The Voice of Podiatrists

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May 16, 2009 #3,547 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Barry Bestows 43 DPM Degrees on Class of 2009 

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine held its spring commencement this month, with 43 students graduating with their Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. The ceremony was the twenty-first graduation for the school, which now has more than 1,000 graduates. John “Jack” Nelson, DPM, interim dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine, led the Oath of Hippocrates and Barry president, Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, conferred the degrees on the seniors.

Dr. Joseph Dickinson and his mentor Dr. Marybeth Crane

Among the grads was Joseph Dickinson, DPM, who graduated with honors and was presented with several awards including the President’s Award based on his demonstrated leadership and service to the school. For Dickinson, the graduation was the culmination of many events. Marybeth Crane, DPM, MS, a class of ’94 podiatric alumna, performed the traditional hooding ritual for Dickinson, symbolizing the successful completion of his degree and entry into the podiatric medicine profession. As a child, Dickinson held an interest in medicine, but it was not until he worked as a medical assistant with Dr. Crane that he found his true passion.

Dr. Crane has supported the School of Podiatric Medicine giving $25,000 for the Dr. Marvin and Ruth Steinberg Podiatric Student Scholarship Fund over the years. Years later, Dickinson is a recipient of the scholarship.

SALSA's Armstrong Keynotes Israeli Diabetes Symposium

Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the University of Arizona was the first American and the first podiatrist to keynote the Israeli Diabetes Association's Diabetic Foot Society meeting, held yesterday and today in Tel Aviv.

David G. Armstrong with Itzhak Siev-Nier, Conference Chairman and Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

"It is a privelige to be amongst so many friends and talented clinicians." noted Armstrong. "To be able to advance interdisciplinary care in this field is an even bigger thrill." Dr. Armstrong's lecture focused on his group's "Toe and Flow" model of limb salvage and prevention that is being adopted by units, worldwide.

Query: Disease of Toenails in 3 Year Old

The  mother of this 3 year old female is currently debriding her nails at home with a Dremel tool. I have recommended that if nothing else can be found to work, then I would recommend removal of the medial and lateral borders. I drew this area out using a small black felt marker to show her that we would be removing just the borders. 

Disease of Toenails in 3 Year Old

The patient has tried urea cream. Carmol gel 4 was Rx’d but local pharmacies are unable to get this. Her father has similar nails. Is there anything else that should be done?

H. Ashley Ledger, DPM, Killeen, TX, drledger@hot.rr.com

Query: MediNotes and Eclipsys

It is my understanding that a significant percentage of podiatrists who are currently using an electronic medical record (EMR) program are using MediNotes. This product (and company) was bought about 1 year ago by Eclipsys. Eclipsys has chosen not to continue the MediNotes product and will stop supporting it in the next few years. This means that everyone of us who has invested a significant amount of time and money into this program will need to invest in a new EMR to be able to benefit from the incentives that will be available from the government in the coming years and to remain current with a functional program.
 
It seems unlikely that Eclipsys is going to change their minds for our benefit, but it seems to be at least worth a try for each of us who would be inconvenienced by this to call the company and request that they reconsider their decision. (515-327-8850) Anyone with a personal relationship with individuals in the current or prior company should make their dissatisfaction known to the powers that be.
 
Mark Light, DPM, Marietta, GA

RE: Osteotomy? (Margaret Portela, DPM)
From: Jeremy Mason, DPM, Dwight L. Bates, DPM

While you may consider an elevating osteotomy in this particular case, may I suggest a simple plantar condylectomy of the 2nd metatarsal? I would avoid any type of shortening osteotomy with this patient.

Jeremy Mason, DPM, Tulsa, OK, cowboyfootdoc@yahoo.com

Do an arthrodesis of PIPJ of  2nd  toe to stop retrograde plantar-flexion of 2nd metatarsal head. 

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

RE: Spider Bite Complications (Wm. Barry Turner, DPM)
From: Michael McCormick, DPM

The wound still looks highly suspect to be a venous ulceration. Even with the continuous use of correctly fitted and appropriately strong compression stockings, relative tissue hypoxia and tissue breakdown can occur with superficial venous insufficiency. I have included photos of a similar looking wound that a 40 year old female patient of mine had.

Venous Ulceration

She had lived with this for two years trying compression stockings up to 30-40 Hg. compression. Upon careful duplex venous testing, it was determined that she had not only greater saphenous Insufficiency but a large incompetent lateral calf perforator. The wound spontaneously resolved within 4 weeks of my performing endovenous laser ablation on the two pathological vessels. Consider referring him to a colleague who specializes in phlebology as to whether this may be venous in origin.

Michael McCormick, DPM, Venice, FL, venicefootclinic@comcast.net

RE: New Patient Ethical Dilemma (Chris Seuferling, DPM)
From: Eric Hart, DPM

Dr. Seuferling has an interesting dilemma. Physicians have always had the responsibility to treat the sick and afflicted, but not to choose who is deserving of medical care. While podiatric care is typically not a matter of life and death, I believe it is important that we remember it is medical care—not just comfort care. It would be nice to only treat people that are free of bigoted views, criminal backgrounds, and smelly feet… but that isn’t realistic.

If we look hard enough, there is probably something disagreeable about every individual in the world. If we cancel a patient’s appointment and refuse to reschedule, they will probably want to know why. Are we ready to tell them it’s because we think they’re a bigot—one might be correct in making that assumption, but our name will soon be smeared by that individual. I believe it would be better to treat the individual and show them a good example of someone who does not discriminate. When we see a patient such as the one described, we should be grateful that we aren’t the ER physician who routinely is required to provide the same level of medical care to an injured criminal as he/she does to an injured victim.

Eric Hart, DPM, Salt Lake City, UT, ericandalix@yahoo.com

RE: DVT Risk in Podiatric Surgery? (Lee C. Rogers, DPM, Richard Boone)
From: Bill J. Metaxas, DPM

Editor’s note: Dr. Metaxas’ note can be read at:  http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=26340&start=1

PODIATRISTS NEEDED – DALLAS/ FT WORTH – TEXAS AREA

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

SEEKING PODIATRIST FOR SUNDAYS - HOWELL, NJ
 
Our practice of over 18 years is looking for a DPM to provide treatment on Sundays at our Howell office located approximately 1 mile from Lakewood , NJ. Speaking Hebrew preferred, but not required.  Please reply by emailing a CV and cover letter to: toetoe@optonline.net or by faxing to 1-888-645-0241.

BIOMECHANICS FELLOWSHIP – NEW YORK CITY

Neoteric Biomechanics 3-6 Month Fellowship: At The Foot Typing Center in New York City. Practice, Research, Publish and Credentialize Yourself In This New Paradigm. $1,000 a Week Stipend. New York License Required. Fax Interest to: 212 288 3034 or apply to Dr. Shavelson @ drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com.

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TUCSON, ARIZONA

Full-time position which involves all phases of podiatry. Compensation based on training and experience. Must have current Arizona podiatry license. Send Resume to Transcription697@aol.com

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