The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 17, 2009 #3,573 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2009- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

Flip Flops Can Be Unsafe For Feet: OK Podiatrist

As temperatures rise and the weather heats up, many will stay cool by slipping on a pair of their favorite footwear – flip-flops – before venturing outside. Unfortunately, many barbeques, pool parties and other enjoyable outdoor activities are also accompanied by painful foot ailments attributed to flip-flop wear, including cuts and abrasions, broken toes and painful sprains.

Dr. Brad Beasley

“Many flip-flops that are widely available for purchase can be very unsafe for feet,” says Dr. Brad Beasley, president of the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association (OKPMA). “When choosing a flip-flop to wear, wearers should pay special attention to important features, such as soft leather construction and adequate arch and heel support, to avoid serious injury during warm weather activities.” If experiencing any foot pain, one should always consult with a podiatrist.

Source: Greater Tulsa Reporter Newspapers [6/16/09]

Mahoney Receives DMU Outstanding Scholar Award

The DMU Outstanding Scholar Award was presented to James Mahoney, DPM, associate professor and associate dean for academic affairs in Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at a faculty meeting June 9.

Dr. James Mahoney

This annual award is given to a full-time DMU faculty member who best exemplifies excellence in the areas of teaching, service, and scholarly activity. Recipients are selected by the DMU Faculty Welfare Committee.

A fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Dr. Mahoney joined the DMU faculty in 2001 after serving as staff podiatrist at McFarland Clinic in Ames, Iowa, for 20 years. He teaches courses for second- and third-year podiatric medical students. An active researcher on topics including use of novel topical drug formulations to treat skin wounds and pain, Dr. Mahoney received the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Clinical Faculty of the Year Award in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Always Carry Your Business Card

Whether in the office, at the shopping mall or picking up groceries, you are always the "foot & ankle specialist” ready to provide your expert knowledge and advice to all who need it. With this in mind, your business card is the stepping stone to a new patient, a community presentation, a meeting with a referring doctor and endless other opportunities for you and your practice. When opportunity knocks, be ready to answer with a business card in hand.

Chad Schwarz, Practice Administrator, Howell, NJ. For information on the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Administration click here.

Query: Liability for Prescribing Product Containing a Carcinogenic Agent?

It recently came to my attention that the following warning is on the back of the bottle of Zeasorb AF powder:  "This product contains acrylamide, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer."  When the company was contacted, their representative said that there is no clinical evidence of cancer, the level is below toxic level and the warning was put on the label to avoid costly legal fees. My question is what is OUR liability? Can we be held responsible for prescribing a medication containing a known carcinogenic agent? Do we continue to prescribe this?

Chris Orlando, DPM, Hartsdale, NY cao252@aol.com

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Many products, notably cigarettes, are currently sold which include possible cancer warnings. We’ve never heard of a case where the merchant or doctor selling such products has been held liable.  From an ethical point of view, it’s probably a wise step to show this warning to a patient before prescribing or dispensing it.

RE: Chronic Pain, Edema, and Neuropathy (Steve Wolfington, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Considering the history, that it is progressive, and that you have increased redness with dependency, I would look into the vasculature very closely first. I would send this patient for venous ultrasound to ensure you are not missing a DVT. I would also send her to a local vascular surgeon to have a CT angio of the arterial tree. Next, without any further history on how this started, activity level of the patient or possible previous trauma, I would look into either anterior or anterolateral compartment syndrome, then into CRPS.

Todd Lamster, DPM, Phoenix, AZ, tlamster@gmail.com

After recently also having a patient with chronic pain, swelling  and neuropathy, my wisdom to impart to you is rule out the worst case scenerios first. In this case, rule out a DVT, and rule out RSD. Once you have ruled those out, you at least have time on your side.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

Venous Dopplers can be used to rule out DVT. Also consider x-rays or other imaging for sarcoma. If all are negative, consider CRPS/RSD -- see if a PT block provides any relief. The patient can also be referred to a PCP for possible fibromyalgia.

Roody Samimi, DPM, San Diego, CA, roody.samimi@gmail.com

RE: Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections (Neil B. Levin, DPM)
From: Nate Schwartz, DPM

I have been using APC therapy for about 3 years. I have had some incredible results.  It does not work every time, but the successes way outnumber the failures. I have never caused any problems with the administration of APC. In some instances, I have created a cure with APC, where no other treatment would have been considered a possibility for success.

Nate Schwartz, DPM, Smyrna, GA, nathanschwartz@hotmail.com

RE: Diabetic Shoes for Odd-Sized Feet  (Jennifer Ryder, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Orthofeet is offering Diabetic shoes for odd-sized feet. You may order size 9 for the right foot and size 7 for the left foot, or any other combination.

Ron Bar, PhD, Orthofeet, Inc., orthofeet@aol.com

Order a split pair for this patient if the patient can wear off-the-shelf shoes. At Dia-Foot we charge an extra nominal fee for this as we are really selling 2 pairs of shoes. Medicare does not yet pay extra if a patient needs a split pair of shoes. 
 
Robert M. Gaynor, DPM, President Dia-Foot, nailcutter@aol.com

Surefit out of Florida does, for a nominal fee. I am sure if you ask, most would.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, jeffckass@aol.com

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

The world has lost a special person. The field of podiatry has lost a special doctor. I knew Francine on both a personal as well as professional level. I went to school when Fran was a clinician and she taught me a whole lot more than podiatry. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing. May God bless her and her surviving family.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, Elmsford, NY

I knew Francine from the time she was a resident. She was a great lady and helped advance our profession tremendously. She will be sorely missed by all of us and by our profession.

Chris Orlando, DPM, Hartsdale, NY

The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine sadly mourns the passing of one of its valued board members. Francine Schiraldi-Deck served as director for our board for the past 6 years and had a long history of supporting podiatric medically oriented issues. She brought a unique perspective to our board, and we will miss her.

Beth Jarrett, DPM, President, American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine

Francine's smile would be beaming as her profession memorializes her. Francine's advocacy spirit touched many and raised the bar for our profession. The lasting footprint she strived for in her life is justly being remembered and recognized. 
 
Janet Simon, DPM, Albuquerque, NM

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE-MIDTOWN MANHATTAN 
 
Looking for Full-time associate to work in well established practices in midtown Manhattan and Forest Hills. Immediate opening for PSR 24-36 surgically trained Podiatrist. Great opportunity with competitive salary along with malpractice benefits. Position includes Saturday office hours. Please send CV to slurie@papapc.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NEW YORK CITY

1-YEAR PODIATRIC SPORTS MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP

Monrovia, California. Applicant must be a licensed podiatrist and have completed a podiatric residency program. Monthly Stipend $4,000 to $5,000. Please email your curriculum vitae to victoriamanagers@gmail.com Thank you for your interest in our Program.

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

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 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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 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 Ext 110.

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.