The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 03, 2009 #3,483 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Ornstein, Carson to Be Inducted in Podiatry Hall of Fame

Podiatry Management Magazine has announced that Hal Ornstein, DPM and John Carson have been elected to receive the 2009 PM Lifetime Achievement Awards and will be inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame. The awards ceremony will take place at a special luncheon on July 31, 2009 as part of the APMA Scientific Meeting in Toronto.

Dr. Hal Ornstein

Dr. Ornstein, the 26th podiatrist to receive this honor, is Chairman of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management.

John Carson

John Carson, the third non-podiatrist to be inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame, is the Former APMA Director of Legislative Advocacy.

Biographies of both honorees can be found in the March Issue of Podiatry Management. A list of the members of the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame and those receiving Honorable Mention appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/pmarticle.cfm?id=123

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Luncheon can be ordered through the APMA Scientific Meeting Registration Form or by contacting APMA at (800) ASK-APMA.  All profits from this fundraising event go to the APMA Educational Foundation’s Student Endowment Fund.

Gill Podiatry Donates $100,000 to OCPM For Quiet Study Room

Gill Podiatry recently donated $100,000 to name the Gill Podiatry Quiet Study Room at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM). The Gill Podiatry Quiet Study Room is a 1,500 square foot room designated for OCPM students to study in comfort and peace.

(L-R) David R. Nicolanti, PhD, OCPM Executive Vice President, Ric Boggs, Owner of Gill Podiatry, Thomas V. Melillo, DPM, OCPM President, and Mark C. Syroney, OCPM Director of Institutional Advancement.

Ric Boggs, owner of Gill Podiatry stated, “Gill Podiatry is proud to have its name displayed within the walls of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Since our founding in 1932, we have always had a close relationship with OCPM, its students, faculty and alumni. What better way to demonstrate our desire to continue and deepen this relationship, than to contribute to the naming of the ‘Gill Podiatry Quiet Study Room’. We look forward to continuing our involvement in the future of podiatry, especially with OCPM and its students and hope this gesture signifies our ongoing commitment and dedication to OCPM and the entire podiatric profession.”
 

TX Podiatrist Discusses Shoes and Socks for Diabetics

Diabetics should have a friend or family member check their feet daily, said Dr. Bryan Prukop, a McAllen podiatrist. Look for redness on the feet, cuts, scrapes, swelling, skin that's hot to the touch, nail changes or dry, cracked skin. All of these conditions could lead to an infection, Prukop said. If caught early, however, any problems can be addressed quickly, doctors said.

Dr. Bryan Prukop

Wear soft, thick socks without seams and properly fitted shoes, Prukop said. Poorly fitting shoes can easily cause blisters, corns and calluses that can spell trouble for your feet, he said. "About half of amputations are related to shoe problems," Prukop said. "A blister can lead to a sore, which can lead to an infection, and bad circulation can lead to a wound that doesn't heal."

Not every person with diabetes needs to wear orthopedic or diabetic shoes, which are custom fitted to prevent foot injuries. But all diabetics need to have their shoes fitted by a professional to make sure the shoes don't "rub" or cause blisters later, Prukop said.

Source: Melissa McEver, The Brownsville Herald [3/1/09]

AZ Reconstructive Surgery Forum a Resounding Success

A Foot and Ankle Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery Forum for podiatric surgeons, held February 20th and 21st in Phoenix, Arizona, was a resounding success! The national faculty included noted orthopedic trauma surgeon Attila Poka, MD, as well as renowned foot and ankle orthopedists George Quill, MD and Terrance Philbin, DO. 

(L-R) Drs. Attila Poka, Charles Zelen, Stanley Kalish, Joe Treadwell, David Armstrong, Laurence Didominco, and George Quill

The podiatry faculty included David Armstrong, DPM, Joe Treadwell, DPM; Laurence Didominco, DPM, Stanley Kalish, DPM, Thomas Chang, DPM, and Charles Zelen, DPM. Over 40 podiatrists had the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive course, including didactic lectures, as well as both cadaver and saw bones laboratory. The course, sponsored by Biomet Trauma, included instruction on external fixation, intermedullary nailing, plating techniques, as well as diabetic Charcot and osteobiologics. 
 

Query: Intra-op Use of Kenalog 40

I have been asked to review a case by a local lawyer and I did not have a good answer to one of his questions. He wanted to know if it was within the standard of care to inject 1 cc kenalog 40 into the region of a plantar fasciotomy intra-operatively. The patient did experience some post-op healing delay. While I personally would not do it, I could not find any literature saying it was below the standard of care. Does anyone say differently?
 
Robert Mandresh, DPM, Indianapolis, IN

RE: The Importance of Biopsies (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

Dr. Rosenblatt states: "Practice management experts advise us of the value of taking skin biopsies and using the talents of dermatopathologists to extend income and patient services." Although it is true that biopsies are billable procedures and many dermatologists and podiatrists take many skin biopsies, the reason for taking one should not be to generate income. A biopsy is an invasive surgical procedure and can cause scaring as well as post-operative pain and it carries the risk, although minimal , of infection. .

Before considering a biopsy, a good physician should make an educated assessment as to what the possibilities are that the lesion he or she is viewing is benign or cancerous. In spite of those rare surprise cases that Dr. Rosenblatt alluded to, many if not most skin lesions can be placed by the astute physician in one of three categories: benign, malignant, or uncertain.

There is a non-invasive technique which is practiced by many dermatologists and hopefully will catch on in our profession. It's called dermatoscopy. It enables the physician to view an enlargement of the lesion, maybe take a photo of it, and then determine according to an algorithm under which of the three categories the lesion falls into. Studies have shown that prudent use of dermatoscopy can reduce the amount of unnecessary biopsies by 20%. The only caveat is that there is a learning curve associated with this procedure. Hopefully, there will be workshops on this technique given at podiatric seminars in the near future. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Supportive Sandals or Flip-Flops (Alison DeWaters, DPM)
From: Doug Richie, DPM

Unfortunately, shortly after Crocs purchased Bite Sandals last year, they chose to drop the entire product line and this sandal is no longer available. This is a loss to the podiatric profession as Bite was one of the few sandals which contained a removable insole which could be replaced with a custom foot orthosis.

Several companies, including Moszkito, will soon release a line of sandals with removable insoles. Moszkito sandals all contain a mild heel cup and two different arch heights. Moszkito provides a space-efficient display which we use in our office with incredible success. Our patients love these sandals.
 
Doug Richie, DPM, Seal Beach, CA, DRichieJr@aol.com

RE: Scalpels and OSHA Compliance (Robert D. Teitelbaum, DPM)
From: Avi Kornbluth, Shari M. Lee, PMAC, CLR-P

Dr. Teitelbaum is 100% correct; however, he left out one important factor. If your office is a PC, you become an employee. Therefore, if a complaint makes OSHA come to your office, YOU are responsible for having all these safety devices on blades and syringes that You use.

Avi Kornbluth, Spring Valley, NY, GETAVI@aol.com

It is my understanding that you are not required to use the latest and most safe instruments on the market or everyone would be complaining about cost. I have been advised that we must provide yearly, a "Safer Medical Device Use Evaluation." This evaluation includes date evaluated, type of device, device brand name, manufacturer, and a brief description of the device’s positive or negative features. 

We do not have to switch types; just explain positive or negative reasons. Also ,make sure that all employees have been trained on how to properly use equipment and have this training documented. Again, this should also be yearly. This makes complete sense, as OSHA is there to regulate safety, not to tell us what to buy but to make sure we are within the safety requirements for equipment to provide patient and employee safety.

Shari M. Lee, PMAC, CLR-P, Columbia, SC, midlandspodiatry@bellsouth.net

RE: Sandra Lohrentz
From: Lynn Homisak, PRT

My friend, Dr. "Bunny" Brown, could not have said it better! Everyone who knew or worked with Sandra understands she lived and breathed ASPMA. She was the strength of the organization and the sacrifices she made for the association and for podiatric medical assistants were endless, respected, and admired. Our relationship spans almost 30 years and while I recall the grueling hours we put in as board members - what fills my heart are the memories of the fun and the hearty laughs we shared while doing it. Sandra worked hard, and played hard.

She was always one to celebrate our efforts. I will never forget our hilarity over her "special" walking stick with the screw cap. I never really knew if it was an "entertaining" prop or something that really helped her ambulate! Her face lit up when she smiled; her personality was kind and welcoming and even though circumstances pulled us in different directions, I  will always cherish our friendship, our time together and all that she has done for this profession… I can still see her buzzing around the meetings in her "speedy mobile." Godspeed, Sandra – your ethical leadership has impacted this profession in a big way and all of us who have known you, will miss you. My sincere condolences to her family.

Lynn Homisak, PRT, Seattle, WA

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering full or part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care to the elderly in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your c.v. to drhprosen@comcast.net, fax to 410-486-2049, call  Herbert Rosen 410-580-0255

PRACTICE FOR SALE or ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTHEAST OHIO 

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NAPLES, FL

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Base salary, percentage, benefits including 401K. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI  
 

Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, and Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815 

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

LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY?

Our practice continues to grow and we’re in search of a motivated, well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our multi-office practice is located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York State. This is a great career opportunity for the right person(s), with an excellent compensation package available. Please reply to Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.com 

IMMEDIATE OPENING – MIAMI, FL 
 
Part-time and Full-time position available now. Massive growth potential present in an expanding group practice. June graduates are welcome to apply. Send CV and LOI to qvan@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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

CRYO-Pac portable unit with 4 probes. Hardly used. Can be transported easily from office to office. Multiple treatment applications. $7,500 or best offer. Call (772) 283-3800 or (772) 529-7770 (Cell) or e-mail jaz1616@bellsouth.net

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

SPORTS MEDICINE/ PODIATRY FELLOWSHIP

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation has a 12-month Fellowship beginning Aug 1, 2009 and ending July 31, 2010. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE.  Interviews will be at the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Annual Meeting and Midwest Podiatry Conference. Candidates will be chosen by mid-April. 24-month surgical residency training is a pre-requisite .Send a letter of interest, CV and three letters of recommendation to: Amol Saxena, DPM, FACFAS, Fellowship Director, Dept. of Sports Medicine, PAMF, Clark Bldg. 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Ph: 650/853-2927 Email: HeySax@AOL.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN  

Seeking quality-oriented, patient-focused RPR-trained associate for a fast-paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care. Gain surgical experience while earning an excellent living. Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. If you are highly motivated, ethical, and have good communication and clinical skills, please forward your C.V. cfsdr@yahoo.com

   
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