The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 09, 2010 #3,953 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Uses Hyperbaric Oxygen to Help Heal Diabetic Wounds

The unique hyperbaric oxygen treatment is not only saving people from losing their limbs, but is also putting El Paso on the map. Las Palmas Medical Center is taking a team approach to diabetic care to avoid those drastic measures. The submarine-like chamber exposes patients to pure oxygen in order to saturate the bloodstream and heal damaged tissue. The average person only gets about 20% oxygen in the air we breath, but in a hyperbaric chamber, patients breath in 100% pure oxygen.

Dr. Caesar Zuniga

"We will do everything possible to prevent someone from losing a lower extremity," said podiatrist Caesar Zuniga. He says this isn't your run-of-the-mill technology, but it's helping hundreds of people in need. "I've been in several locations throughout the United States, and this is one of the highest amount of people who have diabetes," Zuniga said.

Source: Lindsey Reiser, KTSM-TV [9/7/10] 

TN Podiatrist Follows in Brother's Footsteps

Even as a little girl, Dr. Gina Mendoza always knew she would become a physician some day. With a parent as a mentor, medicine was in her blood. “I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor because I had the best example growing up,” Mendoza said. “My father was a prominent, well-loved and respected pediatrician in Hendersonville. He had such dedication and a love for his patients that was unparalleled.”

Dr. Gina Mendoza

Her brother was the first to follow in their father’s footsteps and became a successful podiatrist. “My older brother, Dr. Daniel Mendoza, had decided to be a foot and ankle specialist, and I was able to shadow him,” Mendoza said. “I then realized what a great field this was and chose to help the public relieve their foot and ankle pain as well.”

Source: Sherry Mitchell, The Daily News Journal [9/7/10]

Study Shows Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in Treating Onychomycosis

Doctors are increasingly recommending laser therapy to help reduce what has been the scourge of podiatrists for years: onychomycosis.  One study clearly demonstrates effectiveness of laser treatment on infected toenails. Laser practitioners appreciate that the light-based therapy has no known side-effects. Patients are glad they don’t need blood tests and that the laser doesn’t hurt.

Dr. Michael Uro

“This laser technology has increased my practice immensely,” says  Michael Uro, DPM, of Sacramento, CA. Dr. Uro co-authored a retrospective study which concluded that the laser procedure did, in fact, increase total nail clearing six months after treatment for the majority of study patients.  Uro says he is thankful to offer patients this new, effective alternative.

Source: Uro, M., Journal of Drugs In Dermatology, [September 2010, volume 9, article 9]

UA Researchers Receive $1.2 M  Grant to Study Activities in Diabetics

Researchers in the University of Arizona Department of Surgery have been awarded a $1.2 million grant to use cutting-edge technology in the form of a simple computerized undershirt to monitor activity among diabetics with foot wounds. The study will determine the role activity plays in the formation of sores to better understand how to prevent wounds from occurring.  
 

Dr. David G. Armstrong

David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, professor of surgery and co-founder of the UA Department of Surgery’s Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), an internationally renowned center for diabetic wound treatment and amputation prevention, is taking a lead role in the international collaborative. Dr. Armstrong hopes the study, funded by the Qatar National Research Foundation, ultimately will result in fewer infections and amputations.

PAMsys Activity Sensor

The technology being used is a body-worn sensor that for the first time allows researchers to accurately monitor activity.  Over the course of the three-year study, 112 individuals with diabetes who are suffering from foot wounds will be enrolled at the UA and at Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, Qatar, and monitored through a comfortable undershirt. Partnering in the collaboration is the Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR) in Chicago. 

Rein in Your Inner Editor

Grammar and spelling count. But how much do they count when you are leaving online comments on another person’s blog or social networking post?

Suggestion: If you realize that you made a typographical or grammatical error in those formats, do not worry about it. Most people accept that those types of communication will be less than perfect, and if you make another posting, noting and correcting your original error, you only call attention to your mistake. Note: If you feel that your blog comments and forum posts should be error-free, take your time. Compose in a word processing program first, using the spelling and grammatical checks available to you, and then cut and paste to submit your comments.

Source: Adapted from “Blog Comments,” Leah McClellan via Communication Briefings

Query: Any Pearls For Periungual Fibromas?

I recently biopsied a periungual fibroma. When I removed it, my intention was that it should not grow back. I lifted up the proximal nail fold and I thought that I easily dissected it out. It grew back. I would like to remove it permanently. Does anyone have any pearls so it won't come back? 
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY

Query: Scanning X-Rays

I am considering scanning all my x-rays. Does anyone have any experience, and can you recommend a scanner that can do this?
 
Barry Rosen, DPM, Bayside, NY

RE: The Passing of Sean M. Liffiton, DPM

Sean M. Liffiton, DPM of Coral Springs, FL passed away on July 16, 2010. He was 48. Sean graduated from Barry University in 1993 and did his surgical residency under the tutelage of Thomas Merrill. Sean was a practicing podiatrist and actively involved in the clinical education and assessment of many years of subsequent Barry graduates around various south Florida residency programs. A native of Canada, Sean had a love of hockey and, to that end, he eventually came to represent the Florida Panthers hockey team as their team podiatrist; an accomplishment he was quite proud of.

Sean had a particular reputation of being a humanitarian when it came to treating patients that other physicians may have discharged or were unwilling to treat, who lacked healthcare insurance or an ability to pay for medical services. A memorial service was held a while back and was attended by members of his friends and family. 
 
Philip E. Larkins, DPM, Escondido, CA

RE: Keller with Chondroplasty (Michael Turlik, DPM)
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM

I must applaud Dr. Turlik on his keen insight in regard to his analysis of studies reviewed. I hope the Ohio college is smart enough to pick his brains or utilize him when planning studies. Considering that we need more evidence-based studies, it seems he is a good guy to help plan a proper study.
 
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY jeffckass@aol.com

RE: PICA Case-Closed, Volume 16, Issue 3, Summer 2010
From: Ira Baum, DPM

This was a recent malpractice case regarding laser treatment of a wart that allegedly caused the development of CRPS that was never substantiated or diagnosed. The plaintiff was awarded in excess of $650,000. Apparently, the case was lost on a technicality, and was not about the standard of care. If the doctors were lucky, they got paid $50 for treating the wart.

The risk management pointers are helpful, but the fact that a jury may decide a case based on sympathy, appearance, and attitude of the plaintiff, and not necessarily on the merits of good medicine vs. bad medicine, makes one wonder if it is worth the personal financial risk to challenge any malpractice lawsuit. I believe the doctors are responsible for the award in excess of the $250,000 limit (if that’s the limit per case).

Imagine defending yourself against a frivolous case that results in personal financial disaster. Why would anyone want to defend themselves only to establish that they are a good doctor versus the risk of potential financial ruin? Even if one prevails, there is time away from the office to defend yourself, which amounts to a significant loss of revenue. Based on the above observation, can someone explain the motivation to defend oneself in a malpractice lawsuit?  

Ira Baum, DPM, Miami, FL, ibaumdpm@bellsouth.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN ANTONIO, TX

Immediate opening for motivated podiatrist with good people skills.  Associateship leading to partnership for the right applicant to help develop fast growing Northside San Antonio Texas practice. Attractive office and beginning income. CV and letter of interest to sadpmoffice@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Well-established 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

MANHATTAN - FULL-TIME POSITION

Available for a Board certified/qualified podiatrist (PSR-24, PM&S-36 ). Located in Downtown Manhattan in a multi-specialty Orthopaedic office. We have a high-volume practice that treats routine care, trauma, sports-related injuries, hospital consults, and ER Consults. Contact fscudese@seaportortho.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW MEXICO

Enjoy the outdoors? Enjoy sunshine? Enjoy beautiful vistas? Come to the Land of Enchantment. Albuquerque position: Move into a ready-made practice, full ownership in five years when I retire. Board certification is necessary for hospital staff privileges. Recently renovated office with digital imaging, diagnostic ultrasound, EHR in process. Contact fitz@abqpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BLOOMFIELD, NEW JERSEY

Part-time office, part of larger practice looking for associate with well-rounded podiatric skills. Board qualified a must. Ground position leading to partnership. Please email CV to doccapo@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SW FLORIDA GOLF, BOATING & BEACHES

Great opportunity to join a well established podiatry practice. Excellent mix office/surgery, motivated experienced staff. Seeking full-time Associate PSR 12-36. Salary $100 Thousand + bonus package with benefits, early buy-in available to right candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

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

POSITION AVAILABLE - NEW YORK

Well-established, multi-doctor podiatry practice with offices in Putnam and Westchester counties. Compensation based on productivity. Excellent opportunity for recent residency graduate to build skills and learn practice management. Full-time preferred but right part-time candidate will be considered. Email cover letter and CV to: podiatry2011@gmail.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 POSITION AVAILABLE – WISCONSIN

Affinity Medical Group, an integrated health care organization in East Central Wisconsin, is seeking a BC/BE Podiatrist for our Appleton location. This is a General Podiatric practice opportunity including routine care, sports medicine, and surgery. The Appleton area offers a unique quality of life, combining a family centered, university community with all season recreation, a nationally acclaimed educational system, and a diverse and growing economy and population. For information, contact or send your CV, to: Sara Roth, Affinity Medical Group, Physician Recruitment, Phone: 800-722-9989; Fax: 920-727-4350; E-mail: sroth@affinityhealth.org Visit our website at: www.affinityhealth.org EOE.

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.

PRACTICE & STATE LICENSED ASC FOR SALE (MARYLAND, DC SUBURB)

Full-time 38 yr old podiatry practice with state licensed surgical center. 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 for transition. Email dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE- MANHATTAN

Multispecialty Medical Building with 24/7 doorman. Prime Luxury Building and Location, Gramercy, Stuyvesant, Peter Cooper Area. 305 Second Avenue (17th-18th). Prior tenants past 23 years; podiatrist, dentist (plumbing/electric intact), internist. Ideal for podiatry, co-share with dentist, MD, etc. (flexible lease terms). E-Mail; jbdrun@aol.com Phone; 480-951-2480.

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