The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 04, 2007 #2,928 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Many Women Ignore Feet: NC Podiatrist

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently conducted a survey of women between the ages of 18 and 49 and revealed the numerous ways that many women mistreat their feet by failing to take proper care of them when something goes wrong.

Dr. Jane Andersen

"Many of the problems we treat are the result of the dysfunctional relationship women have with their feet," said Dr. Jane Andersen, an APMA member podiatrist. "Women repeatedly choose to ignore the condition, comfort and grooming of their feet, but if they regularly paid more attention, they could help prevent smaller issues from becoming more complicated ones."

Among other findings, the survey reports that nearly three-quarters of women have never visited a podiatrist, even though 82 percent have suffered from a foot ailment.

Source: Associated Press [5/3/07]

IL Racing Brother Headed for Barry University Next Year

Brothers Sean and Jon Houseworth raced each other for the first time as collegians. The brothers were teammates for only one year, helping Eureka win the 2001 Class A state cross country crown, part of a string of seven consecutive years in which the Hornets placed first or second with a Houseworth on the roster.

Jon Houseworth

This spring, Sean has posted an NCAA regional qualifying time in the 5,000 of 14:11.23, the No. 7 mark in school history. Jon hasn’t been too shabby himself, running an NCAA regional qualifier of 9:00.86 to place third in the Drake Relays 3,000 steeplechase. His career best of 8:55.85 makes him a contender for the Big Ten Conference title.

Jon’s footwork on the track will take a turn next year when he studies to become a foot doctor at Barry University in Miami Shores, FL.

Source: Randy Sharer, Pantagraph [5/2/07]

Maine Health Care Plan Falters

When Maine became the first state in years to enact a law intended to provide universal health care, one of its goals was to cover the estimated 130,000 residents who had no insurance by 2009, starting with 31,000 of them by the end of 2005, the program's first year.
So far, it has not come close to that goal. Only 18,800 people have signed up for the state's coverage and many of them already had insurance. "I think when we first started, in terms of making estimates, we really were kind of groping in the dark," said Gov. John E. Baldacci, who this month proposed a host of adjustments.

His new proposals include requiring people to have insurance and employers to offer it and penalizing them financially if they do not; making the subsidized insurance plan, DirigoChoice, more affordable for small businesses; creating a separate insurance pool for high-risk patients; instituting more Medicaid cost controls; and having the state administer DirigoChoice, which is now sold by Anthem Blue Cross.

Source: Pam Belluck, New York Times via National Roundup [5/1/07]

Query: Added-Depth Golf Shoe

I have a 65 year old female patient with osteoarthritis of the fingers and toes where-in the only manifestations on the feet are hypertrophic bony proliferations (nodes) about the interphalangeal joints. She plays golf four to five times weekly all year long. She states that all of her golf shoes irritate the hypertrophic distal IP joint of the right third toe. Interestingly, no other footwear causes the problem. Is there an especially deep golf shoe that exists? Are there molded golf shoes or soft leather types? Any suggestions? I have advised her to try and get the existing shoes stretched.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, New York, NY

RE: Preserving Uric Acid Aspirant For Lab Analysis (Gary Hoberman, DPM)
From: Richard Gosnay, DPM

Congratulations to Dr. Hoberman for aspirating. As my rheumatologist wife reminds me, aspiration is the only way to definitively diagnose gout. As for the best way to send joint fluid, I have had best results from sterile, empty containers. Sometimes, if I can't get much fluid out of an MTPJ, I'll simply remove the needle and cap the syringe. I'll just send the specimen in the syringe. If I get a good amount of fluid, I'll send it in a sterile vacuum tube.

I am dubious about sending gout crystals in alcohol. They dissolve easily. But if that is what your pathology lab wants... If that is the way they want samples, then they should have the alcohol to provide you. My path labs provide the formalin containers that they want specimens sent in.

Richard Gosnay, DPM, Danbury, CT, beautifulbaldhead@hotmail.com

RE: Cherry Blossom Dermatology Seminar
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

This past weekend, the American Society of Podiatric Dermatology held its annual Cherry Blossom Scientific Seminar at the Washington Hospital Center. President Joel Morse, DPM, single-handedly put together the best meeting in the recent history of the event, attended by 135 DPMs from all over the country. There was even one dermatologist in attendance as well. Dr. Morse invited distinguished faculty in the fields of dermatology, podiatry, infectious diseases, and pathology. One of the highlights of the meeting was an excellent presentation by Richard Scher, MD, on dealing with pigmented nail streaks.

Dr. Morse has definitely embarked on steering this organization in the right direction, and he also introduced the new ASPD web site, www.dermfoot.com. Congratulations, Dr. Morse.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, New York, NY, bryan.markinson@mountsinai.org

RE: Podiatrists and Correct Spellings (Mike Boxer, DPM)
From: Art Gudeon, DPM

In checking a number of websites (see two examples below) , it seems that the spelling of the words "pruritis" and "pruritus" are synonymous, and in common medical usage "pruritis" is used more frequently. Both are correct. As a matter of fact, my spell check allowed both. I don't think it would make any difference in expert testimony....

http://www.skin-disorders-guide.com/pruritis.htm

http://dermatology.about.com/cs/hives/g/pruritis.htm

Art Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY, afootdoc@ix.netcom.com

RE: Cash Only Practices (Dennis Hershey, DPM)
From: Bob Kornfeld, DPM

What has belittled the profession of podiatry in the eyes of the insurance companies are podiatrists themselves. Those podiatrists who have been willing to work for pennies cannot complain because they are the ones who have devalued their own services. Insurance companies will pay as low as the traffic will allow. That gives rise to the enormous amount of fraudulent claims being submitted daily by this profession as they "try" to make ends meet.

I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Hershey that all companies who pay sub-par fees should immediately be dropped. This will not happen to the extent that it should because there are podiatrists out there fighting for every penny (literally) and they will not drop out of any plan regardless of how profoundly it undermines their profession and their professional value.

Dr. Cherniak's assertion that a cash only practice is the way out of the mess is an over-simplification of a very real threat to this profession. However, it may be the only thing that saves us from extinction. Ironically, if practitioners do this, they must be willing to take a deep (albeit temporary) plunge in income.

I honestly believe that until the day comes where this profession stands together as a whole and, in unison, drops out of all managed care and HMO contracts, podiatry will make a slow and steady slip into the abyss and eventually cease to exist as new prospective students see no reason to engage in long term education for such an unacceptable return on investment.
I dropped out of all of my contracts seven years ago. My income plummeted. But here I am, seven years later with a viable, thriving practice and I am not dependant on insurance contracts to survive. It can be done. There is a way out of this mess. But it takes courage and self-confidence.

Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Lake Success, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com

RE: A Good Week For Podiatry
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM

I often look at the poster in the operating room lounge called “Physician Weekly” to see what is going on in other specialties. What I saw today made me feel proud. There on the wall in BIG print was Dave Armstrong (podiatry's superstar) taking up 20% of the poster, talking about the new validation of the classification on diabetic ulcers.... This is a good week for Podiatry!

Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@doctorbret.com

OFFICE TO SHARE AND RENT - PLAINVIEW, LONG ISLAND (S. OYSTER BAY RD.)

3 treatment rooms, JACHO certified operating room, MRI extremity unit and x ray equipment on premises, turn-key operation -no investment- call 516- 4761815 or email podo2345@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHILADELPHIA AREA

Looking for licensed motivated medical or surgical podiatrist in Philadelphia or surrounding area to take over a clinic in west Philadelphia. Looking to develop a mutually rewarding relationship. call 215-665-9225 Dr. Smith

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA- PRACTICE FOR SALE

Great opportunity to own a well-established turn-key podiatry practice located in modern medical office building in East Bay; Electronic billing, good payor base, no HMO contracts; Biomechanics, general podiatry with great potential for surgery. Please send CV and letter of interest to: norcalpod@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEW YORK CITY

Excellent opportunity for foot/ankle surgeon, Manhattan and Brooklyn Associate position leading to possible partnership. Requirements: Two years enrollment in a surgical residency program Qualities of self-motivation and impeccable skills in forefoot and rear-foot surgery. Package Includes: Malpractice insurance, Health Insurance plus salary, Incentives. Terms negotiable Email CV to Manfootcare@aol.com 212-349-7676

PRACTICE FOR SALE – OHIO – SOUTHEASTERN

Reputable, thriving, well-rounded practice available with EMR. Grossing over $320K over the last 3 years. Priced to sell. Owner relocating. Email inquiries and CV to podsx@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN KENTUCKY

Southern Kentucky's largest and most respected foot and ankle group is looking for an associate to start in July 07. An amazing opportunity to grow with an established four provider practice on beautiful Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. Very competitive salary/bonus with a buy in opportunity will be offered. Established satellite offices will make for immediate patient base ready to be nourished and grown by a friendly, well-trained associate. Excellent benefit package. Lexington, KK is 1.5 hours North while Nashville, Tennessee is 2.5 hours South. Please fax CV to 606-679-4626.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – BOSTON, MA

20 year old, well established, modern practice with 2 locations just out of Boston, looking for associate, P/T or F/T, motivated 24/36 trained or ABPS-Certified or eligible to start immediately. Strong surgically-based practice. Looking for motivated individual, able to practice all facets of podiatry practiced. Electronic scanning for orthotics and voice activated EMR already in office. Fax CV to (617) 567-0822

ASSOCIATE POSITION-YORK, PA

Excellent opportunity for PSR/24-/36 residency trained podiatrist to join 32 year established podiatric practice. Partnership opportunity. All aspects of podiatry, surgical, biomechanical and general podiatry. State of the art practice with up-to-date facility. Call and speak to Troy Wentling office manager or fax CV to 717-854-6519 or e-mail to beechtreepod@aol.com

MICHIGAN- DETROIT NORTHWEST SUBURBS

Associate/Partner wanted for busy group practice. Opportunity for exceptional pay and benefits for hard working, well-trained person of integrity. Enjoy full scope of practice while working with progressive and team oriented colleagues. Historically patient flow has allowed for obtaining enough cases for boards in less than 2 years. PSR-24/36 or practice experience needed. Please e-mail resume to nmoz@aol.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City. Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

WELL ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE IN MT. AIRY, NC

Dr. John H. Hodges had a well established practice in Mt. Airy, NC that is either for sale or in need of an associate/partner to take over patient care. Dr. Hodges unexpectedly passed away, leaving approximately 3,500 patients. This is a unique opportunity to be able to begin work in a busy podiatric practice. If interested, contact Carolyn McMackin at (336)577-2886 or cmcmackin@triad.rr.com

DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER RESIDENCY PGY1 AND PGY2 NEW POSITIONS

Detroit Medical Center PM&S-36 program is accepting applications for additional PGY1 and PGY2 slots. The DMC and Wayne State University Medical School sponsors 900+ residents. Highlighted rotations include: Orthopedic Trauma, Pediatric Orthopedics, and Plastic Surgery. With over 100 attendings, surgical volume is tremendous. Please call Beverly at 248.651.0162 if interested.

PODIATRIC SURGEON POSITION – DES MOINES, IA

Full-time position available in busy county hospital-based foot and ankle group. Two year residency trained, BE/BQ, minimum. Private practice experience preferred. Competitive salary and benefit package. Inquiries to: Denise Mandi, DPM, Section Chief Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines, IA. dmandi@broadlawns.org

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

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