The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 12, 2011 #4,158 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Barefoot Shoes Allow for Increased Sensory Feedback: MN Podiatrist

Those who believe in barefoot shoes contend that the footwear uses the body's natural biomechanics to strengthen the calf, core, and foot muscles, change one's gait and improve posture. By taking the foot out of the "cast" of a regular shoe, the barefoot shoes improve the range of motion of ankles and feet. Unshielded by the thick, padded soles of running shoes, receptors in the feet receive information about surfaces and slopes, training the body to respond with balance and agility.

Dr. Paul Langer

"I do not think it is just a flash in the pan," says Dr. Paul Langer, a podiatrist in Minneapolis and a self-described "shoe geek" who spent years working in a running shoe store. "When you put on unconventional footwear, you feel something decidedly different than a normal shoe. You realize how much sensory information you miss out on when you are wearing cushioned athletic shoes."

Source: Hilary MacGregor, Chicago Tribune  via the Los Angeles Times [5/9/11]

BUSPM Confers Honorary Degrees on Medical Pioneers

Ninety-one-year-old medical pioneer, Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Brand, accepted an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine during Saturday’s April 30, podiatric medicine graduation. Brand also accepted a posthumous honorary Doctor of Science degree on behalf of her late husband Dr. Paul Wilson Brand. 

(L-R) Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Brand, and BUSPN Dean Dr. Jeffrey Jensen

In tribute to their life’s mission, Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine also honored the Brand’s by officially naming Barry’s first research hub; the “Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center.” On Friday, April 29, Brand joined renowned wound care and diabetic limb salvage physicians as well as Barry faculty, staff, students, and alumni for a celebration of the medical pioneers’ work and the center.

IA Podiatrist Teams Up With Elementary School Students to Collect Shoes 

Beaver Creek Elementary School students have joined a West Des Moines podiatrist for round two of an effort to deliver hundreds of shoes to Jamaica. Round one came during spring break this year when the podiatrist, Dr. Kirk Neustrom, went on a mission trip and witnessed firsthand "the feeding frenzy" that happened among local villagers when he handed out about 400 pairs of shoes. 

Dr. Kirk Neustrom with collected shoes

"There was a huge line and it was totally unannounced that we were doing it," Neustrom said. "It was mind-boggling that there was such a huge demand. I put my arm around a woman there and said 'I'll be back with more.'"
 
Source: Des Moines Register [5/8/11]

Most CA Docs Using EHRs: Report

A majority (55%) of California primary-care physicians now use electronic health-record systems, according to a new report from the California HealthCare Foundation. The 41-page report, "The State of Health Information Technology in California," also showed, as has been found in similar surveys, that when it comes to IT adoption, the size of a physician practice matters.

For example, just 20% of solo practitioners have adopted an EHR, compared with 39% of practices with two to five physicians, 64% of groups with between six and 50 doctors, and 80% of groups that have 51 or more physicians. For all medical specialties and practice sizes, 48% of physicians in California have implemented EHR systems, according to the foundation.

Source: Joseph Conn, Health IT Strategist [5/10/11]

Tips from Adam Smith - Part 2 

Wealth of Nations (1776) , by Adam Smith,  is a very old and yet important book which can offer so much insight to many of our current issues we face in our practices today. Ask yourself the following question:

What is the single most important capability that you are lacking in your practice that can be supplied from the outside? This is also another exercise to do with your team and try to identify what necessary capabilities you are lacking in your practice and bring those in from the outside.

Source: David Helfman, DPM

Query: Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Infusion, Post-Bunion Surgery

An anesthesiologist at our surgery center has approached me about ultrasound-guided popliteal infusion, post-bunion surgery. Has anyone had any experience with this, and what were the results?

Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN

Query: ePrescribing Exemption?

I know that there is an exemption from the e-prescribing portion of EMR if a doctor writes for less than 100 prescriptions a year. Does this exemption hold true for the requirement that you have to e-prescribe a certain number of prescriptions before June 30 or forever get paid one percent less from Medicare? Where is this in writing?

Tyler B. Brahm, DPM, Clearwater, FL

RE: Topical Antifungals and Pregnancy (Tom DeBenedictis, DPM)
From: Svetlana Malinsky, DPM

I would use Vicks vapor rub until after pregnancy/breastfeeding. I'm sure her OB will be okay with it. Explain to the patient that it's an off-label use. Re-evaluate when it's safe to use other medications again. Anecdotal or not, I've seen patients' nails clear with it.

Svetlana Malinsky, DPM, College Park, MD, drmalinsky@yahoo.com

RE: Shinytoes.com "Dr." Cary Silberman (Steven Abramow, DPM)
From: Mathew M. John, DPM

If this operation is actually diagnosing and treating onychomycosis without the proper medical training, then it needs to be reported and shut down. The website states: “Our Homeopath Director, Cary Silberman attended Mini-Medical School at Stanford University, and received a certificate in Pain Management from Harvard Medical School of Continuing Education.” What's to stop nail salons or fly-by-night operations from buying a laser and doing the same thing? He is practicing without a license (or the proper degree).

Mathew M. John, DPM, Marietta, GA, footdoc@afcenters.com

RE: Vibram Fivefingers Shoes (John Hart, DPM)
From: Kevin A. Kirby, DPM

I have seen a number of runners who have switched over to the Vibram FiveFinger shoes only to subsequently develop metatarsal stress fractures and Achilles tendinitis/tendinosus as a result. I was even interviewed by a reporter by the Boston Globe who ran in these shoes and developed a second metatarsal stress fracture. (boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2 011/01/09/youre_crazy/)

Even though I don't tell runners not to run in these shoes, I caution them about...

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

RE: Obtaining Cantharone (Deborah S. Wehman, DPM)
From: Pete Harvey, DPM, George Jacobson, DPM

Contact your local compounding pharmacist. The same applies to many drugs that are no longer available through standard supply houses.

Pete Harvey, DPM, Wichita Falls, TX, pmh@wffeet.com

You can obtain Cantharone from Dormer Laboratories Inc. (dormer.com). I ordered Cantharone Reg and Cantharone Plus 7.5ml last month. I have not been happy with the generic versions, which cost a few bucks less.

George Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL, fl1sun@msn.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA

Huge opportunity. Are you an outstanding person? Would you like the freedom to utilize your talents to the max? Opportunity awaits right candidate. Excellent mix of office/surgery motivated/experienced staff. Full Time Associate PSR 12-36. Great Salary/Benefits, Bonus Package, Unlimited Potential, Buy-In Opportunity. Email resume to podiatry22@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY, FL

Associate with PSR 24+, needed for a dynamic practice. Well-established high-tech with specialties in sports medicine, surgery, and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. E-mail: flpodiatrist@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK

Well-established, multi-doctor podiatry practice with offices in Putnam and Westchester counties. Compensation based on productivity. Excellent opportunity for recent residency graduate to build skills and learn practice management. Full-time preferred but right part-time candidate will be considered. Email cover letter and CV to:  Podiatry2011@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WA (KIRKLAND, SEATTLE, EVERETT, AND REDMOND)

Join one of the fastest growing podiatry practices in Washington state. Must be motivated to grow practice. Competitive salary and benefits. For more information go to seattlefootdoctor.com. Send resume to seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE - POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - MIAMI, FL

Full-time. Very Busy practice. Rearfoot/forefoot/wound care. Salary + % gross. Send CV to footdoctorinmiam@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 - 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 - 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

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

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