The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,509 Podiatrists Daily

August 02, 2013 #4,838 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NJ Podiatrist and NYCPM Students Assist at Lake Placid Ironman

Dr. Josh White (Front Center) with daughters. NYCPM students (Back Row)

For the 15th year in a row, athletes at the Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon were provided podiatric care by Josh White DPM, CPed and NYCPM students Adam Rozenstrach, Roger Kilfoil, Brandon Ewald, and Shane Reynolds. Also assisting were Talia White and Orli White.

High Heels Can Lead to Morton's Neuroma: UK Podiatrist

The height of your heels and a narrow toebox can create a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the third and fourth toes, which can lead to pain and numbness in the toes called Morton's neuroma. Consultant podiatrist Mike O'Neill, from the College of Podiatry, recently warned that squeezing feet into smaller shoes can also cause long-term damage including arthritis, stress fractures, and trapped nerves, which may even require surgery or steroid injections.

Podiatrist Mike O'Neill

Mr. O'Neill said: 'There's absolutely no doubt women who wear high heels are putting themselves at risk of permanent injury in the name of fashion. Given a choice between a stylish pair of shoes or nice feet, many will go for the stylish shoes. "High heels ram your foot forward, which squishes your toes together and can cause ingrown toe nails, rough areas of skin, blemishes, and calluses," said O'Neill.

Source: Bianca London, Daily Mail (UK) [7/31/13]

PA Podiatrist Wins Fishing Competition

A Pennsylvania podiatrist was the winner of the 26th Avalon Offshore Open.

Dr. Brian Melley (R) with prize-winning fish

The boat Feet First, aptly named because owner Dr. Brian Melley is a podiatrist, was the mahi winner at 12.52 pounds,.

Source: Mike Shepherd, Pleasantville Press of Atlantic City [7/30/13]

Orthofeet Launches Performance Shoe Collection at APMA Meeting 

Orthofeet, a leader in premium therapeutic footwear, introduced its newest Performance Athletic collection at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) National Show this month with the help of NFL legendary quarterback Randall Cunningham. Hundreds of podiatrists and healthcare professionals lined up on the exhibit floor to meet Cunningham, an athlete recognized for his amazing mobility on the field.

Randall Cunningham (R) at APMA National

Known as “The Ultimate Weapon,” Cunningham played most of his 16-year career for the Philadelphia Eagles. He passed for nearly 30,000 yards and his nearly 5,000 rushing yards ranks as 2nd all-time for a quarterback. “Diabetes is a terrible disease,” said Cunningham.
“I’m proud to join Orthofeet today in their commitment to helping diabetic patients live a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

Board Suspends License of WI Podiatrist, Citing Patient Overcharging

State regulators on Tuesday suspended the license of Milwaukee podiatrist Dr. John Lanham for 30 days after numerous patients accused the foot doctor of deceiving and then overcharging them. Within 60 days, a trial will be scheduled in which the podiatry board will determine whether Lanham will receive additional punishment past the 30-day suspension, a spokeswoman for the regulatory agency said. Lanham is not allowed to practice until a final decision can be made.

Among the allegations mentioned in a petition for Lanham's summary suspension — they were grouped together and presented to a decision-making board as evidence — was a complaint that the foot doctor charged a patient for 100 Band-Aids at $2 a piece, and numerous allegations that the podiatrist improperly billed for services he performed.

Source: Michael Phillis and Mario Koran of the Journal Sentinel [7/30/13]

Query: Freiberg's Infraction in a 14 Year Old

I have a young 14 y/o female who is active in cheerleading and tumbling. We have diagnosed her with Freiberg's Infraction based on clinical and MRI findings. I have her in a cast for 3 weeks, but I have explained that, in some cases, this could essentially end her athletics. I want her to take the treatment seriously. I am asking my colleagues advice on how to treat this young lady other than with casting. She has no notable x-ray changes (flattened head, osteophytes) since she is so young and her symptoms have only been present a couple of months. Any suggestions?

B. Lee, DPM, Mt. Vernon, IL

RE: Cyclist with Bilateral Forefoot Pain (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Randy Lisch, DPM, Ira Meyers, DPM

I recommend telling your patient to make sure that his straps on his boots are loose at the area near the toes and to wear a thinner sock.  If this still does not resolve this problem, he needs to purchase a wider shoe with a better fit such as with a Sidi Shoe. This is a very common complaint for most cyclists as the miles increase and as it gets warmer.

Randy Lisch, DPM, Austin, TX, drumpire@gmail.com

A few things to consider with this patient. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is one. This would be different than the usual clinical presentation, but should be considered. Have the patient cycle with catheter until symptoms appear and check compartment pressures in the leg.

Second--popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. You may want to get an opinion with a vascular specialist who is familiar with this. Third and mostly likely is an entrapment neuropathy. Have the patient use a spinning bike with clips. This will allow him/her to try different seat and arm positions which will change the stresses on the lower back easier than with a road bike. Try using a high-Dye strap with the subtalar joint in different positions. An EMG/NCV when symptoms occur would be helpful, but probably not obtainable.

Ira Meyers, DPM, Huntingdon Valley, PA, idmrun@aol.com

RE: Source for Steel Toe Caps (Miki Hori, DPM)
From: Kevin Pearson, DPM, David Mader, DPM

Check out oshatoes.com. These are steel toe shoe covers that will fit over most shoes.

Kevin Pearson, DPM, Stockbridge, GA, pearsondpm@bellsouth.net

OSHA TOES makes slip-on safety toes for shoes and boots.

David Mader, DPM, Danbury, CT, docmader@icloud.com

RE: PADnet (Richard Silverstein, DPM, Steven Selby Blanken, DPM)
From: Shashank Srivastava, DPM

I would like to thank both Dr. Blanken and Dr. Silverstein for having the  courage to speak on  behalf of the many thousands of podiatrists across the country who feel betrayed by Biomedix and its CEO, John Romans. For those who do not have TRAKnet, TRAKnet is a huge EMR within the podiatry profession. Biomedix, the manufacturer of the software, led by John Romans, went bankrupt earlier this year. TRAKnet was purchased by a group of podiatrists who claim that they are no longer obligated to honor the commitments that Mr. Romans promised us. Many DPMs paid for 5 years of customer support that John Romans personally guaranteed me. After Mr. Romans personally bankrupted his company, he ensured that the new company did not keep his promise.
 
I certainly do not wish to disparage Mr. Romans personally. I am sure that he is a decent man who feels terrible for bankrupting his own company. However, I could not trust or do business with him or any company he leads.
 
Shashank Srivastava, DPM, Rockville, MD, advancedpodiatrycenter@yahoo.com

RE: Discontinuing Diabetic Shoe Program (Paul Kesselman, DPM)
From: Fred Huss, DPM

I appreciate Dr. Kesselman's comments. Part of the problem are the non-professional suppliers who come in to independent and assisted living facilities with an inventory of shoes after getting a list of diabetic residents from staff. They offer and dispense these items, same day, without the necessary paperwork, sometimes telling patients they're free. They rarely do follow-up evals; do not attach any documents to charts, if they're on site. I've been told by administrators that these non-professional suppliers explain that their residents will get their shoes without waiting. I've overheard a non-professional supplier tell a resident's family member that they use a physician, who has never seen the patient, to sign off on the certification because they know diabetics better than their own doctor.

It's hard to fight that kind of blatant fraud and abuse when there's so much complicit behavior at so many levels. I think Medicare put these obstacles in place to attempt to control the situation they know all too well exists, but only made things more difficult for those who practice compliance.

Fred Huss, DPM, Chicago, IL, fhussdpm@gmail.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: Jeanne M. Arnold, DPM

Once again the 'leadership' of this profession has proven itself to be as spineless as ever. Sweep the problem under the rug, hope nobody notices, then hide when they do. When the residency crisis first surfaced, there was a flurry of activity and some hope that the unmatched graduates could be accommodated into programs so they could obtain licenses and become practicing podiatrists. A few slots became available, but then nothing.

Most of us work-a-day; in the trenches podiatrists are pretty much helpless to do anything. Back to business as usual for those who can change things. Meanwhile, there are 86 people whose future is...

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

PRACTICE FOR SALE- CONNECTICUT
 
Well-established, 35-year-old reputable practice/condo with approx 2,500 Square ft. Grossing approximately $450,000. Outside Hartford area. All phases of podiatry. Contact drsch52@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH CAROLINA

Rapidly growing start up practice in rapidly growing college town in Eastern North Carolina. Excellent teaching hospital nearby with privileges available. Must sell due to health reasons. Serious inquires only. Reply to drcivatte@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HUNTINGTON PARK, CA

46 years same location. Unsurpassed visibility on corner of major intersection. 3 fully equipped treatment rooms. Perfect opportunity to build a strong practice. Must retire due to age. Selling price $30,000 firm. (323) 588-1179 MTWF. evaonofre@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to : practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ROCHESTER, MN

Rochester Clinic, a multispecialty practice, is seeking a BC/BE podiatric physician. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, primary care, and surgery. Rochester is the third largest city in the state, and boasts top-rated public schools. Please send resume or inquiry to Careers@RochesterClinic.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Established private practice, strong referral base.  Hospital and surgery center privileges. Two locations with modern offices. ABPS qualified or certified. Competitive compensation package. Potential for position to lead to partnership. To apply, please email a letter of intent and CV to Practice Administrator at: vaposition@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA

Associate wanted for an established 25 year old practice. PSR24 or 36 would be preferred. Excellent opportunity. Please send CV or letter to bafamt@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Seeking a quality-oriented, patient-focused PSR trained associate for a fast paced, established group practice in Southeast Michigan. This is a secure, long-term position. Emphasis on diabetic foot and wound care.  Our outstanding staff allows you to concentrate on optimal patient care without the responsibilities of practice management. Partnership possibility for the right individual. If you are highly motivated, ethical and have good communication and clinical skill, please forward you C.V. to:cfsdr@yahoo.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - CONNECTICUT

Looking for podiatrists to see residents in Nursing Homes. Great opportunity for supplemental or full time income. Email inquiries to phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – PENNSYLVANIA

Associate Wanted for busy, multifaceted podiatry practice in Chester and Delaware counties, Pennsylvania. Seeking PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist for full/part time associate position. Two offices and hospital privileges. Send CV and letter to: 123bunion@gmail.com

POSITION AVAILABLE - MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Medical Center. Full-time career opportunity: surgery, diabetic foot care, wound care, general podiatry, resident training & research. Split position: (90%) on-site BMC and (10%) off-site health center clinics Boston University School of Medicine Academic appointment. Requirements: Completion of 24-36 month surgical residency. Please forward CV and letter of interest to:Erin.walker@bmc.org

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join an established group practice in Dayton, Ohio excellent reputation, large referral base.  Base Salary$120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR;diagnostic ultrasound; Padnet; CO2 and Cutera Laser for nails, all aspects of DME. We need well trained personable PSR24/36 surgeon. Future Buy-in available. Please send CV to Ohiomedical@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Excellent opportunity for a full time podiatrist to join busy group practice! Surgery, wound care, sports medicine. Affiliated with residency program. Personable and great communication skills a must! Competitive salary, bonus, benefits package. Send CV to footdoc22@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE 980 LASER

This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts, toenail  problems, two-year plus warranty, MSRP: $25,000. E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,500 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to: bblock@podiatrym.comor call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. 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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