The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,509 Podiatrists Daily

August 05, 2013 #4,840 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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APMA President Discusses Pregnancy and Foot Health

Few things in life are as darling as a newborn’s little feet, and most new moms take great joy in counting 10 tiny, perfect toes. But foot health can be a source of anxiety for both new and expectant mothers, who may wonder about the best ways to care for their baby’s feet, and how to cope with changes in their own feet. “Pregnancy creates many changes in the body, and can even affect the size of a woman’s feet,” says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “And even though newborns aren’t walking yet, it’s understandable that mothers may have some concerns about how to best take care of their baby’s feet.”

Dr. Matthew Garoufalis

The discomforts of pregnancy are common and well-known, ranging from back pain and frequent bathroom trips to feet that are both sore and bigger. “It’s not at all unusual for a woman to gain a shoe size while pregnant,” Garoufalis says. “Increased weight puts more pressure on the foot, the arch flattens a bit, and the foot elongates. Just a quarter-inch increase in foot length is enough to prompt a change in shoe size.”

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel [8/1/13]

ADA President Delivers Special Lecture at NYCPM

Students and Faculty gathered in a packed lecture hall at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine this past Friday to hear a special guest lecture by John E. Anderson, MD, President, Medicine & Science, of the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Anderson’s lecture was titled “Management of Hypoglycemia in Type-2 Diabetes: A Patient-Centered Approach”.  Beginning by citing the alarming statistics on the growing worldwide incidence of diabetes, Dr. Anderson then reviewed recent ADA/EASD Consensus Panel Treatment recommendations.

Dr. John Anderson

In his discussion of the patient-centered approach to the management of hypoglycemia in Type-2 diabetes, he stressed that glycemic targets and blood glucose-lowering therapies must be individualized, with diet, exercise, and education the foundation of any therapy program.  Following Dr. Anderson’s lecture, there was a robust Q&A session that brought out additional aspects of the patient-centered approach, and that expanded on the role of podiatric care as part of a team approach to the care of patients with diabetes.

IL Podiatrist Named Runner-Up In Best Doctor Poll

After six months of online polling, the votes have been tallied and Naperville Magazine has announce the Best of Naperville 2013. The first-place winners received a commemorative plaque and recognition during the Best of Naperville Awards Dinner on July 25 at Hotel Arista.

Dr. Robert Weil

The Best Doctor Award went to DuPage Medical Group with Runners-Up Awards going to Edward Medical Group and podiatrist Dr. Bob Weil.

Source: Leah Rippe, Naperville [August 2013]

IL Podiatrist Protests Insurance Payment by Paying in Quarters

A prominent Illinois podiatrist who disagreed with the outcome of an insurance payout after the death of his son paid a portion of the final legal settlement in thousands of pounds of quarters, an attorney involved in the case said on Thursday. Attorney Douglas Dorris confirmed that Dr. Roger Herrin arrived at his law firm on Wednesday with 75 bags, each containing 4,000 quarters, weighing 48 pounds each, for a total of $75,000, as part of the settlement payment. The firm had to hire a Brinks truck to haul away the bags of coins and count them.

Dr. Roger Herrin

Herrin, 76, a retired podiatrist whose company owns three nursing homes, is a member of the Southern Illinois University board of trustees and has served on other state government boards, including the Illinois Finance Authority.

Source: Mary Wisniewski, Reuters [8/2/13]

Query: Recommendations for Securing Small Business Loans

I am currently at the beginning of my 3rd year of residency training looking to purchase an existing podiatry practice upon my completion of residency. Can any colleague share any insight or advice to the following questions - what banks or lenders have you successfully used in the past for securing a loan for private practice? Any problems, denials, or things you wish someone would have shared with you when you were at the beginning of your career? I am sure several 3rd year residents who are currently mulling over career options following residency will appreciate your replies.

Daniel T. Hall, DPM, Miami, FL

Query: Treating Homeless Patients

A patient presented with a history of having lost a toe to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, and wanted me to check out a problem on the opposite foot. He would not give me his address or phone number. Thinking that the patient was just being uncooperative, I  asked "where do you live when you are not in a doctor's office?" He pointed to the hall, and there was a shopping cart filled with his belongings. The patient is homeless. He also admitted that he is virtually penniless and his diabetes is poorly managed by emergency room physicians.

I realized that this patient would be added to my list of pro-bono patients, but I have a greater concern about how to reach this patient if in the event of an emergency, or to discuss test results. Does treating a homeless patient present medical-legal risks? What if you do a procedure on such a patient? There is no way of reaching this person for follow-up should he decide to skip town. How have some of you handled such cases?

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY

RE: Cyclist with Bilateral Forefoot Pain (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Steven E. Tager, DPM

I've seen this quite a few times in cyclists. It's likely a compression neuropathy secondary to excessive rearfoot pronation. As the rearfoot pronates, the forefoot abducts into the lateral wall of the shoe which is locked in place by the clip. The foot swells as its irritated and the compression becomes more significant. Wider shoes are of some value, but in my experience, addressing the excessive pronation with a quality rearfoot posted orthotic eliminates the etiology, and the compression neuropathy subsides.

Steven E. Tager, DPM, Cupertino, CA, setdpm44@yahoo.com

RE: Economical Digital X-Ray System or Processor (Birute Balciunas, DPM)
From: Paul Shapiro, DPM

I have used the 20/20 imaging digital x-ray unit for the past 2 1/2 years after relocating to a new office. After the yearly support fee, the unit is virtually free of cost to use. I have been very pleased with the unit and its improvement over plain films. No chemicals, no films, and no dark room necessary. Films can be viewed 24/7 over the Internet. The company has always been available for support when needed.

Paul Shapiro, DPM, Phoenix, AZ, shapsy1@cox.net

RE: Podiatric Residency Conclave
From: Bryan Markinson, DPM

Bret Ribotsky, DPM, who brings us Meet the Masters every Tuesday night has called for and is willing to organize a CONCLAVE of absolutely all podiatric stakeholders to meet and come to a resolution offering options to solve the current residency shortage. He has invited APMA, ABPS, ABPM, ACFAOM, AACPM, CPME, COTH, FPMB, NBPME, the VAs, state executive directors, unmatched graduates, and any person willing to work to save our profession. This is important way beyond the scope of the immediate crisis, which endangers the profession. The eventual event will probably be in Philadelphia. Please e-mail to PodiatryConclave@gmail.com for information.

Bryan Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: David E. Samuel, DPM

This was a horrible thing that was perpetrated on these students. They were duped out of their money and will not be able to pay back loans and practice to make a decent living without a program. This is going to happen again next year and the year after, unless we stop the talking and get to the source. Starting new programs for those without a slot is a great idea, if and only if they are strong programs that have volume and appropriate workload to put out good fully trained surgeons. To throw programs together that do not have the volume or the diversity is only going to weaken our product. .

Overloading existing programs with more residents is less hands-on for the ones there. Again, less quality training. New programs are maybe a start, but not going to help soon enough. Ask a simple question. After opening the new colleges...

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

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: Richard J. Miller, DPM

I have been avidly following the plight of those graduates who have not been placed into a residency program and share my colleagues' dismay at this situation. Perhaps my concern is more personal, since my son is starting podiatry school this year and we have an obvious stake in this debacle.

I have read numerous opinions about the solutions, but am most upset that the APMA has not communicated thoroughly or at all with the general membership on what they are proposing or actually doing to help these graduates in the short-term and solve the crisis in...

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

RE: How to Get a Mule to Lick Your Feet

I had a patient who had dry, cracked heels with fissures, who went on a hiking trip to the Grand Canyon. She was prescribed 45% urea cream to treat the heels. During her follow-up visit, she reported that her feet were doing great, but during her trip she took a mule ride down to the bottom of the canyon. When she took her shoes off to rest, two of the pack mules proceeded to get very excited about her feet and tried to smell and lick them. She did some research on the urea cream and found out that it was made from mule urine (which I knew, but usually don't mention it to patients). She plans on leaving it at home on her next visit to the Canyon.

John P. Lydon, DPM, Bethesda, MD

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY NY

Part time position in busy practice leading to f/t. Looking for well trained minimum PSR-12 with great technique and people skills for part time leading to f/t position in fast growing practice. Competitive salary with huge growth potential. Send cover letter, CV and work experience to: PodassociateNY@gmail.com

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 - CONNECTICUT

Looking for an associate with 3-year residency training for a practice in Connecticut. Interested in all aspects of podiatry including  foot/ankle surgery and wound care. Hospital located close by with appointment to staff readily available. Will lead to partnership Please send CV to:dsharnoff@hotmail.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

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 atfootcare@comcast.net for questions and pricing.

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

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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