The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 17, 2009 #3,495 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Discusses Toenail Care

Are you one of the millions of women who love getting pedicures? According to podiatrist Jennifer Hutton, there are a number of things you need to know to keep your toes healthy. If you love pedicures be sure the salon is clean, ask to see how they sterilize their tools, and look to see how well they disinfect their tubs.

Dr. Jennifer Hutton

Because fungus is so contagious, the doctor recommends one great way to keep fungal at bay is to bring in your own polish. "The problem is that when dark color polish is on or polish that is not clear is on, and fungus starts, a mild case may be missed.," said  Hutton.

Hutton suggests that you give your toes a break and go polish-free a few months a year to be sure you are fungus-free.

Source: Marcie Fraser, News 10 Now - Syracuse, NY [3/13/09]

Deadline 4/1/09 for APMWA  23nd Annual Student Writing Competition

The Deadline for American Podiatric Medical Writers Association's 23rd Annual Student Writing Competition is April 1, 2009. The following are the guidelines: 

• 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) 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 4/1/09 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com
   
• Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry. 

Routine Podiatric Care Improves Foot Health: UK Study

Core podiatry is the treatment of nails, corns and callus and the delivery of footwear and foot health information. Though it is an integral part of current practice, little evidence is available to support its efficacy in terms of research and audit data.

Methods: The outcome measure used in this audit was the Podiatry Health Questionnaire, which is a self-completed short measure of foot health, including a pain visual analogue scale and a section for the podiatrist to rate an individual's foot health based on  podiatric problems. The patient questionnaire was completed by the patient prior to receiving podiatry care and then 2 weeks after treatment to assess the effect of core podiatry in terms of pain and foot health.

Results: 1,047 patients completed both questionnaires, with an age range from 26-95 years and a mean age of 72.9 years. The podiatric clinical rating at baseline showed 75% of patients had either mild or moderate podiatric problems. The differences in questionnaire and visual analog scores before and after treatment were determined according to three categories - better, same, worse and 75% of patients' scores either remained the same or improved after core podiatry treatment. A student t-test showed a statistical significant difference in pre and post treatment scores where P<0.001, though the confidence interval indicated that the improvement was relatively small.

Conclusions: Core podiatry has been shown to sustain or improve foot health and pain in 75% of the patients taking part in the audit. Simple outcome measures, including pain scales should be used routinely in podiatric practice to assess the effect of different aspects of treatments and improve the evidence base for podiatry.

Source: Lisa J Farndon, et al., Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2009, 2:7
 

Scope of Practice Expansions Fuel Legal Battles

Physicians are going to court to fight what they call an onslaught of scope of practice expansions by a growing number of allied health professionals. Increasingly, the medical profession is mounting legal challenges against state boards and others on issues such as nurse anesthetists performing interventional pain management and podiatrists being allowed to treat ankles as well as feet.

Rather than go to medical school, "the easiest way to [achieve scope expansions] is to go to the Capitol," said Jeffrey Howell, general counsel to the Missouri State Medical Assn.

Scope of practice expansions increasingly are landing in the courts. Here is an example:

Texas Orthopaedic Assn. v. Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, Texas Supreme Court (pending)

Issue: Whether a podiatric board regulation expands on a state law restricting podiatrists' scope of practice to the foot. An appeals court rejected the rule, which defined the foot to include the ankle. An appeal by the podiatric board to the state Supreme Court is on hold while the board rewrites its rules.

Source: Amy Lynn Sorrel, AMNews [3/16/09]

Speak in Journalists’ Language

Hungry for free publicity? Connect more readily with editors and journalists when you rely on these tactics:

• View journalists as customers and seek feedback from them that will allow you to improve the way you create material and deliver it to them. Questions to ask include “How appropriate is the information we supply?” and “How is our response time to your requests?”
• Create a newsletter or e-zine just for journalists. Use it to inform them about your practice and to keep your name on their minds. Check to see what delivery method they prefer: fax, e-mail or online.
• Add a section to your website that provides answers to some questions you commonly hear from reporters. Update that section frequently in response to breaking news.

Source: Adapted from The Strategist, Public Relations Society of America via Communication Briefings

Query: Naltrexone for Neuropathy

I have been treating a female patient in her early fifties who has been suffering with idiopathic neuropathy. Prior to her presentation to my office, she had seen several neurologists with little relief. At a recent visit, she inquired about the use of low-dose Naltrexone for her condition. She actually forwarded an informational website to me describing that treatment. I would like to know if anyone has had experience with this medication and what were the outcomes.

Marc Haspel, DPM, Clifton, NJ
 

RE: MA Bans Gifts to Providers; Disclosure Required (Paul Bishop, DPM)
From: Scott Matthews, DPM, MD, Barry Mullen, DPM

Has Massachusetts also outlawed campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical industry to all their elected officials? After all, if one assumes providers will change prescribing habits because of a free pen, how will the elected official react when he has received $10,000 or even $100,000 from that same drug company?

Scott Matthews, DPM, MD, Holly Springs, NC, bikedr4u@aol.com

Editor’s note: An extended-length letter by Dr. Mullen appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=25176&start=1
 

RE: Scope of Practice in Australia (Al  Kanegis, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

Dr. Kanegis asks why would anyone leave Australia to practice in the UK when the laws in the UK are more stringent than in Australia.
 
Having taught students and residents for so many years, I have often been asked about where to set up practice. I tell them first to pick the place you want to live. The happiness of your family comes first.  Sure, there are locations where you will start faster and perhaps be more financially secure, but your home life - your family is your first consideration.  
 
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, IM4MAN@aol.com

RE: Kudos for PM News
From: Lloyd Steinberg, DPM

I have been a continuous reader of PM News for the last couple of years after my son (John Steinberg, DPM) visited and set up my computer to receive your publication. I wish to commend the increasing quantity and quality of the material being discussed. I have found several individuals with varying viewpoints and interesting and pertinent information. I have contacted many and had discussions on matters of mutual concern. Keep up the good work.

Lloyd Steinberg, DPM, Ocala, FL, cumbia24@aol.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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion; good insurance climate. 352-357-7499 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.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

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ASSOCIATE WITH PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY 
 
Seeking quality-oriented, associate for a fast-paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. This is a long term position for the right person; with a partnership opportunity. Emphasis on diabetic foot care, foot surgery and wound care. 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 letter of intent and your C.V. to fax# 734 981-0487 or e-mail cfsdr@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE or ASSOCIATE WANTED – SOUTHEAST OHIO 

Well-established, two-office practice in Southeast Ohio for sale. Seller currently works 3.5 days per week. Gross >$300K, Net ~$140K.  Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Seller is willing to help with transition, Ohio Licensure. Contact seller at bjadpm@hotmail.com for more information.

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE OR ASSOCIATE-SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN-BRIGHTON

Outstanding opportunity. Eleven year established-earn 200K. Excellent location in mid to high income growth area. Turn-key, all equipment and furniture included. High quality 1,350 sf build-out. Large illuminated sign on busy main road, convenient parking. Must sacrifice due to illness. Will stay for transition or partner if wanted. Priced to sell. Call (248) 565-5266. Docpod@aol.com

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

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

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

PM Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write to  bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110.

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