The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 27, 2010 #3,915 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Cosmetic Foot Surgery Still Popular Despite APMA Warning

Some foot surgeons have been warning against cosmetic foot surgery almost as long—seemingly to little avail. "Our business is booming," says Oliver Zong, a podiatrist in New York City's financial district whose services include a "pinky tuck," slimming down little toes that become bent and bulbous when jammed into high, tight shoes. While the vast majority of patients are women, Dr. Zong says he has male clients as well. "They're embarrassed about wearing sandals because their feet don't look so good," he says.

Dr. Oliver Zong

The American Podiatric Medical Association, representing about 85% of the nation's podiatrists notes, "Our function is to relieve pain and correct deformities. We are not trained to allow women to fit into a narrower shoe," says the group's president, Kathleen Stone, a podiatrist in Glendale, AZ.

Source: Melinda Beck, Wall Street Journal [7/27/10]

Epidemic of Children With Diabetes Means Future Foot Complications: WI Podiatrist

“I think that the epidemic of diabetes diagnoses in kids will turn into an epidemic of foot complications in adults in years to come,” explains William Weis, an Oak Creek podiatrist who chairs the Wisconsin Diabetes Advisory Group for the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “As kids, they don’t have a lot of foot complications; they still have good circulation, good sensation. But when they become 30 or 40 years old, they could have the complications we associate with 60- or 70-year-olds today.”

Dr. William Weis

Weis says that while he has seen an increase in “both the number and the severity” of diabetes-related foot problems in his own practice in the past ten years, he’s heartened by an even greater rise in the number of patients who are “being proactive—taking better care of themselves, taking advantage of the information and support that is available.”

Source: Mary Erpenbach, Madison Magazine [July 2010]

AZ Podiatrist Indicted on Drug and Fraud Charges

A 104-count indictment accusing Corina Maya Hollander a Tucson podiatrist and seven others of operating a criminal syndicate involving prescription fraud was unsealed in Pima County Superior Court on Monday. The eight defendants face charges ranging from conspiracy and participating in a criminal syndicate to fraud, trafficking in the identity of another person, forgery, and acquisition of a narcotic drug by fraud.

Assistant Attorney General Christina Vejar said Hollander progressed from writing fraudulent prescriptions for a painkiller and anti-anxiety drug for co-workers/roommates Garner and Morris to writing fraudulent prescriptions in patient and family members' names.

Source: Kim Smith, Arizona Star [7/20/10]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: If somebody wants to increase the number of pediatric patients, how would you suggest they go about it?

Dr. Marc Benard

Marc Benard: The bottom line is credibility. Saying that you would like to do this and actually being able to do it are two different things. Start by getting as much pediatrics exposure as you can. Work within school systems, do screenings, get to know the pediatricians in your area, and get to know the athletic trainers in your area. You have to want to do it. You have to like it. If you don’t want to treat children, stay away from it because it is a whole other world.   

You have to abandon your ego and abandon behavior that would otherwise alienate you from children, because kids ultimately don’t care what degree you have. They care that they are not uncomfortable when they are in the office, so it takes a personality that can deal with these patients. 

Dr. Stephen Pribut

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday Night at 9 PM (EST). This week's show features sports medicine guru Dr. Stephen Pribut. You can register for this event by clicking here

Avoid Being Judgmental

Never nod or verbalize agreement when one employee criticizes a co-worker who is not present. Say “I would rather not criticize a co-worker when that person is not here to offer a defense.” You will come across as a caring and trustworthy leader.

Source: Communication Briefings

Query: Multiple Verrucae

I have a 15 y.o. female patient who has verrucae (proven by histology). She has at least 20 now on her feet. These are mostly on her toes and plantar balls of the feet. Previously, a dermatologist used liquid nitrogen, and I have tried curettage...but they quickly recur.  Any treatment pearls would be appreciated.
 
Gary Bjarnason, DPM, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Query: Substitute for DPM Crème?

Recently, DPM Cream has been discontinued. I sell this in my office. I like the product. Can anyone suggest a comparable substitute? 

Joan E. Schiller, DPM, Euclid, OH

RE: Research on Toning Shoes (Kevin A. Kirby, DPM)
From: Sam Bell, DPM

In reading comments about the toning shoes, I find it demonstrates pretty much the same findings of most other shoes. Some people can wear them and some people can't. As for myself, I have been wearing a pair of the Skechers in the office most days for about the past two months. They are very cushiony and comfortable, and my back hasn't bothered me at all - the back was never a major problem, but it is better after wearing these all day in the office. Also, my legs muscles are definitely stronger as demonstrated by my being able to walk 18 holes of golf without fatigue. And that's my experience with toning shoes.

Sam Bell, DPM, Schenectady, NY, dpmbell@aol.com

RE: Supergroup vs. IPA (Name Withheld)
From: David N. Helfman, DPM

Independent physician associations (IPAs) were initially formed as a defense mechanism to managed care and allowed physicians to come together as a group in unity to negotiate more favorable rates with insurance companies. IPAs were very big in the early 1990’s, however, with the trend of payers to a more open access model, the IPA model really has faded away and many have disappeared that existed in the 1990’s. Many IPAs had exclusive payer contracts and were able to share risk in the form of capitation, but that model for now is relatively extinct except in a few markets across the country. In summary, an IPA is a service organization that enables physicians who practice independently to deliver healthcare services at reasonable rate of reimbursement.

Super group models, in my mind, are the future and…

Editor's note: Dr. Helfman's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: AAPPM/PM News Alaska Practice Management Cruise
From: John V. Guiliana, DPM, MS

I would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Barry Block for having conceptualized and for executing the fabulous practice management cruise to Alaska following the APMA National Scientific Meeting. Approximately 60 doctors attended the joint AAPPM/PM News seminar. Vital practice management information was complemented by breath-taking Alaskan sights, great food, and great company.

John V. Guiliana, DPM, MS, Hackettstown, NJ, footmds@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Looking for podiatrists to join group to work in nursing facilities in: Texas (Ft. Worth, Dallas, Houston) Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Northwest Pennsylvania, Delaware, Upstate New York, Massachusetts (Brockton). Please respond to: doconcall02@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA AREA

Full-time associate with opportunity for partnership with group practice. Candidate must be trained in all phases of podiatry including wound care, surgery, and routine podiatric care. Candidate must have a positive and energetic attitude with a desire to grow in our practice. If interested please email your CV to BergD@readinghospital.org

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE NEEDED FREDERICK/HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC  needs full-time DPM at least PMS 36 to join premier group in Frederick/Hagerstown, MD. ASC, EMR, DR-digital radiography and ultrasound, Vascular/nerve testing, DME, retail store, strong hospital affiliations, salary, bonus and benefits. Respond to drmichaels@rfainstitute.com

PRACTICE AVAILABLE - WESTERN WASHINGTON

General Podiatry practice in Port Townsend, WA. Nice community, 25+ year old practice, busy 3 days a week with growth potential. Owner leaving area, needs someone to take over the practice, lease and equipment. Contact Jessica at ptpod@yahoo.com or 925-519-0624.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY - JERSEY SHORE REGION

Part-time associate wanted. Looking for a motivated and ethical practitioner. Competitive salary with incentives. Tuesday AM - Thursday PM - 2 Saturdays/month. Please respond to: NJSHOREFOOTDOC@aol.com

PRACTICE & STATE LICENSED ASC FOR SALE (MARYLAND, DC SUBURB)

38 yr old general podiatry practice grossing over $550K. Fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, 2 orthotic scanners, computer network and well-equipped surgical suite. Retiring owner will stay on as needed. Email - dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

PODIATRY ON CALL - MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD COUNTIES, FLORIDA

Call us for vacations, "unexpected emergencies" and playing hooky. Part-time or Per Diem Basis! Extensive surgical and non-surgical training with Dr. Stanley R. Kalish in Atlanta, Georgia. On call everyday to meet your office needs! Contact: podiatryoncall@gmail.com or 305-342-9797.

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

PART-TIME, LICENSED PODIATRIST - WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN

Immediate opening for treating patients in a nursing facility setting.  If interested, please email drteetime@aol.com

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

POSITION AVAILABLE - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very well established, multiple location group practice has immediate opening for associate doctor. Attractive compensation and benefit package offered. E-mail resume to mrsmcmackin@aol.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED NATIONWIDE

Podiatry referral company has thousands of diabetic patients nationwide in need of immediate service. We are looking for podiatry practices interested in joining our network to receive referrals. Email coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 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 12,000 DPM's. Write to 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.

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