The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 08, 2008 #3,342 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.

We’ve just posted the September CME titled:

You can Earn 30 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online

By Paul Scherer, DPM

MO Podiatrist Finds Many Advantage from Mini C-Arm Fluoroscope

Sometimes smaller is better. Missouri Delta Medical Center's latest piece of equipment, an OrthoScan Mini C-Arm fluoroscope, may not look like much for costing over $50,000. "It only weighs 170 pounds," said Dr. Doug Foltz, a podiatrist at MDMC. "It's about the size of a small filing cabinet." "It's used to take live x-ray pictures during surgery," Foltz said. "There are multiple uses for it, but it is used mainly for small bone surgery."

Dr. Doug Foltz (right) uses mini C-Arm flouroscope (Photo: Scott Welton)

Being a foot and ankle specialist, Foltz is already using the machine about a dozen times each week for surgeries. It is particularly useful for treating hand, foot and ankle fractures and reconstructive surgeries for these small bones. The machine's small size is actually a big asset as using it requires almost no assistance from hospital staff. "You're not bringing this huge machine in," Foltz said, "and you can move it to where you need it."

The Mini C-Arm has advantages much more significant than being able to move it around easier, however. "The importance of this is that it emits a miniscule amount of radiation," Foltz said. "That's the big advantage over a standard fluoroscope machine." To give some perspective on how much less radiation is involved, Foltz said with the new Mini C-Arm fluoroscope, they can get 700 X-ray pictures before they get the same amount of radiation the old standard C-arm would expose them to. "For the patient this is basically no radiation exposure -- it is so small as to be barely measurable," Foltz said. "Patients and staff don't have to wear any lead."

Source: Scott Welton, Sikeston Standard-Democrat (MO) [9/4/08]

Two Years After Spine Surgery, CA Podiatrist Returns to Triathlons

In 1997, Bill Hopkins finished in the top 16 of his age group at the Ironman Canada triathlon, qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. This Sunday, the 52-year-old Corralitos resident will race in the Big Kahuna Triathlon in Santa Cruz. While the Big Kahuna course is only half the distance of the prestigious Ironman, this time around Hopkins' goal is simply to make it to the finish line.

Dr. Bill Hopkins

It's been nearly two years ago to the day that Hopkins, a podiatric surgeon in Watsonville known as "the foot doctor," underwent surgery to remove a large tumor growing in his spine. Hopkins underwent surgery at UC San Francisco's Medical Center to have the tumor removed. It ended up being benign and should not come back. Hopkins undergoes two MRIs a year just to be sure it hasn't.

It was six months before Hopkins could return to work. His partners at his practice, David Abdoo and Yoshi Ogino, along with his staff, held the business together. "My patients were all very understanding and supportive," Hopkins said. "Many had been through worse."

Source: Leo Maxam - Santa Cruz Sentinel [09/04/2008]

MI Podiatrist in Tasty Bid to Win Pie-Baking Competition

One of the highlights of this weekend’s 43rd National City Art & Apples Festival will be the pie-baking contest. Pies entered in the festival's contest have apples as their main ingredient, but can include any other ingredients necessary for creating the most original pie.

Dr. Edmund Kowalchick

"It's kind of nerve-racking," Edmund Kowalchick said of standing back and watching the judges taste his work. "Last year, I was the only male in the competition. It's a little intimidating." It was the first baking contest Kowalchick, a podiatrist, had entered, and of 15 entries, his caramel toffee apple pie came in third.

What he will unveil Saturday is a combination of a peanut butter caramel apple pie, inspired by caramel apples with peanuts on them. "I made it probably about four or five times to get it just right," said the 45-year-old Oakland Township resident.

Source: Jacquelyn Gutc, The Oakland Press [9/3/08]

Group Similar Tasks

Set aside blocks of time whenever you can to handle a specific type of responsibilty. Examples: returning telephone calls, filling out insurance forms or completing patient charts.

When you group similar tasks, you use time efficiently because you develop a psychological momentum.

Source: Adapted from Straight Talk

Query: Voltaren (Diclofenac) Gel

I would like to hear from others who are using this most specifically to see if it is effective for diabetic neuropathy, arthralgia, podalgia, etc. The label includes the usual NSAID precautions, however, can it be used safely with Coumadin/warfarin? Can it be used in addition to Celebrex or other NSAIDs? My initial impression is that this is a great NSAID modality to use when the symptoms are more local than systemic.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Viera, FL

RE: Degenerative Changes in 3rd Met-Cuneiform Joint (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

Is there a dorsal exostosis present which is rubbing against the shoe and hence causing the pain, or is the problem at the junction of the actual joint? If it is the former, the exostoses can either be removed surgically or padded. A type of physical medical modality called iontophoresis with acetic acid can also give these patients relief. Also, look for biomechanical involvement, and if need be, treat with functional orthoses.

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: State Association Website (Name Withheld)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM

There is no need for search engine optimization for such a website because society members will spread info about the website by word of mouth. Therefore, the price of the website should be lower. One can always do a search of Google for podiatry websites or podiatrist websites and see if there are any other options available. I like the design and look of websites by Officite.

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY, Podiatrist1@optonline.net

RE: Practice Websites
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

If you have an interest and like to dabble in website formation, it can be fun. It is totally unnecessary to understand HTML in order to do this. There are a number of programs available that help you set up the HTML language automatically. But even after you've developed the web pages, you need a place to "host it." Many Internet service providers allow you to use their site as a "hosting" agent. They have some limits on how much data you can put on them. A basic amount usually comes for free. Then if you want more bandwidth, you have to pay more for it. It's like anything else. Space costs money. The more you want, the more you have to pay.

Doing a website is an artistic experience, and can be oddly addictive (not that we need any more addictions). I used homestead.com to both develop and host my many websites. There is a learning curve like any other artistic activity, but if I could learn it, anyone reading this also can. If any of you are interested in looking at some of my sites, feel free to e-mail me.

There are many colors and styles available on these kinds of sites to choose from. If you do decide to do your own site, try to keep it "consistent" throughout. Avoid all capital letters, which are surprisingly hard to read.

Every office should have one. Many of your patients are extremely Internet savvy, and they expect to get basic data from your site. This includes elderly people as well. You would probably be shocked to learn how well old people get along on the Internet.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, ROSEY1@prodigy.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA

Well-established 2-office private practice in central Virginia, completely automated, modern, full scope of foot and ankle care. Position requires hindfoot/ankle reconstructive and trauma surgery experience. External fixation experience helpful. ABPS BQ/BC. Competitive base salary, incentive plan, malpractice, health insurance, retirement plan, vacation & other benefits. Partnership option available. Forward CV and letter of intent to: admin@vfasa.com

IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE TN/GA

We're in search of a motivated, well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our well-established multi-doctor, multi-office practice is located in Southeast Tennessee/North Georgia. Must have Tennessee or Georgia license. Please reply via email to ikraus@sprynet.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NAPLES

Immediate opening for full-time associate position in SW FL. Surgical practice seeking PSR 24+ trained individual who is self-motivated and must be BQ/BC in Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. Current FL license a plus for immediate start. Ilizarov or AO fellow a plus. Please email CV to: KLAMDPM@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE – OCEAN COUNTY, NJ

Seeking a full-time associate for well-established practice in Toms River. Searching for a hardworking, ethical and well-trained individual. MUST be willing to do all aspects of Podiatry. Competitive salary and benefits package. Immediate opening available. E-mail CV to NJFeet@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE- NEW YORK

Full-time associate position in our well-established Midtown Manhattan and Forest Hills practices. Well-rounded practice with hospital based surgery and all phases of podiatric care. We are seeking PSR 24/36 trained podiatrist with good surgical background. Compensation to also include malpractice expenses. Forward CV to slurie@papapc.net or Fax to # 212-753-3521

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND

Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering full or part-time positions in Maryland. Our group, Podiatry Management Services, provides care to the elderly in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your c.v. to drhprosen@comcast.net, fax to 410-486-2049, call Dr. Herbert Rosen 410-580-0255

MINNESOTA - IMMEDIATE OPENING

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for $89 One month of ads (20x) for $340 .

PM Classified Ads Reach over 11,000 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 11,000 DPM's. Write 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 Ext 110.

Well-established practice with 8 offices in the Minneapolis metro area seeking a highly motivated PSR 24/36 trained podiatrist for a full time or part time associate position. ABPS certified, qualified or eligible preferred. Excellent income potential with benefits including health insurance, malpractice insurance, relocation expense, association dues, license fees, hospital dues, continuing education expense. Possible buy-in or buy-out in future. Heavy emphasis on surgery and sports medicine with minimal RFC. Please e-mail CV to footandankledoc22@hotmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA

Minnesota-2 well established prime office locations for sale in the Minneapolis suburbs. Great income potential with large MD referral base .Can purchase one or both offices together. 175k gross/ each office. Owner will help with transition. Please e-mail minnesotadpm@live.com

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. 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 our website

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 for this practice, ABPS Qualified minimum needed to obtain hospital privileges. Associate position is open for partnership or purchase. Contact robert.nunberg@comcast.net

• To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
• Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
• Notes must be in the following form:
  RE: (Topic)
  From: (your name, DPM)
  Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
  Your name, DPM City/State
• Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.