The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 27, 2012 #4,447 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Nutrition Can Affect Foot Health: NY Podiatrist

When most people think about nutrition and their health, they have no trouble associating the foods they eat with weight loss or heart health, says Sherri Greene, DPM, a podiatrist in New York City who practices holistic foot care. However, diet affects many other parts of your body, including your feet.

Dr. Sherri Greene

According to everydayhealth.com, Greene said one problem linked to nutrition that can affect your feet is inflammation. Dr. Greene said that certain foods can increase chemicals in the body that cause tissue inflammation. This inflammation could appear as plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot.

Source: Ardmore Healthy Minute [4/25/12]

MI Podiatrist Keynotes at Barry University Grand Opening

Barry University’s Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center hosts its grand opening Thursday, April 26 at its main campus. To help celebrate the grand opening, Dr. Irvin Kanat delivered an address as part of the Distinguished Lecture on "Podiatric Medicine: A Personal Perspective." 

Dr. Irvin Kanat

Kanat, past president of the American Podiatric Medical Association, was the original founder of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is one of the most renowned and accomplished podiatric physicians in the country. A graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Kanat has participated in the podiatric/medical and surgical training of more than 400 podiatric residents while serving as director of podiatric education at Kern Hospital in Detroit.

GA Podiatrist Performs First Surgery at New Medical Center

Euberta Malcom was the final patient to make the move Sunday morning as Walton Regional Medical Center officially closed its doors, giving way to the new Clearview Medical Center. Construction began on Clearview in 2008 but was halted when parent company Health Management Associates halted all ongoing capital projects in 2009, a decision based on economic times. Work resumed in 2011. 

Dr. Mark Shaffer (R) performs first surgery at Clearview Medical Center.

It was not long after the doors were open that the series of “firsts” took place, including the first patient, which was admitted to the intensive care unit, and the first surgery — by podiatrist Dr. Mark Shaffer.

Source:  Robbie Schwartz, The Walton Tribune [4/24/12]

NJ Podiatrist Runs for Mayor of East Brunswick

If Republican challengers are successful in the November elections, the East Brunswick mayor and Township Council would be an all-Republican governing body. The mayor and council seats up for grabs currently belong to Democrats: Mayor David Stahl and Councilwomen Denise Contrino and Nancy Pinkin, all seeking re-election. Stahl, running for his second four-year term, will face Republican Dr. Eugene DeMarzo.

Dr. Eugene DeMarzo

DeMarzo, a podiatrist with practices in Woodbridge and Highland Park, is no stranger to the community, having been involved in the community for over 20 years. He made an unsuccessful bid for council in 2008. In an interview with the Sentinel, DeMarzo said he wanted to run again to continue to support initiatives of the incumbent Republicans, who he said have served East Brunswick residents well.

Source: James McEvoy, Sentinel [4/26/12]

The following deaths of podiatrists were reported today:

Christie Mostone, DPM of Medford, MA. Dr. Mostone was the retired Chief of Podiatry and founder of the Podiatry Residency Program at Cambridge Hospital and Associate Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Martin Louis Davison received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University in 1958, and practiced podiatry in D.C. for 30 years.

Dr. Robert Ellis, 86, was a graduate of Youngstown State University and the Ohio College of Podiatry and worked for 35 years in Boardman and Alliance.

CMS to Revamp Money Losing Anti-Fraud Programs

The CMS is restructuring two large anti-fraud programs in healthcare, in part, because they have cost more to implement than they have returned to the federal government. Dr. Peter Budetti, director of the Center for Program Integrity at the CMS, said in an interview following a congressional hearing on federal healthcare fraud-control efforts that improvements are under way in both the Medicaid Integrity Contractors Program and the so-called Medi-Medi claims analysis program.

Budetti's comments followed criticism of the programs during Tuesday's hearing by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), who criticized the Medi-Medi program for costing about $60 million while recovering only $57.8 million in 2007 and 2008, according to a recent federal audit. Similarly, the Medicaid contractors recouped less than what was spent on them. In March, the inspector general reported the contractors identified $6.9 million in overpayments for six months of the year in which the CMS paid them $30.5 million.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [4/24/12]

Calm Nervous Patients

Reassure patients who frequently call or email you post-operatively. Tell them about your expertise and your actions. Example: “I understand how important this surgery is for you, and I’ve handled many cases like this in my X years in this practice. Here’s what I’m doing to help ensure that your foot will heal as rapidly as possible …”

Source: Adapted from “She Said, He Said (It Better): How Women Can Get Better at Singing Our Own Praises … and Get Ahead in the Workplace,” Vickie Milazzo via Communication Briefings

RE: The Passing of Lawrence Mandel, DPM
From: Michael Nachlas, DPM

It is with a heavy heart that I am informing the podiatry community of the death of Dr. Larry Mandel. He was an asset to the profession for over 30 years. He will be missed. 

Michael Nachlas, DPM, Overland Park, KS

Query: Practice Fusion for Large Groups

We are evaluating a number of EMR systems, and one of the systems that has been proposed is Practice Fusion. We have heard from some solo docs that this system has worked well for them, and since it is ‘free’ there is a desire to explore this option. But as we have 17 providers and 19 locations in our group practice, there is also a concern on how this system would work in a multi-provider/site environment. I was wondering if any larger podiatry groups (maybe 5+ docs) are using Practice Fusion and what their experiences have been.
 
Michael Vallas, Practice Administrator, Boardman, OH

RE: Satellite Office Build-Out (Jack Ressler, DPM)
From: Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM

I assume that the structure is a soundly built shell. If this is the case, you should be given the blueprints for the entire building by the owner. I recommend taking them to a civil engineer. Architects, in my opinion, while having many good attributes, have several negatives as well. The engineer should sit with you and develop a layout custom-tailored to your needs. Send the plans to general contractors to bid upon them.

The plans shouldn't be more than about $1/sq ft, the GC around $30-40/sq ft. Allow 3-4 months to build from a shell.

Cosimo A. Ricciardi, DPM, Tampa, FL, basewedge@yahoo.com

RE: Sterilizing Bits Between Debridements (Alan Meyerberg, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

Hysteria is probably overstating the podiatric mindset, but I suggest we all don't underestimate the well-known side-effects of breathing and contact sensitization of nail dust/particulate matter. Various delayed hypersensitivity reactions and pulmonary side-effects from chronic, repeat exposure are very well documented. Listed below is a microcosm of the plethora of articles written on this topic for review.

The first publication I'm aware of that alerted clinicians to these complications is Pugh,J., Skone, JF 1972 "The health of the chiropodist in a developing community service" The Chiropodist 27(2)53-55

Millar demonstrated a 41% asthma increase in podiatrists relative to...

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

RE:  OH Podiatrist Discusses Celebrity's Neuroma (Michael Rosenblatt, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

I basically agree with Dr. Rosenblatt's post. I haven't witnessed cross-over toes from neuromas. I've seen severe toe web widening (Sullivan's sign), but not cross-over toes. Pre-dislocation syndrome does create cross-over toes in its latter stages, whether from an excessively long metatarsal, or a hypermobile foot in which a valgus positioned hallux ultimately affects the transverse plane alignment of the lesser digits. This story makes one wonder if he was mis-diagnosed in the first place with pre-dislocation syndrome's symptoms which often mimic neuromas.
 
I would just add to Dr. Rosenblatt's post that iatrogenic laceration of the lumbricales and/or interossei muscles at the time of surgery, and infiltration of multiple long-acting steroid injections as a component of conservative neuroma management could also compromise the same intrinsic muscles and eventually create toe cross-over.
 
Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, yazy630@aol.com

ASSOCIATION POSITION - FLORIDA

Progressive practice with 4 locations and 5 Board Certified Physicians in Tampa Bay. Looking for a PSR 36 trained candidate to join our group. Practice areas include reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, trauma, wound care, limb salvage, biomechanics, sports medicine and diabetic care. Hospital based training a necessity. If you are a hard working, motivated and fun loving person, come and enjoy our profession with us. Benefits and partnership are available. Send CV to: countrysidefoot@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 - SE FLORIDA

Growing practice in SE Florida (Palm Beach Co.) seeks personable, hard working 3-year trained Podiatric surgeon for associate position. Rearfoot/Ankle trauma & reconstruction experience preferable. Competitive salary and benefits. Reply to: sflfootandankle@yahoo.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MULTIPLE STATES

Podiatrist Needed in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin,  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 - NEW YORK

Full-time position available immediately in Capital District multiple doctor practice. Good salary with percentage. All phases of podiatry. NYS license required. Email resume to Lchittenden68@gmail.com or call Lori at 518-577-6171

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 to his own. Go to:www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN

Podiatrist needed for busy state-of-the-art offices in Manhattan. Offices are located near Penn and Grand Central Station. 10+ years experience only and an out-of-network doctor for most insurances. Please forward your information and CV to: roni@myfcny.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 - 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 atdhelfman@vpcenters.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.

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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