The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 26, 2013 #4,701 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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VA Podiatrist Elected ACFAS Treasurer

Richard Derner, DPM, FACFAS is the new secretary and treasurer of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national association of over 6,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Dr. Derner was installed to his position at the ACFAS 71st Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas.

Dr. Richard Derner

Dr. Derner practices with Associated Foot & Ankle Centers of Northern Virginia and is board certified in both foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is a member of the residency training committee with the Inova Fairfax podiatric residency program. Dr. Derner is also the chief of podiatric surgery at Stafford Hospital, in Stafford, VA, and is past president of the Virginia Podiatric Medical Association.

Source: Virginia Connection Newspapers [2/22/13]

Despite Reducing Amputations, Jobs Lost at UK Podiatry Service

A service that has helped cut the number of foot amputations among diabetics in Portsmouth has made five people redundant. Solent NHS Trust runs the podiatry service for Portsmouth and south Hampshire. The service focuses on footcare, including looking at the feet of diabetic patients. As previously reported, work done by this team, along with other agencies, has helped the number of diabetic foot amputations fall by 25 per cent.

Graham Bowen

But despite this success, a month-long consultation, last year, identified five posts were to be lost, in order to make efficiency savings. A competitive interview process was held last month, and earlier this month, and five staff members were told of their fate. Graham Bowen, head of podiatry at the trust, said: "The service has re-designed staffing to ensure the service continues to provide high quality care for those with greatest clinical need for our patients in Portsmouth and south Hampshire."

Source: Portsmouth News [2/23/13]

NY Podiatrist Wins $5M in Lottery

A Long Island man who owed back taxes, and ran into problems with the department of Taxation and Finance, was announced yesterday as a $5 million lottery jackpot winner. Dr. David Shaffer, a podiatrist working in Flushing, Queens, will take home $3.1 million, after taxes, for scratching off the winning boxes on a $5 Million Multiplier ticket.

He doesn’t plan to quit work but said he would devote more time to his hobby, songwriting. “Now I can focus on writing songs instead of working all day,” said Shaffer, a podiatrist for 31 years. “Looks like 2013 is going to be my year.”

Source:  Matt McNulty and Bill Sanderson, NY Post [2/23/12]

IN Podiatrist Sentenced for Public Corruption

Former Lake County Clerk Dr. Thomas Philpot was sentenced to 18 months in prison Thursday for stealing thousands of dollars in public child support incentive funds over which he had control.  Philpot, 55, a podiatrist and attorney, served 10 years as Lake County coroner and six years as county clerk between 1992 and 2012. Philpot likely will spend at least 15 months in prison.

Source: Bill Dolan, NWI.com [2/21/13]

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

Bret Ribotsky: What suggestions do you have for new doctors starting out?
 
Martin Taubman: Today, young doctors often have to compromise and take a job in a location where they can earn enough money to pay back their loans. In 1972, I graduated with a total debt of eight thousand dollars and tuition was $500 a semester. Today, students are paying so much more and graduating with almost two hundred thousand dollars in debt.

Dr. Martin Taubman

Bret Ribotsky: Do you think that the historical process of a doctor selling a practice to a new graduate will continue, or are the days over of mature practicing doctors cashing out the value of their practices?

Martin Taubman: This year will tell. The change in Obama’s healthcare plan that is coming will determine the result. Everyone should be ready, and take steps to work as efficiently as they can.

Dr. Michael Robinson

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is Michael Robinson, DPM, MPH, JD . You can register for future events by clicking here

Query: Digital X-ray System

I am currently deciding which digital x-ray system I should purchase for my office. I am considering the Televere Tigerview system and the 20/20 system. The pricing appears to be comparable. Any advice from current users of these systems would be much appreciated.
 
Ronald H Sheppard, DPM, Watchung, NJ

RE: Replacing Implant (Dale Shrum, DPM)
From: Daniel J. Tucker, DPM

This patient needs a thorough work-up to determine the basis for implant subsidence. A CT scan to evaluate the surrounding osseous structures and the extent of what looks like cystic degeneration is necessary, as is the need to rule out the suggestion of occult chronic osteomyelitis. The patient's age is certainly not a contraindication for salvage surgical intervention since ankle arthroplasty and fusion are routinely performed in this age bracket. This ankle is exceedingly unstable, and simple bracing is not an adequate treatment.

There certainly is the risk for catastrophic collapse of the joint without further intervention for stabilization. If there is no suggestion of infection (elevated CRP, ESR and positive WBC-labelled bone scan), then in my opinion, implant removal with salvage fusion using a femoral head allograft and retrograde IM nail would be most appropriate in this case. If indeed osteomyelitis is documented, the infection would need to be treated with aggressive debridement,  placement of an antibiotic spacer, and eventual arthrodesis, with the patient informed that amputation is certainly an eventual possibility.
 
These are very challenging cases and should only be approached by surgeons with considerable experience in ankle arthroplasty and complex revisional salvage.
 
Daniel J. Tucker, DPM, Atlanta, GA, ReekaT@aol.com

RE: Proper Biopsy of Melanoma (Mark Schilansky, DPM)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

I wish Dr. Schilansky had contacted me prior to his posting in the last issue of PM News. First of all, the Codingline Seminar he refers to was well-received, and it was a pleasure to work with him and the other panelists. However, his accounting of the case I presented does not even resemble the case I presented, making it difficult for me to comment on his comments. The chronology is wrong, the facts are wrong, and the questions as to the standard of care are wrong. In fact, in his earnest attempt to provide you with good information, he supplied information which is controversial at best, and not in line with current best practice.

I presented the case true to my feelings and experience, and was very honest in admitting at the presentation that, in the future, I would not shave such a large lesion. However, this was not at all a deviation from the standard of care, which Dr. Schilansky intimates. Since each point of his post is built on an incorrect foundation, the only way to set the record straight would be for me to present the full case, with teaching points, in the pages of PM News, which I will do as soon as possible.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

RE: Fixation vs. Non-Fixation of Metatarsal Osteotomies (Don Peacock, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM

I am somewhat bemused by the terminology of when performing lesser metatarsal osteotomies via minimal incision that they are allowed to "seek their own level." I suppose I have been established in practice long enough now to observe the "old" reinvented as "new." Complications are a great way to learn, so long as they are not on your patients.

One of my first surgical cases after establishing my private practice in New York, when minimal incision techniques were the "wave of the future," was on a...

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

RE: Reasonably Priced EMR with Good Tech Support (Mary Carlson, DPM)
From: Nancy Carlson Gamer, DPM, Mark K. Johnson, DPM

I can recommend Biomedix Traknet! Wonderful, straight-forward, and I would never go back to my old system. I was scared out of my wits to change, but they held my hand at every stage, answered every question, even attesting for Medicare.

Nancy Carlson Gamer, DPM, Wilton, CT, nurse5836@yahoo.com

On January 1, 2013, my practice began using Practice Fusion, a free web-based EMR with free support, including implementation manager, free upload of all patient demographics, free iPad platform, free sophisticated meaningful use reports, and free-prescribing.  Is FREE a good price? We have been pleased with this EMR  thus far in our third year of  Stage 1 CMS meaningful use. It's also Dragon-medical compatible.

Mark K. Johnson, DPM, West Plans, MO, ddr004@centurytel.net

RE: Source for Mental Health Problems for Physicians (Name Withheld)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
If indeed you need care for a genuine bipolar disorder, a good psychiatrist could place you on the proper medications and titer the dosages so that you can live a completely normal, healthy, and productive life. I just made a referral this past week for one of my patients. When I called and asked the psychiatrist if he felt qualified to manage this patient's case, his answer to me was, "this is what I'm trained to treat and it's not rocket science."
 
A source for finding a good psychiatrist might be your primary care physician, who would know who is good in your geographic area. Another source used by another patient of mine was to call a teaching hospital and ask for a referral.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $560,000. Approximately 1300sqft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CORONADO, CA

Unique opportunity to purchase a very well established practice in beautiful San Diego. Hospital privileges available. Large and stable patient and referral base with consistent new patient growth. Why not practice where people vacation and retire? Willing to stay for transition. Inquires please email pestibear@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. EHR, arterial vascular testing, and ESWT in the office. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard-working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive compensation package and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to MFAS828@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Looking for a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a state-of-the-art well rounded Long Island practice with hospital privileges? Then our office is what you're looking for. Located 20 miles from NYC, LI offers great schools and lifestyle. Perfect for an experienced practitioner or 2013 residency graduate who is ethical, productive, and board certified/qualified looking to be part of a winning team now and in the future. Want to be a partner in a successful practice or own your own office? Serious motivated practitioners only invited to send their CV and personalized cover letter to: mets724@gmail.com.

PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN/SURGEON - CHICAGO AND SUBURBS

Chicago Podiatric Surgeons is searching for a full-time podiatric physician/surgeon. Prefer ABPS qualified/certified with experience in private practice. Great benefit package and partnership opportunities. Please send letter of interest, CV to dr.tcarr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, NY

Looking for a highly motivated surgical trained podiatrist in the Orange County, NY (West Point area). Hospital, wound center and surgical center affiliated. It is a busy practice that covers hospital inpatients, Wound Center, and takes ER call. The applicant has to be trained in all foot surgery and be able to handle advanced diabetic wound care. The practice is a 1 hour car ride from NYC and is close to hiking, fishing ,skiing and state parks. Please Email a CV and contact info to clsp4@yahoo.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - BALTIMORE MARYLAND

Confident, surgically trained associate position available to join well-established practice locations. Leading to ownership within 3 years! Great salary and benefits. Will train on practice management, business management, and billing. Call 301-514-9781

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC/ MD SUBURBS

Prominent, established two office practice seeking well rounded, personable, ethical individual with sharp medical and surgical skills. Must be 24/36 month trained, ABPS qualified or certified. Partnership opportunity with ownership potential. Competitive salary with benefits package. Please send CV to ponyrunner66@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Requiring full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in established Practice situated in a foothill community of Southern California. There is an existing patient base and a strong support team. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Send resume to office@uplandpodiatry.com , titled, "Podiatrist".

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VA (SOUTH CENTRAL)

Thirty year established practice seeking associate. PSR 24/36 training, must be highly motivated, personable, ethical and willing to provide all aspects of podiatric care. Early partnership opportunity with potential ownership. Competitive salary and benefits. Excellent opportunity for a successful career. Please send CV to footcare2020@aol.com or fax to 804 733-5946.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA

Seeking associate with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital-based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MISSOURI – EAST CENTRAL

Podiatric medical group seeks recent graduate or 2013 graduate who is interested in working with former residency director who can enhance your already strong training Full scope practice with the cases to fast track to board certification. We are located close to St. Louis for day use. Exceptional school system in a low crime, low cost of living area. E-mail resume to: drfootski@hotmail.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - WEIL FOOT ANKLE & ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE-CHICAGO

Weil Foot Ankle & Orthopedic Institute is expanding their presence in the Chicago metropolitan area and suburbs and is recruiting qualified podiatric surgeons. A three-year residency is required and a podiatric fellowship is preferable. Current practicing podiatric practitioners in Chicago and surrounding area are also welcome to join our rapidly expanding practice that currently numbers 16 DPMs, a neurologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a primary care sports medicine physician. For more information contact: info@weil4feet.com or call Stephanie Spiegel, COO at 847-390-7666.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Above average salary and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com.

PART-TIME ASSOCIATE - BRONX, NY

Seeking a well-trained, confident, ethical, hard working candidate. All aspects of podiatry performed (surgery, biomechanics, routine foot care, DME, vascular studies, diagnostic ultrasound). Also, seeking help for house calls in the Bronx and Westchester (mostly routine foot care, DME). Competitive salary. Please send CV to: docdpm2@gmail.com

PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - ORANGE COUNTY CA

July 1, 2013 and ending July 31, 2014. $60,000/year, medical, dental, malpractice, and CME allowance. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE. Letter of interest, and CV to: Philip Radovic, DPM, Fellowship Director, Email: Info@feetfixer.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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty. New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. 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.

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