The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,800 Podiatrists Daily

April 03, 2008 #3,210 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist Honored for Saving Patient

Thanks to quick footwork, a 47-year old Parsippany, NJ woman was able to personally thank her podiatrist for saving her life. Lisa Zigarelli went to the office of Dr. Emilio Puzo to have her bunion examined, but the last thing she remembers is sitting in the waiting room.

Dr. Emilio Puzo

Before her appointment could be called, the pre-school teacher’s assistant, with no history of heart trouble was on the floor in cardiac arrest. Within seconds Puzo was kneeling beside her, performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. “It was just instinct,” he said. I checked and she wasn’t breathing. The staff called 911 and I just did what I had to do.”

For his actions, Puzo was honored at town hall where Mayor Michael Luther presented him with a plaque as Zigarelli, family members and friends looked on. “It’s humbling,” said Puzo. “What do you say? If it is my turn, I hope somebody will be there.”

Source: For Members Only (NJPMS) via the Parsippany News

Muslim Student Group in Podiatric Medicine Formed at Scholl

A group of podiatric medical students at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) have formed a Muslim student group in podiatric medicine. After receiving its final approval from the Executive Student Council, Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association (AMMSA) is a registered student group at RFUMS campus. The group is open to all students at RFUMS regardless of their program of study, race, color, gender, nationality or religion.

Tahir Khan, President of AMMSA, presenting a copy of the Holy Quran to Dr. Terence Albright.

The purpose of AMMSA is to further the peaceful message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat, through activities and events based on our motto “Love for All, Hatred for none

STS Makes Donation to Scholl College

The STS Company of Mill Valley, CA , has announced a donation of casting socks and other products to the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine for the clinical use by their pedorthic and podiatry students for a one-year period.

From Left: Nancy Parsley, DPM, Richard Stess, DPM, President, STS Company, Karona Mason, DPM, Neil Horsley, DPM.

“It is our great pleasure to make STS products available to the students of the Dr. Wm. Scholl College.” says Dr. Peter Graf, CEO of the STS Company. By providing casting socks to the students we can be enhance their training experience by assuring that they are exposed to the most current products and application techniques available.

The donation is renewable for five consecutive years and is the second major donation the STS has finalized in its pledge to support colleges of podiatric medicine. Richard Stess, DPM, who conducted a faculty workshop at the Midwest meeting in Chicago, states that “the STS Company hopes to assist in the overall biomechanical training of podiatry students by providing its casting products for their student skills workshops and clinical uses.” The founders of the STS Company, Drs. Peter Graf and Richard Stess, are both CCPM graduates.

Query: Custom Shoes and Soccer Cleats for 5 Y.O.
From Pat Evoy, DPM

I have a 5 y.o. patient who had an accessory and webbed 6th digit removed about 2 years ago. The result is a somewhat enlarged 5th digit (and wide toe area in general) that prevents him from wearing certain shoes, especially soccer cleats. The digit is functioning well and I do not think further surgical intervention is worthwhile; at least not at this age. Any advice or resources for custom pediatric soccer cleats and/or shoes would be helpful?

Pat Evoy, DPM, Bend, OR

RE: Testimony of Ivar Roth, DPM
From: Multiple Respondents

Correction added 9/11/2009: Click here for correction

Dr. Roth has been able to take the term "expert witness" to a new low. His testimony fits in very well with April 1st. Only a fool would embrace the hazards of internal exams as suggested by Dr. Roth for a sprained ankle. Many a career has been ended by such shortsightedness. It appears to be the typical Mr. McGoo defense postured by those that completely shame our profession. I have many MD/DO colleagues in my community and I can unquestionably state that as specialists in orthopedics, dermatology, plastic surgery and cardiology they last performed a vaginal/anal exam on a patient in their residency in the appropriate rotation. I also know a good many podiatrists that are inadequate in evaluating an ankle sprain or forefoot trauma.

Who among the podiatrists reading this response has had a prostate or vaginal exam by their own podiatrist colleague and felt secure in early detection of any form of cancer? Who would take their mother in for a sprained ankle and explain what a thorough podiatrist Dr. X is, and what she could expect to endure from this moron? And while I am discoursing on some of the more lecherous behavior in our profession and the inexcusable defense of it, did the defendant have the coding and documentation to Medicare correct? Hmmm..with any luck maybe federal charges are in waiting.

Our profession does not need to condone or defend such onerous, disgusting behavior. They are many, many honorable battles and goals to be achieved without dragging ourselves down with the insufferable wrongdoing of those that choose to abuse the innocent.

Donald W. Orminski, DPM, Yakima, WA, orminski18@charter.net

After recent events regarding scope of practice issues centering on the ankle as the controversial anatomical landmark for the DPM's limited license, and our struggle just to resolve that, I am sickened by Dr. Ivar Roth's assertion that any podiatrist who feels up to it should be able to include vaginal and rectal exams in their scope of practice. If the article has been cited correctly, APMA and the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association must immediately contact the judge in the case to express their outrage over such testimony. My letter will be mailed as soon as I can locate the judge's address.

Any DPM who does not realize the damage to us from such public testimony needs a serious reality check. This feature in today's PM News had me actually thinking that it was an April Fool's type of thing, but it sadly is not.

Why doctor Roth would hold himself out to the community as capable and within his medical scope to perform such exams and evaluate its findings is one question. If I were a California DPM, I would petition the state board to absolutely censure him.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, bryan.markinson@mountsinai.org

It comes down to "relevance, and medical necessity." I'm sorry, but after 30 years in practice, and as a consultant to multiple carriers and the OIG, I cannot think of ANY presentation that would make such evaluations relevant, or medically necessary for ANY presentation we might (ever) evaluate. In my own opinion, this provider is totally out of scope.

I have struggled for my professional lifetime to demonstrate and prove myself as a peer to my allopathic colleagues. The allegation of such acts as these, and the seeming attempt at support of such practices, is beyond credibility, and beyond belief.

As a past expert witness for the OIG, I can work through and rationalize a lot. For the life of me, I cannot conceive of ANY way of rationalizing or legitimizing these practices. If the OIG needs or wants my services in this matter, they have my contact information.

Rick Horsman, DPM, Olympia, WA, rehorsman@comcast.net

Great Toe Fracture (Rick Burnell, DPM)

I advise being conservative: immobilize in BK walker or post-op shoe until solid callus formation occurs. If painless, then you and the patient are OK. If not, then you could saucerize any painful spurring, if any.

Jim Fischer, DPM, Crescent City, CA, jimf@humboldt1.com

RE: Chronic Sub 2nd Met Head Ulcer (Judd Davis, DPM)
From: Scott Hughes, DPM

Try a 2nd met head condylectomy. This is much more likely to ‘balance’ the parabola than resecting the met head - which is almost sure to result in a transfer lesion.

Scott Hughes, DPM, Monroe , MI, dr.hughes@comcast.net

RE: DMEPOS Accreditation
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

Editor’s note: This extended-length letter appears at:
http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=18784&start=1

RE: Bilateral Injection Coding
From: Carol Cribbs, HRS

No disrespect meant towards Dr. Poggio; however, if you re-bill, no matter the modifiers, you're liable to get a notice of "duplication"---this service has already been processed---so frustrating. If you take the time to write a compelling appeal letter, or even just a letter requesting review and provide progress notes, you're likely to get a more favorable response. Just my two cents and experience with UHC.

Carol Cribbs, HRS, Visalia, CA, h_r_advocate@hotmail.com

RE: ACFAS / APMA Membership Vote (Irvin Kanat, DPM)
From: Gerald Travers, DPM, Art Gudeon, DPM

I have carefully read all of the discussion on this topic in this wonderful forum and must respond. I have participated as a state delegate to APMA for 10+ years, have served ACFAS on multiple committees and been a state president for 8 years of my 36 years in practice. Most of the responses and opinions I have read seem superficial to the real problem. APMA, by definition has to be responsive to ALL podiatrists, surgical and non-surgical and therefore, politically cannot serve the growing majority of the surgical component of its membership. Therefore ACFAS has had to take that lead, and has done so efficiently. Suggestions from my various committees on ACFAS to APMA have been met consistently with an attitude of indifference and superiority from APMA with resultant inactivity and results! Our suggestions were ignored, resulting in duplicity of expense and effort. Extremely frustrating!

The ACFAS resolution brings this deficiency of APMA to the forefront. If the cooperation and communication from APMA was as it should be, ideally, ACFAS could act as the surgical, educational affiliate it was designed to be and allow the APMA be the political arm of podiatry, as it should be. Perhaps the ultimate solution is a unified practice act and/or an M.D. degree. However, the status of podiatry is up to the leaders in our profession. If there is a common goal, there will be a solution. Bickering over which organization is the best, or more powerful is nothing more than divisive. It leaves the individual practitioner without leadership. In my humble opinion, Thank you ACFAS for having the fortitude to stand up and start the process toward solution!

Gerald Travers, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO, grtravers@gmail.com

Concerning the ACFAS mailing's bullets below, I've added my own opinions under each as to why I believe we should remain a mandated dual membership.

* Gives you flexibility and choice as your professional needs change.

Our professional need for a strong unified APMA should NOT be something that needs changing. The APMA is the organization that has given us everything we enjoy in our profession as it is now, and is constantly trying to make the improvements where needed State by State. Without strength in numbers and finances, we won't be able to accomplish necessary changes.

* Prevents ACFAS from having to drop loyal members...

Conversely, if we allow the "split," the affiliation with APMA would have to be dropped, and I believe with it much credibility for the ACFAS. There are many bogus surgical, and other, groups out there that are not endorsed by the APMA (nor recognized by ACFAS or ABPS) and not being unified with APMA could put us in the same level of credibility as the bogus organizations in the minds of those medical and other groups, just by NOT being an official APMA affiliate.

* Brings our requirements in line with the allopathic, osteopathic, and dental professions.

Those other professions have HUGE numbers of members as compared to our relatively small profession, and can get away with some of their professionals not joining their organizations. We're too small a profession for that, and require a nearly full APMA membership to have the strength in numbers for accomplishing our needs.

One thing I don't agree with the APMA about is the fact that they have not allowed an ACFAS seat at the APMA House of Delegates. I believe it's something that should be addressed again after this current situation is over....but the ACFAS should fight for that within the APMA organization.

Art Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY, afootdoc@ix.netcom.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. 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 -- www.homephysicians.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

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- OSTEOPOWER2 SAW, ETC.

I have a Osteomed saw with many accessories! This is in Immaculate condition asking $15,000 or best offer. Medical office notepads x2 with docking station and keyboard. 3 docking stations and keyboards for other rooms, $1500.00 each. $75.00 each for the the docking stations. OBO email Harbor_Foot_and_Ankle_clinic@msn.com Call 360-533-7388

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST INDIANA

Full-time podiatrist wanted for Northwest Indiana (4 offices) 30-40 minutes away from downtown Chicago. Busy hospital and office based practice. Must have 3 year surgical residency. For more information please email footdocml@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA: PRIME LAKES AREA

Great place to live and raise a family. $400+K yearly gross with continued growth and potential. Good mix of general podiatry & surgery. Hospital privileges available. Fully computerized, electronic notes, with capability to go completely paperless. Recently remodeled office, 5 tx/procedure rooms, well-equipped in owner-occupied building (for sale or lease). 260 402-7490

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Multi-office practice located in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Lokking for a well-trained PSR 24-36 individual. Must be personable and ethical. Excellent opportunity to join a well-established diverse practice. Please fax resume to (732) 255-9364.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHANDLER/GILBERT/PHOENIX, AZ

Multi-location office and soon to start a wound care office in a local hospital. Seeking a well-trained graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency. This is a practice with a nice mix of 35% surgery/trauma, 20% diabetic/wounds, 25% biomechanics, 20% pediatric. ER Call for 2 hospitals. Opportunity for partnership at 2 surgery centers. Very modern office with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, Vascular Testing /Nerve Testing Machines and our own ESWT. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained certified staff. Board eligible/certified a plus. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to main@footanklespecialtycenters.com

SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 - BALTIMORE, MD (MERCY MC)

Position for a highly motivated individual with completed non-surgical residency or one desiring additional surgical training in well-established Podiatric Residency Program. Busy metropolitan hospital with high surgical numbers and inpatient care. Resident is integral member of multidisciplinary team. Begins mid June 2008. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.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.

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 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Well-established, busy, diversified, multioffice/multidoctor practice seeking associate with opportunity for partnership. Must be highly motivated and ethical with strong interpersonal and patient skills. Excellent opportunity for PSR 24 or higher trained individual to complement a full-scope podiatric medical and surgical practice. Competitive salary and benefits package. Please send CV and references to saglag2@aol.com or fax to (703) 368-5103.

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 - 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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - AUSTIN TEXAS

Live and work in the best place in Texas. 14-year established practice which includes beautifully finished office condo. Own a practice AND real estate. Nicest office in town. Located between 2 major hospitals and in the most heavily populated part of town. Major employers including Dell and IBM. Office can support 2 podiatrists easily. Serious inquiries only. mrobsondpm@aol.com 512 585 0242

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85

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