern well-equipped office. Digital x-ray and ultrasound. Excellent pay and opportunity. Must have NJ license. Call 973-472-4700.

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

  
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