The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 13, 2012 #4,435 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2012- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

SC Podiatrist Discusses Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spurs

Podiatrist Dr. John Marino says that there are many causes of heel discomfort ranging from fractures and bone tumors to nerve complications, and you don’t have to live with it. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis/heel spurs. "There is a thick, fibrous ligament on the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. This can become inflamed and cause pain when you first get out of bed or during the day as you move around," says Marino.

Dr. John Marino

"If the inflammation occurs at the junction of the plantar fascia ligament and the heel bone, a bone spur will often develop. This can be treated with therapy most of the time and also with cortisone injections, prescription medication, arch supports, and night splints, says Marino.

Source: Roper St. Francis, Summerville Journal Scene [4/11/12]

Nd-YAG Laser 90% Effective Eradicating Toenail Fungus: IL Podiatrist

An estimated 23 million Americans suffer from nail fungus. People vexed by this infection, at times, simply want to get rid of the fungus. The conventional treatments are expensive, have a low success rate, and carry significant side-effects. 

Dr. Kevin S. Gavin

"After 18 years of trying different treatments for toenail fungus, I finally found a treatment option that is safe and effective. Topical medications require application twice daily and work less than half of the time. Oral medications can be toxic to the liver and are no more effective. The Nd-YAG Laser at the Foot & Ankle Institute requires no anesthetic, no medications, and has proven itself to be 90% effective in eradicating toenail fungus for many patients in my practice over the last year,” says Dr. Kevin S. Gavin, a leading Northwest Chicago podiatrist surgeon.

Source: Aishwarya Sharma, Trib-local Huntley [4/11/12]

Properly Fitted Running Shoes Can Prevent Injuries: Aussie Podiatrist

Feet can ache, blister, sweat, crack, peel, itch, and smell; however runners, in particular, are also susceptible to additional foot injuries such as ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, most of these conditions can be prevented. "Step one is to make sure your feet are in a properly fitted running shoe. It is paramount that your running shoes offer optimal support and plenty of cushioning," says podiatrist Nic Lange.

Nic Lange (Photo: Robert Duncan)

"Ill-fitting running shoes can cause numerous problems for your feet. Shoes that are too short can cause bruised toenails, too narrow can cause pinched-nerve pain, corns, or calluses. Shoes that are too wide allow the foot to slide around, causing friction that can lead to blisters," says Lange.

Source: The Western Australian, [4/11/12]

OH Podiatrist Receives Healthy Habits Champion Award

The third annual Dr. Andrew Naumoff Healthy Habits Champion Award was presented to Dr. Jason Suppan, doctor of podiatric medicine. Recently, Suppan developed a unique program for his office staff by encouraging and supporting its members to get more exercise through an incentives and reward system. Under this program, they can earn points for activities such as riding their bikes or walking to work. Because his staff members have seen how making minor changes can make a big difference, they nominated him for the award. 

Dr. Jason Suppan

Suppan is a graduate of The University of Arizona and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, and has been in private practice since 1997. He is a long-time advocate of a healthy lifestyle and practices what he preaches, usually walking or bicycling around town.

Source: Paul Locher, The Daily Record [4/11/12}

EHR is a Powerful Tool: IL Podiatrist

Technology is constantly changing the nature of the doctor-patient relationship. Computerized patient records are now offering lower healthcare costs, along with better patient healthcare. “Electronic health records are a powerful tool,” says Dr. John M. Wray who started digitizing the paper records of his patients last year in July. A board certified podiatrist with 30 years in practice, Dr. Wray is all excited about his new adventure, i.e., transition of patients’ paper records to electronic health records. 

Dr. John M. Wray

“All our new patients (records) are completely electronic and have been moved to a secure server. Now, we can access accurate and complete information about a patient’s health, medical records, scheduling, accounts, and claims information for any site. That way, we have been able to give the best possible care, whether during a routine visit or a medical emergency,” adds Dr. Wray.

Source: Aishwarya Sharma, Trib-local Downers Grove [4/10/12]

WV Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge

An area podiatrist entered a plea agreement Monday in Wood County Circuit Court. Dr. James Scott Feathers, 57, entered a plea agreement with the state to plead guilty to a charge of delivery of a controlled substance, hydrocodone, as charged by the January 2010 grand jury. A second charge of delivery of a controlled substance, hydrocodone, was dismissed. Feathers' sentencing was set for 2 p.m., June 27 before Judge Jeffrey Reed.

Source: Jeffrey Saulton, News and Sentinel [4/11/12]

Query: Partnering With a Company

Are there any other podiatrists who are partnering with a company (e.g.: surgical equipment, implants, medication) in the area of patient education? This seems to be a way to advertize the podiatry practice and the company co-sponsoring the ad, as well as educating potential patients. There are several local orthopedists taking advantage of this for knee implants. Is anyone across the country doing this?
 
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

RE: Onychomycosis in a Ten Year Old (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Mitchell Wachtel, DPM, Robert S. Schwartz, C Ped

Lamisil treatment? Why are you so eager to put a toxic medication in a 10 year old's body? Consider nail avulsion and topical therapy with Formula 3.

Mitchell Wachtel, DPM, North Andover, MA, jacqitch@comcast.net

Check out his shoes. They are probably too small, with his toe pressing against the toe box. He may be using them as a break pedal in biking or sports activities. Have him wear sandals now that summer is coming.

Robert S. Schwartz, C Ped, NY, NY, rss@eneslow.com

RE: Onychomycosis in a Ten Year Old (Tip Sullivan, DPM)
From: Mark Wolpa, DPM, Howard J. Bonenberger, DPM

I have had good success in treating pediatric patients with the Pinpointe laser and topical anti-fungal agents followed by treatment for preventative care. Since most kids wear the same pair of shoes daily (usually sneakers), I explain to the parents the importance of treating the shoes regularly with antifungal spray or a Steri Shoe to minimize a re-infection.

Mark Wolpa, DPM, Berkeley, CA, Mwolpafootdoc@yahoo.com

I explain to the parents that there are no oral medications that have been approved for use in this situation. I recommend a total nail avulsion (they don't like the look of a partial and the edge gets caught on their sock).

I pre-medicate the child with 5-10 mg of PO diazepam that the parent gives them an hour before the procedure visit. We always schedule the procedure for a Friday so...

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

RE: Excisional Biospy (Robert Snyder, DPM, MSc)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

Dr. Borden plans an excision of a 2 cm. lesion on the plantar heel. Dr. Snyder’s response was dead-on in recommending biopsies before excision. The size of the lesion alone mandates this approach. Excising the lesion, only to find out a few days later that it was malignant creates a horrendioma, which is totally unnecessary and, in fact, poor practice.

In such a scenario, the removal of the lesion before knowing what it is would then make the field of wide excision required much larger than it had to be. In the right circumstances, this may change the final approach from a simple skin graft to an amputation. Do you want to be the reason for that?

In general, it is good practice to ALWAYS biopsy first before excision for lesions where there is considerable suspicion. This will ensure good care and that you never make a bad situation worse. Lastly, depending on the “bulk” of the lesion, or suspicion of a vascular tumor, imaging may be the first thing you want to do.
 
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, bryan.markinson@mountsinai.org

RE:  Excisional Biospy (Joe Borden, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

If you feel the lesion may be malignant, I recommend performing two 2 mm. punch biopsies first. Dr. Borden stated  that he would refer it out if it was malignant, and hence if he finds through the biopsy that there is malignancy, he can refer it out, and the operating physician will have a better picture of what he is dealing with. He will know his margins. Once you go and cut something out..the "puzzle" becomes a little harder when the second doctor has to go back in.

You also don't have to worry so much about bleeding with a 2mm biopsy - you can always throw a suture in it.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com

RE: A Patient's Human Interest Story
From: Bruce Lebowitz, DPM

Sometimes, our patients need to talk. Mr P., an 82 year old was married and was sent to Korea during that conflict. His wife gave birth to a little girl while he was deployed. He got a "Dear John" letter informing him that she left him for another man. After he returned home, he began a life-long search for his daughter with no success. His daughter, is now a grandmother. His great granddaughter has found him! Next week, he is being flown to California to meet his family. I just felt I needed to share the story.

Bruce Lebowitz, DPM, Baltimore, MD, blebowit@jhmi.edu

PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - ORANGE COUNTY CA

July 1, 2012 and ending July 31, 2013 (13 months). Responsibilities include assisting in all types of foot and ankle surgery, (approx. 500 cases), office and outside rotations including Sports Medicine Orthopedics Family Medicine, Biomechanics and Physical Therapy. Benefits include salary of $60,000/year, medical, dental, malpractice, and CME allowance. APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A CALIFORNIA LICENSE. Min. 24-month surgical residency training is a pre-requisite. Letter of interest, and CV to: Philip Radovic, DPM, Fellowship Director, 665 Camino de los Mares Suite 304, San Clemente, Ca. 92673. Ph: 949/493-8020 Fax: 949-488-0868. Email: Info@feetfixer.com.

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA
 
Two office practice, hospital and surgery center privileges, trauma call, modern offices, EHR, digital x-rays. Excellent compensation package. Position may lead to partnership. Candidate needs to be experienced in foot and ankle reconstruction and trauma. Email letter of interest and CV to Dr. Joe Disabato at jdisabato@vfasa.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 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 - 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 to:  www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ATLANTA, GEORGIA AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Village Podiatry Centers, LLC: Immediate openings for board eligible or certified, 3-4 year trained surgical physicians. Equity based model, Excellent salary and benefits to start depending on qualifications. (Average physician salary is 2-3 times industry median salary).Full benefits included. Access to practice owned surgery centers, pathology lab, imaging center(s), and other in house ancillaries. Very selective process: must be flexible, well trained, and must participate in our "Physician Training Program." You live off income and retire off wealth! Serious inquiries only! E-mail: David N. Helfman, DPM, FACFAS at  dhelfman@vpcenters.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS, PART TIME - CA & TX

California- San Diego, San Jose, Los Angeles; Texas- Houston, Dallas. The duties include: Diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis using Pinpointe Laser in our facilities. Office hours are 9am-9pm 7 days a week; schedule for shifts is very flexible. Email CV to ofer@lasernailtherapy.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SENIOR CARE DIVISION - ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Village Podiatry Centers, LLC: Immediate openings for physicians who are interested in caring for the elderly in nursing homes throughout Georgia. Full time position. Excellent salary, benefits, and opportunity for growth. Must understand the coding/billing process and have excellent documentation skills. You don't have to be board certified in foot or ankle surgery for this position.
If interested, please contact Dr. Helfman at dhelfman@vpcenters.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS

Established, progressive, busy Chicago practice seeking PSR 24/36 individual with good people skills to join 3 man group. Senior Associate retiring. Excellent opportunity leading to partnership for energetic, motivated, ethical professional. Submit CV to JAF@APLfeet.com

PHYSICIAN FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH DIVISION - ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Village Podiatry Centers, LLC: If you have experience in running clinical research trials and would like a full time position in managing and overseeing multiple clinical research trials for our growing group, please contact Dr. Helfman @ dhelfman@vpcenters.com. Excellent salary, benefits and equity opportunity for the right individual.

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

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 - 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

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 - 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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's 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 13,500 DPM's. 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.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.