The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

April 30, 2012 #4,449 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.

Virginia "Ginny" Jewell

The Indiana Podiatric Medical Association is mourning the sudden loss  of its executive director Virgina Jewell. "Ginny" had been employed by the IPMA for 38 years, first serving as secretary and later as its executive director.  

Virginia "Ginny" Jewell

Ginny's knowledge of both local and national podiatric issues made her the backbone of the IPMA. Her organizational skills made the lives of all who worked with her on the Board through the years much easier.  During her tenure, Indiana podiatrists were positively influenced by her devotion. She will be missed by all.

Team Care is Critical for Diabetics: AZ Podiatrist

"Those with diabetes lose the gift of pain," says Dr. David Armstrong, director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance at the University of Arizona department of surgery. Armstrong's research has shown that up to 25 percent of those with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. More than half of foot ulcers become infected; one in five infections requires amputation.

Dr. David Armstrong

What's most critical for a patient is access to a team: a group of nurses and doctors of different specialties who work together, including a podiatric surgeon and vascular surgeon, Armstrong said. "It's not what you put on a wound that heals it; it's what you take off," he said. "If you surgically and carefully remove what's dead, and redistribute pressure so the person isn't pirouetting on a body part, in the face of good blood flow and absent infection, most wounds heal just fine."

Source: Julie Deardorff, Chicago Tribune [4/25/12]

IN Podiatrist Gives Meaning to Life of Daughter Lost to Heroin

Speaking to nearly 2,000 La Porte High School students, a retired doctor Wednesday played a recording of the 911 call he made after finding his daughter submerged in the bathtub after she had just used heroin. A decision was made five hours later to turn off her life support. "The beast is within this call. The beast has chosen at that point and time to destroy someone," Dr. Mann Spitler, III told the entire student body while giving his presentation on the gymnasium floor.

Dr. Mann Spitler, III

He began giving the presentations about six months after his 20-year-old daughter Manda died, and in 2006 retired as a podiatrist to give more energy to what has become his primary mission. "What I want for all of you is to live long, rewarding and productive joyful lives and live a life with purpose and meaning to it," said Spitler. He told the students that heroin strips purpose and meaning away from its users.

Source: Stan Maddux, News-Dispatch [4/26/12]

VA Podiatrist Arrested on Drug Charges

On April 27th, 2012, the Colonial Heights Police Department Street Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Virginia State Police and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency), arrested Dr. Richard Caudell, 61 years of age, a local podiatrist. The arrest concludes an eight month investigation where it was discovered that Dr. Caudell was writing prescriptions for Oxycodone, a narcotic pain medication, in exchange for marijuana. Dr. Caudell was served with three indictments for distributing a controlled substance, and was incarcerated at Riverside Regional Jail with no bond.

Source: WRIC [6/27/12]

House Proposal Would Reform Medical Liability

The House Judiciary Committee has approved a proposal that includes earlier-passed medical liability reform legislation as a way to find savings to avoid arbitrary, across-the-board cuts to federal programs next year. Last month, the House passed a budget bill that also requested six House committees—including Judiciary — to find areas of savings in a so-called reconciliation process to replace sequestration that is scheduled to begin in January. Sequestration refers to the automatic across-the-board budget cuts that will kick in January 2013 under the Budget Control Act of 2011 if Congress can't agree on how to achieve $1.2 trillion in cuts or added revenue over the next decade.

The tort reform measure would create a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages of any malpractice suit in the country. Meanwhile, any punitive damages awarded would be as much as $250,000 or as much as two times the amount of economic damages awarded, whichever is greater.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [4/27/12]

Query: Botox or Iontophoresis for Hyperhydrosis

A 48 year old Caucasian male is completely healthy save the fact that he has severe hyperhidrosis. He has been evaluated and treated by a neurologist, endocrinologist, and dermatologist without success. His condition has been complicated by fissure formation with secondary bacterial infections concomitant with the hyperhidrosis (with use of aluminum topicals and with formaldehyde topicals). He is now considering Botox injections or iontophoresis. I am seeking input regarding these therapies and their success rates.

Catherine Ferguson, DPM, Euclid, OH

Query: White Hall Little Champ

I am looking for input about a Whitehall whirlpool called the "Little Champ." It is a small 4.5 gallon design with a pump that completely evacuates the water. It does not require floor plumbing, allowing more versatility in treatment rooms.

Jack Ressler, DPM, Delray Beach, FL

RE: Nerve Compression Vs. Fictitious Injury (Jeffrey Smith, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
Compression injuries can be extremely painful, and because they involve soft tissue inflammation around nerves, diagnostic modalities may not be too revealing. Interferential therapy has proven quite successful in the management of injuries described above, as well as with ankle sprains and others injuries where there is a great deal of pain and edema. This time-honored modality is a staple in most physical therapy centers. In the case described, rest combined with light compression and interferential therapy three times a week might make a great difference for this patient in a relatively short period of time.

 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Recent Research Confirms Therapeutic Effect of Foot Orthoses for Anterior Knee Pain
From: Kevin A. Kirby, DPM

A recently published single-blind randomized control trial has demonstrated the clinical efficacy of foot orthoses in the treatment of anterior knee pain (i.e. patellofemoral pain syndrome). 40 subjects with anterior knee pain of at least 6 weeks duration who had not been treated with foot orthoses in the previous 5 years were divided into a control group (n = 20) that received no treatment and an intervention group (n = 20) that received foot orthoses. The clinical observation period was 6 weeks.

Results of the study showed that there was a significant global improvement (i.e. subjective pain reduction) with foot orthoses when compared to...

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

RE: Sterilizing Bits Between Debridements (Alan Meyerberg, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

The problem is moot if you just stop the anachronistic, chiropodal technique of grinding toenails! I've had great success with 40-60% urea occluded over the nail. The affected nail can be easily cut or just lifted off. The patient is free of the bulk, and topical antifungal goes right on the bed. You appear more professional. 

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@aol com

RE: The Passing of Lawrence Mandel, DPM
From: Stefan Feldman, DPM

Larry was an inspiration and a great friend to those of us who knew him well as students at Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. He always pushed us, as he did himself, to be the best. Larry will live on in the memories of his family and friends.

Stefan Feldman, DPM, Westlake Village, CA

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

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

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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

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

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.