The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,800 Podiatrists Daily

March 24, 2008 #3,201 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Foot/Ankle Problems Can Result From Ill-Fitting Shoes: IL Podiatrist

Dr. Lisa Schoene, a podiatrist and certified athletic trainer in Gurnee and Chicago, sees a lot of runner patients with foot and ankle problems, some caused or aggravated by ill-fitting running shoes. Some of the most common are minor injuries to toe nails and heels, such as bruising under a toe nail and blisters.

Dr. Lisa Schoene

Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes through the arch, is another common runner injury, Schoene said. Runners with the condition often feel pain at the base of the heel. "It can be a big problem. It's a condition we see quite often," she said.

Another injury that can occur or that may be exacerbated if the shoes aren't right is shin splints, inflammation of muscle attachment to the shin bone, or tibia. That's why buying the right shoe is "absolutely very imperative," said Schoene.

Source: J.T. Morand, Algonquin Countryside (IL) [3/20/08]

PA Podiatrist Named as PCA Board Chairman

Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M., has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging (PCA) a non-profit agency established in 1973 to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians. Helfand is Professor Emeritus at Temple University, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the Temple University School of Medicine, and consultant to Temple University’s Institute on Aging.

Dr. Arthur E. Helfand

Helfand formerly served as professor and chair at the Department of Community Health, Aging, and Health Policy at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. He is a former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association and a former chair of the Pennsylvania Diabetes Academy.

Source: PCA Update [Winter 2008]

CA Sports Podiatrist Knows How to Reach His Target Market

Like successful theatrical presentations, effective advertising entails good timing and knowing your audience, in addition to having a good product. To attract athletes to his practice, John Pagliano, a podiatrist in Long Beach, CA, sponsors 5-and 10-kilometer races, so that his practice is advertised via each event's T-shirts and programs. He also holds running clinics after the races, in which participants discuss their running-related problems.

Dr. John Pagliano

The local press has taken notice: In August 2007, the Daily Breeze ran an article about Pagliano in which he was referred to as "Doctor Distance."

Source: Gail Garfinkel Weiss, Cosmetic Surgery Times [3/7/08]

Query: Outside Payroll Services

What's been your experience with outside payroll services? Are you pleased? How about your employees? Do you have one firm in particular, you'd recommend?

Bob Levoy, Greak Neck, NY

RE: Pending ACFAS Vote on APMA Membership Requirement
From: Irvin Kanat, DPM

Isn’t it interesting how quickly we forget our past? Isn’t it interesting that opinions are so easily crafted out of present circumstances, without regard to the sum of information that could result in better, clearer, more supportable and beneficial results for everyone? Why do racehorses wear blinders?

Currently our profession is faced, once again, with obvious short-sightedness and provincial thinking. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), born out of the long APMA history of accomplishment, progress, and support, proposes to no longer abide by the APMA By-laws regarding membership, and basically, to go-it-alone, to prove its self anointed superiority, to finally come forth and openly declare itself “holier than thou” and to support the concept that they are considered to be the “haves” and their non-members are the “have-nots.” How ludicrous!

Podiatry currently faces obstacles and concerns on a number of issues of tremendous importance to the profession. Not only to those who are Board Certified in the profession, not only to the Affiliated members of the profession, not only to our educational institutions and programs, not only to our student body, but instead to the very integrity of podiatry as a learned profession, and a small one at that. And we waste precious time and energy on nothing more than internal squabbling, political positioning, inflated egos and hurt feelings. How sad!

It reminds me about a recent article about a child that sued its parents for divorce. Even if such a split were declared legal, it cannot, by any yardstick be other than laughable. However, APMA is not dealing with a divorce. It’s more like disciplining a wayward child, who needs to grow up, and understand that one's family is primary, and that the connection between us can never really be broken, that such efforts will only result in hurt, and pain, and crumbling from within, and a diminution of the respect we hold for one another, and a reduction in the progress that can only be accomplished in a “House not divided.”

George Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This is indeed not the first time that our organization has spent its time and money and efforts to stave off internal self-aggrandizing. It probably will not be the last, either. But in each and every instance, thoughtful, concerned, intelligent participants working together toward our common benefit always wins, as it will now.

The “blinders” are used so that the racehorse will only focus on what is directly in front, without regard to all the important events that affect the total life of the horse. So that the single purpose for those few moments may be realized - to win - and then, oh so quickly, to be forgotten by everyone. Each of us must voice objection to any desire by ACFAS to continue with their misguided efforts to force their disaffiliation on APMA.

Irvin Kanat, DPM, West Bloomfield, MI, ikanat@maxai.com

RE: Comment Period Deadline on Accreditation Standards Ends 3/25/08
From : Stephen J Bennett, DPM, Paul Kesselman, DPM

This accreditation for DME is ridiculous. As a practicing podiatrist, my goal is patient care, and as a whole that is what I provide. Why should this small area of my practice be singled out for accreditation. Next I will need to be accredited in billing, to weed out fraud, and then accreditation in x-ray technology, then accreditation in needle safety, then accreditation in vascular studies, then accreditation of my office for surgical procedures and accreditation for non-surgical procedures, and accreditation for child safety, and accreditation of senior sensitivity... Who among us would be able to comply with that? Who could afford all that? To me, if this is where medicine is heading to control costs(insurance payout) and patient safety, the small practice is going to be a thing of the past. Either your practice will be very narrowly focused or all practices will become clinic-like.

Stephen J Bennett, DPM, NYC,NY, drsteve5@verizon.net

Editor’s note: Dr. Kesselman’s extended-length note in which he details how to comment on this issue appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=18583&start=1

RE: Bunion Surgery Has Less Than 1% Complication Rate: PA Podiatrist
From: Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH

Like anything in life there are variable outcomes based on many factors. I do not find it surprising that someone, a few surgeons, could claim that as there complication rate. Some Drs. have great hands. This is a God-given gift and is not something that can be learned.

So the bottom line is that like everything else, there will be some at the very top and some at the bottom concerning success rates, and if this is Dr. Mendicino’s personal level, let him say so. It is , in my opinion, possible

Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA, ifabs@earthlink.net

Just a comment on Dr. Mendicino's report on his success rates in bunion surgery. I concur that for all the reconstructive surgery I perform, the hallux valgus procedures are the most reliable and reproducible. My results mirror Dr. Mendicino; +90%.

Donald Jay Arenson, DPM, Elmhurst, IL, darenson@pol.net

RE: Sexual Harassment of Employee (Robert Lagman, DPM)
From: Joel Lang, DPM , Maurice W. Aiken, DPM

I had a similar incident in my office. In my case, I also did not observe the incident and was only told about it later. The doctor's position in a case like this is not a conflict of loyalties - the patient or his employee. The response has to be on the side of "right."

I confronted my male patient on his arrival at his next visit and took him in my private office. I told him politely but firmly that his behavior was unacceptable and my employee was due an apology. I told him that I had many patients and patients were easy to get - but it was hard to get good employees and I only had a few. If he forced me to make a choice, my choice would be obvious. He apologized and was never a problem again; although he did not remain a patient long after that incident.

Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD, langfinancial@verizon.net

The patient-physician relationship is always a complex one. Once established, there are legal ramifications of not terminating properly. A certified letter stating the facts of the problem and giving a clear date of when you will no longer be treating him is needed. The letter also should state that up until that date, you will treat him for emergency problems only. You are under no obligation to give names of other doctors or suggest a referral for continued treatment. You should check with your malpractice carrier on how they would like you to terminate the relationship so as to minimize risk of suit.

Additionally, the next time you apply a cast to treat the fracture of the 2nd metatarsal and toe on this particular patient, extend the cast up to the patient's upper thigh and tightly wrap his testicles in plaster.

Maurice W. Aiken, DPM, Baltimore, MD, mwaiken@comcast.net

RE: Scope of Practice and APMA Membership (Bob Kornfeld, DPM)
From: Bruce N. Block, DPM, Michael A. Conway, DPM

I was very impressed by the way Dr. Kornfeld had responded to Dr. Conway. Having been a member of APMA and the NYSPMA for more than 30 years, I have seen every excuse in the book for being a non-member. APMA or NYSPMA represent not just its dues-paying members. Both organizations reach out to non-members. In my experience, I have found that once a members drops out, they realizes how much money they are saving, and yes they do receive benefits on the backs of dues-paying members. They receive benefits that they don't even know about, whether it being insurance company negotiations on the part of all podiatrists, to the shaping of state scope laws. As a result, they come up with further excuses as to why they were wronged to avoid active membership. I have many certificates on my office wall, board certifications, residency certificate etc., but the one I value the most I received in 2000 from the APMA which reads 25 years of continuous membership.

Bruce N. Block, DPM, Kew Gardens, NY, footfxr@pol.net

I don't have an "axe to grind" but a point to make. I too received many e-mails, mostly positive, some negative. My point is, that those of us carrying the water are getting tired of complaints from those that drink it. We have a small profession. We have an enormous task ahead. The more of us that make ourselves available to help, the quicker the job gets done. (Many hands......)

Our associations are not perfect, but you need to get involved to make them better, for all of us. Welcome aboard! Grab a bucket! For those of you who prefer to still have your water delivered, please don't dump it out when podiatrists like Dr. Kornfeld bring it to you.

Michael A. Conway, DPM, Massapequa, NY, mikeswae@optonline.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Surgical Group, one of the largest multi-specialty surgical group practices in New England, is seeking a Podiatrist to add to our three-physician Podiatry division based in Hartford. Provide all aspects of Podiatric care with a focus on wound and surgical care to a well-established patient base. PSR-36 training and board certification or eligibility and excellent surgical and wound care skills required. We offer competitive salary and productivity bonus, partnership opportunities, excellent benefits, and reasonable overhead. Apply online at https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=21426 or via our website or fax your CV to 860-524-2653. No phone calls. EOE

ASSOCIATE POSITION NYC AND STATEN ISLAND

Associate needed for NYC and Staten Island. Spanish speaking a plus. Must have 2 years training . Growing practice with possibility of partnership. Please Send CV to Staff@nynjfoot.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY

Excellent opportunity for foot/ankle surgeon, Manhattan and Brooklyn Associate position leading to possible partnership. Requirements: Two years enrollment in a surgical residency program Qualities of self-motivation and impeccable skills in forefoot and rear-foot surgery. Package Includes: Malpractice insurance, Health Insurance plus salary, Incentives. Terms negotiable Email CV to Manfootcare@aol.com 212-349-7676

PART TIME PRACTICE W/ PROPERTY FOR SALE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ

Very busy 3 days/week. All modern equipment including digital x-ray and recently remodeled office suite. Office over 1300sf with 3 treatment rooms, large consultation room and second private office suite with full bathroom. Located in a professional building with plenty of parking on a main road. Bus stop in front. 2 blocks off Garden State Parkway. Please contact doccapo@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA PANHANDLE

We are looking for a hardworking, ethical physician to join our busy practice. We are well-established and looking to expand. Must be a PS24+ with interest in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Partnership available. Fax resume to (850) 478-5227, call (850) 477-9015 or email PenFootAnk@aol.com

CASE CONSULTING PRACTICE FOR SALE - LAWRENCE, KANSAS

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- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - LAWRENCE, KANSAS

Great place to live and raise a family (college town). 250+ K yearly gross with good potential for growth. Good mix of general podiatry, sports medicine, and surgery. Hospital privileges available. 4 treatment/procedure rooms and well-equipped. Fully computerized. Partnership in a 4-office medical building. Partnership is for sale. Inquires to foothlr@sunflower.com 785-842-4225.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER MILWAUKEE, WI

Great opportunity: our busy multi-physician, podiatric group practice, with multiple locations, strong hospital affiliations and faculty positions with PM&S-36 residency program, is seeking a full-time RRA BQ/BC, PM&S-36 surgically trained doctor. Applicant should be well trained in all aspects of surgical and conservative care. Candidate should be ethical, hard working and outgoing physician to join our practice. Commensurate pay with incentives and benefit package. Definitive plan leading to partnership tract. Contact: Daniel Hellman, M.D. @ 414.831.0512 or by e.mail @ hellmandr@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE -ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK

Busy, part-time, twenty-two year old practice for sale. Easily expandable to full time. Grossing over $225,000 on three days a week. Great potential for growth. Price negotiable for immediate sale. Please reply to ASB310924@aol.com

Podiatry chairs, X-Cel x-ray machine, extremely reasonable prices. E-mail reversoman@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – GULF COAST TEXAS

If you enjoy palm trees, beaches and outdoor sports then why not live and work on the sunny coast of Texas . 17-year established practice grossing approximately 500K, with a 4 day work week. Located across from major trauma center and in the most heavily populated part of town. Large diabetic population. Office can support 2 podiatrists easily. Serious inquiries only. oda512a@aol.com

EXPANDING IN SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA

Seeking an associate for a well-established, busy, multiple-office practice. All aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Must have completed a 24-36 month residency and at least board eligible in forefoot surgery, preferably in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Competitive salary with excellent benefit package. If interested, please fax CV to 941-639-0026 or e-mail it to Awilliam33@aol.com

PART OR FULL TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK, NY

Busy, thriving Manhattan Podiatry offices looking to hire part or
full-time in-network Podiatrist for growing private practice. Please, only in-network doctors apply. Send resume and list of in-network plans that you participate in to: Rachel@FootCareofNewYork.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City . Currently four (4)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

TEXAS - SEEKING ASSOCIATE TO FULL PARTNER

Busy multi-physician podiatric group with 2 locations seeking BQ/BC surgically trained doctor. Applicant should be well-trained in all aspects of surgical and conservative care. Seeking ethical, hard working and outgoing physician to join our 4-physician group. Excellent quality of life in suburban Houston, near NASA and the Gulf of Mexico. Email CV and cover letter to Dr. M. Rockett at Mrockettman@comcast.net

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE WANTED - CHATTANOOGA,TN

Well established, well-respected surgical/medical practice seeking full time associate. Send CV/ inquiries to: chattfootdoc@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FT. MYERS/CAPE CORAL FL

Great opportunity for BE/BC established DPM or podiatric surgical resident with strong surgical skills. Well-established podiatric practice offering high surgical volume, advanced wound care, PT, vascular diagnostics and large diabetic population. Exceptional pay with incentives for high performers. Generous benefit package. Relaxed lifestyle, golfing, boating, fishing, close to beautiful SW FL beaches. Please send CV with references to janekelly331@msn.com

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