The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

May 20, 2010 #3,862 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Wear Flip-Flops in Moderation: APMA President

The American Podiatric Medical Association urges consumers to think before buying to avoid falling victim to a “flip-flop fiasco.” “Just because a flip-flop has a fun look does not mean it is healthy for your feet,” said APMA President and podiatrist Dr. Kathleen Stone. “As a general rule, most flip-flops on the market should not be worn excessively during the day. Wearing them in moderation is key.”

Dr. Kathleen Stone

Lack of support in a flip-flop can leave the wearer susceptible to sprained ankles and ligament injuries, and the limited protection offered to feet can mean a higher chance of cuts, scrapes, and stubbed toes. Always look for the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance on flip-flops. Many companies, such as FitFlop, Chaco, and Orthaheel, have certain flip-flops or sandals that have been awarded the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for demonstrating proper support.

Source: Kirksville Daily Express [5/17/10]

WA Podiatrist Lectures at FIP World Congress

Dr. G Dock Dockery was an invited speaker on the first day of the 20th FIP World Congress of Podiatry in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, May 13-15. 2010. The meeting of over 1,000 specialists from 26 countries was sponsored by the Federation Internationale des Podologues and the Netherlands Podiatry Association (NVvP).

Dr. G Dock Dockery at FIP World Congress

Dr. Dockery presented a paper on "Surgical Correction of Fifth Digit Conditions" and also presented two posters, one on "Plastic Techniques for the Closure of Circular Wounds" and the other on "Sports Medicine Dermatology of the Lower Extremities."  

TX Podiatrist is Mother of “Hey There Baby 2009” Competition Winner

While everybody thinks their baby is the cutest, most wonderful child in town, a pair of Conroe families has bragging rights to the title by taking top honors in a public competition. After thousands of votes were cast in The Courier’s “Hey There Baby 2009” competition, the winning baby boy is Carter Kaasjager, son of Dustin and Ginger  Kaasjager.

Dr. Ginger Kaasjager (R) with Dustin and Carter

The “Hey There Baby 2009” competition was open to all children born in 2009. Photos of the babies were printed in the paper and available online. The public could vote for the baby of their choice for $1 per vote with proceeds benefiting Newspapers In Education. “We’re very family-oriented,” said Ginger, a podiatrist at Kingwood Medical Center. “Our families have been in Conroe for a long time.”

Source: Brad Meyer, The Courier [5/17/10]

Query: Recommended Socks

Dr. Rob Conenello recently stated that cotton has deficiencies. What is the recommended material(s) for socks? Are anti-microbial treated socks recommended?
 
Jay Cheney, Lexington, MA

Response: Socks perform four basic functions: cushioning, protection, warmth and absorption of moisture off the skin. Serious athletes should avoid 100% cotton socks as they are inefficient in wicking away moisture. I find that synthetic materials such as Capilene, CoolMax, Olefin, and polypropylene offer protection against blisters caused by moisture, poor fit hot spots, slippage, and friction.
 
Wool blends are yet another option which are soft and durable. They are comfortably warm in winter and cool in the summer heat.
 
Antimicrobial socks treated with X-Static are also available, however, their higher costs are questionable and overall they may not be warranted.
 
Rob Conenello, DPM, Orangeburg, NY, rmconenello@aol.com

RE: Minimal Important Difference (MID) and  Outcome Measures (Michael Turlik, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM

One of my friends wrote an interesting article on the "Perils of Evidence Based Medicine" for the Journal Perspectives in Biology and Medicine in which he presents a few points we should all keep in mind when evaluating the results of clinical trials. 

Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY, musella@aol.com

Query: EMR and Stimulus Money (John Moglia, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Brian Kiel, DPM

On Friday, I attended one of the New York State-sponsored seminars on EMR. One key point that was made was that the government has not totally defined the term "meaningful use." There is a new round of "certifications" that software manufacturers will have to undertake in the near future. The experts at the seminar emphasized that just having an appropriate EMR program may not in of itself qualify for "meaningful use." E prescription writing may be part of it, and there may be other hoops that we will have to jump through before seeing that government check in the mail.

The programs that are being offered right now are very expensive ranging from 12K to 20K, and there are hefty monthly service costs in addition. I was unofficially told by one of the directors that they know of 179 available EMR programs, and do not expect all of them to remain in business. Until the "dust settles", it is advisable to either wait for more info from the government or choose the least expensive program available.

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

When it comes to buying anything, just remember you get what you pay for. It seems that many of you are looking for the cheapest way to institute EMR in your practices. I hope that you have paid attention to the numerous letters over the years for podiatric software that was inexpensive and eventually often useless, and in the end very expensive with nothing to show for your money. EMR is no different. Find a company that has a track record, not only for their product, but also for their support, ongoing and in times of trouble, and believe me, there will always be times of trouble.

Many years ago, we started dealing with PMSI out of Seattle. They are now owned by McKesson. They were far from inexpensive, and at the time we had no idea that we would get federal reimbursement, but their product is excellent. It is always being updated and they have an annual meeting in Seattle with classes to explain the updates. Their ongoing support is outstanding. This is not a commercial for McKesson as I have no interest in the company other than being a satisfied client. Don’t forget, get EMR because it works now and will continue to work for you as your practice changes. 
 
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, Footdok4@gmail.com

RE:  EMR and  Back-ups (Michael Brody, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM

Just a quick comment about back-ups. In this day and age, many companies are going out of business - some with no notice at all. What would happen if all of your practice data were stored in the "cloud" and you have no back-up, and the company running it went out of business. You turn your computers on one day and find you are now out of business.

I would never consider - even if it were free - a system where I couldn't get daily automated back-ups. And these back-ups would have to be in a format where I could send the files to another company and they would be able to import them into a new system. The days of a propriety format are gone because I can no longer trust that a company will be in business as long as I need it to be.
 
As a suggestion to any companies marketing such systems, I would give all customers a simple desktop program that automatically transfers and manages the back-up each day, and also can load the back-up and print reports, so people can confirm that the back-ups are current and usable. Perhaps it should be a reporting program, so if something happens to the company, the doctors can at least view billing records while looking for a new system.
 
Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY, Musella@aol.com

RE: Podiatrists and the Term “Physician” (Bob Kornfeld, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

If you do not have respect for the DPM degree, do not expect others to respect that degree. I am tired of hearing DPM's say, "I went to xxx medical school", white coats who say Dr. X but list no indication of the DPM degree, say that they are "foot and ankle surgeons" when the majority of the average podiatry practice is anything but surgery. I am proud of our degree and our accomplishments. MD or DO does not instill greater skills or knowledge of foot and ankle pathology.
 
Until we individually and collectively demonstrate our abilities as DPM's, the degree will remain to some a second-tier medical degree.  Not that long ago, an infectious disease specialist casually said to me over a cup of coffee that it was a shame that I was a podiatrist, because with my knowledge, I should have been an MD. Although well-meaning in his comment, I pointed out to him that it was unfortunate that HE did not yet appreciate the training and skills of today’s podiatrist. He paused and acknowledged that I might be correct.  If you keep hiding the DPM, nothing will change
 
Allen Mark Jacobs DPM, St. Louis, MO, allenthepod@sbcglobal.net

Frankly, the self-depreciating rhetoric about podiatrists not being physicians is weak and pathetic. I think I'll need to take a phenergan tablet 30 minutes before reading another post about what podiatrists aren't qualified to do or call ourselves! The reality is that most of us fully understood what we were embarking on when we applied to podiatry school, and chose the profession out of desire, not necessity. And to say that we aren't physicians just reveals a basic lack of understanding of the term. So, to all my self-loathing colleagues, please quit or retire because your perspective is toxic. And whatever you do, please do not mentor a prospective podiatry student!
 
Mario Dickens, DPM, Chattanooga, TN, mariodickens@hotmail.com

Editor’s Note: Dr. Douglas Pacaccio’s extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Dallas Supergroup Launched
From: David N. Helfman, DPM

I want to commend the group forming the super group model in Texas, Podiatric Medical Partners of Texas. I have been doing this in Georgia for years, through Village Podiatry Centers, PC and it’s phenomenal.  It has changed the way podiatrists are viewed in Georgia and has opened many doors for podiatry. The benefits of forming large group practices far outweigh anything you could ever do as a solo or small partnership.

I have partnered with W. Cliff Oxford, MBA at the W. Cliff Oxford Executive MBA Program at Emory University to put on monthly workshops on how to make this a reality for physicians. We had our first class in April 2010, and it was a huge success! I advise the entire profession to take a look at the large group practice model, put our egos on the shelf, and consider a different model for the future. Once again, congrats to PMPT for joining the super group models of podiatry.

David N. Helfman, DPM, Atlanta, GA, DHelfman@villagepodiatrycenters.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA

Practice Grossing over $500K yearly. Good mix of surgery, orthotics, DME, diabetic care, general podiatry. Commute < 5 miles to work. Friendly Midwest lakes area with arts, good schools, affordable living, restaurants, shopping. Option to purchase building. Will consider associate to buy-in/ buy-out. Midwestpractice@gmail.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE -  PODIATRY CHAIR 

Midmark model 114 power podiatry chair, rose color, debris tray with matching stool. In perfect condition. Like new. Rarely used. $4000.00.  Contact: richard.dpm@sbcglobal.net

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 - TENNESSEE

Established 30-year full-scope podiatry practice. Excellent hospital and surgery center privileges with investment opportunities. Fully equipped 2200 sq.ft. office across from hospital. High volume of new patients, DME, and local referral base. Great community for a family and the outdoorsman. Reply to tnfootdr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN

Part-time, in-network Board Certified or Board Eligible Podiatrist wanted for busy Manhattan practice. Please email CV to parttimepodiatrist@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MINEOLA, NEW YORK

Full-time or Part-time associate position with future partnership potential available with busy multi-office practices on Long Island. Must be proficient in all phases of podiatry with emphasis on surgery, biomechanics and RFC. Minimum standards include either a three-year PSR, or board qualified/certified status with ABPS. Existing hospital privileges with a NY-based facility helpful. Interested doctors are encouraged to e-mail their CV to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NORTH CAROLINA - ASHEVILLE/MOUNTAINS

Well established, multi-doctor, multi-office diverse practice has immediate need for associate doctor leading to partnership. Associate doctor will be very busy from day one. Attractive compensation and benefits. Buy-in potential after one year. Contact at smfc2@charterinternet.com or 828-734-1535

ASSOCIATE POSITION -

Western Philadelphia suburbs. 2-Office, Multi-Practitioner Practice ,has full-time position available. Must be ABPS Qualified or Certified. PSR-36 Preferred. Looking for hard-working, well-rounded, personable individual who is interested in all aspects of Podiatry including foot surgery and wound care. Please e-mail Resume to: pod1593@gmail.com

PRACTICE & BUILDING FOR SALE - MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Two locations each with 3 exam rooms, x-ray room, large waiting room, and ample parking. Excellent locations and growth potential. All equipment and furniture included. Website and marketing material included. Seller happy to assist with transition. Grossed 350K last year, priced to sell with financing available 200k. Call 931-446-5724.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Podiatrist needed for Maryland practice. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

PODIATRISTS WANTED BALTIMORE/CHICAGO/NORTHWEST INDIANA

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 Jake Shimansky, Director of Physician Recruitment. Phone 773-342-5221 FAX 773-486-3548 E-Mail jshimansky@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – GREATER MILWAUKEE, WI

Great opportunity: our busy multi-physician, podiatric group practice, with multiple locations, strong hospital based affiliations and clinical appointments, with teaching faculty positions at PM&S-36 residency programs, is seeking a full-time RRA BQ/BC, PM&S-36 surgically trained doctor. Position will be available for July/August, 2010. Applicant should be well trained in all aspects of conservative care and surgical forefoot, rearfoot, reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care and limb salvage. Candidate should be ethical, hard working, outgoing and a self-starter. Commensurate pay, income guarantee, with incentives and full benefit package. Definitive plans will be discussed leading to partnership tract. Contact: Daniel Hellman, M.D. @ 414.831.0512 or by e.mail @ hellmandr@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA, BEAUTIFUL GULF COAST AREA 
 
Well-established podiatry practice with excellent mix office/surgery seeking full-time associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits for the right hardworking, personable candidate. Email resume to pudos@aol.com or fax to 239-573-9201.

LOOKING TO PURCHASE PRACTICE IN TEXAS
 
Experienced, surgically-trained podiatrist looking to purchase successful full-time practice in Texas, preferably within 1 hour of Houston. Serious inquiries only. Please send email to faajobs@mail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY, FL

Associate needed for a dynamic practice in the Tampa Bay area. Preference given to a PSR 24+ training and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high-tech with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMOs. E-mail: drcosentino@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

IMMEDIATE Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible/Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter, resume, and surgical log (if a current resident) and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

CANADIAN PODIATRISTS COME BACK HOME!

An Edmonton, Alberta group of DPM’s requires an additional Podiatrist. Interest in biomechanics essential. Given Canadian visa restrictions, this position is open only to Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Very attractive compensation package. Fax C.V. or letter of interest to: (780) 483-5796.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MAINE

25 year full scope in medical building, podiatrist friendly hospitals, appreciative and cooperative patients, excellent expansion potential, physician referrals. Wonderful place to raise a family. Retiring seller will stay for transition. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – PAD NET 
 
5 month old PAD Net device for sale. Very lightly used with 7 months of the warranty left and an extra set of toe cuffs. Serious calls only. 928-774-4825

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Busy practice with offices in Pomona and San Bernardino is looking to expand and bring on a part-time or full-time podiatrist. Spanish speaking is helpful, but not imperative. For full-time position, a six figured starting salary with benefits and bonuses is offered.  Office work is needed, and must be willing to do house calls. NO NURSING HOMES, HOWEVER! If interested, please send CV to scpodgroup@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 DPM's and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. We rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Salary and percentage based on skills and experience, benefits including 401K. Current Florida license a plus. This a wonderful world class community. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS

Dynamic, growing practice in Dallas/Fort Worth area, seeking PSR 36 surgically trained, and/or Board Certified/Board Qualified Podiatrist. Excellent salary and benefits compensation package, for the right candidate, with partnership/buyout opportunity. Must have Texas license. Contact/Send resume to: jmh6122@yahoo.com

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (SOUTH OF NASHVILLE) 
 
Active, established practice with new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice.  Turn-key operation with seamless transition. Grossed over $350K last year. Call 931-446-5724 or email mchad500@gmail.com for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Associate position leading to partnership. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com 

TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2010. Fellowship to include advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Residency training required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org

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