The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 09, 2012 #4,431 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OH Podiatrist Discusses Celebrity's Neuroma

Photos of Steven Tyler’s foot surfaced recently, showing his second toe crossing over his big toe and the other digits slouching toward it. After several surgeries, he still experiences excruciating pain, one of the reasons he became a judge on American Idol—so he could relax. He says Morton’s neuroma caused his gnarled toes. 

Dr. Allan Boike

The word “neuroma” seems to imply that there is a tumor, says Dr. Allan Boike, a podiatrist and section head of podiatry at Cleveland Clinic, who explains that it’s not a tumor. “It’s an irritation or a fibroid.” Boike says that Cleveland Clinic uses a therapy called radio frequency ablation, a minimally invasive procedure, using radio waves to heat the nerves until they quit working and hurting.

Source: Meghan Holohan, msnbc.com [4/6/12]

CASPR Match Rate is 83%, 90 Applicants to Vie for 63 Unfilled Positions

The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) and the Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH) announced the results of the 2012 CASPR Match on April 5, 2012. This year, 530 qualified applicants (487 from the Class of 2012 and 43 from previous classes) contended for 503 entry-level residency positions. 440 positions were filled through the Match, a match rate of 83% for applicants and 87% for programs. 

CASPR

The 90 remaining qualified applicants (71 from the Class of 2012 and 19 from previous classes) have the opportunity to participate in the Scramble to fill the remaining 63 unfilled positions. For the first time in 2012, applicants had to have passed APMLE Part I and Part II to participate in the Match.

MA Podiatrist Joins Medical Mission to Haiti

More than two years since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake ravaged the island nation of Haiti, conditions remain dire for people there who continue to struggle for access to adequate shelter, clean water, and medical treatment. Last month, one Medford doctor did something about the situation. Dr. Dan Seligman, a Winchester resident who has practiced podiatry in Medford for almost 30 years, and his wife, Marissa Seligman, joined 13 other volunteers for a medical mission to Haiti from March 17 to March 25. 

Dr. Dan Seligman

“It was totally overwhelming,” Seligman said after returning from his trip. “The remnants of the earthquake, thousands of people milling in the streets, vendors in the streets setting up a pile of things to sell – anything to make a few cents to survive.”

Source: Nicholas Iovino, Medford Transcript [4/6/12]

NC Podiatrist Also Offers Shoe Store and Medi Nail Spa

A human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, so it’s no wonder so many things can go wrong with them. Dr. Thomas E. Curd, a New Bern podiatrist — often referred to as “a foot doctor” — offers more services than just an examination, diagnosis, and explanation for patients' ailments. Curd sees it all — bunions, calluses and corns, plantar warts, and fallen arches. 

Dr. Thomas Curd and computer display at Elite Feet Shoe Store (Photo: Chuck Buckley)

After practicing in New Bern for 20 years, Curd realized that ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems, along with aging and being overweight. Diabetes, which goes hand-in-hand with infection, is a great contributor to problems as severe as amputation. Across the hall from his practice, there is Elite Feet Shoe Store and Medi Nail Spa.

Source: Francine Sawyer, Sun Journal [4/4/12]

Woman Sentenced for Identity Theft of PA Podiatrist

A former doctor’s office manager charged with identity theft, forgery, and unauthorized use of credit cards has been sentenced. Nicole L. Welsh, 36, East Fairmont Avenue was sentenced by Judge Dominick Motto to two years probation and costs of prosecution. Welsh was an office manager for podiatrist Dr. Michael Drespling from July 2006 through August 2009. She was accused of using credit cards issued in Drespling’s name to purchase items for personal use.

Source: New Castle News [4/4/12]

Query: Bunionectomy Complication

A 20 year old Division One Basketball player had a bunionectomy and digital surgery in May 2011. She is now unable to plantarflex her 1st MTPJ past parallel and she cannot jump or pivot without pain. Her 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion is non-painful, but only about 30 degrees. Her non-operated foot has hallux limitus. 

A-P and Lateral X-Rays

The post-op x-ray shows dorsal lipping on the phalanx. I am considering performing an adhesiotomy around the 1st MTPJ and the sesamoids, but if the synovial folds are no longer there, I don't have much hope of getting her any better ROM. Any suggestions?

Alan Berman, DPM, Carmel, NY

Query: LocalPodiatry.com

I had signed up for a free month of their service. After the month was over, they charged my credit card for calls they said were created from their Internet service. I never authorized this. Contacting them was time-consuming, and I was never able to speak with their customer support. Has anybody else had any experience with this company?

Denis LeBlang, DPM, Port Chester, NY

RE: Diabetic Ulcers With Verrucae (Jordon Sheff, DPM)
From: Robert J. Snyder, DPM, MSc

I am still not convinced that the wound is not a cancer; additional biopsies or complete excision of the lesion may be appropriate. If excisional biopsies remain negative, a total contact cast may be helpful. Another alternative would be to combine off-loading with topical applications of Aldara, oral vitamin A, and cimetidine p.o.

Robert J. Snyder, DPM, MSc, Tamarac, FL, drwound@aol.com

RE: S/P Fracture Left Ankle (Philip Graham, DPM)
From: Jeff Mennuti, DPM

This is a high ankle fracture, i.e. above the ankle joint. Therefore, what you are dealing with is a syndesmosis repair. I recommend ankle stress views under flouro. Once you prove syndesmotic injury, you would have to consider thorough curettage of the syndesmotic ligament, and adequate reduction using a very large bone clamp. Keep the foot in extension, and place at least 2 trans-syndesmotic screws. Preferably, use a straight plate, and at least 2 trans-syndesmotic screws, and at least 3 cortices of purchase.

Jeff Mennuti, DPM, Orange City, FL, dr.mennuti@gmail.com

RE: Hyperkeratotic Tinea (Name Withheld)
From: Art Hatfield, DPM

I don't have a direct solution to this problem, but I had an interesting related experience. Today at the V.A., I saw a 55 y/o Hispanic male whom I initially saw three months ago. At the time of the first visit, he had heavy plantar callusing with fissuring. For several years, I have recommended Vaseline at night with an occlusive dressing consisting of plastic kitchen wrap or baggies and ped-type socks to hold everything in place. I would tell the patient to do this every night for a week and then back off to a couple of nights a week.  Patients are warned about not getting the Vaseline between the toes.

Today, as the patient was taking off his shoes and socks, I noticed he had baggies on his feet under his socks. I was dreading what I might see when the baggies were remove. To my utter amazement, his feet were as soft as the proverbial baby's butt. He claims that he wears the baggies with the Vaseline 24/7. Has anyone else had this experience?

Art Hatfield, DPM, Long Beach, CA, afootjob@juno.com

RE: Pyrocarbon and Foot Surgery (Vincent J. Hetherington, DPM and Jill S. Kawalec-Carroll, PhD)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

If one uses a hemi-implant for degenerative changes in either the base of the proximal phalanx or the first met head, pyrocarbon with some modification looks great - theoretically. In my practice, I rarely see one or the other involved, but I usually see degenerative changes in both surfaces of the joint. I believe that the basic problem with joint replacement of the 1st MTPJ is not the materials we use, but is the anatomical fact that there are actually 3 joints involved functionally and anatomically.

I have yet to see an implant that is designed to take into account the sesmoid articulation. Over the years, I have drifted away from implants and more toward fusions. In my hands, fusions are more predictable in the long run. I would love to see someone come up with a pyrocarbon “total“ joint implant that was both functionally and structurally sound.
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@MSfootcenter.net

RE: NCS Testing Bilaterally (Tony Poggio, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
For years, I was against doing NCV testing in my office. If I had a patient whom I felt needed further neurological testing, I used to refer them to neurologists to have a complete neuromuscular examination. I lacked confidence in the various mobile testing services that approached me at podiatry conventions and bombarded me with letters and phone calls. This all changed when I was treating a woman with incalcitrant heel pain. Nothing was eliminating her symptoms, and she was adamant about not going for a neurological exam which involved the insertion of electrically charged needles into her muscles.

I ordered an NCV test performed by a professional service run by a neurologist. The report came back indicating that she has a serious radiculopathy. I then referred her to an orthopedic back specialist who read the report and followed up with an MRI. He discovered a stress fracture of her lower spinal column, which was pressing on nerves that innervated the calcaneous. She had immediate spinal surgery. Today she is doing much better and her heel problem is gone. Is NCV testing the gold standard of neurological exams? No. Does it have a place in our work-up of patients with peripheral neurological problems? Yes.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TENNESSEE/NORTH GEORGIA

Multi-physician, Multi-office practice looking for motivated new associate leading to partnership. We are a busy practice with state of the art technology: EHR, Digital X-ray, Diagnostic Ultrasound, PADnet, EPAT machine. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working and interested in providing all aspects of podiatric care to our patients. Competitive Salary and benefits. All interested candidates please send a CV with two letters of reference to mybestnewjob@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PART TIME - OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

Looking for PSR 24/36, board eligible preferred. Busy podiatric practice with up to date EMR & practice management program. Practice currently offers digital x-rays, ultrasounds, vascular studies and laser treatment. Good mix of general podiatry, wound care and surgery. Must be ethical, hardworking and committed to quality patient care. NJ license needed. Competitive salary and benefits. Send cover letter and resume to: AOKNDPM@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK

Surgical based, multi-office practice in Upstate New York looking for a highly motivated podiatrist to join our group. Base salary plus incentive. Opportunity for growth. Email resume and cover letter to: professionalfootcare@live.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SEATTLE, WA AREA

Established podiatric clinic looking for an associate to join our team, 5 offices located around the greater Seattle, WA area. Great base salary, benefits and friendly work environment. Please send resume to: seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Looking for 3rd associate. Must be personable, well trained and highly motivated. Great locations in Southern Maryland, including an Ambulatory Surgical Center. We currently have EHR, digital radiography, dispensing center and PADNet. Looking for immediate hire! Please send CV to: myfeetfeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is his own. Go towww.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE - ST. LOUIS, MO

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Starting salary ($100k), plus incentive comp plan, malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Oklahoma. Expanding multi-state medical practice seeking podiatrists to service long-term care community residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We offer an established patient base, scheduling, equipment allowance and cover travel expenses. Provide generous compensation, bonus opportunities, disability, health insurance benefits, malpractice coverage and flexible scheduling. Looking for a Podiatrist with excellent skills, able to provide expert and compassionate care to patients. Email CV to: careers@aggeus.org or call 773-770-0140 x300/x305. www.aggeus.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. Along with CV, please provide medical plans that you are currently participating in. Please forward your information to roni@myfcny.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA

Emerald Coast on the North Shore of the Gulf of Mexico, a well-established group practice with multi-offices, seeking an associate with opportunity for partnership for a PSR-24/36 Doctor well-trained in foot/ankle/diabetic problems/wound care/surgical and medical podiatric care, covering 3 area hospitals, NO nursing homes. e-mail letter of interest, CV, and references to basewedge@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTH NEW JERSEY

Great practice for sale, lease it, work in practice, rent-free first year, associateship possible. Must have NJ licensure have own TIN participation for Horizon, Cigna, Aetna, etc. Retiring. Anyone is welcome to make offer or come up with other ideas. Contact footcare@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE- MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Be an owner not a worker. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - AUSTIN TEXAS

Great opportunity for new practitioner or an additional office. 18 year practice with large patient base. Current physician transitioning to part time then retiring to pursue another business opportunity. Start turn-key without need for a bank loan. Great area to live and work.Susieintx@aol.com (512) 565-6634

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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM 

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