The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 07, 2007 #2,930 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Army Podiatrists Can Receive Up to 32K in Loan Forgiveness

As of May 3, 2007, the Army has instituted the Army Podiatrist Loan Forgiveness Program. Under this new initiative, Army podiatrists who meet certain requirements can submit an application which goes to a board for approval.

Dr. Patrick G Sesto

If selected, an applicant can receive up to $32,000 per year for three years of pre-tax dollars paid directly to the lender. This is a first for Army podiatry and represents many years of hard work and briefings.

Source: LTC Patrick G Sesto, DPM

UK Minister Acknowledges Contribution of Podiatry

In Birmingham England this week, Lord Philip Hunt, Minister of State for Quality, attended the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists Delegate Assembly.

He offered support, and acknowledged the contribution podiatry plays in helping to reduce complications associated with long-term chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and vascular problems; conditions which have a high impact on patients' quality of life. Podiatry services help minimize the cost burden to the National Health Service (NHS) and social services. Prevention of diabetic amputations can save the NHS an average of over GBP80,000 per patient.

Ralph Graham

Chairman of the Sociery of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP), Mr. Ralph Graham said, "We will seek a meeting at the earliest possible opportunity to pursue the issues discussed, and accept Lord Hunt's invitation for further dialogue."

Source: Earth Times [5/3/07]

Query: Bone Stimulators for Charcot

I have a diabetic patient with Charcot of the midtarsal joint. I know there are different bone stimulators available. Any advice as to efficacy and which company to contact?

James W. Clark, DPM Salinas, CA

RE: AAOS Provides Grants to Limit Podiatrists’ Scope of Practice
From: Multiple Respondents

Information on the anti-competitive nature of the AAOS should be saved by every DPM and malpractice carrier. When they testify against you in court (another of their common tactics) this material can be presented to a jury to demonstrate the membership of that person in a stated anti-podiatric organization.

Remember. Just because the lion is smiling, does not mean it is friendly.

Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MI, allenthepod@sbcglobal.net

While attending legislative days is important, a far more powerful use of your time is dropping by your legislator's local office when he/she is there and introducing yourself, getting on their mailing lists, and attending their golf outings and spaghetti dinners. Helping during their campaigns is also important, and remember, you will most likely have a different legislator for your home and office, and hospital.

The e-mail systems for elected officials are getting pretty sophisticated. Some will only allow you to e-mail if the "home" address is in their district. A way around that is to use your office and hospital addresses to get through to other legislators. Also, ask you hospital administrator for an introduction. Even better, take him/her to a fundraiser.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Hoffman Estates, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

Although I haven't been able to convince members of our board here in Massachusetts and I know I am of the minority opinion in this approach BUT these tactics continually place us on the defense and as a small profession take much of our limited resources both in money and time to defend ourselves against. I have always believed that the best defense is an aggressive offense.

Many want to keep to the high road and can see the pitfalls of being the antagonist and want to continue to find their way "into the club" and get a "seat at their table". Frankly, I say introduce legislation in every state and commonwealth to limit the scope of physicians commensurate with their practice and specialty. It is to the benefit of the public's health. Very few if any physician should enjoy unlimited scope of practice. Once physicians commit to a specialty in today's ever expanding, rapidly changing field of medicine with new drugs arriving daily and technology changes occurring nearly as quickly there is just no way in hell that the old days of unlimited scope should be allowed to stand. Instead of trying to defend ourselves against these initiatives, let’s turn the table on these crafty buggers.

James J DiResta, DPM, MPH, James.J.DiResta.DMS04@Alum.Dartmouth.ORG

RE: Added-Depth Golf Shoe (Bryan C. Markinson, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

New Balance has come out with an extra depth Golf Shoe with a high toe box. This golf shoe utilizes all the New Balance technology as well. It has a removable insert to accommodate a diabetic insert, available in 4 widths and has many of the features found on the other high end New Balance shoes. Dia-Foot has submitted this shoe to SADMERC for approval for all Diabetics and pending approval will be available later this year.

New Balance Golf Shoes

Robert M. Gaynor DPM, Lake Worth, FL, nailcutter@aol.com

Maybe you can do something else. If she is right handed, then her toe problem might be due to her foot sliding forward when she goes to the "toe", on her follow through. I have had remarkable success with orthotics in golf shoes. I will use a composite if the shoe lacks depth; with a sulcus length top cover if the sock liner cannot be removed. Also, is she wearing a golf sock, made from acrylic fibers, that has a padded toe area? I have also been "selling" my golfing friends on the idea that a pair of golf orthotics and replacing their 10 year old golf shoes, is a better investment than a new driver !

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Hoffman Estates, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

It is most likely that the golf shoes she is wearing are too short and/or too narrow. She may need to wear thinner socks so as not to irritate. A ball and ring stretcher can be used to raise the toe box at the irritation site. New Balance makes extra-depth golf shoes in multiple widths for men and women. Eneslow makes custom-molded golf shoes and carries ready-made golf shoes from New Balance and Ecco.

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

Editor's note: This topic is now closed

RE: Long-term Results of Conservative vs. Operative Treatment of Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures

Editor's note: Additional notes on this topic can be read at:
http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=13949&start=1

RE: Cash Only Practices (Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Edward Nieuwenhuis Sr., DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Editor's note: Numerous notes on this topic can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=13942&start=1

ASSOCIATE POSITION WANTED -SOUTHEAST

Board Certified PSR/36 trained in FF/RF with clinical experience looking for a practice opportunity in the South East. Ethical, well trained with great bedside manners. Looking to join a large multispecialty group or a practice with a large referral base. Practice must be ethical and well respected in the community. Please contact flyfishingdoc@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION AZ - METRO PHOENIX

Busy expanding practice seeking surgical and/or non-surgical podiatrist. F/T or P/T. Motivated, personable, ethical. Send CV along with salary expectations to email dpmpcaz@yahoo.com

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

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

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

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