The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 30, 2010 #3,845 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MO Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice

Dr. Zenon Duda, a Cape Girardeau podiatrist, said that in order to understand how to choose the right shoes, one must first know how the foot functions when a person takes a step. "The foot is like a complex tripod," Duda said, "with the heel and a toe on each side of the foot making up the legs of the tripod."

Dr. Zenon Duda

When a person takes a step, the weight of the body needs to distribute itself evenly throughout the foot. In a shoe with a flimsy sole, such as flip-flops or canvas tennis shoes with a thin sole, the foot isn't receiving good support, Duda said.

Duda advises always buying a shoe that will support the foot and is designed to be used in a specific sport or activity. For example, he said, if you are a beginning runner, start with a shoe with a thicker sole to absorb impact until the body becomes accustomed to running.

Source: Erin Easton, Southeast Missourian [4/27/10]

TUSPM Students Organize First Annual Leadership Training Conference

This year, the student leaders of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine opted to host their First Annual Leadership Training Conference for the voting members of the Student Council.  The goal of the conference was to acquaint all student leaders with one another, facilitating a sense of community among student organizations, as over the last few years cohesion seemed to be lacking. Cohesion needs to be built from somewhere, and it was agreed that there was no better place to start than with the leaders on campus. Those individuals can then “lead by example,” and the hope was that a greater sense of community on campus would begin to grow. 

TUSPM students at First Annual Leadership Conference

Devising a structure for the conference and organizing lectures and activities proved to be a challenge for the Co-chairs: Aaron Corfield (2012), Jordan Meyers (2011) and Jennifer Mulhern (2011). However, when the conference concluded, the feedback from involved students and lecturers was very positive and provided a good base for the Conference in years to come. Ms. Corinne Snell of the Temple University Fox School of Business and Ms. Meg Heim of Biomedix Vascular Solutions were the guests of honor at this year's conference. They touched on many important aspects of being a student leader, what it means, and how to handle adversity from a leadership position.

NY Podiatrist Teaches Pilates Class for Women Who Love High Heels

Heels have reached ridiculous heights, and getting around in some of them is an art form. Enter Emily Splichal, a podiatrist who treats feet mangled from years of high-heel-wearing. After the horrors she has seen, you'd think she would live in sensible flats and athletic shoes. But "Dr. Legs," as she's called, is as addicted to high heels as the rest of us. So, next week Splichal will introduce her Catwalk Confidence fitness class at various locations of the Philadelphia Sports Club to help women indulge their love of sky-high platforms and other potentially treacherous footwear without wrecking their feet and backs. It's a 45-minute Pilates-style program with an emphasis on balance, core strength and development of strong feet and ankles.

Dr. Emily Splichal, teaching a Catwalk Confidence class.

Dr. Legs' approach may be useful since we women are not going to stop wearing high heels just because they can damage our feet. If life choices were that simple, we'd eat raw broccoli every day and never so much as glance at a cheesesteak. People want what they want and female consumers have spoken. We know we shouldn't keep wearing high heels, but we torture ourselves in them even at the risk of developing hammertoes, bunions, corns, and back problems.

Source: Janice Armstrong, Philadelphia Daily News [4/28/10]

Mills Named Olmos Award Winner at DFCon 2010

Noted vascular surgeon, educator and limb salvage expert Joseph L. R. Mills, Sr., MD, FACS, of the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, AZ, has been named the 2011 Edward James Olmos Award for Advocacy in Amputation Prevention Honoree by DFCon Global Diabetic Foot Conference, announced DFCon Co-Chairmen George Andros, MD, and David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD. Dr. Mills is professor and chief, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and co-director of Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA). 
 

(L-R) Drs. David Armstrong, George Andros, Joseph L.R. Mills, Sr., and Joseph Caporusso

“Joe Mills often works below the radar, so many people may not be aware of how important his contributions to vascular surgery and limb salvage really are,” said Dr. Andros, who is medical director, Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, CA., and founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists in Los Angeles. “It was Joe who helped develop a novel partnership between the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Podiatric Medical Association, and he has done seminal work in vascular surgery and limb salvage.”

Query: Burning Feet in Summer

I have a patient with an interesting problem that she would love to resolve. She is a 48 year old healthy woman who experiences burning, throbbing feet 2 to 3 times a night during the summer months only. The only relief she gets is by immersing her feet in ice water. This has been going on for years. She has air conditioning, but it doesn't make a difference. The intensity of the burning is worse when the  barometer rises. I would appreciate any helpful insights into how to resolve or improve her problem.

Schelli McCabe, DPM, St. Peter, MN

RE: More Bad News About Folic Acid, B6, and B12 Pills For Diabetics
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
In today's Journal of the American Medical Association (April 28th, 2010) there is a paper published titled: Effect of B-Vitamin Therapy on Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy, A Randomized Controlled Trial, by House, Eliasziw, Cattran, et al.  The paper showed that high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 given to patients studied with diabetic nephropathy resulted in a greater decrease in GFR and an increase in myocardial infarctions and strokes.
 
We need to take these findings into consideration when prescribing folic acid, B6 and B12 for patients with diabetic neuropathy. This would especially apply to diabetics who have nephropathy. It is advisable that we all read the original paper and draw our own conclusions. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Toenail Pain from Nail Polish (Robert Schwartz, CPed)
From: Peter Smith, DPM

I find it hard to believe that anyone has a shoe so perfectly fit that it is comfortable without nail polish but suddenly becomes too tight when a coat of polish is applied to the toe! She is either having a reaction to the chemicals in the polish, or she needs a psych consult.
 
Peter Smith, DPM, Stony Brook, NY, ps84@bc,edu

RE: Providing Unpaid Services
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

Last week, I saw a posting which read, "ultrasound in the right hands, is in my opinion, as good as an MRI. This saves the insurance companies many of thousands of dollars." The posting concluded: "Frequently, I am not paid for the ultrasound, but we do it anyway."
 
This statement is problematic to me on many levels. Part of the problem physicians are facing in these uncertain "insurance times" is insurance companies not paying providers for services performed. The above posting feeds right into the insurance companies desires; namely, don't pay providers because a treatment works.
 
Wouldn't it make more sense - to come to a consensus that if something works, it can be done and you will be paid. I can't recall going anywhere and having someone provide me with a service for free. To keep seeing more patients for less money, providing more services and not getting paid does not seem logical to me. An ultrasound machine easily runs around 8-13 thousand dollars. If the insurance company is not going to pay for the diagnostic procedure, how can one afford one? What am I missing?
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

RE: Kudo for PM News Classified Ads
From: Gene Mirkin, DPM, Mike Tritto, DPM

Once, again, a great big thanks to Barry Block, DPM, JD and PM News.  Your classified advertisement section allowed us to interview top-notch candidates from all over the country and eventually sign two excellent associates. They will be joining our group in July. We couldn't have done it without this forum. PM News is one of the greatest resources available to our profession.

Gene Mirkin, DPM, Mike Tritto, DPM, Maryland Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC

RE: Safely Removing Scalpel Blades (Jeffrey Kittay, DPM)
From: Charles Morelli DPM

I could not agree with Dr. Kittay more. As we continue to fight for our rightful place in the eyes of the public, as well as the medical establishment, we are now publicly acknowledging that we are training the next generation of podiatric surgeons who may or may not possess the manual dexterity to remove a #15 blade from a #3 handle. Really?  Is that what we want to discuss? 

This profession needs a public relations makeover, and it needs it now before it's too late. If we continue to publish article after article like "Extreme high heels are bad", or "shoes need to fit properly," then I'm afraid we will never be taken seriously. I doubt ophthalmologists post articles like "staring directly at the sun can increase headaches."   
 
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY, podiodoc@gmail.com

Editor's comment: Dr. Morelli implies that a good public relations campaign can change the way the media and, in turn, the public perceives us. If only that were true. The APMA has spent significant amounts of money in the past to help remold podiatry's image. The latest effort is called Today's Podiatrist. While we hope that some of the goals of this latest campaign are successful, our experience with the media has taught us that the media runs the stories that it deems newsworthy. 

As much as podiatrists would like them to run stories about external fixation, the reality is that editors and producers have their own agendas. The average reader or viewer will always be more interested in the dangers of high heels and flip-flops than in the latest podiatric surgical procedure.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – PAD NET

5 month old PAD Net device for sale. Very lightly used with 7 months of the warranty left and an extra set of toe cuffs. Serious calls only. 928-774-4825

PRACTICE & BUILDING FOR SALE - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Two locations each with 3 exam rooms, x-ray room, large waiting room, and ample parking. Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Website and marketing material included. Seller happy to assist with transition. Grossed 350K last year, priced to sell with financing available 200k. Call 931-446-5724.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - THE BRONX, NEW YORK

Growing Hospital-based practice in the Bronx. Part-time and full-time positions available. Compensation based on training and level of experience. If interested email: nblitz@bronxleb.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MICHIGAN

Well established practice in Southeast Michigan suburbs seeking full time associate. Must be ethical, personable and professional. This is a solid opportunity for a PSR-36 graduate or experienced practitioner. Must be able to diagnose and treat everything from general podiatry to reconstruction of severe deformities of the foot and ankle. The practice is currently maintained by two board certified surgeons. This practice is residency affiliated. Please forward current location and availability with C. V. to HKANEDPM@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER MILWAUKEE, WI

Great opportunity: our busy multi-physician, podiatric group practice, with multiple locations, strong hospital based affiliations and clinical appointments, with teaching faculty positions at PM&S-36 residency programs, is seeking a full-time RRA BQ/BC, PM&S-36 surgically trained doctor. Position will be available for July/August, 2010. Applicant should be well trained in all aspects of conservative care and surgical forefoot, rearfoot, reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care and limb salvage. Candidate should be ethical, hard working, outgoing and a self-starter. Commensurate pay, income guarantee, with incentives and full benefit package. Definitive plans will be discussed leading to partnership tract. Contact: Daniel Hellman, M.D. @ 414.831.0512 or by e.mail @ hellmandr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking surgically trained, Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com Texas Podiatry License Required.

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND 
 
Busy Bellmore, NY office. Motivated, board certified, hard-working, experienced in all phases of podiatry. F/T, P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242-7540 or Fax Resume 516 826-9036 or email jobke@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA

Immediate opening for a surgically-trained individual for associate position in northern suburb of Atlanta. Hospital privileges available. Position could lead to partnership or purchase of practice. Send resume and CV to pd751@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, DALLAS, HOUSTON, AND SAN ANTONIO AREAS

Seeking well trained ABPS board rearfoot/ankle certified/qualified foot surgeons for surgical practice with national foot/hand/orthopedic surgery group. Excellent salary/benefits. Email CV and cover letter to: slb99@pdq.net

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to 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

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