The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

August 06, 2010 #3,924 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Correction: Dr. Greg Stirneman, mentioned is yesterday's PM News story about about cycling for the ADA is from Jacksonville, TX. 

Women Should be Aware of Cosmetic Foot Surgery Risks: IL Podiatrist

It all sounds painful. Shortening your toes, even injecting fat into your heels, but thousands of women are actually doing it on purpose, all to fit into designer shoes. Doctors are so concerned that they are issuing a strong warning to women. "It's not intended to allow them to wear heels; it's intended to allow them to wear shoes more comfortably," says Dr. Marlene Reid with Family Podiatry Center in Naperville.

Dr. Marlene Reid

But foot doctors are warning that a growing number of women are willing to put their feet under the knife cosmetically, so they can look better and more easily wear a pair of stylish shoes. "You have to be leery of any procedure; you have to know what the risks are," says Dr. Reid.

Source: Vince Gerasole, (CBS, Chicago) [8/4/10]

NYCPM Establishes Academic Department of Orthopedic Surgery

The New York College of Podiatric Medicine has announced the establishment of an Academic Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the College. The department is the result of the support and effort of Rock Positano, DPM, MSc, MPH, one of NYCPM's Board members. The department will provide didactic instruction for students and CME programs in contemporary aspects of orthopedic surgery. The department will be an extension of the College's relationship with the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. Along those lines, it will be staffed with orthopedic surgeons who maintain their practice at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Joshua Dines

Joshua Dines, MD, a noted and well-respected orthopedic surgeon, has accepted appointment as the founding chair of the department. Dr. Dines is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has a particular interest in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. He attended Dartmouth as an undergraduate, and medical school at Cornell. He then completed his residency at Hospital for Special Surgery.

PA Podiatrist Named Chairman of State Podiatry Board

Dr. Richard G. Stuempfle was recently elected chairman of the Pennsylvania Board of Podiatry. Stuempfle has been a member of the state Board of Podiatry since 2004.

Dr. Richard G. Stuempfle

The state's professional licensing board's purpose is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public from incompetent, fraudulent, and unethical practitioners. The State Board of Podiatry is one of the 27 licensing boards and commissions with its own governing power and functions. The board and commissions also define regulations to further govern their respective professions.

Source: Williamsport Sun-Gazette [8/1/10]

NY Podiatrist Still Makes House Calls

Once it was a staple of the American landscape – the doctor making house calls, black bag in hand, informing the family that little Johnny would be all right or that (gulp!) Grandpa wasn’t going to make it. Today, the house call has gone the way of Sunday blue laws. Or has it? With an elderly population and the demand for home care increasing, there is a small but determined band of doctors who are keeping a venerable tradition alive and well. If being a physician requires equal parts skill and compassion, doctors who make house calls seem to have an extra dose of the latter.

Dr. Bryan B. Kagan

Not surprisingly, it was compassion that led Bryan B. Kagan to his calling. Kagan remembers an elderly patient named Elizabeth, who had a bad foot infection, which he took care of. When he next saw Elizabeth, however, the infection was back. “She started crying and said she had to wait for her son to bring her in since she couldn’t afford the taxis,” Kagan said. “I said I was not going to let her foot get infected again.” So he started seeing her at home, and soon, some of Elizabeth’s homebound friends and acquaintances. That was roughly 30 years ago, and Kagan – who also has an office practice – has been making house calls ever since for approximately 100 patients on two mornings and one afternoon a week, with an occasional weekend thrown in.

Source: Georgette Gouveia, Westchester Business Journal, [7/30/10]

MD Podiatrist Running for Baltimore County Council Seat

Jim Christina, a 52-year-old Cockeysville podiatrist, has never run for public office. "With a new county executive and at least four new council members, this is an excellent opportunity for new leadership and representation in the 3rd District," he said in an e-mail.

Dr. James Christina

Christina said as a small business owner and an officer in podiatric medical associations, he has experience with committee processes and dealing with state and federal legislators. His campaign will focus on the budget, the deficit, and the county's zoning process. Christina is currently the Director of Scientific Affairs for the APMA.

Source: Susan C. Ingram, Community Times [8/4/10]

What documents are needed during the due diligence process? – Part 3a

You have now selected the key group of initial practices interested in coming together into a super group model. It’s vital that some key decisions be made before you move forward. We are assuming that you have already identified a qualified facilitator to run the process. Keep in mind:

4. The group will need to decide on a banker, lawyer, consultant, and CPA who will be involved with the new group formation.

5. All issues need to be resolved, discussed, and put into a simple letter of intent so that there is no misunderstanding as you all go through the process. You can assume that the initial invested funds into the process will not be returned to you unless the deal falls apart. This is your risk for getting into the game.

6.  Here is a fairly extensive due diligence checklist. To view a copy of this list please click on the following link.

Next Week: You have gathered all your data on each practice. Now what? What is your next step?

Source: David Helfman, DPM, CEO, Village Podiatry Centers, PC, dhelfman@vpcenters.com

Query: Free EHR Programs

I am thinking of using one of the so-called free EHR programs PracticeFusion or FreeMedicalClaims. What's the catch?

John Moglia, DPM, Berkeley Hts., NJ

RE: Nail Surgery for Chemo Patient (Chuck Ross, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I was in a similar predicament as Dr. Ross a few years ago. I actually consulted with a patient's oncologist who was totally unaware of such a procedure (as P&A). He did think that a permanent procedure was the way to go for my patient. He gave me the go-ahead after CBC revealed an adequate (although low end) WBC count. I recall that the patient healed uneventfully. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics to calm down the paronychia. 
 
Larry Dorman, DPM, Miami, FL, drlid@bellsouth.net

Dr. Ross asks about nail surgery in a chemo patient with hepatic cancer. It depends on the chemo. Many agents actually cause nail fold granulomas, onycholysis, or both. Local care by wedge resection of the nail can be done, but if the chemo will be prolonged, recurrence is likely and will have to be repeated. Erbitux and Camptosar are agents, among others, implicated in this.

Studies out of Greece indicate that topical tacrolimus cream may soothe and heal the granulomas, but there is the consideration of tacrolimus-induced lymphoma, which most dermatologists believe is overstated. If doing phenol surgery, make sure you coordinate with an oncologist regarding the blood indices. Cold steel is probably preferable but deserves the same coordination with an oncologist.

Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, bryan.markinson@mountsinai.org

I'd consult with her oncologist, and if there was no problem going ahead with the procedure, I'd establish an understanding with the patient that healing might be a bit slower, with a higher risk for infection due to immunosupression. 

Paul Busman, DPM,RN, Clifton Park, NY, paul@busmanwhistles.com

RE: IUHS and MD Degree (Philip Graham, DPM)
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

I have applied and been accepted to IUHS, and subsequently spent considerable time investigating the future of their MD degree. The most important point to know is that no matter what offshore (considered foreign FMG or IMG international medical graduate) school you attend, your ultimate ability to become licensed is dependent on recognition by the state that you want to practice in.  Despite being W.H.O. recognized, and  ECFMG recognized, passing USMLE I,II,III,  doing a residency, and/or being board certified, if the state doesn't recognize  the school your  MD  comes from, all has been wasted.

IUHS  has an "online curriculum" and many states require at least 50% of your time be physically on campus, and the online portion is not recognized by many, many states. This is not to say that you may not find a state or a residency that may accept you, but...

Editor's Note: Dr. Bijak's extended-length letter can be read here.

Diabetes Diagnosis for MI Man: Dog Ate Toe

Most pet owners would be irate if their dog bit off one of their toes, but Jerry Douthett, of Rockford, MI is nothing but grateful: this canine feat may have saved his life. Douthett was alerted to the seriousness of a bone infection in his foot, resulting from previously undiagnosed Type II diabetes, when his terrier Kiko bit off his big toe while he was passed out drunk, according to The Grand Rapids Press.

Jerry Douthett, and dog that ate his toe.

"Jerry had had all these Margaritas, so I just let him sleep," his wife, Rosee, a registered nurse told the Michigan paper. "But then I heard these screams coming from the bedroom, and he was yelling, 'My toe's gone, my toe's gone!'" He suspected for months something was wrong with his foot, but the 48-year-old musician had only recently scheduled an appointment to see a doctor.  Douthett was rushed to the hospital by Rosie where doctors amputated the rest of his toe and diagnosed him with Type II diabetes.

Source: Courtney Hutchison, ABC News [8/4/10] via Michael Pincus, DPM

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MASSACHUSETTS

Solo Practice Grossing over $700K yearly 4 days a week. Mostly surgical with heavy emphasis on peripheral nerve patients and pediatrics. General bread and butter podiatry as well. No Medicaid very little Medicare. Very modern office. 30 minutes north of Boston. Modern new equipment (digital x-ray, ultrasound, computer network, etc.). Great referral network. Website included. Option to buy the condo 3500sq ft. Have PICA practice evaluation to show you. Call 978-944-7789  for details.

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

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.

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

 IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN) 
 
Great opportunity. Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices. Electronic medical records, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, nerve conduction studies, pinpoint and CO2 lasers, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies. Seeking a well-trained, personable, and highly motivated individual. Please send resume and current photo to dr.kassaris@yahoo.com

PODIATRY EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

Several items taken from working office. Whitehall whirlpool in great condition $750, Podo-spray Sa5 nail grinder $500, Quick seal autoclave bag sealer $70, Dermo-jet/Mada-jet skin anesthesia injector $200, Allpro 2010 Film Processor in great condition $2000, 12 x-ray film cassettes (several different brands) $20 each, X-ray orthoposer $100, x-ray lead body (2)shield $30, 4 Wolf x-ray view boxes $75 each, Star x-ray duplicator $200, star safe light x-ray spotlight $50, several lead shield x-ray covers $25. Actual shipping will be charged or pick in mid-Michigan available, email for more details and pictures. fentonfootcarefd@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – KENTUCKY 
 
Very well established podiatry practice in Louisville, KY seeks a motivated, ethical practitioner trained in all phases of podiatry including routine care, surgery and wound care to join 2 other podiatrists. By joining our practice you will receive a competitive salary with a bonus structure and benefits. Our practice is equipped with DME, PadNet, Gait Scanner and on site retail store. There is a huge potential to grow your practice with our ideally located facility that has strong affiliation with leading area hospitals as well as 2 local residency programs. For immediate consideration, please forward CV to Samuel10530@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND, NY

Associate full-time. Well-established, busy, well-rounded podiatry practice looking for a motivated podiatrist. Suffolk Co. LI NY. Board eligible, Board certified PSR-24/36 trained. Fax resume to 631-581-0857.

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

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME POSITION – MASSACHUSETTS

Looking for extremely energetic physician for nursing home and assisted living facility. Very generous compensation package. Great opportunity for extra cash. Future potential for part-time work in our practice and/or in house call practice as well. Please call immediately (978) 794-8406 and ask for Blanca for an interview.

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

TN PRACTICE FOR SALE (LAWRENCE COUNTY)

Active, established practice includes office building and property ( appraised at 110k) with all equipment and shelf stock included. Great referral network with an excellent scope of practice. Patients on schedule 1 day/ week grossed over 250k last year. 125k OBO Call 931-446-5724 or email mchad500@gmail.com for more information.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BROOKLYN, NY

Full or part-time position available for a busy well-established podiatry practice in Brooklyn with possible buy in opportunity.  Modern  office with a networked EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, digital x- ray, orthotic scanner, in office surgical suite, and with a great  support staff. Must be Experienced, highly motivated with good clinical skills. Must be participant with Medicare, Advantage Medicare plans (managed Medicare), and managed Medicaid plans in Kings County. please email resume to tkd@gishpuppy.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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - DALLAS, TX

Prestigious North Dallas location; 24 year old practice; excellent mix of hospital surgery, office surgery, orthotics, general podiatry, web site, electronic claim submission. Retiring owner will stay for transition. Owner financing available. dallasfootdr@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA

Golf, Boating and Beaches - Great opportunity to join a well established Podiatry Practice. Excellent mix office/surgery, motivated experienced staff. Seeking full time Associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits, early buy-in for the right hard-working, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

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

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

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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