The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 07, 2012 #4,455 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Avoid Bathroom Surgery for Feet: IL Podiatrist

Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active. So, if you neglect your feet, that can lead to unnecessary pain and other foot problems, says Elizabeth Kurtz, DPM, a podiatrist in Chicago and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Dr. Elizabeth Kurtz

Don’t attempt to self-treat painful foot woes. “I see many patients who have attempted what I call bathroom surgery, and they’ve made the problem worse,” says Kurtz. Any pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration that persists should be checked out by a podiatric physician. Usually the problem can be cleared up with prescription medicine or a minor in-office procedure. Allowing a doctor to take a look will help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

Source: Jan Sheehan, The Alice Echo-News Journal [5/1/12]

NYCPM Sponsors Seminar for Harlem Seniors

The Abyssinian Development Corp., Senior Services, NORC and the Greater New York Links: Health and Wellness Facet sponsored a recent visit and seminar for seniors at the Harlem Foot Center.

(L-R) Dr. Thomas DeLauro, Dr. Marcella Maxwell, Dr. Eunice Ramsey-Parker (clinic administrator, FCNY) and Grace Ingleton (NY Links)

Seniors received individual examinations and evaluations of their feet by doctors and students, toured the clinic’s facilities and attended lectures on the importance of good foot care and how the feet affect the whole body, which were given by Dr. Thomas De Lauro, chairman of the division of medical sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The visit and seminar were coordinated by Dr. Eunice Ramsey Parker, clinic administrator.

Source: Gideon Manesseh, New York Amsterdam News [5/5/12]

Samuel Merritt Professor Saved in Miraculous Rescue

Los Gatos Park Service officer Dave Gray is the ranger who called 911 to help save the life of Reed Rowan who collapsed on March 26 on the Los Gatos Creek Trail after going into cardiac arrest. "I found the nurse doing CPR on Dr. Rowan. I then assisted her with CPR while Amber held his head. Our goal was to keep the blood flowing as we are taught," Gray noted. 

(L-R) Santa Clara County firefighter/paramedic Harry Franklin, Reed and Kathy Rowan, and Santa Clara County Fire Capt. Charlie Shaw.

Gray said it took about five minutes for Santa Clara County firefighters to respond and that during this time period, Rowan had no heartbeat. When the firefighters arrived with their equipment, they finally got a pulse and Rowan was taken to the hospital. After six days, Rowan was discharged and is already back to work as a professor of anatomy at the College of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University.

Source: Sheila Sanchez, Los Gatos Patch [5/4/12]

Staffing Crisis From Aussie Podiatrist's Resignation Puts Diabetics at Risk

A staffing crisis at Royal North Shore Hospital has spread to the medical ranks, with hundreds of patients told to cool their heels while NSW Health officials recruit almost an entire new podiatry department. A patient who spoke to The Sun-Herald has had to start treating his own feet with a razor blade at home after his past two monthly appointments were cancelled because the hospital has lost all three of its consulting podiatrists.

Almost 400 patients have been told their appointments are suspended indefinitely following the resignation of the last remaining consultant, Russell Stokes, in March. Letters have been sent to hundreds more patients to tell them treatment has been suspended in all but emergency cases due to an "unexpected resignation." The NSW opposition yesterday claimed there was a staff freeze at Royal North Shore, putting the health of podiatry patients, who are mainly diabetics, at risk.

Source: Health Aston, Sun-Herald [5/6/12]

CMS Delays Data Collection for Sunshine Act to 2013

The CMS has again extended the implementation of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act and will not require drug and device manufacturers to begin collecting data on payments to providers until 2013. The Physician Payments Sunshine Act is a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that is intended to increase public accountability and transparency. The provision will require drug and device companies to report payments or gifts to physicians and teaching hospitals. It also requires manufacturers and GPOs to report physician ownership and investment interests.

Source: Jaimy Lee, Modern Physician [5/4/12]

RE: Alleged Medical Neglience Resulting in Amputation (AZ)

Facts: Plaintiff alleged that Defendant, a licensed podiatrist, was medically negligent related to care and treatment he provided to Mr. Bullock between April 15, 2003, and October 22, 2007. He alleges Defendant's medical negligence proximately caused him an amputation of his right fifth metatarsal and toe on October 27, 2007, performed by Dr. Twena. Mr. Bullock alleges as a result of the amputation he has certain disabilities.

Plaintiff, Douglas Bullock established care with his primary doctor Dr. J, on October 28, 2002 who referred Bullock to Defendant because Mr. Bullock was a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy who needed diabetic foot care. Mr. Bullock first saw Defendant on April 15, 2003, for right foot infection and was treated for...

Editor's note: The complete summary can be read here.

Result: Defendant's verdict ($0)

Plaintiff's Expert: John Anthony Ciccone, DPM, El Cajon, CA
Defendant's Experts: Lewis Freed, DPM, Dr. James Malone, vascular surgeon

Source: Mealey's Jury Verdicts & Settlements

Strengthen Relationships

Improve a relationship with your next face-to-face discussion, phone call, email, or text. View each exchange as an opportunity.

Start by listing the people you communicate with daily. Beside each name, note whether your relationship is Poor, Fair, or Very Good. Then ask whether your last interaction with that person strengthened or harmed your relationship. Plan how to use the next conversation to improve your standing.

Source: Adapted from “Every Conversation Is an Opportunity,” Kevin T. McCarney, Training via Communication Brieifings

Query: Marfan's Syndrome and Bunions

I have a 32 y/o female with Marfan’s syndrome. She had cardiac surgery as a child. Her mom had Marfan’s and also had horrible bunions. Her foot presents with a routine bunion deformity. IM angle 16, HA 28, 1st MTPJ ROM-normal no crepitus, moderately pronated foot with a mild increase in talar declination but a normal calcaneal inclination. Gait shows fairly standard late midstance pronation, no equinus or early heel-off. She does have some hypermobility/ligamentous laxity in her wrists, but her midfoot is fairly stable.

Radiographically, this case is solidly within the parameters for a neck osteotomy. The question is: because of her ligamentous laxity, should one consider a more stable procedure? The procedure that would give her the best chance of never having to have surgery again would be a fusion. With normal joint space and no crepitus, should this be done? Is an STJ arthroeresis an option? How about just a standard Austin? 

Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS

RE:  Podiatry Chair Repair (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Look in The Yellow Pages for Dental Equipment Repair. The smaller independent repair companies are willing to service podiatrists.   

Dwight L. Bates,  DPM, Dallas, TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com

On Long Island, I would highly recommend Revitalize Equipment Services (Anthony Passalacqua) His phone #: 646-409-4843.
 
Andrew Shapiro, DPM, Valley Stream, NY, DrShapBark@aol.com

Local home appliance repair services for washers, dryers, etc. can usually handle most podiatry chair problems at far less than half the cost. Warranties for most chairs are only good for a year, so there is no voiding of the warranty. I was charged over $600 for a 'medical' chair repair service to take a look at my chair. 1 1/2 hours drive time each way, 15 minutes diagnosing the problem at $200/hr. He would then need to return to repair the chair after he ordered the faulty part. The appliance repair man I called was a little surprised to be asked to take a look at a podiatry chair, but he did a good job at far less cost. Podiatry chairs are less complicated than most home appliances.

Thomas H. Nolen, DPM, Centralia, IL, nolendpm@yahoo.com

RE: Recent Research Confirms Therapeutic Effect of Foot Orthoses for Anterior Knee Pain
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

To start off, I reject Dr. Bijak's comments! Jeff Root's comments, as usual, are correct. Dr. Kirby's comments reflect the depth of his working knowledge of podiatric biomechanics. Over the years, my practice has become more sports medicine than surgery. One athlete refers another, etc. Early on, knee complaints were part of patients' presenting complaints. I have not done any studies, and I expect Dr. Bijak to reject my observations, but here I go, anyway.

I have not seen any studies comparing one OTC insole to any of the others, and I doubt there will ever be one. The huge number of variables that exist between companies and models are ever growing. This is not so in the application of podiatric biomechanics, by those of us who consistently...

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

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RE: Sterilizing Bits Between Debridements (Jeff Kittay, DPM)
From: Steven D Epstein, DPM

In defense of grinding, while I do not enjoy doing it, I find it can be a very useful means of debridement. If a nail plate is very thick or very hard, or the nail bed is bulbous and very intimate with the nail plate, grinding is easier on the patient than hacking, prying, and twisting away with the nail forceps. On such patients, I sometimes initiate the debridement with the drill, just to thin the nail plate down a bit. Also, in general, grinding saves time that would otherwise be spent nipping at the nail plate forever, trying to eliminate sharp edges and excessive irregularities.

I'm not running a nail salon either, but patients do appreciate not having sharp edges catch on their socks and pull their nails off after you're done with them. I like to use coarse burs (carefully), let the machine do the work (i.e., don't push) and keep the nail plate wetted down. I can understand the occupational hazards, undesirability of comparison with nail salons, etc., but if you don't want to do it right, then don't do it at all.

Steven D Epstein, DPM, Lebanon, PA, sdepstein@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE — BROOKLYN, NY

This practice has been in the same location for 31 years, seeing 80-100 pts/week, working 4.5 days/week. Grossing $350K and netting close to 70%. All surgery referred out. Low rent, option to buy the building in future. Asking $225K, doctor willing to finance. Call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS

30 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established, diverse referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow ($400K net income after overhead). EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Free standing building also available with large outdoor sign. Owner retiring and willing to stay part time during transition. Contact:mcrosby@picagroup.com or call (888) 776 2430.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is referred out. Financing available. Call 800-983-4194, or email contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - K-LASER

Complete coverage of the therapeutic spectrum on the market. With dual 800 and 970 nm wavelength selectability, power tunable from 0.1 to 12 Watts , spot sizes from 1 – 5 cm2, and frequency modulation from continuous wave through 20,000 Hz, In excellent condition $16,000. Please contactsunandski400@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to footcare4all@aol.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 24-36 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Office and hospital-based podiatry group in Bakersfield, CA seeks highly-trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer surgeon with trauma and Charcot reconstructive experience. Staff privileges with 5 local hospitals. Offering health insurance, CME allowance and competitive salary. Must be PSR 24/36 trained, ethical and thoughtful when treating patients. Please forward CV to aghams2@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS

Multi-location group practice seeks motivated DPM with initiative and leadership skills to contribute to our growing group practice. Foot Healers Podiatry Group enjoys a strong reputation within St. Louis and looking for the right individual to complement our team. Must have the confidence to lead you own clinic and the willingness to draw on the expertise that exists within our group. Starting salary ($100k), plus incentive comp plan, malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, group bonus/profit sharing. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com and visit our website www.foothealers.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 - FINGERLAKES REGION, NY

Podiatry Group looking for a dynamic and motivated associate to join our medical and surgical practice. Track to partnership. Competitive salary, incentives, health insurance, malpractice insurance, educational expenses, and professional dues included. Familiarity with the region encouraged. Candidate should be ABPS qualified or certified. Close to Pennsylvania if expanded scope of practice desired. Send CV to nypodiatrygroup@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Associate wanted for hospital-based podiatry group practice. Full scope of practice. PSR24+. Outstanding opportunity, work environment, and recreational pursuits. Fax CV to 907-562-5195, please call 907-562-4958.

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 - 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

PRACTICE WANTED - FINGERLAKES REGION, NY

Looking to purchase a podiatry practice in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. Serious inquiries should be sent to: aspenpodiatry@gmail.com

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

F/T CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT - NEW YORK

**Must have NYS certification for podiatric x-rays. Primary responsibility is to provide full clinical support to the podiatrist. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: Maintenance logs, inventory, preparing patients for visits, x-rays, assisting with patient registration, appointment scheduling, calling in prescriptions to pharmacies, chart retrieval, providing lab result with charts to physicians, etc. Salary commensurate with experience; benefits/ after probationary period. Fax resume to 212-713-1631 or e-mail to  ttolliver@wpmg.org

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.

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