The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

March 08, 2011 #4,102 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

OR Podiatrist Embraces Zero-Drop Shoes

By name, you'd think zero-drop shoes are generally the most minimalist of all running shoes. Some of these shoes are quite minimal, but it's more that those shoes have a level profile and have little or no "drop" from where the heel sits in a shoe and where the forefoot sits in a shoe. In other words, the shoes are designed without a built-up heel or a steep slope from the heel to the forefoot and instead allow a runner’s foot to sit relatively parallel to the ground. 

Dr. Ray McClanahan

Portland, Oregon-based podiatrist and a competitive masters runner Ray McClanahan has embraced the concept of zero-drop and minimally sloped shoes. “I’m so pleased to see the industry changing and seeing what our feet can do,” McClanahan says. “I’m all for it. In 17 years of reading all of the medical literature, I can’t come up with a reason why our heel should ever be elevated above our forefoot.”

Source: Brian Metzler, Running Times [3/5/11}

NJ Podiatrist Named as Staff Officer at Medical Center

Dr. John Brandeisky has been named as a staff officer at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. 

Dr. John Brandeisky

Brandeisky, a board certified podiatric surgeon, is the Assistant Chief of Staff. He joined CentraState's medical staff in 1990. He is currently Chief of Podiatry in the Department of Surgery at CentraState Medical Center.

Source: Asbury Park Press [3/5/11]

APMWA 25th Annual Student Writing Competition Deadline Approaching

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 25th Annual Student Writing Competition.

• All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include practice management, ethics,or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.
• There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.
• First prize will be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), sponsored by an APMA Educational Foundation endowment from Dr. and Mrs. Steven Berlin, and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.
• This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.
• Entries must be received by 4/1/11 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com
• Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

MI Podiatrist Gets to be Detroit Tiger's Manager for a Day

There was somebody new in the skipper’s chair Sunday morning. Tom Lauzon took Jim Leyland’s place during the pregame interviews with the media and talked to reporters along with Dr. Bob Adas. They won an auction to become managers of the day in a benefit for the Detroit Tigers Foundation. Leyland, who stood between them during the interview, joked about giving them a pretty good team. “You guys better not mess it up,” Leyland said.

Dr. Bob Adas at Tigers' Spring Training Camp

They got full uniforms with their names on the back; hung out in the clubhouse and behind the batting cage; and took out the lineup cards before spending the game in the dugout. Adas, a podiatrist from West Bloomfield, noted, “As a podiatrist, I understand the agony of duh feet.” And, obviously, the pun of the game.

Source: Steve Kornacki, MLive.com [3/6/11]

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

Bret Ribotsky: You went back to school and earned an MD degree. What motivated you to do this, and how can earning an MD degree help the profession? 

Dr. Jeffrey Ross

Jeffrey Ross: One of the things that I thought would be helpful for us as a profession is to negate this problem with scope of practice in various states where we had problems with the orthopedic community. I thought getting the degree would neutralize that problem. If we have our MD degree and went on and completed our podiatry residencies, we would still be podiatrists. This would not even change our identity one iota, but we would have that degree, which then would negate all these turf war battles. 

Drs. George Andros, Lee Rogers, and David Armstrong .

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment  will feature a roundtable on diabetes, featuring Drs. George Andros, Lee Rogers, and David Armstrong. You can register for this event by clicking here

 Midwinter Conference Celebrates 50th Anniversary of AAPPM

The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) celebrated the “kick off” to its 50th Anniversary at the five-day AAPPM Midwinter Practice Management Conference held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this past weekend. Over 250 podiatric physicians, staff, and exhibitors were on hand to pay special tributes to Dr. John Buchan and Dr. David Unger who were among the founding fathers of AAPPM 50 years ago. Attendees not only heard from dozens of experts in the podiatric profession but viewed a specially presented video of the history of AAPPM and a special appearance by the PodCats singing group. 

Attendees fill lecture hall at AAPPM Midwinter Conference

Hal Ornstein, DPM, AAPPM Chairman, stated, “This conference provided to attendees dozens of winning practice management strategies to enhance the doctors' patient care and build doctor practices through expert lecturers, power pearls, short lectures, hands-on workshops, roundtable discussions, and free 30-minute consultations in all aspects of podiatric practice management.”

Query: Subtalar Joint Fusion Revision

I have a patient who has come from another surgeon. She is one year status-post an STJ fusion that has been placed in a varus position. She is experiencing lateral foot pain subsequent from the inverted position. She is a healthy, 41 yo, and slightly obese. Any pearls on this type of revision?

Frank Cobarrubia, DPM, Bend, OR

Query: Midmark, MTI Podiatry Chairs

I am looking at both a Midmark podiatry chair and an MTI Chair. What experiences have PM News readers had with either chair?

David Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN

RE: Hyperkeratosis in an 87 Year Old (Elliot Udell DPM)
From:  Jay D. Helman, DPM, Simon Young, DPM

A Plastizote orthotic should be made with sufficient relief to encompass the swollen area surrounding the lesion. Add a 3/8 inch heel lift. The collapsed LA is probable caused by an equinus.

Jay D. Helman, DPM, Suffern, NY, footdr80@hotmail.com

Dr. Udell's photo seems to show someone with an old LisFranc injury and, in addition, posterior tibial dysfunction. I see this most often with diabetics. Since she is ill and at 87 y.o., surgery would be difficult to justify.

I would avoid injections since this is a structural mechanical problem. You need to off-load. You need to decrease her equinus component via physiotherapy and training the patient to at least do off-weight-bearing stretches.

Consider an Arizona-type brace with Plastizote to disperse, custom-molded shoes with a tri-laminar insole and ultimately try weight dispersion over time. Another alternative is a DH walker shoe. I don't think you can get her pain-free, but you can reduce her pain enough to allow her to do her daily activities.

Simon Young, DPM, NY, NY, simonyoung@juno.com

RE Spenco Sandal Dispensing (Mark K. Johnson, DPM)
from: Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM

I received a free pair of Spenco sandals (flip-flops) last summer at the national APMA Scientific Meeting. As far as flip-flops go, I thought they were very comfortable, with more support than your typical flip-flop. Vasyli (Orthaheel) also sells a more supportive flip-flop, and I plan to dispense them out of my office soon. If adolescents and adults are going to continue wearing flip-flops as everyday footgear in the summer, the least I can do is offer them something with a bit more support.

Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM, Buffalo, NY, drfoot1@roadrunner.com

RE: Scholl Scanner Ads
From: Michael Lawrence, DPM

I just saw one of the commercials for the Scholl scanners and their orthotics. It makes me embarrassed that we have a school bearing the Scholl name. Yes, as an ICPM graduate, I've heard the arguments, and at one time I bought in. Now, I am just revolted.

Michael Lawrence, DPM, Chattanooga, TN, ftdoc@joimail.com

RE: Fraud and Abuse (David Gurvis, DPM)
From: Simon Young, DPM

No one is addressing the nefarious practices of many of the insurance companies. The last figures I saw showed that payouts to doctors account for 28% of the total healthcare pie. The insurance companies take as much as 35% of the total healthcare pie for administration and management. It seems that our patients and leaders are satisfied with the shift of healthcare dollars from providers to CEO's and shareholders. This is outrageous.

Furthermore, when was an insurance company CEO held to the same standards as practitioners when they are exposed, after many years of unacceptable practices, by erroneously decreasing payments to practitioners. Isn't this fraud? Why are our leaders allowing decreased access to medical care by patients due to excessive out-of-pocket layouts in order for these "insurance company middlemen" to make excessive profits and charge unbelievable rates for coverage to the government, employers, and individuals?

I don't understand the difference between a tax increase and increased costs. The government goes to the private insurance companies to purchase coverage, and this results in increased costs to the government and individuals, and results in increased taxes or this increases the deficit. NJ Governor Christie recently stated that it costs NJ $24,000 to insure their state employees. Regardless, I keep less of my paycheck or need to pay more taxes.

Let the "Weeper of The House" stop selling us out to big industry. Our leaders need to place our country first and their party affiliations last rather than vise versa.

Simon Young, DPM, NY, NY, simonyoung@juno.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NY

Busy Midtown Manhattan state-of-the-art practice with 2 locations seeking part time/full time associate. Must be in-network Empire BC/BS. Looking for a personable doctor with immediate availability. Residents Need not apply. DrB@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

A great opportunity to join a very busy, well-established, diversified practice in Clearwater, FL. Seeking an associate who has the drive and desire to work hard, has strong work ethics, and is very personable. BC/BE and minimum PSR24 +. We offer competitive salary and benefits. Send resume to Jaye@fdn.com

TWO ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

One in general podiatry, second with surgical residency. Good diagnostician, compassionate, hard-working individuals needed for high-tech group practice. flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume to ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION/PARTNERSHIP - CHICAGO

Chicago Podiatric Surgeons, one of Chicago’s leading podiatric practices, is searching for a FT podiatric surgeon. Applicant must be a personable and confident surgeon with ability to manage surgical patients independently and be at least board qualified. High compensation. Will be working in new 7000 sf state of the art office in AN upscale Chicago neighborhood. Ownership/partnership opportunities. Send letter of intent and CV to drcarr@chicagopodiaty.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

IMMEDIATE Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible/Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter, resume, and surgical log (if a current resident) and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY - FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Progressive, busy practice seeks personable, ethical, confident associate interested in future partnership. Lucrative opportunity for self-starter with strong work ethic. State-of-the-art office in rapidly growing community with two new hospitals and new surgery center. Practice has excellent reputation with well established referral base. Cover letter/CV to: fredfeet@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NE GEORGIA SUBURB

Immediate opening for PSR24/36, ABPS Qualified or Certified individual. Hosp/Amb. Surg. Ctn privileges available. Good chance of partnership or practice purchase in foreseeable future. Send resume/CV to gramps395@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package. Reply with letter and CV to Jagerone@aol.com

SURGICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Hand and power pieces available. Sagittal saw, wire driver- fits Ergo electric systems Complete Synthes internal screw fixation sets 2-0,2.7 and larger with screws self-drilling/tapping Complete packs of stats, retractors, rasps, rongeurs, etc. Email questions and requests to Podassociate@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Hausted 825 GMCOO Unicare III stretcher. Approximately 7 yrs old, but rarely used. Great condition. Excellent condition, no rips or tears. $250 PDM J120B Podiatry chair-Used. Navy blue upholstery with some wear. Has Lift, Tilt and Back functions. Foot pedal. Screen and doctor’s stool included. $1,750. Photos on request. 410-768-5800 jferris@chesapeakefootandankle.com

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY
 
Applications are being accepted for the Central Kentucky Diabetes Management Fellowship. Dr. Jonathan Moore, former UTHSC Diabetes Fellow, OCPM adjunct faculty, AAPPM board member and national lecturer and author on diabetes and practice management related topics is director and founder. Don't miss out on the most unique, dynamic fellowship in Podiatric medicine. Learn latest advances in Diabetes management/surgery along with knowledge to run and grow a successful practice. Generous stipend, full benefits and free housing in resort setting. Email CV and letter of interest to: jmoore@aappm.org  Visit our website

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BOSTON SUBURB

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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's 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 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 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.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.