The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 18, 2009 #3,574 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Summer Foot Pain Can Be Avoided: NJ Podiatrist

A lot of people like to wear sandals or no shoes at all once summer rolls around. That's all well and good until blisters and other forms of discomfort develop. Union County native and board-certified podiatrist Dr. Emanuel Haber believes most forms of pain can be avoided if people simply switch up their shoes or sandals once in a while and wear plenty of sunscreen.

Dr. Emanuel Haber

"Good foot health requires vigilance and maintenance," says Haber, a podiatric surgeon for 20 years whose practice is based in Bergen County but serves patients from Union, Somerset and Middlesex counties. "It only takes a few practical steps to prevent many foot problems, caused or worsened by summer heat, that can last well into the year."

Source: Jeff Weber, mycentralnewjersey.com [6/16/09]

NYCPM Receives Donation of Patholase Laser for Research Study 

The New York College of Podiatric Medicine  has received a donation from PathoLase, Inc., of the company’s patented new PinPointe™ FootLaser™ for the treatment of onychomycosis, and will be teaching the College’s students to use the new technology in conjunction with a clinical research study to be conducted at the College’s clinical affiliate, Foot Clinics of New York.

PinPointe™ FootLaser™

Dr. Michael Trepal, NYCPM Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, said, “We are very pleased to have the PinPointe FootLaser at the College to educate our students and faculty on an alternative method for treating the difficult and debilitating condition known as onychomycosis.  We are also pleased that, as part of the clinical education we offer, and as part of the upcoming clinical trial, we will soon be able to offer patients at our clinical affiliate, Foot Clinics of New York, this alternative, non-invasive approach for patients suffering from toenail fungus.” Foot Clinics of New York expects that it will be able to start offering treatment with the PinPointe FootLaser beginning in late June.

EHR Adopters Could Face Series of Tighter Standards

There may soon be one more incentive for hospitals and physician offices to buy and install electronic health-record systems on or before 2011. The added push could come from the prospect of increasingly higher thresholds of initial federal eligibility requirements for EHR subsidies under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, according to discussions at today’s meeting of the Health Information Technology Policy Committee.

A work group of that committee delivered its first draft of recommended definitions of “meaningful use” of EHRs, a standard that providers must meet to qualify for subsidy payments estimated at $34 billion to be handed out by Medicare and Medicaid. The work group recommended instituting a series of increasingly complex meaningful-use requirements between 2011, the first “payment year” of the subsidy program, and 2015, the final year payments will be made before financial penalties for not adopting begin.

During those discussions, Anthony Trenkle, director of the CMS’ office of e-Health Standards and Services, said the requirements will not be “tiered” based on when the provider adopts an EHR after 2011. Instead, whatever meaningful use standards are applicable for the year the provider applies for an EHR subsidy are the standards that provider must meet, regardless of whether it is the provider’s first year of EHR implementation.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [6/16/09]

A Dollar Doesn’t Buy Much – Or Does It?

Keep gifts for your pediatric patients. With each new child visit, give a little something on the way out for their bravery. Give Frisbees with you practice logo, stuffed animals or other fun toys. Most will cost under a dollar. Not only will you win over the child, you will have an appreciative parent who may be your next patient.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA. For information on the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Administration click here.

RE: Chronic Pain, Edema, and Neuropathy (Steve Wolfington, DPM)
From: Robert Teitelbaum, DPM, Ron. Worley, DPM

Two possibilities come to mind in this case of stress fracture in an otherwise healthy young woman.

1. The lateral leg pain leads me to suspect an overlay of compartment syndrome which can lead to peroneal paresthesias.

2. This might be a case of an associated regional sympathetic dystrophy.  Fractures are a major cause of this.
 
Robert Teitelbaum, DPM, Naples, FL, mfvandange@aol.com

Anytime you have unilateral unexplained edema, one should rule out lymphedema, which can present in this manner. I had a very similar case several years ago, a 27 y/o Caucasian female. While taking her history, I questioned her regarding trauma to the area. The woman in question became tearful and said that her ex-husband would "kick her in the leg when angry." and "Could that cause this swelling?" 
 
Following manual lymph drainage sessions which reduced the swelling, she was referred to a lymphedema therapist who then fitted her with a custom compression garment. If your patient has true lymphedema, this is the only treatment that will work. Causes of lymphedema include several hereditary varieties, trauma, infection, surgery,, and mechanical blockage of the lymphatics by tumors. The edema is pitting in the early stages and progresses to the brawny variety as it becomes more chronic.
 
If not already performed, I would suggest an MRI and x-rays to rule out other possible causes of the edema. Imaging of lymphatics is difficult.  The neuro findings could possibly be secondary to LE. I assume she has been worked up to exclude a higher level or systemic cause of neuropathy. I would like to hear more about this interesting case as it progresses and more input occurs from colleagues.

 Ron. Worley, DPM,  San Diego CA,  drrdworley@yahoo.com
 

RE: Diabetic Shoes for Odd-Sized Feet (Jennifer Ryder, DPM)
From: Marty Chalfin
 
Dr. Comfort is a manufacturer of diabetic shoes. As such, we offer "split-pairs" of shoes at a small premium. Our regular price is $66/pr. For a split pair, we charge only $99. We have a 100% "no questions asked" return policy. This is more important when sizing a pt with 2 sizes. It is hard enough to fit 1 size, even harder to get both sizes correct. We also offer the split sized inserts (you can't put a size 9 insert into the size 7 shoe!)

Marty Chalfin,  Dr. Comfort Shoes, MARTY@drcomfortdpm.com

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

I was shocked to learn of Francine's passing, having not crossed paths for several years. We first met almost 35 years ago when we were both student representatives to the AAPMS, me from /California and her from New York. She devoted her life to podiatric medicine and was an inspiration to both men and women. She will be missed.
 
Jack A. Reingold, DPM, Solana Beach, CA

Francine Schiraldi-Deck was my classmate at NYCPM. Francine was a ball of energy then and continued to be throughout her professional career, in spite of having to deal with multiple medical problems. She was an ardent supporter of podiatric medical education, public health and the advancement of women in our profession (she certainly succeeded as I think us guys are now outnumbered). She was very dedicated to her family, and to them I send my sincerest condolences.  Francine has left us prematurely but her presence with us, accomplishments and drive will be remembered for years to come. 
 
Larry Dorman, DPM, Miami, FL
 
I want to add my condolences to the family of Dr. Schiraldi-Deck. I served with her during the combination of the American Board of Podiatric Orthopaedics with the new Primary Podiatric Medicine Board in the early 1990's to form the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. I can attest to her enduring legacy as a staunch proponent of podiatric public health and primary podiatric medicine. She also was one of the first DPM's to my knowledge to propose the importance of nutrition and diet to the health of our podiatric patients. Her contributions to our profession will be long-lasting and she will be missed by the many she has touched throughout her successful career.

Joe Agostinelli, DPM, Col, USAF (Ret)

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

My dear friend, Francine Schiraldi-Deck, DPM passed away last week from complications of multiple sclerosis. Francine leaves behind her loving husband, Gregory Deck, and six children, Jacob and his wife, Karly, Joseph, Gabriel, Joshua, Domenick, and Josette. Francine was impassioned and dedicated to the podiatric profession. She had a keen interest in nutrition and a love for teaching.

She was dedicated and committed to service to others, leading by example. She served on boards and committees of a number of organizations, including ACFOAM, AAWP, American Diabetes Association, Podiatric Public Health, and American Society of Podiatric Dermatology. She was a past professor at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, past president of the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association, and a past clinical instructor at the West Haven VA Medical Center residency. Francine touched my heart many times and has been like a sister to me. I will remember her indomitable spirit, her inner strength, and her faith in God. 

Carol Callahan, DPM, Immediate Past President, CPMA

I would like to add my sympathy and condolences to Francine's family on her death at an age too young. I first knew Francine when we had the naiveté to be two of the first board members of the AAWP in the early 90's. We ran the group out of our offices and had many hours of conversation regarding the future of podiatric medicine. She was always very encouraging to me in my political career and I will miss having her as I become president of APMA in 2010...she would have loved to be at the party!
 
Kathleen M. Stone, DPM, President – Elect, American Podiatric Medical Association

In addition to all the other fond remembrances of Francine, she was a pioneer of APMSA and podiatric student issues. Many of us were encouraged to get involved in APMSA, and because of her interests in improving the lives of students of podiatric medicine, we all picked up the mantle of leadership. Podiatric medical education has lost a true pioneer of our time, she will be forever remembered by those of us whose lives she touched.
 
Michael Wodka, DPM, Middletown, NY

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS 

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

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

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.

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

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