The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 10, 2011 #4,156 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Contracting Warts is a Major Risk From Nail Salons: NY Podiatrist

According to Mnahattan podiatrist Dr. Jaqueline Sutera, you might pick up something other than a bottle of sexy eggplant nail polish at your favorite salon: "Warts from nail salons keep me very busy," she says, estimating that she treats many patients every week with warts that can be traced back to their pedicure provider. The virus behind warts thrives in warm, moist environments, such as the public pool, your gym locker room, and basically every tool used in a professional pedicure, from the spa tub to the callus paddle. 

Dr. Jacqueline Sutera

The best way to prevent transmission is to tote your own tools. If you notice any new bumps on the bottom of your feet (it may feel like you have a splinter or callus) containing a tiny dark spot or spots, see your podiatrist for treatment.

Source: Leslie Goldman, Ladies Home Journal

UK Podiatrist Helps WWII Veteran Receive Over-due War Medals

A great act of thoughtfulness has seen Doris Campbell of Tauranga finally receive her war medals - nearly 66 years after hostilities ended in 1945. The 89-year-old Elmswood Rest Home resident was having her feet treated by Mount Maunganui podiatrist Michael Chambers when the conversation turned to her World War II service with the Wrens - the Women's Royal Naval Service. 

(L-R) Doris Campbell and Michael Chambers

Mr. Chambers' interest in military history led him to ask where she had served. When he inquired about her war medals, particularly the Italy Star, he learned that she had never applied for them. Just when the passage of time seemed to have put an end to the matter, along came Mr. Chambers. After telling the former Liverpudlian that she was still eligible to claim her medals, he downloaded an application form, attached her service details and sent it off.

Source: John Cousins, Bay of Plenty Times [5/7/11]

TX Podiatrist Volunteers at ADA Health Fair

An estimated crowd of 3,000 attended the annual Houston American Diabetes Association’s 9th Feria de Salud. Inside the community center screening area, there were supervised glucose and blood pressure screenings. 

Dr. Lorraine McKinney

Podiatrist Dr. Lorraine McKinney performed foot screenings. McKinney serves on the African American Initiatives Board of the American Diabetes Association, and is a regular volunteer and speaker for health fairs and health events throughout the Houston area. 

Source: ADA

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: Has having the DPM degree been an asset or a liability for you? 

Dr. Vicki Driver

Vickie Driver: Well, I guess it is probably both. I think that over time, as a podiatrist, you develop an understanding that you are who you are; you are not an MD and that is okay. I know what my credentials are and I know what my lane is. I stay within my lane like every other practitioner. A vascular surgeon does not come over and start doing reconstructive foot surgery, and I do not go over and start doing a bypass.  Our schools have to help students understand not to have a chip on their shoulders, and also understand that they are podiatrists, and with that comes a lot of skill. 

Dr. Jerry Brant

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). The next segment will feature PICA founder Dr. Jerry Brant. You can register for this event by clicking here

RE: Alleged Malpractice Stemming From Leaving a Shard in Patient's Foot (NY)
  
Result: Verdict-Defendant ($0)

Plaintiff's expert witness: David Plotkin, DPM, Springfield, NJ

Defendant's expert witnesses: Josef J. Geldwert, DPM; NY, NY Paul Greenberg, DPM, NY, NY

Facts: On Dec. 17, 2007, plaintiff Helen Barr, 57, a handbag designer, underwent surgery on her left foot. Barr claimed that the defendant podiatrist who performed the surgery made a number of errors during the operation, including leaving behind a shard in Barr's foot. Barr filed a podiatric malpractice suit against defendant. The defendant had performed two procedures on Barr's left foot: a bunionectomy and a Weil osteotomy to shorten her second metatarsal.

Barr's suit alleged that defendant, in addition to leaving behind the shard, had also departed...

Editor's note: The extended version of this report can be read here.

Source: VerdictSearch New York Reporter, Vol. 28, Issue 41

Query: Prognocis EMR or Athena Health EMR

Does anyone have any experience with either Prognocis EMR or Athena Health EMR? 

Daniel Cohen, DPM, Melbourne, FL

RE: DPM = Diploma in Psychological Medicine?

When your patients think that DPM is a two-year diploma, they may not be all wrong. There are many universities around the world that offer DPM/Diploma in psychological medicine (google search  “Diplomas in Psychological Medicine” to see the results).

What makes it worse is that a number of U.S. psychiatrists also have “MD. DPM” written next to their name - and they are NOT podiatrists

Tahir Khan, Scholl College, Chicago, IL, tahir.khan@my.rfums.org

RE: Obtaining Cantharone (Deborah S. Wehman, DPM)
From: Greg Caringi, DPM, Doug Mason, DPM

Although not available or approved for use in the US, cantharidin (Cantherone, Canthacur), when used properly, is a very effective means of treating warts. I was aware of the product but had not used it in years until I saw consults for patients with resistant verrucae from the University of Pennsylvania skin clinic being treated successfully with the product.

I initially tried having local pharmacies compound it, but with poor results. It was expensive and inconsistent in quality. My local dermatologist recommended the Canthacur products from Paladin Labs (paladinlabs.com) in Canada. Canthacur is a solution of simply cantharidin 0.7%. We use the Canthacur-PS product which contains cantharidin 1%, podophyllin 5%, and salicylic acid 30%.

Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA, drgregc@msn.com

You can get this chemical through Nucara (nucara.com); it is a pharmacy that makes many different types of medications through compounding.

Doug Mason, DPM, Kingston, NY, drdiver@yahoo.com

RE: EHR (Marc Katz, DPM)
From: Alan Bass, DPM

I am in total agreement with Dr. Katz’s last statement regarding EHR. The use of electronic health records has allowed him to practice more efficiently, and that is what a well-designed EHR program should do. Anyone considering purchasing an EHR or practice management software should do their due diligence and make sure that is right for them. Do not be lured in by the government's promise of $44,000 over the next five years.

Anyone purchasing an electronic health records program for the incentive payment from the government is making a mistake. While all software companies charge monthly maintenance fees, and  clearinghouses charge fees for billing, finding a program and a company that is podiatry-specific should be a consideration as well. Regardless of the fees that I pay on a monthly basis, electronic health records have allowed me to practice more efficiently, thereby increasing my bottom line. That is what it is all about.

Alan Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

RE: MI Podiatrist Stars in Secret Agent Podiatrist Video

Dr. Scott Hughes as "Secret Agent Podiatrist"

The  Navy seals have killed Osama bin Laden, but what about his cousin Osama bin Latte? To see this compelling video, click here. 

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. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS

One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - NW INDIANA, CHICAGO AREA

2 Full-Time positions open - One for Northwest Indiana and one for the Chicagoland area. Must have 2-year surgical residency. Must be motivated and a self-starter. State License required. If interested email: f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT - (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS

Great opportunity. Well established and equipped practice for sale. Office includes state licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center. Present owner is retiring but will stay on as needed for smooth transition. Average gross over past 3 years is $575 K. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located on Mission Regional Hospital Campus. Gross income 2010 was $340,000. Approximately 1300 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Only 3 years old. Will consider all offers. 949-702-1052. David Stoller, DPM (Family Footcare) david@missionviejofootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHWEST SUBURBS, CHICAGO, IL

Great Opportunity! Present owner to stay on for transition. Average 20% growth over 3 years while open only 4 half days a week. Excellent growth potential with increased hours. Perfect for a new practitioner or a 2nd location. contact podiatrynwsuburbs@gmail.com   for information.

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