The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 05, 2013 #4,707 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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PM News is beginning a new weekly feature called Quick Poll. Each week, we will post a new poll based on some of the controversial issues discussed in our Comments/Responses section. 

Quick Poll
Do you fixate metatarsal osteotomies?

NY, PA Doctors Complete 9th Annual Mission to Nicaragua

For 9 years now, both Drs. Charles Morelli and Jeffrey Siegel have completed their annual mission trip to Nicaragua, in conjunction with the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church. They both say this trip was particularly special due to the severe pathology seen and treated, combined with their team of students and residents from both Temple University and Harvard Deaconess Hospital.

(Back) Jenny Song (student), Drs. Jeffrey Siegel and Charles Morelli (front) Drs. Patricia Kim and Olga Gonzalez (residents),  and Anetka Stus (student)

Dr. Jeffrey Siegel chose to treat the most severe and neglected pediatric and neurologic pathology of the foot, ankle, and leg - distal arthrogryposis and cerebral palsy, 5 children with vertical talus, pediatric clubfoot. and the application of multiple Ilizarov frames. Dr. Morelli performed triple arthrodeses, isolated STJ fusions, midfoot osteotomies, flatfeet procedures, bunions, soft tissue masses, and many other procedures.

TN Podiatrist to Compete on Dancing With the Chattanooga Stars

A podiatrist, a realtor, an artist, and private-school dean are among the eight Chattanoogans putting their best foot forward for the Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults. The Partnership announced its new cast today for its sixth annual Dancing with the Chattanooga Stars, a local version of ABC’s popular “Dancing with the Stars” reality show. The dancing competition and Partnership fundraiser will be held June 22 at the Tivoli Theatre.

Dr. Ira Kraus

Among those vying for the mirror-ball trophy will be podiatrist Dr. Ira Kraus.  Kraus is a member of the Board ot Trustees of the American Podiatric Medical Association and is a past president of the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association. Each amateur will be paired with a professional dancer from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, where they will rehearse in 15 dance lessons over three months.

Source: Susan Pierce,  Times Free Press [2/28/13]

Tx Podiatrist to Run for Victoria City Council

Dr. Andrew J. Young, 39 filed Friday for Super District 5 against incumbent Joe Truman and former Councilman Gabriel Soliz. While interested in all levels of politics, Young said the area level has the opportunity to make a big, positive impact. "What I could do with what's at hand, I have more of an ability to influence and partake in our local government," Young said. "If I sit on the side and I don't do anything, shame on me."

Dr. Andrew Young

Young is an owner of Podiatry Associates-Victoria. Although he has not run for office or served on any boards or commissions, he said his experience comes from running a business. "I have to make tough decisions on a daily basis, diagnose, and lay out treatment plans, which is not unlike what we do at the city government," Young said.

Source: Melissa Crowe, Victoria Advocate [3/2/13]

Three Podiatrists Present at iCON 2013 Meeting

At the iCON 2013 International Congress of Endovascular Specialists Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, MD presented a lecture titled "Advanced Treatment for Chronic Diabetic Ulcerations with the Use of Acellular Dermal Matrices and Concomitant Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Limb Preservation."

Drs. Jeffrey Ross, Alan Block, and Robert Frykberg

Along with Dr. Ross, Alan Block, DPM, MS presented a lecture titled "Team Approach to CLI and the Cost of Calcium." Robert G. Frykberg, DPM, MPH presented a lecture titled "Salvaging the Diabetic Foot After Revascularization." These three speakers presented during a session titled "Beyond the Basics of Critical Limb Ischemia."

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

Bret Ribotsky: How do you think podiatric medicine will ultimately wind up in the future healthcare?              

Dr. Michael Robinson

Michael Robinson: There are no guarantees in life, and we should not be expecting the government to provide coverage for all podiatric services. Sometimes, not having coverage is much better, as it is always better to receive 100% of what you charge for a non-covered service as opposed to getting 10% of what you bill for a covered service. As it is the responsibility of the government to provide coverage, it is also our own responsibility not to just care for rich people. I accept Medicaid patients despite the fact that it pays poorly. I’m lucky to be doing what I am doing. That includes taking care of a grandmother while her grandson watches, and who knows, maybe that boy will want to become a podiatrist. You never know what effect you will have on a person's life, not just the person who you are treating. 

Dr. Edwin Wolf

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest is Dr. Edwin Wolf, National Residency Development Facilitator for the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. You can register for future events by clicking here

RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM

The New York College of Podiatric Medicine, its administration, faculty, students and staff mourn the passing of our friend, colleague, professor emeritus, and former clinical dean, Dr. Michael Valletta. Mike was a mentor to so many and had a positive impact on the education of an entire generation of DPMs. He was always optimistic even in the face of adversity and consistently demonstrated a can-do mentality. We miss him and send our condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Michael J. Trepal, DPM, Vice President for academic Affairs and Dean

Mike Valletta and I were classmates. We did our first year residency  together at NYCPM. Mike went on to become Dean of Students until his illness, and I had the priviledge of serving as a Clinical Associate Professor during his tenure. He will be missed by all of us.

Scott Davis, DPM, class of 1972

RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM

I was fortunate to have known and been able to call "Mike" a friend. He was a capable, competent, and dedicated member of our profession. He was always ready to show and explain treatment methods to the students as they entered into the clinical phase of their training. Mike was a true humanitarian, an educator, and a service-above-self contributor to the academic community of our profession. He was loved and respected. I will miss him as I'm sure so many of his colleagues, former students, and patients will. My heartfelt condolences to his family. 

Joe Addante, DPM, Rome, Italy

I am very sad to hear of the passing of Micheal Valletta. Mike was Director of Clinics at NYCPM when I was a student. Dr. Mike and Dr. David George made life at NYCPM a warm, family learning experience. No question about anything went unanswered. Mike taught us to work hard, smile, and enjoy every day - no matter how hard life seemed to be. I understand Dr. Valletta did not have it easy, but he never complained. I know many of us have lost a friend, a mentor, and an example of how we should all appreciate our lives. My prayers for Dr. Michael Valletta, his family, and friends.

David Schofield, DPM, NYCPM Class of '76

RE: Exparel (Patrick Barnes, DPM)
From: Gary Scheinin, DPM

I have used Exparel on 8 patients to date. All had complete pain relief for 48-72 hours, except one patient who claimed she had pain after 8 hours (I found this to be unbelievable, but people vary). That said, we are trialing it at a surgery center because it costs about $250 per bottle 1.3% 20cc.

The Exparel can be diluted with 10 ml (up to 14ml) of .9% normal saline and then injected if you need more volume and still want to not exceed the maximum dose. We have been using this as a trial - shaking the bottle, withdrawing the Exparel with sterile technique from the bottle, and then mixing the amount I need for a particular case. Do not dilute the entire bottle or it...

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

RE: Optogait (Nicholas Pagano, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
I attended a workshop on Optogait in Toronto this past October and was very impressed with this device. It is affordable. What impressed me the most is that this modality has the ability to bring biomechanics and the use of custom made orthoses into the realm of evidence-based medicine. It enables the practitioner to do a biomechanical exam before and after orthotic intervention and get reproducible quantitative results.

This will enable researchers in our profession to assess the effectiveness of various types of orthoses and prove what we all clinically know - that orthoses are an important intervention in the management of pedal health. Hence, this could give our profession the necessary proof to take to insurance companies that refuse to pay for foot orthoses, and the ammunition with which to refute articles that say that custom orthoses do not work.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE:  Laser Treatment Success Depends on Patient Compliance: MD Podiatrist
From: Adam Ullman

We agree with Dr. Geoghan’s statement that patient compliance is an integral part to the success of a laser treatment for nail fungus.  In addition to her recommendation that patients apply a topical to the nail between treatments, patients should sanitize their shoes too.
 
An article in the 2012 July/Aug issue of JAPMA stated “Footwear has been shown to be an important reservoir for harboring organisms that cause infections.” The article concludes by stating “the SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizer was shown to be effective in reducing the fungal burden in shoes. These findings have implications regarding the ability to address the footwear environment as a means of breaking the foot infection cycle.”
 
As the developers of the only clinically proven way to sanitize shoes, we believe all patients should sanitize their shoes. When a patient is making a financial investment in a laser treatment to get rid of their onychomychosis, the most complete protocol should be prescribed, and that includes dealing with the in-shoe environment.
 
Adam Ullman, President & CEO, Shoe Care Innovations, Inc., adamullman@sterishoe.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COMPLETE AMFIT ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Complete Amfit Orthotic Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer-3 years old. System includes milling machine, 2 PCs, all cords, parts, hardware and assorted insole blanks. $45K New, Asking $10K. E-mail inquiries to: sportsmed@fdfac.com.

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA

Well established successful West Palm Beach practice grossing $475K with excellent reputation and good referral base. Consistent new patient growth, great opportunity with increased gross revenue and surgical growth potential. EHR implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Great area to live and work. Serious inquires E-mail wpbfootdrs@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

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 g

rowth. Why not practice where people vacation and retire? Willing to stay for transition. Inquires please email pestibear@gmail.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 - HOUSTON, TEXAS

PSR 24+/ Equiv. DPM, Texas license, Busy diverse practice. Greater Houston Area, Guaranteed Salary and benefits All Aspects of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Board eligibilty, Bilingual A Plus. Send CV to Randal Lepow at rmldpm1@att.net

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/PARTNERSHIP - MIAMI / KENDALL FLORIDA

Podiatrist with interest in foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Pathway to partnership/ownership available. Send CV and information: ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Base salary starts at $100k and no limit to your earnings as you grow YOUR practice. We also offer malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEEDED FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA

FT/PT associate needed for nursing home work. Great compensation and a great way to supplement your income. Must be willing to travel. Contact us at (786) 975-2090 or fax to (847) 674-2113 you may also email to feetwork@aol.com.

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 - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

P/T ASSOCIATE NEEDED QUEENS & NYC

PSR-36+ board qual/Cert. Highly motivated, Confident, Ambitious podiatrist with Excellent patient communication skills required! F/T possibilities in future. Base Sal. With Incentives. Spanish and Greek speaking a plus. Please respond with cover letter and resume to: hansfeet@aol.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

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

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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