The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 15, 2007 #2,936 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Thomas A. Brosky, D.P.M.

Dr. Thomas A. Brosky, 65, of Sandusky, OH died on Friday, May 4, 2007, at home. He attended Kent State University and went on to graduate from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1964. Dr. Brosky practiced for one year in Elyria with his father (Bert) before opening a private practice in Sandusky, which flourished for more than 42 years.

Thomas A. Brosky, D.P.M.

Brosky also served as the Assistant Professor of Surgery at OCPM from 1965 to 1970. He was the first podiatric surgeon to attain staff privileges at Sandusky Memorial Hospital. From 2000-05, he also served as the staff podiatrist for the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. His son, Dr. Thomas Brosky, II practices in Oakwood, GA.

PM News policy is to recommend that memorial donations in Dr. Brosky’s name be made to the APMA Educational Foundation Student Endowment Fund, 9312 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MS 20814.

NY Podiatrists Provides Shoe Buying Advice

Dr. Lori Weisenfeld, a podiatrist and clinical adviser for the American Running and Fitness Association, also offered some tips on shoe buying.

Dr. Lori Weisenfeld

Weisenfeld said that shoppers have to be smart about shoes, but that doesn't mean that they have to buy ugly shoes. Comfort is individual, so no one can decide how high is too high for heels except you — although the general rule is to stick to a maximum of 2 and 2 1/2 inches of heel if you want to be reasonable. But don't think that the optimum shoe has no heel.

"Ballet flats appear to be sensible, but for most people . . . it's actually not a good shoe to spend a lot of time walking in," Weisenfeld said. She noted that the flat is too flat and lacks arch support. Most people need at least a quarter inch of heel for proper stability and balance, she said.

Source: Debra D. Bass, St. Louis Post-Dispatch [5/12/07]

Minorities Need to Put their Best Foot Forward to Prevent Skin Cancer

Many people don’t know that the Jamaican musician, Bob Marley died of malignant melanoma in his right foot. African-Americans and Asian-Americans tend not to check for signs of skin cancer, as many feel they aren’t susceptible to the disease because of their darker skin. This misconception means that most cases aren’t diagnosed until much later when the disease has progressed and become difficult to treat, which leads to higher fatalities among minorities.

Dr. Tracey Vlahovic

Tracey Vlahovic, D.P.M., assistant professor of podiatric medicine and orthopedics at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, stresses the importance of minority populations checking their feet for signs of skin cancer. “Simply just checking the feet, toenails and in between the toes for abnormal pigmentation and strange moles could save a life,” said Vlahovic, an expert in the skin of the feet and lower extremities.

“The legs and feet are not immune to the sun’s effects, and since women tend to expose those areas more than men, they have a higher risk of developing skin cancer there,” Vlahovic adds. “Sunscreen is important, no matter your race or ethnicity.”

NJ Podiatrist Acquitted on Two Charges, Jury Hung On Remaining Charges

The jury deliberating the fate of Dr. Ronald Sollitto and Michael Casale announced on Friday — its ninth day of deliberation — that Dr. Sollitto was not guilty of two theft charges filed against him. Dr. Sollitto and Mr. Casale faced charges of conspiracy to commit theft by deception and theft by deception. The jury was deadlocked and unable to return a verdict on those charges.

Dr. Ronald Sollitto

The pair had been charged with manipulating the late Spring Lake resident Madeleine Stockdale, in the last months of her life, into changing her will to make Dr. Sollitto, 55, the heir to the bulk of her estimated $6 million estate. She sold Dr. Sollitto her home the day she signed the second will — a will which forgave the balance of the mortgage she held for Dr. Sollitto upon her death.

No one from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office could be reached to determine if the prosecutor’s office would refile the charges that ended in a hung jury.

Source: Meghan Berry, Star News Group [5/12/07]

Query: Hospital Records From a Closed Hospital

I have need to obtain operative reports on patients during my residency training in relation to obtaining further hospital privileges. The problem is the hospital and training program are no longer in existence. The records are certainly less than 10 years old. Does anyone know how I would go about finding where these records are and what state organization or entity can I write to or call to begin the process of getting these operative reports?"

Name Withheld

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. The best source for this information would be the State Health Department, which generally regulates hospitals. Since the records were part of a residency program, a possible source of useful information would be the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), to which your residency director may have filed such reports as part of the residency recertification process.

RE: Obligation to Perform Surgery (William Vondette, DPM)
From: Brian Kashan, DPM, Paul Busman, DPM

I found it interesting, and, disturbing at the same time, to read the posting regarding the doctor changing his mind regarding doing surgery on a patient. I think that I could size up, fairly accurately, within about five minutes of meeting a patient, if they will be good surgical candidates. There are usually red flags within their relating a history to you that become apparent very quickly.

When the total patient package, i.e., the pathology, physical AND mental health, and the doctor-patient relationship are considered, a determination can be made as to whether the patient is a good candidate for YOU to do surgery on. They may be fine for the guy down the street, but you have to be able to feel comfortable with performing, what is usually, and elective procedure.

If I feel that I am not a good fit for the patient, or vica versa, I would not recommend surgery to the patient. There are a variety of non-surgical treatments for just about everything. There is nothing wrong with telling the patient that you are not comfortable ,after they already had a result they were not happy with, with doing another surgical procedure on them.

After 26 years of practice, I can attest to the fact, as my mentors before me have stated, that the best surgery I have done, was on patients I did not operate on.

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore ,MD drbkas@worldnet.att.net

I wouldn't touch her with a 10 foot scalpel...

Paul Busman DPM, Troy, NY BREWERPAUL@aol.com

RE: Plaintiff's Expert Witness David Widom, DPM (Ronald A. Freireich, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

There's an old saying that there's POWER IN NUMBERS. I think it's critical for Dr. Freireich to continue to follow through with his complaint to the FPMA. It's only been 2 1/2 months, but if placed in a similar situation, I would have at least expected an initial response to my request. However, none of us have the facts regarding his particular situation and therefore aren't in a position to judge the FPMA. However, I seriously doubt the FPMA, APMA, or any other of its component state societies, would adopt a complacent attitude, or approach, to such an important professional issue.

I submit that IF Dr. Widom is, in fact, guilty of multiple counts of professional misconduct, through violation of APMA's code of ethics (based on proving a history of submitting false testimony in malpractice cases exists) since he is a life member of the APMA, then I believe it is the APMA and/or FPMA that has the ultimate responsibility of investigating these incidents, conducting a professional hearing, and levying sanctions commensurate with the offense, if proven guilty. In this capacity, they have the professional obligation of trying to protect other members from repeat violations.

If there are other APMA members who feel they have been victimized in a similar fashion as Dr. Freireich, a professional, legal reporting mechanism should be utilized. If other victims exist, and were to come forward and report their stories, the power in numbers created should be effective in stimulating a formal "class action" professional complaint. While one doesn't need to be an APMA member to testify in court as a malpractice expert witness, one's credibility as such could be significantly impacted if it became public knowledge that he/she violated his/her national professional society's code of ethics and was appropriately penalized.

Barry Mullen, DPM, Hackettstown, NJ, YAZY630@aol.com

Editor's Note: The complete text of this letter can be read at:http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=14048&start=1

PRACTICE FOR SALE : LA JOLLA CA (SAN DIEGO) Price reduced!

$287K '06. No HMOs, bone surgery, or insurance panels, so opportunity abounds! Affluent community. General practice, biomechanics, DME. Possible finance Serious/principals only. Cell:858-405-4780, 10-8 PDT. No Sunday calls, please. $129K Selling due to age, health problems. www.SDFootDoctor.com DrRDWorley@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- SOUTH JERSEY

Associate PT/FT wanted for progressive (EMR, Digital x-ray, Diag U/S ), ethical, full scope group practice. A motivated team player with very good surgical and routine skills. ABPS cert and 24/36 PSR preferred but will take experience into consideration. A very fair benefits /compensation package. CV and references Dalilfeet@AOL.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KNOXVILLE, TN

PT/FT, multiple positions to fill, surgically and non-surgically trained, immediate and in near future. State-of-the-art facilities with in office surgical suites as well as full privileges at all area hospitals. Area nationally ranked as fifth best place to live and work. davidphawk@adelphia.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE: IN THE HEART OF FLUSHING, QUEENS, NY

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Busy practice, busy area, great location. Part of a multi-specialty practice, who are automatic sources of referral. In the same building as an ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, automatic patients, call (212) 688-4680 or e-mail doctor4foot@aol.com for details.

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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

POSITION AVAILABLE - METRO DETROIT

Looking for podiatrist to do podiatric house calls for multispecialty group. Large patient base. Part-time. Can make up own hours. Fax CV with salary expectations to (248) 723-8807.

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City. Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Beech Tree Podiatry Immediate opening for surgical and /or non-surgical podiatrist. Thirty-two year practice with full spectrum of patient care. Hospital/Surgical Center privileges available. Excellent benefits. Looking for motivated, personable podiatrist. Please fax CV to 717.854.6519 or e-mail Beechtreepod@aol.com

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