The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

May 16, 2011 #4,161 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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PA Podiatrist Discusses the Term Plantar Fasciitis

Of late, there's been increased debate whether plantar fasciitis should even been known as plantar fasciitis. In 2003, a Temple University podiatrist named Dr. Harvey Lemont studied the tissue samples from 50 patients apparently suffering from plantar fasciitis. All of the people were undergoing heel-spur surgery, which seemed as sensible as any of the other treatments. Yet when he examined the patients, Lemont said none showed any signs of inflammation. "In fact," he wrote, "the suffix '-itis' inherently implies an inflammatory disease." 

Dr. Harvey Lemont

Lemont concluded that modern athletic shoes tend to pull toes upward, resulting in a stress on the muscles that impedes blood flow to the plantar region. "So the junk never gets flushed out."

Source: Jeff Pearlman, Sports Medicine [5/13/11]

IL Podiatrist Donates $1.25 Million to Rush-Copley Medical Center

The Rush-Copley Foundation has received a $1.25 million gift for Rush-Copley Medical Center from a podiatrist on the hospital staff. Dr. Gina Santori donated the money in honor of her late husband, Richard Santori, a longtime local car dealer who died in November 2010. The donation will be used toward the construction of a new surgical suite at Rush-Copley.

Dr. Gina Santori

“Making this gift in his honor is a fitting tribute to my husband, who lived his life to serve others,” Santori said. “He was a warm and genuine man who cared deeply about others and was always ready to support the needs of the community in quiet and simple ways.” Dr. Santori is on staff at Rush-Copley Medical Center and lives in Lisle.

Source: Beacon-News, [5/13/11]

GA Podiatrist Produces TV Talk Show and Runs Foundation

Perspectives is a 30-minute informative show hosted and produced by Dr. Rondrick Williamson. The show is aired weekly, broadcast to television viewers throughout the Middle Georgia area. The show is designed to address topics that will penetrate into American pop-cultural consciousness. 

Dr. Rondrick Williamson

Williamson, now 41, became a doctor of podiatry and owns Podiatric Medical Associates in Macon. He treats anything that relates to the foot or ankle. He also created The Rondrick Williamson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Organization. The Foundation's primary activities are to award scholarships to high-achieving students who demonstrate need.

Medicare Trust Fund Will be Exhausted in 2024, Officials Say

Medicare's trust fund will be exhausted in 2024, according to a report Friday from the Social Security and Medicare boards of trustees. The new insolvency date is five years earlier than the trustees predicted in 2010.

The accelerated trust fund insolvency was blamed on both reduced Medicare tax receipts stemming from the recent recession and rising healthcare provider salaries.

Source: Rich Daly, Modern Healthcare [5/13/11]

Are You Fit to be a Full-Time Physician CEO? - Part 1

If your goal is to build a large group practice, it's almost impossible to still treat patients and be a successful CEO. As you grow your practice, you will need to start making some very difficult decisions. Initially, you might become a part-time CEO, but as the group grows, you will need to become a full-time CEO, which is a much different role than being a full-time doctor. As a physician, you see immediate results and often see instant gratification from all your efforts. For example, you perform a bunion surgery and in an hour or so, you see a beautiful result. As a CEO, you can work for months only to see a deal fall through. Very often, you don't get as many "pats on the back."
 
Source: David Helfman, DPM

RE: Dehydrated Alcohol (Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM)
From: Brian Kiel, DPM

I am looking to reorder the 1ml ampules of dehydrated alcohol. There seems to be a manufacturer's backorder. Does anyone know of a distributor who currently has this product?

Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM,  Piscataway, NJ

Response: For general information, dehydrated alcohol, which has been difficult to get. It is now being shipped once again by American Regent, but only in 5ml vials. It seems that no podiatry supplier is carrying it, yet but we ordered it from McKesson through a local pharmacy. The McKesson order # is 2789154.

Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, footdok4@gmail.com

RE: Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Infusion, Post-Bunion Surgery (Brian Kiel, DPM)
From: David L. Nielson, DPM

I commonly (70% of the time) have the anesthesiologist perform a popliteal block, whether by ultrasound or nerve stimulator, done prior to the incision. This allows the leg to be numb for up to 24 hours vs 8-10 hours with bupivicaine. Better yet, let the anesthesiologist place an ON-Q pump that you will pull out three days post-op. The patient stays pain-free for three days. Patients love it and they will love you.

David L. Nielson, DPM, Roanoake, VA, pampantla@hotmail.com

RE: Attaining Parity in California (Jon Hultman, DPM, MBA)
From: Ira M. Baum, DPM

In the May issue of APMA News, Dr. Hultman wrote an article about CA podiatrists being eliminated from Medi-Cal. At first blush, it appears his remedy is to demonstrate conformation to allopathic/osteopathic education and training. Although he states that “It appears that all the pieces necessary for completing the final step towards achieving parity are now in place.”

One has to wonder why podiatrists were not considered as physicians in CA. Are there more hoops for podiatry to jump through to fairly reach parity? If our education and training conforms to allopaths/osteopaths, why re-invent the wheel? Why not integrate podiatry into these professions? If we are to fight a battle, why not fight the one that will be most fruitful and enable foot and ankle specialists to all be equal. To pioneers like Drs. Len Levy, Tilden Solokoff, Lowell Weil, Sr., Harold Vogler, and others involved in education, maybe a think tank can come up with a methodology for integration, and we all can do what we do best.

Ira M. Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

RE: Bench-Top Orthotic Grinder Finishers (Rich Rusche)
From: Avi Kornbluth

We sell a sani-grinder. You use the abrasive drums for grinding - fine, medium, and coarse grits. You can also add a polisher, if needed.

Avi Kornbluth, Henry Schein Medical, avi.kornbluth@henryschein.com

RE: EMR (Gary S Smith, DPM)
From: David T. Taylor, DPM

I echo Dr. Smith's opinions regarding an EMR. Has anyone received an incentive payment yet? Even though I love technology, I'm sitting on the sidelines until the EMR market develops. I don't want to buy the Betamax of an EMR.

I feel that an EMR should be web-based, like a Hotmail or Yahoo account. Why should private physicians be responsible for backing up data, HIPAA compliance, security, server/hardware failure, software updates, and maintenance? The EMR companies should provide that service online, not at physicians' offices. Further, we have no idea who the major players will be in the EMR market or what role (if any) the government will have.

David T. Taylor, DPM, Flint, MI, dttaylor_19@yahoo.com

RE: Podiatrist's Responsibility When Taking Patients' Blood Pressures (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Pete Harvey, DPM

Anything is possible in today’s legal climate. Your particular scenario is not likely. I will speak for my office. Taking a BP was always a good idea. However, it is almost mandatory if you use any EMR to comply with meaningful use. First, be sure that your BP equipment is accurate. The gold standard is a mercury column sphyg and stethoscope. We use electronic cuffs with the understanding they may be off a little. We also use temporal thermometers with the same caution regarding accuracy.

Train staff NOT to say, “Uh-Oh” when taking a BP! In fact, train them not to say anything. If there are variances, then the doctor should speak with the patient. If the diastolic is approaching 100, I advise the patient to see his/her FP for a follow-up. I also advise the patient that BP changes frequently, hour-to-hour during the day. It is not a static thing. Just being in the office may cause a rise of a few points.

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

RE: The Passing of Rob Roy McGregor, DPM (Lloyd Smith, DPM)
From: Ralph Graham

I join Lloyd Smith and others in mourning the passing of Rob Roy. When I first visited the American podiatric community on a long visit in 1980, he made me welcome and was most generous in giving his time and expertise to help educate me. I shall remember him among the leaders of podiatric practice who helped develop me and other UK practitioners.

Ralph Graham, Essex, UK

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN MI  (NOT DETROIT AREA)

Leading to partnership for rapidly growing 3-physician group practice. Must be residency trained and willing to learn and follow our very successful business model. Salary plus incentive. If you're unhappy with where you're at now this may be the answer! If, interested send CV to: paulapmac@me.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEVADA

Well established 22-year practice in Las Vegas/Henderson, Nevada seeking full-time  associate. General podiatric care with moderate amount of surgery to be done in local hospital or surgery center. Competitive salary and benefits. Modern office in new area. Please respond by email to lvfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

Modern practice seeking a well-trained (PSR 24/36) associate. Excellent opportunity for an energetic, hardworking individual with strong surgical and medical skills. Solid referral network and 13 years of growth. Come live in the Iowa City area and enjoy the quality of life and stability of a Big Ten University community. Competitive salary and benefit package available. If interested, fax CV to 319-354-1014 or e-mail to dave@341foot.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - LONG ISLAND PRACTICE (NASSAU COUNTY)

looking for part time associate for 8-12 hours/week with room to grow. Please email pittpod@gmail.com with interest (write 'position available' in subject line).

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

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP - MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA

Applicants must have completed a podiatric residency program and must have or be eligible for a California license. Annual stipend: $48,000 and $60,000. If interested, please e-mail your resume with cover letter to the Program's management company at victoriamanagers@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS  

28 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow $475K income after overhead. EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Free standing building also available with large outdoor sign. Owner retiring and willing to stay part time during transition. softechpodiatrist@gmail.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 - 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.

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

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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