The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 23, 2013 #4,723 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Comfortable Wedding Shoes a Good Thing: MI Podiatrist

Sparkles, spangles and color, new or vintage, whatever your preference in wedding shoe styles, there’s one trend that every bride should get behind: comfort. “Pretty flats and even tennis shoes have been gaining popularity among brides for several years, and while those styles may not be to everyone’s taste, the concept of comfortable wedding shoes is good for everyone,” says Dr. Crystal Holmes, a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Dr. Crystal Holmes

While an APMA survey indicates that most women do emphasize comfort over looks when choosing dress shoes, brides may consider comfort less important than style on their big day. “Brides may think that since they’re only wearing their wedding shoes for a day, it doesn’t matter if the shoes make their feet hurt,” Holmes says. “But shoes that hurt your feet can cause long-term problems, and make existing ones even worse. Sore feet can put a damper on your wedding, reception, and even honeymoon.”

Source: The News Record  (OH) [3/21/13]

PM News has begun 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. Straw polls are not scientific and do not represent standards of care. This is the last day to vote.

Quick Poll
Are you in favor of the training of podiatric assistants to do routine foot care?

AZ Podiatrist Elected UA's Faculty Senator

David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, was elected from his peers to serve as Faculty Senator at the University of Arizona. The University, which has a population exceeding 50,000 students, faculty, and non-appointed staff, is among the largest and most diverse in the world. "This is a great honor to help to serve a great University," noted Armstrong.

Dr. David Armstrong

Prior to his election to Faculty Senate, Armstrong served as the Medical School representative on the critical Strategic Planning and Budget Advisory Committee, which reports to University President Hart.  The two year term begins in the fall.

Curamedix and Strutz Announce Exclusive Medical Distribution Partnership

CuraMedix, LLC, an emerging leader in medical technology and Strutz Inc., makers of the revolutionary Strutz product line have jointly announced an exclusive distribution agreement for medical channels, to include orthopedic, sports medicine, pain management, podiatric and chiropractic practices, as well as physical therapy and rehab facilities. 

This will include the award-winning Strutz®Rx, a unique arch support that couples medical grade compression material and shock-absorbing technology to deliver state-of-the-art foot comfort, with a patented design that significantly reduces stress on the body while promoting better balance,control and body alignment. In addition, CuraMedix will be distributing and marketing: the Strutz Arch Compression Band, a versatile basic arch support that provides firm comfort support and flexibility; Strutz Moisturizing Gel Socks, a new line of gel products and Soothing Foot Cream.

RE: Forefoot Surgery on an 84 Year Old (Joseph Borreggine, DPM)
From: Brian Kiel DPM, Joseph Borreggine, DPM

If the only complaint this patient has is about the 2nd hammertoes, why would you do all this extensive surgery? Assuming there are no obvious surgical risks, it seems that the easiest and most efficient thing to do is a 2nd toe disarticulation/amputation of the right foot and either that or a simple arthroplasty with or without K-wire or internal fusion on the left foot. All of the other procedures seem excessive. I have performed this procedure numerous times on elderly patients, and not only is it successful with a short-term healing time, but they are always happy with the results

Brian Kiel DPM, Memphis, TN, Footdok4@gmail.com

Thanks for all the input from PM News readers. I have taken what you said under advisement and have decided to probably just do a simple arthroplasty and met head resection to resolve his 2nd toe complaint.

Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL, footfixr@consolidated.net

RE: From Preceptor to Resident
From: Sina Safar, DPM

After not being able to participate in the match process due to failing Boards 2, I found myself in a situation where I needed to stay proactive in podiatry while staying positive and focused on the upcoming year to study and retake boards again. The preceptorship program allowed me to stay heavily involved in podiatry while learning how to address my issues in tackling Boards 2. My experience from being a preceptor will only help me become a better resident as well as a future practicing podiatrist. The program is and should be available to all unmatched students who need to remained focused and determined to achieve their ultimate goal: Matching.

The preceptorship program is an added bonus as it becomes an invaluable lifetime experience that can be passed down to others in the future. I have truly learned everything that a practice requires to become efficient and successful. Many physicians would ultimately love to be in practice, and the preceptorship program gives you the opportunity to get a glimpse of what is to come if you put your blood, sweat, and tears into your future. I have learned so much as a preceptor, but the most important thing I did was to remain positive, driven, motivated, and focused to pass my boards and match. If I did it, I know others can to.

Sina Safar, DPM, Howell, NJ, sinasafar@gmail.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM

One of the excuses for the APMA's and the schools' failure to follow up on the education of the students they extracted money from was,"the opening of Western U." Why are we opening more schools? How silly. Foot doctors keep opening schools, taking tuition, and leaving the "graduates" with a $5 piece of paper for their 4 years and $100,000 tuition.
 
We need more DPM schools like we need lasers for toenails. So many podiatrists have been under-trained. I believe the majority of DPMs have less than two years of residency training. All these new schools do is make money, guarantee dues for the APMA and some boards, and take some foot doctors out of the real world of nails and arch supports and place them in an ivory tower of pretend intellectualism. Our podiatric politicians are our problem, not the MDs! 

Robert Bijak, DPM Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol.com

As a concerned and long-time practicing podiatrist, remembering what it was like to graduate in 1988, and to not get a podiatric residency, I am still wondering why there still is an ever-increasing shortage of podiatric residencies? This year, as reported in PM News, there will be 104 graduating DPMs who will not get a podiatric residency. This seems rather unfortunate since the APMA Vision 2015 has required that all podiatric graduates receive a three-year surgical residency.

And I do believe that Western University in Pomona, CA established a new podiatry school about 4 years ago based on the promise that a certain number of new residency slots would be created. It is my understanding that this promise may not have come to fruition and...

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

RE: Drug-Seeking Patients (Bruce Lebowitz, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

Kudos to Dr. Lebowitz, for bringing up a serious and timely topic. Addiction to prescription pain medications is a serious problem that is drawing attention in the media and falling on the ears of drug enforcement agencies. Physicians are indeed responsible for causing countless patients to become addicted to narcotic analgesics. There is even an inpatient facility for these victims that is advertising its services on television, underscoring the widespread nature of this problem. State agencies have started to investigate doctors. I spent a great deal of time researching papers for a hematologist I know, who spent a year in court and 50K in legal fees defending his license for prescribing a narcotic analgesic for a patient with chronic pain caused by sickle cell anemia.

The way we address the problem in our office is to limit the prescription of narcotic analgesics to certain post-operative patients and never prescribe addicting drugs for patients with chronic foot pain. Patients do come in from time to time requesting these drugs. Many are doctor shopping hoping to get a "fix" at our expense. For those who have legitimate  medical problems requiring these drugs, I send them to pain management specialists who are better equipped medically and legally at addressing their situations.

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Drug-Seeking Patients (Bruce Lebowitz, DPM)
From: Peter Smith, DPM, Brian Kashan, DPM

If I think that a patient has legit pain, I give them a pain killer.  What is wrong with that? We are supposed to be here to help! Once I think that pain is improved, I stop. If I don’t think the pain is legit, I say "no" right from the beginning. It is really not that complicated. I have probably been duped once or twice in my 20+ years, but I’ll get over it!
 
Peter Smith, DPM, Stony Brook, NY, Ps84@bc.edu

I have a policy for patients who ask for pain meds for conditions that I don’t feel warrant it. I just tell them I do not treat this condition with pain meds. I explain to them that pain is a sign from your body that something is wrong. Masking those signs can be dangerous, encourage more activity, and result in more severe pain when the meds wear off. This adds to increased use of drugs and not resolution of the cause of the pain. My pain med regimen basically is for surgical patients in the first week, and post-traumatic injury patients.
 
Patients learn very quickly which doctors in a community prescribe or over-prescribe narcotics, who are easy targets, and who won’t give them at all. Stick to your guns and don’t say, “I’ll give you a few now but not any more,” as you will be giving more again and again.
 
Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD, drbkas@att.net

RE: The Passing of Jack Morris, DPM

I was saddened today to read of our loss of Jack Morris, DPM. “Captain Jack” as he was known in those days at CCPM was a fountain of knowledge. I will always remember Captain Jack as one of the professors who stressed the practical application of biomechanical principles in surgery. He had a way of explaining application of principles that was just ---practical. Condolences to his family. May you find comfort in the many people the Captain helped over the years and who are proud to have known him. I consider myself blessed to be in that group.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

During my biomechanics fellowship at CCPM, from 1984-1985, a new faculty member of the Biomechanics Department was introduced to me, Dr. Jack Morris. Jack had been in private practice for 15 years before coming back to be a biomechanics professor at CCPM along with Drs. Chris Smith, Ron Valmassy, Paul Scherer, and Lester Jones.  The CCPM Biomechanics Department was never the same after Jack showed up at our doorstep.
 
During the year, I worked daily with Jack at CCPM, I can honestly say that I have never met anyone that had a better grasp at the biomechanical and surgical treatment of foot and lower extremity pathologies than he did. Jack was just one of those rare individuals who had an uncanny gift for critically analyzing a patient's problem and devising a workable conservative and/or surgical solution to heal it. The story about Jack's treatment with a ball-peen hammer to the plantar heel for plantar heel spurs is true. I was the one who first convinced Jack, after considerable prodding, to show me this technique on a patient at CCPM for her plantar heel pain in 1984. The patient's heel pain improved dramatically after Jack's ball-peen hammer treatment...and this was over a decade before extra-corporal shock wave therapy became a treatment for plantar heel pain.
 
The intellect, clinical skills and humorous personality of Dr. Jack Morris greatly influenced the professional development of numerous podiatry students and podiatrists, including myself. We will miss you, Jack.
 
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, Sacramento, CA

RE: Strangest Orthotics Ever (Hartley Miltchin, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

"She states that the metal screw assembly hurts her arch."

Tell the patient to turn them over.
 
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL

Editor's note: To see the photo of the orthotic, click the underlined subject heading. 

PODIATRY OFFICE FOR LEASE (PART-TIME) - MANHASSET, NY

Podiatry office available for part-time sub-lease in Manhasset, Long Island. Available Tues, Thurs, Sat. Adjacent to L.I.E. and North Shore Hospital. Contact Holfoot153@aol.com for appointment.

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 footcare@comcast.net

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

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - SCHOLL COLLEGE

The Dr. William M. Scholl College Podiatric Medicine is seeking up to three full-time academic podiatrists to train and lead the next generation of podiatrists in an interprofessional, multicultural learning environment. Applicants must be board qualified with preference for board certification in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with scholarly credentials. Contact Robert Joseph DPM, PhD at Robert.joseph@rosalindfranklin.edu or (937) 479-1793. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Health Science is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The administration, faculty and staff embrace diversity and are committed to attracting qualified candidates from historically underrepresented groups.

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 - LOS ANGELES, CA

Practice is in Boyle Heights area since 1998. 70%MM the rest consist of Cash/PPO/HMOs. Last 4 years grossed between 200-350k in a down economy. Constant referrals from PCPs in the area. Includes Padnet, and all podiatry equipments. Asking 130k. Please email me only footdoc525@yahoo.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 - NORTH CENTRAL NJ

Well established busy solo physician seeking a well trained podiatrist (PMS 36) to join our growing practice. Bilingual English Spanish a big +. Competitive salary/benefits package. Send CV to email: njpod2013-1@yahoo.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rearfoot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual. Send CV to dpmkthomas@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 - SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA

Full time, PSR 24-36 month trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Philadelphia group practice. Multidimensional, multi-office group treating a wide range of patients including forefoot, rearfoot & ankle surgery, diabetic wound care, sports medicine, and workrelated injuries. Office & diagnostic equipment state-of-the-art. Full benefit package included with bonus incentive. Position available starting July, 2013 excellent opportunity leading to partnership. Please email to: bailliemw@gmail

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 - VICTORIA, B.C. CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

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 - N.E. INDIANAPOLIS (FISHERS/ANDERSON)

Full or Part-time associates to join board-certified podiatrist in diverse, modern podiatry practice in hospital and office settings. EHR, digital x-rays, PADnet, Cutera Genesis Plus laser, Pinpointe Laser, ESWT, mini-C-arm, all aspects of DME, and hospital affiliations with three networks. Limited wound care. No nursing homes. Current Indiana podiatrists welcome. Tremendous potential for individual(s). Send C.V. with salary and benefit expectations: john.lloyd@lloydpodiatry.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 - CENTRAL FLORIDA

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS

Seeking an outstanding, highly motivated candidate with top-notch personal, clinical and surgical skills and training to join established & highly esteemed diverse practice. Full privileges available for entire podiatric spectrum of practice. Great opportunity with long term career potential. Respond with Resume, Photo, C.V. and references to footandankle22@aol.com.

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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