The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 04, 2013 #4,733 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Determining Cause of Foot Pain Often Requires a Podiatrist: NYSPMA

The New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), which represents more than 1,200 foot specialists across the Empire State, is educating consumers during April, Foot Health Awareness Month, that foot pain is NOT normal. And just as you would treat a nagging toothache by going to the dentist or visiting a dermatologist for a persistent skin condition, foot pain should be addressed by a doctor of podiatric medicine.

Dr. Gary Stones

“Determining the cause of pain is not always easy, but treatment is vital,” said Gary Stones, DPM, President of the NYSPMA. “Treating and preventing common heel ailments will ultimately keep you healthier and pain-free,” he added.

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.

Quick Poll
How satisfied are you with your career in podiatry?
Click HERE for Results

APMWA Announces 27th Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 27th Annual Student Writing Competition.

All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include practice management, ethics, law, education, 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), 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 4/15/13 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com

Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

Magazine Recognizes CT Podiatrists as "Top Docs"

Connecticut Magazine sent more than 5,000 questionnaires to Connecticut doctors, asking them to recommend a doctor (other than themselves) to whom they would send a loved one for expert medical care. The top vote-getters in the podiatry category were: Drs. James DeJesus, Michael Fein, David Mader, John McHugh, Andrew Rice, and Abraham Yale. 

(L-R) Drs. James DeJesus & David Mader, Michael Fein, John McHugh, Andrew Rice, and Abraham Yale

Also named were podiatrists who finished at the top of the surveys from the years 2010 to 2012 (in alphabetical order): Drs. Douglas Albreski, Marc Bernbach, Peter Blume, David Caminear, Alan Feldman, Harris Greenberger, Gary Grippo, Robert Marra, Robert Matusz, David Novicki, Ashley Shepard, and Eric Silverstein.

Source: Connecticut Magazine [April 2013]

Retired CO Podiatrist is Partner in Waiter Wallet

A Boulder man who lost his home in the 2010 blaze has partnered with the developer of Waiter Wallet. He relocated the company here and advanced efforts to bolster adoption of this organizational product within the restaurant industry. Actor and producer Jonathan Schneider recently moved to Boulder to partner with former college buddy Dr. Herb Abbott on the Waiter Wallet and launch Lucky 13 Enterprises, a venture the two classify as a “think tank” to develop other products that could be industry game-changers.

Dr. Herbert Abbott

Abbott’s involvement in Waiter Wallet came after a tumultuous time in the retired podiatrist and surgeon’s life. Barely a year after he moved into Tyler Hamilton’s former home in Sunshine Canyon, Abbott spotted “crazy smoke” billowing nearby, and within a short period of time received a reverse 911 call to evacuate because of a massive fire. "I started to think about what to do with the rest of my life,” Abbott said. After conversations with Schneider, the two moved forward on teaming up on Waiter Wallet.

Source: Alicia Wallace, CBS (Denver) [3/23/13]

E-prescribing Influences Doctors to Order Lower-Cost Drugs

A study prepared for the pharmaceutical industry determined that a reduction in drug spending might not be only about more name brands getting generic competition — it also might be about electronic prescribing systems telling physicians that cheaper alternatives are available.

More than 60% of physicians with e-prescribing systems said their programs give them access to their patients' drug formulary data. Of those doctors, 75% said they pay more attention to patient costs when they prescribe, according to Decision Resources, a healthcare consulting firm in Burlington, MA.

Source: Pamela Lewis Dolan, Amednews.com [4/1/13]

Query: Recalcitrant Heel Pain

I have a 40 year old active male patient with recalcitrant plantar heel pain, no spur. This began gradually in 2010. He has had a total of 8 cortisone injections over the three years; NSAIDs, Medrol dose packs,  custom orthotics, night splint, and an E.P.F. have failed to provide any relief. He has subsequently received from another colleague shock wave therapy (6 times), one cryoprobe, physical therapy, and 2 PRP treatments. His pain is directly beneath the heel tubercle and worsens throughout the day. He tests negative for tarsal tunnel and Baxter's nerve impingement or other neurological conditions. He is otherwise healthy and NOT overweight.  He also wears appropriate athletic shoes. He has a normal to cavus foot structure. The condition is unilateral. Any suggestions for further treatment?

Loren J Miller, DPM, St Petersburg, FL

RE: Nitroglycerin Paste vs. Topical Procardia (Wm. Barry Turner, BSN, DPM)
From: Robert K Hall, DPM

I have a colleague who has been chief of three wound centers for decades. He has been applying a NitroDur patch over the DP artery. While off-label, it appears to increase flow at the site. Whether it helps with small vessel disease, I have my doubts. Non-invasive vascular testing may be in order, especially if capillary filling time is decreased, or any coolness or cyanosis of digit(s) is elicited.
 
Robert K Hall, DPM, Ft Lauderdale, FL, robertkhalldpm@bellsouth.net

RE: Post-op Varus (Joshua Kaye, DPM)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

These feet always seem to be difficult to get right. I have adopted a simple attitude which I am sure will illicit different opinions. When in doubt—fuse it. I would also have corrected the transverse plane problem of the lesser digits in some fashion. To look at this problem as the lesser digits pushing the hallux back into varus is way too simplistic.

This is an issue that is based in biomechanics, and until you understand the biomechanics behind it, you are going to have trouble with surgical outcomes—especially long-term. This deformity is based in the mid or rear foot, if not higher. The real difficult thing is addressing this component in a 70+ year old person and keeping the morbidity as low as possible. As usual, it goes back to the risk/benefit ratio.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@MSfootcenter.net

RE: Post-op Varus (Joshua Kaye, DPM)
From: Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM

From the x-rays that Dr. Kaye has provided, I disagree that a bone graft is necessary for fusion. That implant is doomed. An arthrodesis of the first MPJ, shortening of the second metatarsal, arthrodesis of the PIPJ, and tightening the lateral MPJ capsule should provide a much more functional and cosmetic result.

Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, basewedge@yahoo.com

RE: The Passing of  Michael Krajick, DPM

Mike came to my office as a college student interested in podiatry. His family were my patients. I am shocked by his passing. I would see Mike every year at the Clinical Conference in NYC. He was a warm, caring person. I will miss him.

Larry Jacowitz DPM, Kingston, NY, President Mid Hudson Division, NYSPMA

RE:  104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Mark Caselli, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

Of all the suggestions proposed so far, Dr. Caselli's makes the most sense. While Vision 2015 was well intentioned, the recent events are a clear proof of a great flaw in its design. There is no doubt that our profession has advanced, but to just concentrate on producing foot and ankle surgeons instead of well-rounded podiatric physicians is a mistake we will regret dearly if not fixed in time. Dr. Markinson pointed out very well how we are going to miss a great opportunity if we forget about the increasing wave of diabetic patients that will be treated by other healthcare providers.

So, I second Dr. Caselli's suggestion of bringing back the full scope of podiatric residency programs that were once available since, as Dr. Gramuglia well stated, about 60% of the PSR-36 graduates will not perform the surgeries they were trained to do nor will they see those complex cases "walk-in" through their doors on a daily basis. I have personally seen many recent graduates of those programs become frustrated because of the small number of surgical cases that come through the door, yet we see at least 40% to 50% of our patients who come with diabetes, and the numbers keep growing. Take notice CPME and APMA!

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Marietta, GA, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Simon Young, DPM

As a former residency director of a PSR-24 program in NYC, I know how difficult it was to achieve the required numbers of cases for graduation. I knew that the program would truly struggle to fulfill the necessary cases for one PSR-36, much less 3 or 4. I voiced my concerns to the CPME and was quite adamantly ignored. 

APMA and CPME should've projected and anticipated the multitude of hospital closings. The extra cases required for every graduate to fulfill PSR-36 case requirements present a daunting situation. My stance on post-graduate quality of education is well documented. Emphasis continues to be on money and jobs for the people involved in student and residency training. Let it be so, but quality must never ever be compromised and, believe you me, it is compromised. APMA and CPME in their wisdom opened more schools to graduate more students in anticipation of a shortage which never transpired, a ludicrous situation. A slight shortage is good for the viability of the  profession. We can always fill a shortage of practitioners quickly.

Podiatry schools are being merged with medical schools. This is a formula for failure. The medical schools can dissolve the charter of the podiatry colleges and close the affiliated podiatry schools. We need fewer students graduating, but with a higher quality education, professionalism, courtesy, and respect. Class sizes must be adjusted to anticipated residency slots of the incoming classes on a regular basis.

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - BIOMEDIX PADNET SYSTEM
 
PADnet is clinically valuable, provides fair financial return with medically appropriate testing and seamlessly integrates with the complete suite of BioMedix® products and services. One year old. In Excellent condition. Buyer pays for shipping. Please contact Rhonda Daggs at info@footanklecenters.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - COMPLETE AMFIT ORTHOTIC FABRICATION SYSTEM

Complete Amfit Orthotic Fabrication System with Footfax SL Contact digitizer. System includes milling machine, PCs, all cords, parts, medical software, hardware and $2100 worth of insole blanks. System cost $45K New, Asking $10K. For more information visit amfit4sale.wordpress.com

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

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.

PODIATRIST SEEKING EMPLOYMENT - CHICAGOLAND AREA

Personable, well trained ABPS Board Certified podiatrist with 10 years experience seeking associate position or buy-in opportunity in the Chicagoland area.  Please email inquiries to ewcv5@hotmail.com.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SIOUX CITY, IA, TRI-STATE

Solo practice, established over 40 years. High volume, general care with surgical and orthopedic mix. Surgical privileges at 2 major hospitals. Deferred financing available. Contact: Medical Office, PO Box 4516, Sioux City, IA 51104.

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 - GEORGIA

Associate needed for a busy podiatry office in Georgia. Candidate must be self motivated and surgically trained (PMS24/36). Must be versed in forefoot surgeries. At least one year post residency experience is required. Please send CV to myromeclinic@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NY

Busy multi-specialty practice of PCPs, general surgeons, OB-GYN, podiatric surgeons looking for a full-time podiatric associate in  Upstate NY, Binghamton, Finger Lake Region. Great Benefits, opportunity for partnership. Must be highly motivated, personable and be Board qualified/eligible. Our podiatrists have over 100 years combined experience. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com or fax 607-723-1567.

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 - MARYLAND, DC, PA

A podiatrist is needed for the Baltimore, Washington, Pennsylvania area. Partner for the corporation. Surgery center, emergency room call and a hospital location. All areas of podiatry. Established practice. Salary and commission. Fax resume 410-857-4227 or email at butler@qis.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL

R U a PM&S36 or PSR24 graduate looking for a bright future in podiatry BUT cannot be afraid to work hard to achieve. Nail care to reconstructive ankle/leg trauma. Attitude & God complexes need not apply. Frames / IM nails, must be comfortable applying. Work hard for exciting future. Superstars only. Send info mny1029@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TAMPA BAY AREA

Multi-location practice seeking individual with balanced medical and surgical training. Practice is well established with growing new patient visits. Offering competitive salary and benefits along with bonuses commensurate with performance. EMR already in place with well-trained assistants. Please Send cover letter and CV to office@fitfeetflorida.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

Wanting full-time podiatrist (PSR-24 or greater) in 30+ year established practice situated in coastal community just south of Los Angeles.  Building out a new office near hospital. Compensation is performance based with practically an unlimited earning capability. A possible buy-in is negotiable. Looking for someone to take over practice in the future.  Excellent opportunity for young ambitious doctor.  Send resume to asbf@pacbell.net, titled, "Podiatrist".

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 - HAMPTON ROADS VIRGINIA

Needs to be highly motivated, INDEPENDENT and surgically-trained to join a successful 40+ year practice surrounded with water sports, beaches and hiking. PSR24/36 ; well versed in forefoot and rearfoot surgery, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and diagnostic ultrasound. Please email CV & cover letter to feetloveus@gmail.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 - 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

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.

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

PRECEPTOR POSITIONS - PHILADELPHIA

(3) Preceptor Positions available in Philadelphia and possibly (1) or (2) more in NY/NJ. Practice is diverse with a strong offering in podiatric rehabilitation, sports medicine and pain management. Two preceptors successfully completed this past year and gained tremendous hands-on experience. Please send resume to: ediamond7@comcast.net. To learn  more: www.philadelphiapodiatrist.com. 

PRECEPTOR POSITION – TAMPA BAY AREA

Multi-location practice offering paid preceptorship. You will learn great patient care techniques along with nuisances that go into running a successful practice. We had a positive experience with a preceptor this past year and want to repeat this. If interested please send CV to office@fitfeetflorida.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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