The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 15, 2008 #3,298 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Deep Tissue Massage Provides Relief to Aching Feet: IL Podiatrist

Pretty summer shoes have their ugly side: heel pain and foot cramps. But in a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 51 percent of women said they were willing to wear those cute strappy sandals and slides no matter how much the shoes may hurt. Fortunately for these hardy “soles”, simple remedies, such as massage and strengthening exercises, can give feet sweet relief.

Dr. Marlene Reid

How it helps: "Like a deep-tissue massage anywhere on the body, kneading the feet will help relieve cramps, knotting, and tightness," explains podiatrist Marlene Reid. Massage improves circulation and can alleviate heel pain caused by a tense or inflamed plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot to the heel.

Source: Debra McClinton, CNN [7/12/08]

Cabell Adams Receives APMSA’s Highest Student Honor

Student doctor W. Cabell Adams from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College (CSPM), Class of 2009, was honored with the American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association’s (APMSA) 2008 Leadership Award at its recent House of Delegates (HOD) meeting in Rockville, Maryland. The APMSA Leadership Award is presented to the member of the APMSA HOD who has made the most outstanding efforts and contributions to the APMSA on behalf of students. This annual award honors the APMSA delegate who has consistently worked to further the APMSA’s goals and has shown outstanding leadership both locally and nationally.

Student Dr. Cabell Adams (L) receives 2008 APMSA Leadership Award from APMSA President Woods

APMSA president Jason Woods praised Mr. Adams, “Cabell has served the APMSA and the students well both at his school and nationally with his hard work, dedication and perseverance. He embodies all the tremendous qualities of a strong leader and he is commended by the APMSA and his peers for his tenacity and remarkable efforts.”

Cabell Adams is the APMSA CSPM 2009 delegate and also holds an important position as the APMSA Director of Development and Corporate Relations which oversees the APMSA Corporate Advisory Board (CAB). Through his leadership the APMSA CAB has developed significant non-dues income and programs to benefit students.

Acquitted CA Podiatrist Still Faces Threat of License Revocation

A Fresno doctor recently acquitted of charges that he molested patients is still facing scrutiny from state regulators seeking to revoke his license. The California Department of Consumer Affairs claims there is a “clear and present danger” to allowing podiatrist Matthew Sciaroni to continue practicing medicine.

Dr. Matthew Sciaroni

A Fresno County Superior Court jury recently found Sciaroni not guilty of child molestation and sexual battery despite the testimony of seven women who said the foot doctor touched them inappropriately. An administrative law judge is set to weigh the department's accusations against Sciaroni and then recommend whether he should keep his license. Sciaroni is also facing a lawsuit filed by a former patient who accuses him of inappropriately touching her breasts and groin during an examination.

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune [7/11/08]

Writing an Effective Press Release - Part 3

Separate facts from opinions. Anything that is not factual, such as background information, should be presented as a quote attributed to you or your practice.

Key: A press release should not be the same as advertising copy. If you want to present a procedure as the greatest, attribute it. "When you are quoted as saying "This is a revolutionary development, " that is an opinion. If your third-person press release claims "This is revolutionary," that statement seems like hype. If, however, you present facts, such as"randomized, double-blind studies have shown an improvement of 53%," you allow the press to label your development as revolutionsry, thus enhancing its credibility to the reader.

Source: Adapted from 6 Proven Secrets to Writing a Trash-Proof Press Release by Bill Stoller.

RE: Custom-Made Supportive Flip-Flops (Barrett E Sachs, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Bite™, which is now a subsidiary of Crocs, Inc. has a line of sandals that are designed for use with or without orthoses. These sandals come with an extra-depth footbed that can be removed to allow for the use of foot orthotics. Bite™ has had a somewhat traditional looking flip-flop version called the Spirit™, which has been available for two years. Bite™ has just introduced two new styles of flip-flops that are more stylish than the Spirit™. These newly-released versions are called the Prelude™ and the Kosumi™ and were just added to our website this week.

While they are not custom made sandals, they are sandals which allow for the use of true functional orthoses, which in my opinion, provides far better functional control than custom-made sandals or sandals with custom footbeds. There are a number of orthotic labs that offer Bite™ sandals with orthoses. Practitioners should consider adding sandal orthotics to their practice as these products are a valuable treatment modality and an excellent revenue enhancer. Patients often purchase them as a second pair of orthoses.

Mr. Jeff Root, President, Root Lab, Inc., jroot@root-lab.com

I recommend Chaco flip-flops to my patients that want to wear flip-flops but require arch support. They look like regular flip-flops and are sold at REI, Hudson Trail, and online at zappos.com.

Melissa Smith, DPM, Alexandria, VA, dr_msmith@hotmail.com

Eneslow makes custom-made flip-flops. We carry and highly recommend the following flip-flops with the following features. 1) Finn Comfort includes a highly supportive footbed. 2) FitFlop is the hottest flip flop on the market, highly promoted by Oprah. It has a thick supportive base on a rocker sole. It is probably the best combination of fashion, comfort and support, available in men’s and women’s sizes. 3) Mephisto has always had the Helen with a contoured footbed with an excellent last for most women. 4) Teva, Reef, UGG and many other footwear companies offer supportive and durable flip-flops.

Robert Schwartz, CPed, NY, NY Eneslow Pedorthic Enterprises, rss@eneslow.com

RE: E-Prescribing (Dennis Hershey, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM

I use Allscripts. It is free to the podiatrists, and using it will make us money.

Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY, Musella@aol.com

RE: Using a Table In Lieu of a Podiatry Chair (Eric Baskin, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Podiatry chairs were created for patient and doctor comfort, particularly when performing office procedures. The patient mix would be important to consider when making such decisions. One option to consider is a mix of exam tables and other items. I have used a plush, vinyl-covered recliner in a room which was used mainly for PT modalities. It was a patient favorite.

Ed Davis, DPM, San Antonio, TX, eddavis@webmail.us

RE: APMA Wins Medicare Victory (Paul Kesselman, DPM)
From: Brian Kashan, DPM

Over the years, I have written numerous letters attesting to the value of my APMA membership. Once again, I find myself grateful that I have such an organization to represent podiatry and its membership.

It doesn't seem to stop. There are always people, organizations, and legislation that quickly appear and try to take away what we have strived to achieve. I can't imagine what will be next, but I know that APMA will be there to fight for me.

Once again, while all of podiatry will benefit from APMA's hard work, there remain those resistant to joining for a variety of reasons. I implore those colleagues to join, express your views and concerns, and become a part of this organization. The price of membership is probably the best value of all of my expenses!

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD, drbkas@worldnet.att.net

PRACTICES FOR SALE - BROOKLYN & QUEENS

Well-established practices grossing high $200's for sale with approximately 90% C & C and 10% SX. Great locations and visibility. Well-respected doctors and staff willing to stay. Ask about 90-125% financing options with little to nothing down. American Doctor Sales; 614-918-3000 or email us at sell_my_practice@yahoo.com. Please visit us our website

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA

Central Valley/Southern CA. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Surgery Center and hospital based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice. E-mail CV to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BOSTON, MA

Associate wanted, Full-time or part-time, for busy long time, well established, and well rounded practice. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Office will generate approximately 100+ surgical cases per year. Must have surgical background for this practice, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE WA STATE: BELLINGHAM - WITH ASC

Located by hospital and medical community. Owner will carry part of financing. Potential for increased revenue abounds. This is a value that should not to be overlooked. Bellingham is rated in national magazines as one of the most desirable places to live or retire. 386 597-5766.

PODIATRIST POSITION – SOUTHERN CA

Medical group in Southern CA seeking a residency trained DPM. Practice includes general podiatry, biomechanics, wound care, surgery, diabetic feet, trauma. Part-time position available may lead to full-time. Excellent salary/benefits. Position available in mid July 2008. Please reply to E-mail: slowed2@yahoo.com; 4476 Tweedy Blvd, South Gate, CA 90280.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY

Established practice in Ocean County seeks hardworking, ethical, energetic and well-trained (PSR 24/36) individual. Must be willing to do all aspects of podiatry! Base salary $100,000 to start plus benefits package. Hospital & surgical center privileges. E-mail CV to NJFeet@aol.com

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