The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 23, 2010 #3,965 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Early Treatment of Flatfoot Can Prevent Future Problems: TX Podiatrist

San Antonio podiatrist, Dr. Ed Davis, is educating patients about the effects of flatfeet on their health. Treatment and prevention of adult flatfoot can reduce the incidence of additional foot problems such as hammertoes, arthritis, calluses, and bunions in San Antonio, and improve a person's overall health, according to research published in the July/August Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

Dr. Ed Davis

In most cases, flatfoot can be treated with non-surgical approaches including orthotic devices or bracing, immobilization, physical therapy, medication, and shoe modifications. "In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by conservative treatments, there are a variety of surgical techniques available to correct flatfoot and improve foot function," says Davis.

Source: Latest Breaking News [9/21/10]

OCPM Hosts 6th Annual Residency Fair

On September 17, 2010, the 6th annual OCPM Residency Fair welcomed 51 residency programs from 19 states. Approximately 215 OCPM students, including 106 third-year students, attended the fair. 

Students at 6th Annual OCPM Residency Fair

MO Podiatrist Provides Advice on Wearing Barefoot-Style Shoes

The newest trend in running is about baring it all - kind of. Lately, more runners are logging miles in barefoot-style shoes such as Vibram Five Fingers. Barefoot beginners might be sore after working those muscles and tendons, said Kansas City podiatrist, Brian Ware.

Vibram Five Fingers Running Shoes (Photo Jennifer Hack)

Ware recommends walking in the shoes a couple of times a week for a few weeks before even attempting to jog. And even when you start jogging in barefoot-style shoes, you should take it slowly. “Don’t just strap on a pair of barefoot running shoes and go run five or six miles,” Ware said. “Your body’s going to rebel big-time.”

Source: Sarah Benson, The Kansas City Star [9/21/10]

Medicaid Restored in MI for Podiatrists, But Fix May be Temporary

Relief is on the way for Eileen Slocum, in more ways than one. She couldn't afford to see a doctor after dental care was cut for Medicaid patients last year. But Tuesday, Slocum got those problem teeth pulled at a clinic, and the legislature reinstated dental, vision, and podiatry services for Medicaid patients.

But legislators tell us it's all short-term gain but long-term loss. They say that the money the federal government gave Michigan to balance its budget won't be there next year. So dental, vision, and podiatry for Medicaid patients could be on the chopping block in 12 months.

Source: Katie Kim, WILX [9/22/10]

Philly Cracks Down on Tax-Evading Podiatrist

The city of Philadelphia is cracking down on tax evaders. The mayor made the announcement outside a business that owes over 100-thousand dollars. "Tax evaders have been getting a free ride for too long, the free ride is over." Mayor Nutter spoke those words outside a podiatrist's office on Bustleton Avenue, saying the doctor owed over $114,000 in outstanding taxes, ignored the city's amnesty program, and refused attempts to settle the debt.

"On the 30th, Deputies from the Sheriff's office and the attorneys from the law department will appear on site and conduct a sale of the items from this business. Office furniture, televisions, everything we can auction we will." The business owner shut down claiming a personal emergency to patients when he found out the mayor was on the way.

Source: WHYY [9/21/10]

Involve Staff in the Decision-Making Process

Reach decisions more easily and plan your course more wisely. Invite staffers to suggest three solutions to a challenge your practice faces. Then ask which they would choose if they were in charge. If their answer makes sense, go with it.

Source: Adapted from “Decide Upon Your True Dreams and Goals,” Cord Cooper, Investor’s Business Daily via Communication Briefings

Query: Non-surgical Approach for Muscular Dystrophy
 
What non-surgical approach would be the most successful for non-osseus ankle equinus in a 10 year-old boy with limb girdle muscular dystrophy? His parents are not interested in sequential casting, and I do not feel that the Achilles tendon is adequate for a tendo-Achilles lengthening.

Donald Rhodes, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX

Query: Source for 28 Gauge Wire

Where can I obtain 28 gauge wire for my ASC?
 
Brandon Nelson, DPM, Seattle, WA

RE Podiatry's Role in Neonatal and Premature Infants
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

Few podiatrists have been exposed or have anything to do with preemies or neonates, yet for nearly a century, the foot has been the portal of information for MD's treating the myriad diseases that these babies have. Kernicterus (jaundice) secondary to Rh incompatibility, anemia, electrolyte disturbances, and glucose metabolism are just some of the conditions.

Few studies have been performed, and little or none by podiatrists, regarding the collection of blood from these tiny babies. They are too small for venipuncture and the most common way to take blood samples is through "lancing" (literally manually slicing the infant's heel with a #10 or #15 blade). The training of...

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

RE: LFTs for Lamisil (David Secord, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

Dr. Secord deserves to be acknowledged for sharing the case study of a patient who developed hepatic failure after being on an oral anti-inflammatory drug when tests taken on two occasions revealed that her liver was functioning normally. One thing we can learn from this case is that any drug metabolized in the liver has the potential, be it rare, to cause liver damage. Another thing we must learn is that we cannot rule out an entire class of drugs for all patients because of a serious side-effect that happened to nine out of eighteen million people. Dr. Secord mentions that he still prescribes these medications when indicated.
 
There is another question that should be asked prior to  prescribing oral antifungals. Is the patient taking other drugs that also affect the liver? This includes excessive alcohol consumption, but remember, not all people will admit to being alcohol addicted. Patients taking excessive amounts of Tylenol for chronic pain, statins such as Crestor or Lipitor, and certain antidepressants that podiatrists prescribe for neuropathy should also be on the caution list when considering oral antifungals. Many respected internists will not allow their patients who are taking a great many drugs  to be on oral antifungals. They fear that if the patient's liver enzymes rise, even to non-life-threatening levels, they will be forced to take the patient off of all liver metabolized drugs,  including ones that are far more critical to a patient's healthcare than drugs to treat onychomycosis. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Co-operative Marketing of Podiatry
From: Brian Kiel, DPM

In this era of professional competition for patients and inter-professional throat-cutting, I would ask all of you to see what can happen when we work together. 26 of 27 podiatrists in the greater Memphis area came together and formulated a marketing program to brand podiatrists as the one, only, and best alternative for foot care. I cannot tell you any long-term results, as the program is only several weeks old, but my expectations are high. We have 30-second spots on a local TV station which promotes podiatry. This leads to the station's website where there is much information about each individual podiatrist, as well as our profession. You can visit this site by clicking here. 

Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN, footdok4@gmail.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION -CT (FAIRFIELD AND NORTH HAVEN)

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST COAST, FLORIDA

Outstanding opportunity for PSR-36 graduate to join successful group podiatry practice in Summer 2011. Seeking a sociable, articulate graduate who is confident in rearfoot and ankle reconstructive cases but also enjoys all phases of podiatry. Long-term opportunity for the right candidate with generous pay and benefits. Reply to jwicks@cortezfootandankle.com

ASSOCIATE WANTED - DELRAY BEACH FLORIDA AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

Rapidly growing well established practice seeking part-time leading to full-time. PSR 12-36. Great opportunity for highly motivated, personable individual. Please reply by emailing a CV to nursebsf@aol or fax (561) 498-9068.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS 
 
IMMEDIATE OPENING for motivated podiatrist with good people skills.  Associateship leading to PARTNERSHIP for the right applicant. Northside San Antonio Texas practice. Attractive office and beginning income. Current TEXAS license a must. 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSETTS

Well established, multi-office, group practice, North of Boston, seeking a well-trained (PSR 24/36) Associate to start July, 2011. This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, hardworking individual with strong surgical and medical skills, desiring a fast-track opportunity for partnership. Our practice is well rounded in all aspects of forefoot/rearfoot reconstructive surgery, pediatrics, sports medicine and general care. Competitive salary and benefit package available. Send a cover letter, CV, and two letters of reference to: drfleishman@nefootankle.com. Visit our website at www.nefootankle.com for more information about our practice.

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

PART-TIME, LICENSED PODIATRIST - WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN 
Immediate opening for treating patients in a nursing facility setting.  If interested, please e-mail drteetime@aol.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

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURB

Great opportunity. Retiring after 38 years in practice at the same location. Practice is fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, computer network, orthotic scanner and state licensed ambulatory surgical center that is fully equipped. Owner will stay on as needed for easy transition. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com

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.

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE - NJ

Privileges available in a new 2 ORs. New certified multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center in Fairlawn, NJ - 8 minutes to the George Washington bridge. Specializing in podiatric surgery. Center will pick up and return patient home. Syndication is available. Center will accommodate doctors in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, and long Island. Will assist in getting NJ License. Call for information (516)476-1815 e-mail podo2345@aol.com. To view center, go to FAIRLAWNASC.SHUTTERFLY.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

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