The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

June 24, 2010 #3,892 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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FL Podiatrist Discusses How to Prevent Calluses

"It's important not to have calluses on your feet," says Dr. Elizabeth Scheiber of the Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

Dr. Elizabeth Scheiber

"A lot of people are wearing flat flip-flops, which lack support. This can cause heel fissures. I recommend that my patients put on an exfoliating moisturizer on the feet after taking a shower and before going to sleep, said Scheiber." 

Source: WTVJ-TV 6 (Miami,FL), [6/22/10]

93rd Annual OCPM Commencement Welcomes 88 Podiatrists

The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) recently graduated 88 students and welcomed them into the podiatric profession. The commencement ceremony featured the presentation of the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree which was awarded to Michael King, DPM. 

Dr. Michael King, OCPM alumnus and president-elect of APMA, delivers commencement address

Dr. King, who is an OCPM alumnus and president-elect of the APMA, served as the commencement speaker as well. OCPM also honored the alumni classes of 1960 (50 years), 1970 (40 years), 1985 (25 years), and  1995 (15 years) as part of the commencement program.

Barefoot Runners Face Long-Term Risk: CA Podiatrist

Barefoot runners are taking a huge risk, says Dr. Lesley Wolff, director of the San Francisco Bay Area Podiatry Group, who has been running, in shoes, for 35 years. He has also coached marathon runners, has a background in biomechanics and is a foot and ankle surgeon. "The repetitive pounding on the ground without protection, I think, is ridiculous," he says. Not only are runners at risk for injury by accidentally stepping on objects like nails and glass, but people usually run on hard, man-made terrain that necessitates cushioning provided by running shoes.

Dr. Lesley Wolff

Long-term, the doctor says, barefoot running is doomed with problems because the older a person gets, the fat pad on the bottom of a runner's foot thins. Finally, Wolff says, there is no proof that barefoot runners are injured with less frequency than people who run with shoes. "What are the statistics of injury?" he asks. "No one is keeping track of that. Maybe there's an elite few people who can be conditioned to it that can get away with it with the right training, but long-term, I think it's doomed for problems."

Source: Laura Casey, Contra Costa Times [6/21/10]

NY Senate Passes Expanded Podiatric Scope of Practice Bill

On Tuesday, the New York State Senate overwhelmingly passed an expanded Scope of Practice Bill (S2992B).  The bill must now be passed by the New York State Assembly, and then be signed by the governor.

This victory was due to the diligent efforts of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and its membership, who called their state senators in a co-ordinated lobbying effort .

Query: Digital Stationery for E-mail

How do you create digital stationery to be embedded in outgoing e-mails? Is there a company that develops this at a reasonable cost?

Chad Schwarz, Howell, NJ

RE: Integrative Podiatric Medicine (Dennis Shavelson, DPM)
From: Arnold B. Wolf, DPM

I'm compelled to respond to Dr. Shavelson's commentary regarding my recent post. The response that "50,000-100,000 people die from prescription drugs annually" is interesting. It does not reflect the number of lives saved by those medications, nor does it address the other co-morbidities that may exist in these tragic situations. The statement also does not address the success/failure of "alternative medicine" in those situations that may be similar.
 
By the tone of Dr. Shavelson's post, it seems that there was some offense taken by my comments. That was not my intention. My intention was to challenge those who choose to use "those" methods and therapies (I think that we still have freedom of choice in this country) to provide the appropriate scientific research to validate the appropriate use of those therapies suggested. I agree with the comment "the great practitioners and consultants in medicine are both artists and scientists." It is that comment (re: science) that implies the thought process necessary to establish reliable treatment protocols, allowing us (as practitioners) to take advantage of the "art" and ability to have leeway in our practice pattern. Evidence-based medicine (taken in its strict definition) would restrict that leeway previously mentioned.
 
Finally, the "world" that I am encouraging is not the one extrapolated by Dr. Shavelson. The "world" that I am encouraging is one guided by thoughtful discussion, debate, research and ultimately, high quality, reliable outcomes for our patients.
 
Arnold B. Wolf, DPM, Sterling Heights, MI, omnifootcare@prodigy.net

RE: In-House vs. Outside Billing (Marc Baer, DPM)
From: Michael Schneider, DPM, Carla-Ruth Poma

We have used Athena for about 4 years, and our A/R is under 30 days. Athena requires a knowledgeable accounts manager, but is well worth it.

Michael Schneider, DPM, Vail, CO, mjs10vail@aol.com

Billing services can be more efficient than in-office billing and vice versa. The relationship with the billing service is the key.  A billing service is only as efficient as you let them be.  Treating them as part of the team and not as an outsider is the first key to making the relationship strong. We are only capable of knowing certain things about a practice, if you tell us. We can't guess as to your goals, needs, problems, payments received, not received, etc. There are very good services and not so good. In order to find a good billing service you need to find one that is sized correctly for your practice and one you can have a rapport with. Sometimes, services are treated as the enemy and that is just not the case. The larger billing services serve a function but may not always work well with a sole provider. Smaller services can offer more hands on and quality time. Larger services may have the latest and greatest in technology. Find a service that suits your needs, and it can be a very beneficial experience.
   
Carla-Ruth Poma,  Brighton, MI, Mmbsinc@aol.com

RE: Dragon Questions (Simon Young, DPM)
From: Carl Solomon, DPM
 
Could it be that Dr. Young is describing the problem where, on laptops with a touchpad, the cursor mysteriously disappears, then pops up at some random location on the screen? That's not unique to Dragon, nor to Microsoft Word. It usually has something to do with any inadvertent contact with the touchpad. It drove me nuts for a long time until I found a couple of solutions.

Option one is to use an external mouse, and disable the on-board touchpad. Option two is to download a free program called "Touchfreeze" (easy to find using Google). It detects that you're using the keyboard, then momentarily inactivates the touchpad.
 
Carl Solomon, DPM, Dallas, TX, cdsol@swbell.net

RE: Podiatric Curriculums (Kirk Geter, DPM) 
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH

Having a broad experience with several podiatric medical schools as a dean of three and president of one as well as having similar experiences for more than fifteen years in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, I have a different perspective of what the podiatric medical curriculum should be. First of all, indeed we are physicians. While we specialize in podiatric medicine and surgery, it is essential that our graduates share a common core with all physicians. 

There are basic medical science experiences and certain core basic clinical rotations that  MD, DO, and DPM students need to complete to achieve core competencies common to all physicians. However, I do feel that the way the so-called pre-clinical areas are being addressed in the podiatric medical curriculum, in many if not most of our schools, needs reassessment. The first two years of podiatric medical schools now includes extensive, didactically, and separately packaged courses in the basic sciences amounting to hundreds of hours of instruction in such areas as biochemistry, physiology, pathology, microbiology and the like. This no longer is the standard in medical education.  It has been shown to be far more appropriate, let alone more interesting, to redistribute pre-clinical knowledge and concepts in a manner that integrates so-called basic sciences into clinical medicine, including podiatric medicine.

This is done in a number of ways in the MD and DO medical school communities, such as organizing major parts of the pre-clinical curriculum into all the organ systems of the body. This facilitates acquiring knowledge about the normal and abnormal structure and function of the human body, as well as prevention and therapeutics. A discussion of how the podiatric medical school curriculum should be organized is long overdue. Even national board examinations for medical licensure are organized in this manner. Podiatric medical students should not be excused from any of these systems since there are pedal manifestations of diseases and disorders intrinsic to every organ of the body. 

Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, levyleon@nova.edu

RE: We Need a National Standard of Care for Diabetes: UT Podiatrist
From: Neil A Burrell, DPM

The American Diabetes Association publishes national standards of care yearly (or at least they used to). They publish these for the healthcare professional as well as for the patient with diabetes. The American Association of Diabetes Educators also publishes standards of diabetes education, which encompasses care of the patient with diabetes. 

Neil A Burrell, DPM,  Beaumont, TX, nburrell@gt.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – COLORADO

Excellent opportunity to grow and expand a practice in the northern front range, Great compensation package with buy in potential. Desire individuals with motivation to succeed and grow professionally, Please fax CV and letter of interest to; 970-351-0940.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LOS ANGELES AREA

Busy podiatry practice in South Bay, Los Angeles area looking for associate podiatric physician. Part-time initially. Good opportunity for young or established physician looking for additional work, income. Well established practice, large patient base, competent staff. Please send CV, respond to berstein.david@gmail.com

MANHATTAN MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com Phone; 480-951-2480.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking associate or new residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net

LIMB PRESERVATION RESEARCH AND SURGICAL FELLOWSHIP

Boston University Medical Center offers a unique fellowship position. Be part of this unique opportunity at a major internationally-known teaching medical center. During this time, he/she will become a knowledge expert who will contribute significantly to research, surgical procedures, teaching, and innovations in limb preservation and tissue repair. Requirements: Completion of a two or three year surgical residency; Annual Salary: Year 1 $61,000, Year 2 $66,000 plus excellent benefits. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Erin Springhetti @ erin.springhetti@bmc.org and Dr Vickie Driver @ vickie.driver@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND 
 
Busy Bellmore, NY office. Motivated, board certified, hard-working, experienced in all phases of podiatry. P/T hours available. excellent salary, call 516 242-7540 or Fax Resume 516 826-9036 or email jobke@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – 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 - 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

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.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND 
 
Fredericks premier group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION  -  PALM BEACH COUNTY FLORIDA

Well-rounded growing practice seeks 3-year surgically trained podiatrist for an associate position. Must be hard-working, personable, and eager to work in a variety of settings. Some exposure to trauma/major reconstruction is preferred. Email CV to tburnam80@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time 3-DPM group in South Bay of LA County. Minutes from best living in LA County. Practice is an excellent mix of surgery, general podiatry, diabetic care, and DME. Beautiful office with EMR, Digital X-ray and Orthoses, etc. Please e-mail cover letter, and resume to footcareone@verizon.net

PODIATRISTS NEEDED NATIONWIDE

Seeking a part-time or full-time podiatrists to provide podiatry house call and diabetic shoe fitting services to patients nationwide. We are a podiatry management company and have contracts with clients that have 1,000’s of established patients and all we need are hard-working good doctors to service them. We offer an excellent compensation package with benefits and the opportunity to build a fairly large practice very quickly. coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT WANTED – CR SCANNER

Reina 812 Manual CR Scanner in good condition. Contact: pmh@wffeet.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 e-mail mchad500@gmail.com for more information.

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