The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 15, 2009 #3,571 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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DC Podiatrist Discusses Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Forty-two percent of all overuse injuries affect the knee joint, and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or simply "runner's knee."  It is the most common overuse injury among runners. It occurs when a mistracking kneecap (patella) irritates the femoral groove in which it rests on the thighbone (femur). Pinpointing a single cause is difficult, says Stephen Pribut, DPM, a sports podiatrist who specializes in running injuries. It could be a biomechanical problem--the patella may be larger on the outside than it is on the inside, it may sit too high in the femoral groove, or it may dislocate easily.

Dr. Stephen Pribut

At the first sign of pain, cut back your mileage. The sooner you lessen the knee's workload, the faster healing begins, says Pribut. Avoid knee-bending activities, canted surfaces, and downward stairs and slopes until the pain subsides. As you rebuild mileage, use a smaller stride on hills. Consider orthotics if new shoes don't fix the problem. "If your feet have good form, your knees will follow," says Pribut. See a doctor if the pain persists, to rule out another condition.

Source: Shelley Drozd, Runner’s World  [6/9/09]

CT Podiatrist Named as Top Doc

Michael D. Fein, DPM of Danbury, CT was named as of one of twenty-seven physicians and surgeons affiliated with Danbury Hospital who were recognized as "Top Docs 2009" in the April edition of Connecticut Magazine.

Dr. Michael D. Fein

The annual "Top Docs" list is based on survey results from more than 2,000 questionnaires that are distributed to physicians across the state. The questionnaires ask respondents to name providers they would recommend, other than themselves, to loved ones for "expert medical care."

Fein was named Top Doc in 2004 by Connecticut Magazine and Podiatrist of the Year in 2006 by the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association.

Source: Southbury Voices (CT) [6/13/09]

License Plates Serve as an Educational Tool - NY Podiatrist

Personalized or “vanity” license plates have been called “minimalist poetry in motion,” and plenty of vehicles in the Mid-Hudson Valley have been sporting this unlikely haiku for some time. An extremely informal survey of an estimated 200-plus cars in Kingston Plaza Thursday evening revealed two vanity plates, both on red cars and both in the Walgreens parking area. One, on a Honda Fit, said “REVAMP,” and the other, on a Neon, declared “OMYFEET1.”

Dr. Lawrence Jacowitz

The latter is owned by Kingston podiatrist Lawrence Jacowitz. “It wasn’t original,” Jacowitz said, returning to his car. He saw the wording in an article about vanity plates in a magazine for podiatrists. Then, when New York began issuing personalized plates, he ordered a couple, the second with the same message accompanied by the numeral 2. Jacowitz said he doesn’t think the subtle message gained him patients, but discussions it has triggered have been an educational tool about podiatry.

Source: Bonnie Langston, Daily Freeman [6/14/09]

Mr. Google Wants to Tell People About You!

Google's number one job is to get people the best returns for their Internet searches. He uses a lot of tools to do this - but here is an easy way to rise up in the rankings on Google. Add content to your website every week. A simple 4-5 page article added to your website every week that has the kind of language that your prospective patients are searching for online will start to move you up higher and higher in the rankings. Nothing is more important than being on page one, position one on Google.

Source: Rem Jackson, CEO of Top Practices. For Information abour the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, click here.

Query: Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

I would like to hear from my colleagues on their experiences with PRP for chronic plantar fasciosis. Which company's kits are you using? What has been its efficacy? Are these being done in the office or at another site of service?
 
Neil B. Levin, DPM, Sycamore, IL

Query: Electronic Billing Company/Clearinghouse

I am looking to move to another electronic billing company/clearinghouse. I have Wisdom software. Can anyone recommend a clearinghouse /electronic billing company. I don't want to change the Wisdom software at this time. Any suggestions?

David Zuckerman, DPM, Woodbury, NJ

RE: Best Procedure for Shortening Toes (Robert S. Adelman, DPM)
From: Nat Chotechuang, DPM

Another possible procedure that you might consider to shorten toes is to resect the desired length of the proximal phalanx at the distal metaphysis, then install an intra-medullary screw down the length of the toe to provide stability and compression until the osteotomy heals. Once the osteotomy heals, you could remove the hardware and the toe joints would still be intact and functional. 

OrthoPro markets their cannulated hammertoe screw, which is what I would likely use in this application. One could thereby avoid a joint destructive procedure such as an arthroplasty. I have not used it specifically for a toe shortening myself (I haven't had the opportunity), but I have used it for proximal inter-phalangeal joint arthrodeses successfully. It seems as if it would be a fitting application if you want to shorten toes.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with OrthoPro.

Nat Chotechuang, DPM, Bend, OR

RE: Custom Foot Orthoses Alter Rearfoot Dynamics More Than Running Shoes (Kevin Kirby, DPM)
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

No one wants research scientists to reduce their efforts in the biomechanics arena but I think the research Dr. Kirby alerts us to helps prove my point that until better and more powerful research exists regarding orthotics, EBM for biomechanics remains clinical and
anecdotal.

12 runners represent an early study at best. What about the type of cast, the type of custom orthotic, the amount of RF posting? What about an angled varus wedge and no orthotic as a component of this study. Maybe it was just the post?

Kevin’s important statement here is that “this research clearly supports the fact that many of us who have been successfully treating injured runners with foot orthoses for years already know” and then goes on to claim that this small, full of questions paper is “important research.” My opinion is that when orthotic research forces all insurance companies to cover our custom orthotics when indicated, I will consider that important.

Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NYC, NY drsha@foothelpers.com

RE: Francine Schilardi-Deck, DPM
From: Multiple Respondents

I knew Francine as a fellow student, professor, colleague and friend for over three decades. She was tough, very ethical and above all dedicated to humanity. No obstacle in life could interfere with her desire to be of service to all facets of our profession. She moved mountains. Francine will always be remembered by her colleagues not for what she took but for the enormous amount that she gave. She kept giving even when illness would force the average person to say, "I did enough." It would be an appropriate way of remembering her for all of us to dedicate more of our own lives toward more community service both within and outside of our profession. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY

Dr. Schiraldi-Deck was an instructor at NYCPM when I met her in 1979. Fran was bright, personable and supportive. The profession has lost a wonderful person. My sympathy is extended to my classmate Domenick Schiraldi and the rest of Fran's family.

Michael Schneider, DPM, Vail, CO

I am shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Francine Schiraldi-Deck.  She touched so many podiatrists in her shortened career, but particularly served as so fine a mentor to a generation of women podiatrists, who were all strengthened by her leadership.  She is one of many podiatrists who came from a podiatry legacy, and she will be missed.  My deepest condolences to her family.

Alan Sherman, DPM, Boca Raton, FL

Francine blazed a trail for women when they were still a rarity on college and residency staffs. I am not sure that as a resident at the West Haven VA/Yale University School of Medicine Clinical Campus, I and my colleagues really appreciated her as much as we should have back in the early 1990's. She was there on a weekly basis, with her young son Dominic (then 3 or 4 and now a grown man) by her side. She juggled private practice, a role at the NY College, family life and her commitment to the residency program. It was an impossible act that she made look easy.

I was fortunate later to get to know Francine as a fellow board member on ACFAOM and to learn a very different side of her. I am blessed for that opportunity. My prayers are with her family, whom she loved more than life itself.

Kathy Satterfield, DPM, Past President, American Association for Women Podiatrists

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NEW YORK CITY

NY Manhattan, prime location. Upper East Side, 23. Y.O. practice, high visibility-traffic area next to post office, street level, All phases of Podiatry, NO surgery, retiring due to disability. call 516-759-4062 or Paulfxfeet@aol.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Amfit Orthotic Making System. Includes new computer, recently updated digitizer, and orthotic mill, and $2,500.00 in supplies (which would generate about $20,000.00 in orthotics). skip the middleman. Cost $35,000.00. Asking $23,000.00 OBO AMERICAN FOOT CLINIC 405-733-2783 OR 405-820-6887 americanfoot@email.com

PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - DALLAS TEXAS AREA

New practice started in Irving Texas by two 15 year established podiatrists from Austin. We've decided to stay in Austin and travel only for research. Opportunity for new practitioner podiatrist to start practice immediately with no money out-of-pocket. Write to MRobsonDPM@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION/WASHINGTON, DC/SILVER SPRING, MD 
 
Excellent opportunity to join a multi-doctor practice with its own Certified Surgical Center. Practice is full-scope with an emphasis on sports medicine. Competitive salary plus bonus structure. PSR 24+ only. Send CV to hgodpm@verizon.net

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI   
 
Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, Hicksville and/or Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

SALES REPRESENTATIVES WANTED

SureFit has immediate openings for three sales representatives – one for Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast territories. Responsibilities include but are not limited to obtaining new business, executing sales strategy, initiating contact with customers, identifying their needs and selling appropriate products to meet those needs. Ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, highly motivated individual with a positive attitude who prefers a team environment. Minimum requirements include Bachelor’s degree, 3+ yrs sales experience, preferably in Podiatry and/or O&P Industries. Position requires up to 70% travel with residency in each territory. Please e-mail resume and references to: James R. Grady, Director of Sales SureFit jgrady@surefitlab.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NEW YORK

Unique opportunity for the right person! We’re looking for a personable, motivated individual who is seeking opportunity and security in a high end multi-office group practice. This is an incredible position for the right person. Please reply to Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Full-time podiatrist(s) needed in Austin or San Antonio. Current Texas license required. Unique mobile podiatry practice. Better pay, fine working conditions with excellent support staff. Check out our website www.footmobile.com. Reply to footcenter1@sbcglobal.net

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 – 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

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