The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 9,800 Podiatrists Daily

September 18, 2007 #3,043 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Surgery is a Last Resort for Any Foot-Related Problem: HI Podiatrist

The Windward side of Oahu is fortunate to have prominent podiatrist, Dr. Ken Howayeck, open a comprehensive foot clinic in Kailua. Howayeck has had a thriving practice at Queen’s Medical Center for more than 14 years, but has decided to open an office in Kailua so that he can spend more time with his family.

Dr. Ken Howayeck

A graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, Howayeck has been practicing since 1984, and is convinced that there is almost always a remedy for virtually any foot-related problem a person may have. Although qualified to perform surgery, he looks at this as the last resort as there are so many less invasive and holistic remedies available.

Howayeck has traveled the world attending medical conferences and meeting with other doctors in a search for more effective and lasting preventative measures and advanced wellness techniques. Typical of his dedication and compassion, he is willing to provide an initial free consultation for people with limited resources and/or those who might be afraid of receiving treatment.

Source: Diana Helfand, MidWeek (HI) [9/15/07]

IL Podiatrist Plays A Round With Tiger Woods

Recently, James Wrobel, DPM, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Outcomes Research at CLEAR had the experience of a lifetime playing in the BMW Championship Pro-Am with Tiger Woods! He won this honor by winning the Ultimate Foursome essay contest within the context of BMW, Western Open, and Evans Scholar Tournament.

Dr. James Wrobel and Tiger Woods

“I found Tiger to be personable and complementary in acknowledging good shots. Steve Williams (Tiger’s Caddy)is a very funny guy. Their bantering is priceless. Tiger entertained me with a priceless story from Jackie Burke on why he tees the ball so low.”

Wrobel shot a respectable round of 90. “I learned that Tiger expends much less effort in his golf swing than it appears on TV”, said Wrobel. “I also learned that Tiger’s grip is perfect and his swing is very tight. He has an amazing Zen presence that kicks into a higher gear during his pre-shot routine. It was also priceless to work out in the hotel gym with Tiger, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott, Stuart Appleby, and Trevor Immelman.”

Board Pulls OH Podiatrist's Medical License

A Westerville (OH) podiatrist's license has been revoked by the Ohio Medical Board. Walter S. Shonkwiler lied to the board on an application for renewal of his license and pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of theft and one felony count of passing bad checks, said Joan Wehrle, the board's executive staff coordinator.

Shonkwiler, who was charged with depositing corporate checks into his personal account, did not appear at the board's disciplinary hearing. A revocation means the person can never again practice medicine and surgery in Ohio. It's the strongest penalty the board imposes.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch [9/15/07]

QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)

Query: Rental of Vascular Lab Equipment

I am preparing to conduct a clinical trial in the New York area in the very near future. I am in need of a short-term rental of the following vascular lab equipment: Laser Doppler, O2 saturation monitor, TCPO2. Can anyone provide a rental source?

Jonathan Rosenblum, DPM, Bet Shemesh, Israel

RE: Low Insurance Reimbursement
From: Jon Hultman, DPM, MBA

Over the past week, many DPMs have posted comments directed at encouraging physicians to "just say no" to outrageous contracts. Of those who actually did this, none have suffered financially. In fact, their experience has been just the opposite. This is the same outcome that most businesses experience when they do the same. In fact, many companies regularly give up the bottom 10% to 15% of their business each year as a proactive strategy to increase profitability and attract new clients. The business they give up is often their least profitable and their greatest source of aggravation.

Podiatry Management published a short article of mine back in 2000 entitled, "Just Say No," which recommended the same course of action discussed in these postings. Podiatry Management was out there seven years ago with this advice and, apparently, those who dared to follow it have no regrets. Today, this course of action is less risky and makes even more sense because fees are lower and most plans don't want to lose doctors who have high patient satisfaction ratings and are delivering quality care. The problem is that if these good doctors are willing to accept ridiculously low fees, why should a third-party want to pay more? My feeling is that if more DPMs followed this advice it could reverse the downward spiral in fees we have experienced over the past seven years.

Jon Hultman, DPM, MBA, Los Angeles, CA, jonhultman@verizon.net

PAIN DEVICE FOR SALE

Matrix pain device, upgraded with latest Sanexas software. Great working order, operating manual, and programs to treat nerve and muscle pain, edema, circulation, inflammation, and other health problems. $28,000 new, will sell for $12,000. Covered by Medicare, most all insurances, coding and billing information provided. Photo can be seen at http://www.outcomemedical.com/matrix E-mail don@outcomemedical.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-773-292-4800. Fax 773-342-4201 -E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com -- www.homephysicians.com

UNIVERSAL PROCEDURE CHAIR FOR SALE

Blue with doctor's stool. Like new. Great for any specialty. Can be used as a podiatry chair or in office surgery. Asking price: $1,000. Photos Available. Please contact doccapo@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW YORK IMMEDIATE OPENING

Busy multi-dimensional practice; 70 miles north of New York City. Currently five (5)-doctor practice. looking to expand – all phases of podiatric medicine. contact: (845) 454-8308 EXT: 106

ASSOCIATE POSITION (NON-SURGICAL) HOUSTON, TX

Full time non-surgical podiatrist needed for the Harris County Hospital Clinics. A Baylor College of Medicine staffing will be obtained. Competitive salary and benefits. Fax CV to G. Lepow 713 790-9320 or email CV to lepowft@cs.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSOURI

Due to growth, we will have a position available about February or March for an experienced podiatrist. Should have significant cases toward board certification or be board certified. Partnership available. Missouridpm@yahoo.com

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