The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 26, 2007 #2,971 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2007- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

MN Podiatrist Has Passion For Biomechanics and Running

Dr. Paul Langer is an avid runner as well as a podiatrist. He combines medical knowledge with a personal athletic expertise. He practices with Minnesota Orthopaedic Specialists in Minneapolis and also serves as a clinical faculty member at the University of Minnesota Medical School. As a runner, Langer has been at it for more than 20 years, with two dozen marathons, several triathlons and the Ironman under his belt.

Dr. Paul R. Langer

"Running is a passion," said Langer, a 40-year-old who lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Michelle, and his training buddy, Ripley, a lab mix. For Langer, the journey from a non-runner to a local expert on the foot in motion began as a sophomore in college when he noticed his pants getting tight. "I was putting on a couple pounds, and I decided to start running," he said. A job at a running store during medical school further piqued Langer's interest toward the foot. He was fascinated by running and the human gait.

Since graduating from Des Moines University as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 1999, Langer has cultivated a niche as a local expert on running, the foot, athletics shoes, and all things medical in that orbit. He has presented at symposiums for organizations such as the American Medical Athletic Association. His seminars have titles such as "Understanding The Biomechanical Effects of Running Shoes" and "Running Biomechanics and Running Shoes." Last year, traveling to the Gobi Desert of China, Langer was part of the medical staff for the Gobi March 250K race, a multiday ultra-running event. He was the podiatry consultant for "Running The Sahara," a documentary about trying to cross the Sahara on foot.

Source: Stephen Regenold, Star-Tribune [6/23/07]

Renowned Netherlands Diabetologist Presents Grand Rounds at Scholl

Maya Huijberts, MD, PhD, renowned diabetologist from the University of Maastricht, gave a stirring grand rounds lecture to clinicians and students at Scholl College’s Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR) at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science on Wednesday. In her lecture, which highlighted the groundbreaking work she and colleagues performed as part of the European Commission’s EURODIALE project. She presented outcomes from that study and compared it to clinical and research work in the USA by CLEAR and others

Drs. Stephanie Wu, David Armstrong, and Maya Huijberts (r)

“The biggest difference we see is not the patients or the disease - it is podiatry,” said Dr. Huijberts. “In the USA , there is one doctor for the extremity. Around the world, this doesn’t exist. That is why physicians from around the world come to train at centers like here in Chicago. This is what we will see continuing over the coming years.’

In EURODIALE, Dr. Huijberts and colleagues directed a 14-nation, pan-European study evaluating outcomes of wounds in persons with diabetes and their impact on amputations. Further data will be presented at this weekend’s American Diabetes Association symposium in Chicago.

TX Podiatrist Sentenced 2 years for Medicare/Medicaid Fraud

A Central Texas podiatrist was sentenced to two years in federal prison in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of nearly $156,000. Sanford X. Rosenweig, 51, of Cedar Park also was fined $25,000 and will be placed on supervised release for three years after serving his prison term.

On Sept. 26, Rosensweig pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of money laundering. Rosensweig admitted that from 2000 to 2002, he operated a scheme to defraud the federal Medicare program and the Texas Medicaid program.

As part of his scheme, Rosensweig performed routine foot care services, such as cutting toenails, for various nursing home patients throughout Central Texas. Rosensweig then filed false claims with Medicare and Medicaid that he provided reimbursable -- and more expensive -- foot care services instead. According to the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, the status of Rosensweig's podiatric license is "delinquent." He had a board action against him dated this Feb. 28 for failure to maintain continuing legal education requirements.

Source: Austin Business Journal

Query: Shortened 5th Digits

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for shortened 5th digits bilateral? I have a female patient who had bilateral 5th digit arthroplasties performed by another podiatrist a few years ago. The arthroplasties were aggressive and now the patient complains of the 5th digits being "too short" and not being able to wear certain shoes. Also, the digits are in an elevated position. I discussed with her certain procedures that would correct the elevated position, but she also wants the digits to be lengthened as well. I cannot see not compromising the neurovascular status of the digits with any type of lengthening procedure.

Anas Khoury, DPM, Passaic, NJ

RE: Left Over Apligraf (Joe Gonzalez, DPM)

The FDA has strict rules regarding "leftovers" more correctly known as wastage for all skin substitutes. Each manufacturer and provider should retain a copy of the individual lot and UPC codes which are assigned to each package of HSE purchased.

The provider should retain in the patient's chart the size of the wound grafted,the amount of material used and the amount of wastage. This leftover material is NOT to intended to be used on another patient. The issue of "free sample" or saving an insurance carrier money is not the issue. Patient safety is of paramount importance and could not be guaranteed if the material was used on multiple patients.

This month's Podiatry Management can provide you with full details on all the skin substitutes.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net

RE: Alternatives to Anti-Fungal Cream (Paul Busman, DPM)
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM

I believe that Dr. Busman has hit the nail on the head here: if she cannot do regular foot hygiene the condition is likely to re-occur. Somehow this lady's feet need to be cleaned. As part of this hygienic process an antifungal cream can be applied. If this person is not able to perform ADLs (activities of daily living) herself, then a letter should be written to her primary care physician who can make the decision as to whether a social service agency needs to be contacted. The probability is huge that if she cannot maintain hygiene of her feet that other parts of her body are also being neglected. Pride often times keeps the elderly from seeking the care that they need; however, once it is explained to them that their condition happens to others and that there is care available, many are very receptive.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Viera, FL, RASDPM32822@aol.com

WANTED: BIOMECHANICS CONSULTANT

.

West Houston Medical and Kingwood Medical Centers are seeking a biomechanics consultant to help develop competency based curriculum/assessment forms, provide workshops, and lecture to their residents. The individual must be Board Certified by the ABPOPPM, be a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine, and must be able to come for quarterly visits to Houston, Texas. Interested candidates should fax a C-V and consulting fees to Dr. Samuel Mendicino, Residency Director, West Houston and Kingwood Medical Centers. 281-589-1618.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

.

Seeking quality-oriented, patient-focused, RPR-trained associate for a fast-paced, established group practice This is a secure, long-term position. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care. Gain surgical experience while earning an excellent living. Partnership possibility. If you are highly motivated, ethical, and have good communication and clinical skills, forward CV to: fax (734) 466-8501 or email mbell6@msn.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - WASH. DC

Name your reasonable price and pay shipping- Body chairs, X-Cell X-rays, Konica developer, SmartDop20, viewboxes, lakesidecart, Endoscopic unit with all attachments, topical hyperbaric O2 units, castle autoclave, xerox copier, fax machines, etc. call 202-841-5545 or email to JHALLUX@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MIAMI BEACH, FL

Seeking well trained PMS 36 / PSR 24+ for Full-Time associate position. Leading to partnership for the person. practice is 50% hospital based. Must have strong Sx skills, including Limb Salvage & Trauma. Competitive Salary & benefits Package. Fax 305-652-6672 or Call 305-785-2559 Email: doctorsole@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ORANGE COUNTY, CA

High volume surgical practice seeking well trained surgical associate for full-time position in orange county California immediately. This position can lead to separate private practice or partnership for the associate. Excellent Salary & benefits Package included. Email CV, photo, and questions to: FootSurgeonOC@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

We are looking for a highly trained, personable, ethical, and caring podiatrist, to work in a two doctor, three office practice, of thirty years. Send CV to sfpodiatry@ aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - RIVERSIDE, CA

.

Practice grossing over 250K/yr three days/wk. room to expand, large physician referral, good mix of sx., wound care, DME's, routine care. no rest homes. Medicare cert. surgery center on site. Will consider associate-to-purchase. may carry paper. Consider all offers. Office and sx. center also for sale. e-mail tentoes001@hotmail.com or call 951 7804782.

.

ASSOCIATE POSITION FLORIDA - NORTHEAST REGION

.

Busy, well established, full scope podiatry practice seeking highly motivated, hard-working, reliable, responsible and especially likeable to the average human, Associate. Surgical training a plus. Prefer PSR 24+. This is an Associate position with lots of potential. Team players only. Email CV to: healthparkmgr@bellsouth.net or fax CV to: 904-826-1586, Attn: Amy

.

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

.

Immediate position available or will wait for the right individual. Unique practice opportunity in growing multi-physician/multi-office practice. Well established/cutting edge within the medical community. Close proximity to hospitals as well as opportunity to become involved with a free standing podiatric surgical center. Must be BQ/BC. Minimum PSR/24. Competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits. E-mail CV to afcjen@hotmail.com

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85

PM Classified Ads Reach over 9,500 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 9,000 DPM's. Write 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 dekagan@aol.com

• 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.