The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,500 Podiatrists Daily

July 09, 2007 #2,982 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Nail Salons Risky For Health-Compromised Patients: MA Podiatrist

Simple contact is all it takes to spread infections such as warts, toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and bacteria, said podiatrist Dr. William Edgerton, who has offices in Gloucester, Danvers and Ipswich (MA). Certain pedicure techniques can also lead to physical problems. Ingrown toenails, for example, can develop if your toenails are shaped in a curve rather than cut straight across.

For a healthy young person, these problems typically amount to little more than an inconvenience or an embarrassment, Edgerton said. “Where people do get in trouble is if they have any kind of a health concern, especially an older person with circulatory trouble or an underlying medical problem like diabetes,” he said.

People who have poor circulation in their feet tend to be more susceptible to fungus infections, Edgerton said, and if their feet are numb as the result of a medical condition, they may not even notice the problem until it’s too late.

Source: Julie Kirkwood, Gloucester Daily Times [7/5/07]

VA Podiatrist Sets Two World Records at Senior Nationals

A 95-year-old retired podiatrist from Virginia Beach set two world records for his age group at the Summer National Senior Games--without any special training. Robert Stewart's mark of 6 feet 9 inches in the long jump broke the old record by nearly a foot. He also tossed a 6.6-pound ball 22 feet 3 inches, bettering the old mark by more than 5 inches, during last week's competition in Louisville, KY.

Dr. Robert J. Stewart

"Not bad for an old guy," Stewart said. "What really felt good, though, is when they put my score on the scoreboard and I could see I did better than someone who is 75," he said. "But my boys kept saying, `Imagine what you could have done if you trained."

Stewart's weekly routine includes three trips to the gym for about an hour of push-ups, crunches and weightlifting. He can outrun his 61-year-old son John. And he's been known to tackle relatives at an annual Thanksgiving football game. "We don't see him as a frail old man," said John. "And he wouldn't let us."

Source: Associated Press [7/6/07]

NY Podiatrist Gets 18 Month Sentence for Drug Felonies

Dr. Daniel Merk, a Hamburg, NY podiatrist, was sentenced to 18 months in a drug treatment program at Willard Correctional Facility for selling prescriptions. Merk also was forced to surrender his professional license before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller sentenced him Thursday on his guilty plea to three felony counts of attempted criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance, prosecutors and court officials said.

Merk, 55, an Orchard Park resident was taken into custody following his sentencing. Merk filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection three years ago and was fined $2,500 in Buffalo City Court in a drunken driving case five years ago, according to court records.

Prosecutor Christopher H. Gresham said Merk’s sentence was linked to his history of alcoholism. Gresham and Hamburg Police Capt. A. Daniel Shea said Merk’s guilty plea stemmed from a Hamburg police investigation that began after area pharmacies reported prescriptions they feared were forged.

Source: Matt Gryta, The Buffalo News [7/7/07]

Query: Using the Term “Medical Doctor”

I was told that anytime I advertise the word doctor, I must use podiatrist or podiatry. Is it acceptable for podiatrists to call themselves medical doctor of podiatry (MDP) or podiatric medical doctors (PMD)?

Daniel Alan Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY

Editor’s comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. Since neither of the proposed degrees you suggest exists, it would be a gross misrepresentation to use such initials. Most states mandate that the terms podiatry, podiatrist, or podiatric physician be used in any advertisement. One of the goals of Vision 2015 is to establish podiatrists as “physicians” in all state and federal laws and programs.

RE: Accessing Current and Past Issues of PM News
From: Barry H. Block, DPM, JD

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Barry H. Block, DPM, Editor

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 PPMR or RPR. 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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE-CENTRAL NJ

Boyd chairs(3), x-ray processor, view boxes, densitometer and much more all in working order. smaller items can be shipped chairs to be picked up please call me at 908-730-8881 or contact me at larrydpm2002@yahoo.com

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PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Great opportunity to own a well-established turn-key podiatry practice located in modern medical office building in East Bay; Electronic billing, good payor base, no HMO contracts; Biomechanics, general podiatry with great potential for surgery. Please send CV and letter of interest to: norcalpod@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Seeking a position in a warm, friendly, and productive environment? Well, look no further! A well established podiatry facility in North Hollywood , California has an immediate position available for a podiatrist. He/She must be motivated, reliable, and dedicated. Depending on performance, partnership is possible. If interested, email your resume to drnickoghosyan@yahoo.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE/ NORTH GEORGIA

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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

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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

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