The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,601 Podiatrists Daily

August 19, 2013 #4,852 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Texas Podiatrists Make A Difference In Central Mexico

In central Mexico, near San Miguel De Allende, there are thousands who do not have access to foot and ankle care. Six years ago, a group of podiatric surgeons from Texas adopted this city to provide much needed care for free to the indigent people. The doctors are part of the Texas Podiatric Medical Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Podiatric Medical Professional Association. These doctors also participate in Texas homeless clinics and projects. They pay their own travel, but funds are raised each year to cover costs of medical equipment, supplies, medicines, anesthesia, and shoes.

Podiatric Volunteers from Texas Podiatric Medical Foundation at Dr. Felipe G. Dobaranes Hospital in Central Mexico

Dr. Don Falknor of Houston, current Foundation President, was Mission Team Leader for 2013. He and his wife, Nelda coordinate with the local media and translators in San Miguel. They were joined by: Drs. Steven Brancheau (and wife Denise), Javier Lafontaine (and wife Pilar), Tim Abigail (and guest Christine Simon), Chris Browning,  Kirk Koepsel, Stan Churchwell (and guest Diana Matthews), Mike Wynn,  Manish Patel, 5 Texas residents, and Jeni Williams (Bako) and Krista Richter (TPMF Director).

AZ Podiatrist Joins UA Health Science Center

Nicholas Giovinco, DPM, has joined the University of Arizona Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. A member of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage (SALSA) team, Dr. Giovinco specializes in disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities, providing the full array of podiatric care. He also has a special interest in the use of biotechnology to prevent diabetic wounds.

Dr. Nicholas Giovinco

Dr. Giovinco received his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his surgical residency training at Dekalb Medical in Decatur, Georgia, and was a faculty member of the Podiatry Institute in Atlanta. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters.

Source:Arizona Health Science Center [8/12/13]

Barry Student Prepares for White Coat Ceremony

A man who started his journey at the Reichert House Youth Academy in Gainesville is putting his best foot forward. Michael Johnson, 28, is attending Barry University in Miami and studying to be a podiatrist. He is having his white coat ceremony for medical school on Aug. 30.

Michael Johnson

Johnson went to Eastside High School, and after graduating from Eastside and the Reichert House, Johnson went to the University of Central Florida. He graduated in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in molecular biology.

Source: Caitlin Sinett, The Gainsville Sun [8/16/13]

TX Podiatrist is Principal Investigator for Grafix®

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has recently taken part in a successful multicenter study to assess the efficacy of the novel stem cell therapy, Grafix® produced by Osiris, for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Dr. Larry Lavery, a principal investigator and professor of plastic surgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, whose group took part in the multicenter clinical study, commented, “these data are very compelling as we have not had a new cellular therapy for diabetic foot ulcers in over 10 years.”

Dr. Lawrence Lavery

In addition, “compared to other similarly designed studies, this trial demonstrates, by far, the largest relative improvement in complete wound closure. This is great news for our patients with diabetic foot ulcers that are at such high risk of losing their legs." The company plans to continue to involve UT Southwestern Medical Center to look at longer-term data for potential benefits for other conditions and lower-extremity amputation rates.

Source: Bio News Texas [8/15/13]

IL Podiatrist Discusses 3 Things to Look for When Buying Shoes

A recent survey revealed that women in the USA own an average of 17 pairs of shoes, but wear only three pairs regularly The reason the other 14 pairs of shoes sit in the closet is usually because they aren’t comfortable. Dr. Carl Cortese knows that shoes are responsible for a great percentage of foot problems, but are also an important part of a woman's wardrobe.

Dr. Carl Cortese

According to Dr. Cortese, there are three things to look for in shoes you plan to wear often: comfort, durability, and style. Cheap shoes are rarely comfortable. The higher cost of quality shoes is due to the raw materials used, like genuine Italian leather, along with great attention to detail that can only be achieved when shoes are hand-made. In addition, the design of the shoe should be like a photograph of your foot, including toe support, elevation of the center of the foothold, support of the arch, and a deep heel for total comfort and stability.

Source: Healthy Cells Magazine (Bloomington, IL)

NY Podiatrist Gives NYC Mayor Mixed Review

In a stinging assessment of the mayor’s priorities and effectiveness, however, two-thirds of New Yorkers polled say they believe that the quality of the City’s long-troubled school system has stayed the same or become worse since he took office in 2002, despite his vigorous pledges to improve it. In a follow-up interview after the poll was conducted, Dr. Mitchell J. Breidbart, a 55-year-old podiatrist in Queens, summed up the complex feelings about Mr. Bloomberg, praising him as noble for entering public service but complaining that his policies had left the city unaffordable.

Dr. Mitchell Breidbart

“If I won the lottery, I think I would stop working, and here’s a rich guy who took on one of the most difficult jobs there is,” Dr. Breidbart said. “As far as the job he’s done, he’s not the worst mayor, but he’s not the best, either.”

Source: Michael Barbaro And Megan Thee-Brenan, NY Times [8/16/13]

Query: Source for Salicylic Acid with Cimetidine

Does anybody know where I can order a topical solution combination of salicylic acid with cimetidine. Tripod labs, which used to manufacture this combination, is no longer in business.
 
Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH

RE: Cross-Country Runner Using Spikes (Martin E. Karns, DPM)
From: Philip McKinney, DPM

Decades ago, running cross-country in high school, all we had to run with on a grass course were spikes. Back then, the only racing flats were road racing shoes; cross-country racing flats had not yet been developed. Near the end of my high school career, the first of the cross-country racing flats was being developed, and they were nothing more than track spikes with the waffle sole from Blue Ribbon Sports (which became Nike) glued to the rear of the spike. Through college, if the surface were dry and firm, we wore cross-country racing flats. If the course were wet and sloppy, spikes.

I suspect your question has to do with the prospect of injury for a high school runner to be running on spikes over an uneven surface. I think that the runner falling because of poor footing from a wet and muddy surface and being hurt would be more likely than any injury from running 5K on a cross-country surface in a light-weight spike. Personally, money allowing, I would have a pair of spikes and a pair of cross-country racing flats. If he is able to afford only one pair, then I recommend something like Asics HyperXCS; Nike Zoom Waffle; Saucony Shay XCS or Adidas XC 3.
 
Philip McKinney, DPM, Eugene, OR, opodiatry@oregonpodiatry.net

RE: Bulbous Toes Bilaterally (David Kahan, DPM)
From: Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM

This appears to be a result of inflammation. After changing the patient's shoes, consider an IM corticosteroid, as you might use for neuritis, such as when a nerve becomes scarred down from a Morton's neuroma. This diagnosis might be considered, especially if the "bulbous" distal toe pulps are slightly erythematous.

Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL stevenkdpm@yahoo.com

RE: Severe Heel Pain After Plantar Fasciotomy (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Peter Bregman, DPM

In order to rule out or rule in nerve pathology, I recommend doing a diagnostic block using no more than one cc of lidocaine plain in the medial calcaneal nerve and lateral plantar nerve separately. This may or may not be assisted by ultrasound. You can also look for a Tinel's sign with both these nerves as well. This will help make the diagnosis of a nerve problem versus something else.

Peter Bregman, DPM, Las Vegas, NV, drbregman@gmail.com

RE: Severe Heel Pain After Plantar Fasciotomy (Mark Aldrich, DPM)
From: Michael Rosenblatt, DPM

Whenever you have a patient with severe localized pain, you might find benefit in looking for a cause that is not necessarily inflammation-related, like nerve damage or a conduction defect. Patients like that benefit from nerve conduction studies, which you can then have a physical medicine consultant read and consider. We always worry about treating these patients with any form of narcotic because they are highly likely to become acclimatized and possibly addicted to them. The irony of narcotic analgesic therapy for chronic pain is that the pain itself becomes how the addiction is expressed.

This is why some pain specialists use...

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

RE: Diagnostic Ultrasound (Michael Forman, DPM)
From: David E. Samuel, DPM

In years of reading PM News, I perhaps wrote in once or twice, but some of this makes me crazy. Here we go again. Many roundabout comments and thoughts on ultrasound-guided foot/ankle injections. Nice cordial dialogue. On the other hand, I will get to the point. Are you kidding me? Do you really think those using this modality to inject a plantar fascia have fooled the insurance companies that they will keep paying it. If so, I have some prime beach front property in Arizona for sale.

This is clearly all about the Benjamins (really the Lincolns, working down to the Washingtons)  Everyone knows it. It's okay. Go ahead and admit it. But please don't insult everyone's intelligence to justify it. I bet this will soon be completely removed from payment. I even heard someone tell me they used it to inject neuromas! I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but really? Does anyone really need any help learning how to inject a plantar fascia or an ankle joint without the use of an ultrasound machine? It would be my pleasure to give a quick tutorial. Or even better, I could ask one of our first year resident to demonstrate.

If those of you who have talked themselves into believing U.S. is needed to properly put a 25g 1.5" needle into the plantar medial heel, I would not tell the graduates looking for programs where your offices are, as around the corner may be a good place to open shop. For spinal injections, it's a totally different ball game. 

David E. Samuel, DPM, Springfield, PA, desamuel@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR LASER (USED)

 The first high performance, portable, and truly affordable Dual Wavelength Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser System for treating onychomycosis, tattoos, pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, leg & facial veins, skin resurfacing and other dermatological conditions. Price: $29,000 Email info@footsurgeon.com for inquiries.

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.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR LASER

Brand new Light Age Q-Clear laser. This is a very unique one time opportunity. Recent special purchase permits sale of only a few units at the largest discount available. Rapid return on investment. Complete system with warranty and expert training included. Contact Dr. Holfinger at 216-390-9757.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT

Well rounded general and surgical podiatry practice in beautiful Stamford, CT. 35 years. Walk to the hospital and OR. $350k gross / 4 days per week. May lease present office space. Super office manager. Practice offered @ $100k. jefre1@msn.com

ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

30 year old practice for sale, furnished office, hospital and physician referrals. Seeking conscientious, well trained DPM with wound care experience. Submit CV to dr.jeanturner@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MAINE

30 year, full service practice in Bangor, Maine. Cooperative and appreciative patients. A wonderful community to practice in and recreate during your free time. Owner is semi-retired, now ready to fully retire but will stay for transition. mainefootdoc@yahoo.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

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN (MI LICENSE REQUIRED)

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 CV to:cfsdr@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL PA

Looking for an associate with 3-year surgical residency. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, and foot and ankle surgery. Competitive compensation package. Partnership opportunity for right person. To apply, please email, letter of intent and CV to stringernyc@hotmail.com 

ASSOCIATE NEEDED FULL TIME- MIAMI/DADE & BROWARD COUNTY FLORIDA

All phases podiatry, from major ankle surgery to routine care. Must take ER call. Salary plus benefits. Send CV to; footdoctormiami@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy two doctor practice seeking the help of an ambitious associate to help handle the patient load. Position will lead to partnership for the right individual. Two office practice with hospital, surgery center and wound care center privileges. Good mix of surgery, wound care and general podiatry. Great salary with incentives, benefits, malpractice. Must have FL license. Suburban setting, close to attractions. Please send cover letter, CV and copy of surgical log to;  footpainbegone@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 - NYC METRO AREA 

Must participate with HealthFirst, Affinity, Fidelis health plans (2 of 3 OK). Preferably on staff at Bronx or Manhattan hospitals or surgicenters. Excellent opportunity for quick partnership. email CV torrranch7@yahoo.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 - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate position for busy practice in Central Florida. Competitive salary with complete benefit package available. Please send resume to cmedders@atlanticpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Associate wanted for multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Full Time, Self-motivated, highly skilled team player with surgical, wound care and palliative skills. Offices in Northern California Coast, CA License necessary, salary negotiable with possibility of partnership in future. Send CV and letter to:srfctysc@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,500 DPMs and Students

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