The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

July 28, 2009 #3,607 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Temple Foot Docs Developing Orthopedic House Slippers

Great looking shoes kill your feet, but the comfy ones are ugly, so a couple of local doctors are hoping to change that. Dr. James McGuire of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicines and his partners have formed a shoe company called Creative Footwear Technology, and they're looking for funding for the first design -- a croc-like creation for people with foot issues:

Dr. James McGuire

"They have footwear that they wear during the day but when they come home, a lot of people with feet that are risk walk around barefoot at home, so we're trying to come up with a shoe that's really comfortable that's more like a slipper, you could walk around in your home to protect your foot and you'd want to wear this." He says the shoes feature professional arch support with better comfort for your heel and sole.
 
Source: Lynne Adkins, KWY [7/26/09] 

FL Podiatrist to Conduct Stem Cell Research Studies

Cryo-Cell International, Inc. one of the largest and most established leaders in stem cell innovation has announced a research and development collaboration agreement with nationally recognized wound specialist, Dr. Robert J. Snyder and the Snyder Wound Research Institute LLC in Tamarac, FL. The partnership will allow Dr. Snyder to conduct research studies using Cryo-Cell's proprietary C'elle menstrual stem cell (MenSC) technology. The goal of these collaborative efforts will be to identify and develop potential future therapeutic applications for chronic wound healing.

Dr. Robert Snyder

In addition to treating patients in private practice, Dr. Snyder serves as medical director of the Wound Healing Center at University Hospital in Tamarac. Dr. Snyder is board certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is a board certified wound specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management and is president-elect of that organization. A frequent contributor to many medical journals, Dr. Snyder is currently consulting editor for Podiatry Management Magazine and a member of the editorial advisory boards of Ostomy Wound Management and Wounds.

Medical Groups Split on Support for Healthcare Reform

The American Medical Association has thrown its support behind a Democratic national health system reform measure making its way toward the House floor, so far the first comprehensive bill that addresses Medicare physician pay.

But not all doctors are on board with the House bill. Led by the Medical Assn. of Georgia, seven other state and local medical societies and three surgical specialty societies signed a July 21 letter to Congress that opposes the legislation. Two former AMA presidents, Donald J. Palmisano, MD, and William G. Plested III, MD, also signed the letter. The inclusion of a government-sponsored public insurance plan option that would compete with private plans is a major reason for these physicians' opposition. They also reject individual and employer insurance mandates in the bill.

The AMA does not consider the pending bill to be a finished product, AMA's president Dr. J. James Rohack said. The Association aims to push lawmakers to include medical liability reforms missing from the measure and reconsider the bill's ban on self-referral for new physician-owned hospitals.

Source: David Glendinning, AMNews [7/27/09]

Step Up for Praise

Use this three-step approach to motivate your staff:

1. Recognize. Let people know that you have noticed something about their behavior or performance.
2. Verbalize. Say something that lets them know what you like about what you saw.
3. Mobilize. Suggest actions they can take to build on—and continue— their positive behavior. When you build momentum in that way, small actions can create big impact.

Source:  Adapted from Love ’Em or Lose ’Em: Getting Good People to Stay, Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evens, Berrett Koehler via Communication Briefings

Query: Measuring Wound Depth

What is the most practical and accurate method for wound measurement with emphasis on the depth?

Frank DiPalma, DPM, Athens GA

Query: A Call for Help

Reading Dr. Alan Cantor’s letter (PM News July, 24, 09) has inspired me to come forth with my story. I was recently arrested for Medicare fraud. Part of the reason I got in trouble is that I gambled most of my family’s savings away. As I got deeper in debt, I began to bill more aggressively. Eventually, it caught up to me, and now I have both legal and marital problems. I’d like to straighten my life out. Where can I go for help?

Name Withheld.

Editor’s Response: PM News does not provide legal advice. You’ve taken the difficult first step in admitting you have a problem and seeking assistance. You are to be commended for that. You are not the first (nor will you be the last) podiatrist to find yourself in this situation.  Others have been in your situation and returned to productive practice.

We suggest you contact the Physician’s Recovery Network – Resource for Healing. They provide confidential, anonymous assistance and referral for drug and alcohol problems, depression, marital/family issues, physical impairments, etc. Call the Physician’s Recovery Network (PRN) hot-line at 800-488-4767 This is an APMA- sponsored program.

RE: Ezcema or Something Else? (Michael Munson, DPM)
From: Marc Mizrachy, DPM, Lawrence Sturm, DPM

This patient probably has psoriasis.
 
Marc Mizrachy, DPM, Hillsborough, NJ, marcmiz@optonline.net
 
I once had a patient like this. It turned out that the child had a tarsal coalition and could not pronate during gait. This forced the hallux to aggressively plantarflex to bear weight precisely at the same area depicted by this picture and cause a similar type lesion.

Lawrence Sturm, DPM, Hallendale, FL, lsturm@bellsouth.net

RE: Swimmer with Cramps in Arches (Alan Mauser, DPM)
From: Karen Malley, DPM

This can be a sign of a significant underlying metabolic illness. I would send the patient to his family physician for a chemistry panel. I have problems regulating calcium, magnesium, and potassium due to hypoparathyroidism. You cannot afford to miss something here. If everything checks out fine, then continue with podiatry care as you see fit. Metabolic abnormalities of any kind can be very dangerous.  Don't hesitate.
 
Karen Malley, DPM, Thomasville, GA, kmbwwj@rose.net

RE: Chronic Sub-Hallux Ulcer in Diabetic (Marc Greenberg, DPM)
From: John Roseman, DPM, Stanton Southward, DPM

Have you taken an x-ray to see if there is an IPJ sesamoid which may need to be resurfaced? Also, if the 2nd & 3rd have been amputated, the hallux is now the longest digit. Maybe shortening it, instead of completely removing it, may help in weight transfer as well as off-loading with an insert in the shoe post-op. Don't forget a punch biopsy; sometimes you never know.

John Roseman, DPM, Massillion, OH, roseman@sssnet.com

Consider a percutaneous transverse osteotomy of the proximal phalanx, under local, without internal fixation. This office procedure works nicely to resolve this problem.

Stanton Southward, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO, sbsouthie@comcast.net

RE: Sharing Expenses in a Partnership (Name Withheld)
From: Neil A Burrell, DPM, Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

My partner and I work differently. We split expenses for the most part down the middle fifty-fifty. Expenses such as mortgage payment, electricity, employee salaries, phone, etc. We are responsible for our own malpractice insurance, any dues, medical insurance, life insurance, etc. We take home what we earn. In the terms of our lawyer, "we eat what we kill."  This has worked well for us now for 11 years.  

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

I strongly suggest that you meet with an expert practice management consultant and also join the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management. They are the most dynamic, united, and informative group of colleagues in our profession.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: Some "Cosmetic" Procedures Rooted in Medical Necessity: IL Podiatrist
From: Stanton Southward, DPM

It is now time for the APMA and our related podiatric surgical organizations to rethink, modernize and develop written policy, guidelines, and standards of care on this important recurrent issue.

Stanton Southward, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO, sbsouthie@comcast.net

RE: Dealing With Personal Attacks
From: Lowell Scott Weil, Sr.

"You sound angry, are you"? is not a good response to a "personal attack" and would precipitate a response that may be more offensive than the initial verbal attack. A better response would be: "I am sorry that you are upset and feeling this way. What CAN I DO to help in this situation?"
 
Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., DPM Des Plains, IL, weil4feet@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY

Established 30+ year old practice. Well respected podiatrist in beautiful Westchester County Owner ill and needs a quick sale. Mixture of surgery and general podiatry. Hospitals in close proximity. Will lease office to buyer. Call Mali McGrinder at 914-434-1663.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to fmassuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - CALIFORNIA

Podiatrist needed for busy North Hollywood office. Part-time Monday-Friday 8am-2:30pm. No weekends and no call. Pay negotiable. New podiatrists are encouraged to apply. Please email resume and salary request to Coasttocoastpodiatry@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - CINCINNATI, OH
 
Well-established practice located in medical/professional building minutes from hospital. Many referrals, three satellite clinics and two assisted living facilities to keep you busy. Associate leaving due to family emergency-need to either find an associate or sell ASAP. Contact bjadpm@hotmail.com for more details.

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS 

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit ourwebsite

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS 
 
Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 312 225-9366 or e-mail feetwork@aol.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, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net 

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Russian-speaking podiatrist needed. Looking for well-rounded, recently out of residency, podiatrist. Would you like to raise your family in our beautiful Pacific Northwest? We are well-established and fast growing multi-office practice with all aspects of podiatry. Attractive compensation, malpractice and medical insurance provided. Contact Dr. Ilona Barlam at 206-661-9644.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NEW YORK CITY

NY Manhattan, prime location. Upper East Side, 23. Y.O. practice, high visibility-traffic area next to post office, street level, All phases of Podiatry, NO surgery, retiring due to disability. call 516-759-4062 or Paulfxfeet@aol.com

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