The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,800 Podiatrists Daily

April 24, 2008 #3,228 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Sol W. Balkin, DPM, Researcher, Innovator, Philanthropist

The podiatric community mourns the loss of Sol Balkin, DPM of Glendale, CA. Balkin is best known for his lifetime of research into the use of silicon in the feet. Balkin graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1952.

Dr. Sol W. Balkin

Balkin received the Gold Medal in the William J. Stickel Awards for Research and Papers in Podiatry in 1965 for his paper “Silicone Injection for Plantar Keratoses.” He has exhibited extensively, including at meetings of the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the Clinical Symposium on Pressure Ulcer and Wound Management.

In 2005, Sol and his wife Janelle established a $100,000 endowment to the APMA Educational Foundation. Sol was a warm and compassionate practitioner who epitomized the highest values that a podiatrist could possess.

PM News policy is to request that memorial donations be made to the APMA Education Foundation Student Scholarship Program, 9312 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814.

Stelnicki to Keynote at 20th Barry Graduation

Forty-nine students will receive the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree (DPM) from the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine on Saturday, April 26, 2008. The Class of 2008 is particularly noteworthy for the number of hours its members have devoted to community service – approximately 5,000-10,000 hours. Members of the class have volunteered their time and skills at geriatric and pediatric podiatric screenings throughout South Florida as well as at the Miami Rescue Mission, Inc./Broward Outreach Centers’ annual “Thanksgiving in March” event. There, student-volunteers washed and examined the feet of the homeless in the spirit of Holy Week. More than 1,000 people showed up for the event, with approximately 600 people receiving foot care.

Dr. James V. Stelnicki

Dr. James V. Stelnicki of New Port Richey, FL., will be the featured speaker at this year’s commencement ceremony. A past president and member of the executive board of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA), Stelnicki also served as the organization’s legislative chairman for more than 30 years. During his tenure, he helped to pass the Insurance Inclusion Act requiring all insurance carriers to cover podiatric medicine and the Hospital Non-Discrimination Act, which bars facilities from discriminating against podiatric physicians.

In 2007, Stelnicki established the James V. Stelnicki Scholarship for Excellence in Lower Extremity Vascular Medicine with a $100,000 gift to the University. The scholarship will award one $10,000 scholarship each year to a deserving senior podiatric medical student. During the commencement ceremony, Stelnicki will also be inducted into the Barry University Society of Founders, which recognizes and honors individuals who have contributed $50,000 or more toward the mission and goals of the University.

NY Podiatrist Finds “Green” Use for Old Sneakers

NYSPMA podiatrist, John Viscovich, DPM is collecting sneakers to donate to Nike‘s “Reuse a Shoe” program May 16 – 19th at Mrs. Green’s in Mt. Kisco. The program processes and recycles used athletic shoes to create material that can be used in sports surfaces like basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, running tracks, and playgrounds for young people around the world.

John Viscovich, DPM

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Mrs. Green’s to collect as many sneakers as possible for this program,” says Dr. Viscovich. “I am challenging the households of Westchester to never throw away another old sneaker!”

Query: Painful 2nd Digit

This patient is a 13 years old with a painful 2nd digit right foot. She has vesicular lesions that will erupt and get dry and scaly and then the toe will bleed. This has been going on for two years and she has been seen by her family doc, an infectious disease specialist and a dermatologist. She has had 3 biopsies, had several cultures done, taken oral antibiotics as well as oral Lamisil, topical antifungals, steroids and antibacterials. She and her mother are anxious to find out what is wrong with the toe and what can be done to help it.

Painful 2nd Digit

Every time it clears up, it recurs. She has also been restricted to wearing only Crocs as they are plastic. It looks like dishydrotic eczematous dermatitis to me, however I have never seen it present strictly on one toe. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Rick Burnell, DPM, Camden, SC

RE: Custom-Made Dance Shoes (Martin Hersh, DPM)
From: Jeff Mennuti, DPM, Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped

Bloch makes a dance sneaker that is commercially available in just about all dance related retailers. They are extremely comfortable and light. They are good for practice sessions, but can not be used for competition. They come in wide widths. Aside from dance, they can also be worn for daily routine activities.

Capezio dance shoes can be custom made, especially for wider widths. These are more dressy than a dance sneaker, but can never match the comfort you can get with a dance sneaker. I would recommend the sneaker for practice, and a custom made Capezio, or similar brand shoe for social outings or competitions.

Jeff Mennuti, DPM, Framingham, MA, dr.mennuti@gmail.com

Eneslow makes custom made dance shoes and has been making them for over thirty years. We have taken care of some of the world’s most famous dancers.

Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped., New York, N. Y. rss@eneslow.com

RE: Computerized Radiography vs. Digital Radiography (Gary Gugliada, DPM)
From: Larry Kosova, DPM

I would be careful to evaluate these two systems. 20/20 bought out the Naomi DR system from Asia. They redid their software and added to the cost of the system. Many of these units in the first releases (before 20/20 bought them) were defective and sent back. In reality, DR systems are supposed to be faster. There are CR systems that cost $18,000 or less with images that are as good as the one mentioned. CR can take 45 seconds and DR can take 7-10 seconds. Both can do the same types of images and both can be manipulated the same with Pac systems for patient information. 20/20 product is affordable at around $25,000.

The questions to ask are: How much is yearly support? How much will it cost to add more computers in a network situation? How much will training cost?

You need to view both images and see if you really can tell the difference. Both will be superior with what you can do now against plain film. Both can be e-mailed and put in EMR systems. For foot , ankle, and leg imaging, both work well. The monitor you use can make the image look better so buy a high quality unit.

If you call any other DR systems, you will find that they are double to triple the price. I can wait 30 seconds and save the $7,000 and see no real improvement with one over the other.

Larry Kosova, DPM, Chicago, IL, lkosova@yahoo.com

RE: Sol Balkin, DPM

It is with great sadness that I announce that Sol W. Balkin, DPM, passed away two days ago on his birthday. As you well know, Sol spent his life’s work in the study of silicone implantation. In 41 years, he performed more than 25,000 successful silicone implants. It has been an honor to work with him these many years and I shall miss him looking over my shoulder as I continue his life’s work.

Murray J Findel, DPM, Glendale, CA

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PITTSBURGH, PA

Excellent opportunity to join busy and established practice for 27 years. Must be graduate of PSR 24+/36 Residency. Terms negotiable. 30-40 hours per week. $100,000+ guaranteed. Please fax resume to (412) 563-0740.

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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT

Nice community outside of New Haven. Well-established, busy practice seeking part-time or full-time associate. Excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and ethical professional. Must have good patient skills. PSR-12 or higher with excellent skills required. Send resume and cover letter to fax # 203-439-7916.

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 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA

San Francisco East Bay. Surgical associate needed for expanding 3 board-certified podiatrist multi-location practice. BE/BC in RRA a must, but should enjoy all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery including teaching. Looking for long-term commitment, potentially leading to partnership. Fax cover letter and CV to 510-581-7779

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 – 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

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

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

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

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.

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