The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,800 Podiatrists Daily

April 17, 2008 #3,222 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

SBi Ilizarov Course in Siberia a Success

Small Bone Innovations sponsored 15 U.S. podiatric surgeons to participate in a week-long advanced external fixation course at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre in Siberia, Russia. The Centre is an 800-bed orthopedic hospital in the Southern Siberian city of Kurgan. The Centre was founded by, and later named after the late Professor Gavriil A. Ilizarov (1921–1992) who developed the technique of transosseous synthesis with the use of his compression-distraction external fixator in 1951.

Front row (left to right): David Gitlin, Scott Ludecker (SBi), Jonathan Labovitz, William Gonzalez, Jr. (SBi), Emily Cook, Michael P. DellaCorte, Dan E. Robinson, Nicholas J. Bevilacqua. Back row (left to right): Jason Seiter, Tae J. Song, Lee C. Rogers, Aaron Shemenski, Edward Singleton, Ken Morgan, James Davis, Howard Goldsmith, Patrick R. Burns

The surgeons scrubbed cases in the mornings and attended lectures in the afternoons by Professor Vladimir Shevtsov. The cases included complex tibial trauma, pediatric and neglected club foot, and tibial distraction osteogenesis. The attendees were a diverse group of podiatrists from private practice, university/hospital based practice, and residents. This was the first session of the semi-annual course offered in an exclusive agreement between SBi and the Ilizarov Centre. The surgeons are pictured in front of the Centre and the statue of Prof. Ilizarov.

Parents Need to Take Foot Health Seriously: NY Podiatrist

A new survey shows many health conscious parents aren't taking their child's foot health seriously. So Nassau podiatrists are doing something about it. Dr. Joseph Buenahora, president of the Nassau Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical says only 25 percent of parents surveyed reported taking their children to see a podiatrist for their foot problems. “Many people simply don’t know that a podiatrist is the medical professional specializing in the foot,” he says.

Dr. Joseph Buenahora

“Most adults just accept foot pain and that attitude is being passed along to young people today,” says Dr. Buenahora. “But foot pain is a symptom—contrary to common belief feet aren’t supposed to hurt.” What’s more, he believes children of adults with foot problems are at greatest risk. “Medical experts say periodic foot examinations should be conducted during the child's first few years of life if there is a family history of foot problems,” Dr. Buenahora adds.

Dr. Les Appel and Powerstep Make Major Contribution to OCPM

Dr. Les Appel, OCPM Class of 1977, has generously donated $35,000 to name the "Powerstep Research Lab" at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. According to Dr. Appel, "The main reason I decided to give to the OCPM Stepping Towards the Future campaign is I'm a 1977 graduate of OCPM. My education afforded me the opportunity to be in private practice for 17 years. My biomechanical and orthotic fabrication training in school with Allan Spencer, DPM and my preceptorship with Sheemon Wolfe, DPM gave me the impetus to develop Powerstep pre-fabricated orthotics. As a company, we hope that the Powerstep Research Lab will be used to make OCPM one of the premier podiatric research facilities in the United States."

Dr. Les Appel

Mark Syroney , Director of Institutional Advancement at OCPM, states, “Dr. Appel and Powerstep are a true example of generosity and pride and on behalf of the entire OCPM community, we thank Dr. Appel for his much appreciated gift to OCPM. This campaign offers the entire podiatric community the opportunity to place their personal or professional name in podiatric history by naming a room, lab, or even a chair in our new building. The ‘Powerstep Research Lab’ will forever be named within the walls of OCPM for all to see.”

Query: Adverse Effects From Lamisil

I have patient who took 7 doses of Lamisil and reported severe anxiety, massive migraine headaches and blurred vision. He told me that he went to a psychiatrist who has put him on an anti-anxiety medication. I told him to discontinue the Lamisil. I have used this medication for over 15 years and have never seen side-effects this rapid. Has anyone seen such rapid side-effects from Lamisil?

John Cozzarelli, DPM, Belleville, NJ

Query: Instrument Sharpening Service

Can anybody tell me the name of a good sharpening service for nail nippers? Also how much is reasonable to pay?

Bryant Tarr, DPM, Sudbury, MA

RE: Limb-Length Discrepancy in Biker (Steve Wolfington, DPM)
From: Ayne Furman, DPM, Christopher Shin, DPM

A lift can be added to the outside of the bike shoe, between the sole and cleat of the clip-less pedal system. If the patient is using mountain biking shoes, often a heel lift tapered to the metatarsal heads will work. This is very easy to test out, too. All that being said, if the top tube of the bike is too long, this can cause back pain on longer rides. I would suggest you check that your patient is using a women's frame.

Ayne Furman, DPM, Alexandria, VA, l_foot_r@hotmail.com

My recommendation for the bicycling aspect of the equation is to have the patient fit her bike with a multi-length adjustable crank arm or to have a custom crank fabricated to meet the discrepancy demands.

Christopher Shin, DPM, Murrieta, CA, cshindpm@yahoo.com

RE: Ace Insurance (Charles Spatz, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I recently renewed my medical malpractice insurance with ACE insurance through CLA Insurance and discovered that my premium dropped over 40%, with no changes to the policy specifics. I was told this was because of new underwriters. Perhaps others would like to investigate possibilities with this company and enjoy possible savings. My rep is Michael Kempski, Jr. and he ONLY represents policies for doctors in New Jersey, Maryland & Delaware. He can be reached at (800) 633-7763, extension 7370. I have no financial interest in this company and am only acquainted with Mr. Kempski professionally.

Frances Callamari, DPM, West Paterson, DPM, NJ , inkysquid@hotmail.com

I have used ace insurance as my malpractice carrier for roughly 6 years. They are a well-established A+ rated company. Fortunately, I have not need their services. I have also used PICA in the past for quite a few years. They are, no doubt, the leaders representing our field. However, a few years ago I was paying $13,000/year (no previous claims, surgical coverage, 1 million/3 million). I was able to cut my premiums in half with Ace. This was a very difficult decision to make.

Howard Gale, DPM, Rincon, GA, howie@dr-gale.com

I have had Ace insurance for four years now, saving @ $10,000 from my former company. Have I had to retain their help? Luckily, no. How would they react to a lawsuit? Again, it's an unknown until it happens. But-1) I have seen the same rep at the SAM meetings four five years now; 2) The policy is handled by a large firm in Tampa that is no fly-by-night; 3) My surgical profile is very conservative and I seriously choose who I operate on.

Robert Teitelbaum, DPM, Naples, FL, mfvandange@aol.com

RE: Podiatrists Vs. Orthopods
From: John Purdy, DPM, Barry Mullen, DPM

Here in Louisiana , we have successfully increased our scope of practice. I was one of the podiatrists at the capital assisting with the bill. I was also there when the orthopedic representative gave his opposition to the bill. Not only did this individual misstate orthopedic training, he provided false testimony concerning podiatric training. In his rant he went on to provide two anecdotal cases of patients treated by a podiatrist who presented to his office with bad outcomes. His attack was so slanderous I believe he actually helped our cause.

Recently I was provided a case for review by an attorney. A young gentleman sustained a dorsiflexion inversion injury from a fall. He was treated by an orthopedist in the ER as an ankle sprain and was placed in a CAM walker. Subsequently over the next two years, he underwent two lateral ankle stabilization procedures. The individual continues to have an unstable painful ankle and the treating orthopedist just can’t figure out why.

It is my feeling that with this initial presentation, any podiatric resident’s first thought would be a tib-fib diastasis. However, the orthopedist never performed clinical or intra-op stress films, and even worse, missed the MRI’s reading of a torn anterior tib-fib ligament.

I asked an orthopedic friend of mine about this particular doctor. He stated that he is very good. When I questioned him about his foot and ankle training and this type of case he stated, “Well, we all have to take our turn on call.” As true as that might be, I guess an appropriate referral never crossed his mind. In my opinion, if we were truly fighting for patient safety in our area of expertise, we should be forming a front to have restrictions placed on the orthopods.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, jpurdy@mindspring.com

Editor’s Note: An extended-length note by Dr. Mullen appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=19025&start=1

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PART-TIME MARYLAND

Baltimore County, Maryland Practice seeking motivated and very personable individual with 2 years min. surgical training. Busy practice in great area with hospital grade ASC. Please fax your CV and contact information to: Dr. Maurice W. Aiken 410-602-9781.

PRACTICE FOR SALE- CORAL GABLES, MIAMI AREA (FLORIDA)

Beautiful location in the heart of Miracle Mile. Excellent opportunity for a starting practitioner. Most insurances accepted. Good mixture of surgical and general podiatry. Fully equipped with low overhead. Located in a professional building, with referrals from other doctors in the same building. Contact zoesar@aol.com or call 786-877-5149.

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 – 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, Please fax a letter of interest, CV, and references to 850-862-5470, e-mail ecpodiatry@aol.com

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NW INDIANA (1 HR FROM CHICAGO)

Caring, hardworking podiatrist needed to join our busy practice. We offer great pay and benefits. Must be highly motivated, have a great bedside manner and superb surgical skills (forefoot and rearfoot surgical training a must). E-mail resume to friendlyfootcare@comcast.net or fax resume to (219)662-7290. Learn about here

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BUFFALO'S KENSINGTON SECTION

Established satellite practice. In urban metropolitan area on a busy commercial street corner - commercial building with an attached retail store that allows easy advertising of the podiatric medical practice. Gross $170K+ at 2 ½ day per week. Great potential for growth. 260 402-7490

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SEATTLE, WA

Seattle area podiatric medical practice established and growing - needs associate. Great partnership potential for well-trained podiatric physician. Costco - Corporate Headquarters + Microsoft & Boeing. 386 597-5766

ASSOCIATE POSITION- LOS ANGELES AREA

Dynamic well established practice in brand new office building with surgery center, adjacent to hospital, seeks energetic rearfoot and ankle trained associate with partnership aspirations. E-mail CV to dr4feet@sbcglobal.net.

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

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 - MONTANA

Two Doctor group seeks individual with 3 years of surgical training. This well-quipped office deals with all types of reconstructive foot surgery. Diabetic foot fellowship desirable. Practice includes two physical therapists that work on-site. Rural setting with excellent outdoor activities. Competitive salary and benefit packages with opportunity for partnership. Respond to: jclough@sofast.net or Fax to: 406-761-7219

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 - NORTH CAROLINA

Beautiful area; Thriving economy. Seeking Nice, Well Trained Associate who can Work Independently (experience a plus). Unique "Associate Security" Clause so that you control your destiny. Send resume and cover letter to greatpodjob@yahoo.com

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

PM Classified Ads Reach over 10,800 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 10,800 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110.

• 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.