The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 26, 2010 #3,790 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL Podiatrist Provides Advice for Barefoot Runners

Jerry Cosentino, longtime podiatrist for this weekend's Publix Supermarkets Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa maintains that barefoot running works best as part of a training regimen but isn't the only way to run. "It won't insulate you from all injuries," Cosentino says. "Nothing will." Cosentino says he has seen firsthand what happens to runners who don't train or toughen up their feet before a long barefoot run. About 15 years ago, a man walked into the medical tent after the Gasparilla 15K (9.3 miles), the skin literally stripped off the bottom off his feet. But the runner didn't give up; he returned a year later smiling that he ran barefoot, but with far tougher feet.

Dr. Gerald Cosentino

There are things barefoot runners can do to reduce the risk of injury, Cosentino says. Starting slowly, perhaps on a treadmill, helps develop the necessary calluses over time. Also, barefoot runners should get an updated tetanus shot to reduce the danger of an encounter with a rusty nail. Those injuries should be taken seriously. "Skin wounds can be really profound," he says.

Source: Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune [2/24/10]

Scholl Student Wins 4th Place in Medical Student Poster Competition

Scholl student Deena Horn, '12 recently won the 4th place prize for poster presentation at the Midwest Student Biomedical Research Forum 2010 Award amongst all Midwest Medical students. 

Deena Horn, Scholl '12

Her research was performed during a student summer research program, and focused on the impact of different sensory feedback on postural control in humans. She also explored how the lack of somatosensory feedback may impact the postural control system in diabetic patients.

ACFAS Announces New Officers and Board

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national surgical association of over 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons, has announced its 2010-2011 Board of Directors:

Dr. Michael Lee

President - Michael Lee, DPM, Des Moines, IA
President-Elect - Glenn Weinraub, DPM, Fremont, CA
Secretary-Treasurer  Michelle Butterworth, DPM, Kingstree, SC
Immediate Past-President Mary E. Crawford, DPM, Everett, WA

Directors: Jordan Grossman, DPM, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Thomas S. Roukis, DPM, Tacoma, WA, Jerome K. Steck, DPM, Oro Valley, AZ, Jerome S. Noll, DPM, Naples, FL, Douglas G. Stoker, DPM,  Salt Lake City, UT, Richard Derner, DPM, Lake Ridge, VA, Sean Grambart, DPM, Champaign, IL
Division Presidents Council Chair: Kimberly Eickmeier, DPM, Champaign, IL

The new Board was installed today at the annual business meeting conducted at the ACFAS 68th Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Query: X-FUSE^tm

Does anyone have any comments or experiences with the use of the X-FUSE^tm for  hallux IPJ fusions?

Mark Ray, DPM, Latrobe, PA

Query: Compensation for Running a Podiatry Clinic

I have been approached by a local metropolitan medical and nursing school to be on the faculty and run a podiatric clinic. They have never had a podiatrist at their facility as they been referring foot problems out. Does anyone have any experience on how to structure my compensation?

Name Withheld (TX)

RE: Avascular Necrosis of the Navicular in an Adult (Vince Marino, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

AVN of the Navicular (Vince Marino, DPM)

You may want to consider a bone stimulator prior to any surgical intervention.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Medicare Cuts
From: Neil H Hecht, DPM

As a follow-up to my e-mails to Senators Boxer and Feinstein, as well as Representative Sherman (my local congressman), I called Senator Feinstein’s office in Washington today. I was informed that currently there are no plans to extend the moratorium on the 21.5% Medicare payment reduction that will terminate in three days. This will encompass all physician care for Medicare recipients in 2010.

The Senate is due to consider HR 3961, the “Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act”, to eliminate this cut and repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that has been a flawed formula for years. HR 3961 was passed by the House of Representatives on November 19, 2009. However, no schedule for Senate consideration has been issued. 

Remember that many of our private PPO fee schedules are based on Medicare rates.  Does this seem like a crisis to you? Good luck to all of us who treat any patients.

Neil H Hecht, DPM, Sherman Oaks, CA, drhecht@sbcglobal.net

RE: An Open Letter to CPME RE: Document 320 
From: Shay E. Fish, DPM

The move into surgical overdrive, with the focus on surgical residencies, started in the 1990s with the subsequent anatomical division of surgery boards. It makes certification in ABPOPPM or APWCA nearly irrelevant, as they have little impact on one's practice and those skills are largely considered  "core knowledge" for the degree, regardless of post-graduate training (RPR, POR, PSR). On the other hand, surgery requires a facility for most podiatrists, and is the source of most lawsuits. The lack of ABPS certification is a frequent issue, and the primary tool by industry for restraint of trade.

It's ironic that even with this push for surgery within the profession (and the apparent devaluing of "core" podiatry by current residents) most health providers, MDs and the general public do not know that podiatrists are surgeons. It's awkward that our response has been to focus on those within our ranks by identifying them as "less qualified" (historically-stratified, post-graduate training), rather than evaluating the lack of foot surgical training of many orthopedists and surgeons.

Shay E. Fish, DPM, San Antonio, TX, fishdpm@aol.com

RE: Dependence on Medicare Ruined Me
From: Bob Kornfeld, DPM

We are all dealing in double-edged swords in this era of healthcare delivery. Technological advances improve outcomes, yet drive costs up. Insurance companies are not in the healthcare business. They are in the "keep as much of the premiums as we can" business. Hence, the more things cost, the less willing they are going to be to pay a legitimate fee. And let's face it; they are in the driver’s seat. Why? Simply because we...

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

POST-GRADUATE PODIATRIC RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Boston University Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. This unique fellowship at a major teaching facility is a two-year opportunity, during which he/she would be expected to become a knowledge expert who will contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in limb preservation and tissue repair. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Massachusetts license-eligible, ABPS Board Qualification-eligible. Candidate must possess a commitment to an academic career in podiatric medicine and surgery. Annual Salary: Year-1 $61,000, Year-2 $66,000. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: erin.springhetti@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY

Full or part-time position available for a busy well-established podiatry practice in downtown Brooklyn. All phase of podiatry. Modern office with  EMR, Ultrasound, digital x-rays with a great support staff. Must be highly motivated, ethical, with good communication and clinical skills. please email resume to tkd@gishpuppy.com

SPACE AVAILABLE With MRI– NYC/LI

Turn-key office space, East 60th and 22nd St. Manhattan and Plainview, Long Island. Available extremity M.R.I and dynamic ultrasound (East 60th St Manhattan and Plainview, LI). Tests are run by DPM and read by board-certified radiologist. Call for rental agreement. Satisfies Stark laws (516) 476-1815.

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.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – CONNECTICUT

Outstanding practice for sale in northern Fairfield county, CT. Shared space with other medical professionals. Very low overhead. Grossing almost $300K on 30 hours per week. Referrals from three different primary care physician offices. If interested e-mail CTPodiatry@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY

Associate needed for a dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay area. Preference given to a PSR 24+ training and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high-tech with EMR and digital x-rays, with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. Excellent hospital privileges available. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle for yourself and your family second to none. E-mail: drcosentino@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

Associate position with buy-in potential. Daytona Beach, Florida Great opportunity for PSR 24-36.trained physician to join state-of-the-art practice. Please forward resume to pfk4@yahoo.com

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 or call Martha 909 984-5614. 

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK
 
Great opportunity to share “state-of-the-art” offices and equipment in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains with Board Certified podiatrist. Out-of-network or participating providers welcome.  Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information and fax your CV to 212-704-4311.

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE: TENNESSEE

Established 30-year full-scope podiatry practice. Excellent hospital and surgery center privileges with investment opportunities. Fully equipped 2200 sq.ft. office across from hospital. High volume of new patients, DME, and local referral base. Great community for a family and the outdoorsman. Reply to tnfootdr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONTANA

Great opportunity for a PSR 24 or 36 residency trained individual to join a dynamic two doctor group with physical therapy. Needs good FF surgical skills, RF a bonus. Beautiful office and great area of the country for outdoor recreation-minded individuals. Opportunity for partnership after employment. Please reply to: jclough@bridgemail.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 - 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 - MICHIGAN - (OAKLAND COUNTY)

outstanding opportunity for associate in well established practice, general & surgical podiatry forefoot, rearfoot & ankle (full or part-time). Well-trained, responsible, motivated with good communication skills, ABPS qualified or better. Send CV & letter of interest to: PodiatristWanted@AOL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Hospital clinic practice with a large volume of all patient types. In need of 1-2 podiatrists, willing to work as a team and make a career in Indianapolis. One - two year residency training can be medical or surgical. Excellent income and ownership possible. Curriculum vitae to twz1001@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND/D.C AREA

We are looking for an energetic and well-trained podiatrist to join our rapidly growing group; we have offices in Maryland and D.C and are in need of someone who is hard-working and growth-oriented. This candidate must be a graduate of a PM&S 36 residency program or have the equivalent in practice experience. We are looking for the person that wants to make this area their home and become an integral part of our group. If interested, e-mail your CV and cover letter to washingtonpod@aol.com

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