The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 11, 2009 #3,542 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice to Health Editor

My closet is filled with adorable shoes that I rarely wear: ballet flats that make my arches ache, high heels that pinch my hammertoes (overlapping little toes), slingbacks that rub and irritate my Achilles tendon. My biggest complaint is that most of these felt perfectly fine in the store—but after wearing them for a few hours, they turned into torture devices. To avoid being tricked yet again, I turned to Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, Chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Dr. Bryan Markinson

Dr. Markinson told me that women often let fashion trump pain (obviously). But he also said to shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen. I had heard that before, but I didn’t realize that your foot could be as much as ¼ to ½ size smaller in the morning than in the evening! You need to make sure that the shoes fit your feet at their largest, and at no point should your heel (or any other part) be hanging out of the sandal. He also surprised me by saying that a flexible sole is NOT the way to go. It turns out that you want a flexible upper (leather is best), but that the bottom should be firm and stable. Otherwise, your foot wiggles around too much and can get injured.

Source: Barbara Brody, Woman’s Day [5/8/09]

Run Less, Run Faster: No Guarantee Against Injuries: IL Podiatrist

It sounds a little too good to be true: Finish a 26.2-mile marathon on just three days of training a week. But for time-pressed, injury-prone runners, this type of low-mileage marathon plan can be an attractive alternative to the traditional five- or six-day training programs. Why neglect your job, family and friends while pounding out more than 50 miles a week if you don't have to? Researchers with the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) have shown that experienced runners can improve their times using three runs a week.

Dr. Roland Tolliver

But there’s no guarantee that you won't get injured on three-day plans. Podiatrist Roland Tolliver, 51, of Freeport used the FIRST program to train for his first marathon to reduce the impact on his body. Everything was going smoothly until 12 days before the race, when he developed a sacral stress fracture in his lower spine. Though he doesn't blame the program (he twisted his back at his son's Communion), a speed workout might have exacerbated the injury, he said.

What most coaches agree on is that the best way to get injured is to do too much too soon. Listen to your body and remember that it's constantly changing. "The important thing is to have a plan and a program," said Bart Yasso, of Runner's World. "The worst thing you can do is to enter a marathon and run when you can. Those are the people who run into trouble."

Source: Julie Deardorff, Chicago Tribune,  [5/10/ 09]
 

Doctor Discipline Inches Up But Still Off 14% From Peak

State medical boards across the country took 60 more disciplinary actions against physicians in 2008 than they did in 2007. That increase -- less than 1% -- was not enough to silence critics who argue the boards are not doing enough to protect patients from bad doctors.

State medical board officials said staffing levels and funding affect a medical board's ability to address complaints against physicians quickly and fairly. Nationwide, the 5,379 disciplinary actions boards took against physicians in 2008 halted a three-year slide, but still represented a 14% drop from a 2004 peak of 6,265 actions.

Source: Kevin B. O'Reilly, AMNews [5/4/09]

The Most Important Thing You Can Do

The most successful people in every profession have one characteristic in common. They are goal driven. Truly successful, high-performing people have written down their goals and they review them at least twice a month. You should write goals in the following categories: Lifetime, 3-Year, 1-Year, Quarterly. You should have goals for your business, personal life, financial, health, and fun. One of the greatest competitive secrets in life is that almost no one takes the time to do this. But those who do achieve more than everyone else combined. Remember: A goal, not reduced to writing and reviewed often, is a mere wish.

Source: Rem Jackson, CEO of Top Practices. For information about  the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management visit www.aappm.org

Query: Automated Appointment Reminder

I am considering use of an automated telephone appointment reminder system in my office. Has anyone had experience with such a system? If so, what are your feelings on the system, especially with regard to your elderly patients? Has this system helped in the matter of no-shows?

Timothy B. Maclin, DPM, Tulsa, OK

RE: Intractable Arch and Heel Pain (Charles  Gilarski, DPM)
From: Steven Goldstein, DPM, Joel Lang, DPM

First off, a diagnostic ultrasound or MRI should be ordered to look for a partial tear, fasciosis, or any other pathology.  You may also want to try a medial calcaneal nerve block to see if this alleviates the pain. If so, then cryosurgery of the heel may be an excellent way to resolve this problem. I would also suggest possible ESWT or Topaz as well.

Steven Goldstein, DPM, Royal Palm Beach, FL, Stevefootdr1@cs.com

I would definitely try a molded shoe with the cast taken in the neutral position. Use a Plastizote removable insoles so minor modifications/adjustments can be made afterward. Use a soft outsole to cushion the weight-bearing further. Cushioned socks will also help. 
 
Joel Lang, DPM (ret.), Cheverly, MD, langfinancial@verizon.net
 

RE: International Podiatry (Dave Williams, DPM)
From: Robert Chelin, DPM, Paul Kesselman, DPM

Our profession has caught on fire. As I travel to the various FIP member countries, it seems quite obvious that there is a great desire and interest to advance the profession both academically and clinically. In North America, clinical practice is stressed, and in Europe, I find that it is research that is stressed. The FIP has recognized the need to work on standardizing our profession globally, like dentistry and optometry has. In 2007, the FIP at its Consensus Conference decided to move forward and set up the International Academy of Podiatric Educators. 

Through our Academy, we have made an attempt to develop an International Model of Podiatric Practice. The Academy Board will meet for its first time in Toronto during the FIP AGM (which precedes the APMA Scientific Meeting) to finalize its by-laws and to prepare for its first General Meeting in 2010 in Amsterdam during the FIP World Congress of Podiatry, May 13-15, 2010. I believe that through the FIP Academy of Podiatric Educators, we will have an opportunity to reach our goal of professional standardization.

Robert Chelin, DPM, President International Federation of Podiatrists  (FIP), ft--biz@rogers.com

Editor's Note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter appears at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=26230&start=1

PODIATRISTS NEEDED – DALLAS/ FT WORTH – TEXAS AREA

Texas Home Footcare Associates, a podiatry exclusive company specializing in house calls and visits to facilities for the elderly, is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in the Dallas area. Full and part-time positions are available. Immediate Openings Available. Must have a Current Texas license. Competitive Compensation Package. If interested fax curriculum vitae to 972 931-4819 or e-mail gjmdpm@tx.rr.com. For further information, call 972-380-8028.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com                            

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HENDERSON, NEVADA

Associate wanted for thriving, well-mixed 3-doctor digital office, leading to partnership. Surgery, diabetic, pediatric, and general podiatry. Great office and location, fun area to live. Need 2+ years surgical residency. Must be energetic, self motivated, great patient skills. Salary plus bonuses. Email CV to gtorgesen@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - FLORIDA

Associate needed for a dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay area. Partnership opportunity for the right candidate. Preference given to a PSR 24+ resident completing their education this spring/summer, and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high tech with EMR and digital x-rays, with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMO's. Excellent hospital privileges available. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle for yourself and your family that is second to none. E-mail: kimvelez@tampabay.rr.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI   
 
Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, and Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS 
 
Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 312 225-9366 or e-mail feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT

Nice community outside of New Haven. Well-established, busy practice seeking part-time or full-time associate. Excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and ethical professional. Must have good patient skills. PSR-12 or higher with excellent skills required. Send resume and cover letter to fax # 203-439-7916.

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - ESWT

High Energy Shockwave Device (NEW);FDA approved as Class 1, payable by Medicare for treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (28890); Payable to surgery centers for Achilles tendinosis; 2 units available; Under $30,000. CONTACT: weil4feet@aol.com

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