The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

September 27, 2010 #3,968 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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People Walking for Health Should Wear Good Running Shoes: MN Podiatrist

"Most people walking for health or walking to lose weight should wear running shoes," Michael B. DeBrule, a Marshall podiatrist, said. "These shoes are designed to accommodate high forces -two to three times the body weight - and assist with forward propulsion. Walking shoes work well too, but most are really running shoes with a dressy looking upper. Trail shoes are recommended if you plan to walk someplace muddy or rocky like Camden Park."

Dr. Michael B. DeBrule

DeBrule recommends testing the counter, or back of the shoe, to see if it would make a good running shoe." Start with the heel counter and squeeze it to make sure it is somewhat stiff." he said. "Next, grab the toe end of the shoe and flex the sole toward the heel. Ideally the shoe should flex just behind the toes in the ball of the foot. If the shoe flexes in the middle of the sole, put it back on the shelf. Also, try the shoe on before you buy it to make sure it feels comfortable - choose for comfort and not looks. Finally, consider shoe shopping in the late afternoon or the evening because feet swell throughout the day."

Source: Sharon Elton, Marshall Independent [9/25/10]

Temple Podiatry Students Walk for Diabetes Awareness

Students at Temple University’s School of Podiatry have partnered with the American Diabetes Association and Independence Blue Cross to raise money and awareness of the devastating effects diabetes has on the feet. KYW’s Michelle Durham reports the kick-off rally is in advance of the October 2nd 5K “Walk Out” event in Philadelphia where students will walk for the patients who can’t walk for themselves.

Dr. Kathya Zinszer

Podiatrist Dr. Kathya Zinszer said, “We have partnered as Temple Podiatry with the ADA (American Diabetes Association) to raise awareness for the devastating effects of diabetes, especially in the lower extremities. So the students have rallied together. There are different teams.” Third year student Ben Tehrani explained why the feet are so vulnerable to diabetes patients. “A lot of diabetics have poor vascularization in their feet and down to their toes. And they also have peripheral neuropathy, which means they can’t feel their feet when they are walking. They may step on something and may not heal.”

Source: CBS [9/15/10]

Barefoot Running is a Fad: Canadian Podiatrist

Most podiatrists see barefoot running/walking as a fad, according to Kel Sherkin, staff podiatrist at Toronto’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute. Sure, it was natural for early humans to run shoeless on the savannah, he notes, but “the evolution of man’s foot has not kept up with the evolution of concrete.”

Dr. Kel Sherkin

Sherkin says it’s probably safe for people with healthy feet to walk or run barefoot for short periods on grass or sand, but not those with problems such as flatfeet or heel pain. “Shoes are meant to protect the foot from the surface on which it pounds,” he explains, noting running exerts on each foot a force equal to three to four times the body’s weight.

Source: Marianne Takacs, The Toronto Star [9/24/10]

Huckabee: Health Law 'Nice' But Unaffordable

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee just questioned one of the most popular elements of the new healthcare law. The ban on insurance companies denying medical coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions "sounds terrific," said Huckabee. But in a speech to the Values Voter Summit, he suggested it's unaffordable.

Allowing people to buy health insurance after they are sick is like allowing people to buy insurance for their home the day after it burned down, or insurance for their car hours after a new driver totaled it, Huckabee argued. Conservatives believe that the government is "not here to feed us... and certainly not here to bleed us," Huckabee said.

Source: Kathy Kiely, USA Today

Take Your Staff to the Movies

Popcorn is optional when you decide to fire up your staff with a fun  event: Head to the video store—or use an online movie service that offers an instant-watch option— and show a screening of a classic superhero movie one afternoon.

After the credits roll, focus your team with a discussion of the movie’s heroic powers and events, including the superhero and the arch-villain. Then ask staffers what superpowers would give your practice an unbeatable competitive edge, and look for real-life ways to make that happen.

Source: Adapted from Surrounded by Geniuses: Unlocking the Brilliance in Yourself, Your Colleagues and Your Organization, Alan Gregerman, Sourcebooks Inc. via Communication Briefings.

RE: Chronic Skin Irritation (James Breedlove, DPM)
From: Dwight L. Bates, DPM

I have had great success with Prudoxin (Doxepin Topical) cream for itching as well as for neuropathic pain. The only contra-indications are allergy to the ingredients and narrow angle glaucoma.       

Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Dallas TX, dlbates04@yahoo.com

RE: Recalcitrant Ingrown Nails
From: Robert S. Schwartz, C Ped

A factor in the development of ingrown toe nails, particularly to the first and fifth toes, has to include impingement from wearing tight-fitting shoes. Shoes, like feet, come in many shapes and sizes. Based on studies done in the pedorthic and retail footwear industries, more than 80% of adults are wearing shoes that are smaller than their feet when standing and walking. Wearing a longer size and a style that fits and matches one's foot shape, as well as wearing open-toed shoes that prevent the continuous pressure on toes has been proven effective for millions of people. So prevention is often the best cure.

Before deciding on a treatment protocol, check to see how the shoes fit. Have the patient leave the shoes on and evaluate whether the shoes are at the cause of the problem. Inspect the wear patterns, inside the shoe and out. Footwear has a bearing on ingrown toenails, and all other mechanically-induced foot pathologies.

Robert S. Schwartz, C Ped, NY, NY, rss@eneslow.com

RE: AZ Scope of Practice (Randall Brower, DPM)
From: Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

Dr. Brower brings up a great question to expand the debate on the national scope of practice for podiatry. While many colleagues will  remind us that states enjoy their own governmental sovereignity, it is absurd that our profession is still diversely defined between all of them. Part of it is the ongoing "turf" battle between podiatry and the foot and ankle orthopods, and part of it is our own fault as a profession for not educating the federal government and the general public for many years.

Now, through Dr. Stone's diligent work with APMA's Vision 2015, and Dr. Armstrong as one of our strongest national and international ambassadors, we should hope to see some positive changes coming our way. If we soon can be included under the national Medicaid Bill as physicians, then we will have the credentials to present our case to each state and obtain equal national scope of practice. Last, while I can respect the rights of individual states, I believe that each citizen of the United States should have the right to equal care by all podiatrists.

Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

RE: Co-operative Marketing of Podiatry (Brian Kiel, DPM)
From: Dennis Frisch, DPM

I applaud Dr. Kiel and his colleagues in the Memphis area for their tremendous initiative in promoting podiatric medicine to the public. Sharing our education, training, and experience with potential patients is essential to achieving the goals of Vision 2015. That is why APMA has made public education a fundamental objective of its Today’s Podiatrist campaign.

 The campaign is slated to launch to the public any day now, spreading the word that podiatrists are physicians, surgeons, and specialists. I encourage Dr. Kiel, Dr. John, and every member of the podiatric medical profession to incorporate the Today’s Podiatrist messages into your own grassroots marketing efforts. A campaign launching site, www.todayspodiatrist.com, is scheduled to go live before the end of this month, and I encourage you to visit it to learn how to target three key audiences: patients (the consumer public, with a slight lean toward women ages 35–55 who are medical decision-makers); students interested in a career in medicine; and medical professionals. Place the Today’s Podiatrist video on your practice’s website. Order Today’s Podiatrist posters for your office. To learn more, read an article about Today’s Podiatrist in the September issue of APMA News.

If we as a profession work together to send the Today’s Podiatrist message to the public, we will succeed. I hope every podiatrist will follow the example of our colleagues in Memphis and work together to bring our profession the recognition it so richly deserves.

Dennis Frisch, DPM, APMA Board of Trustees, DRFrisch@apma.org

RE: George Vito's Interview
From: Ira M. Baum, DPM

I have always defended myself whenever and wherever I felt wronged. As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve come to learn to navigate the benefit and risk equation. I had the opportunity to spend a little time with Dr. Vito when he was a third-year resident. He is a memorable individual as were the other junior residents in the program at that time. Although Dr. Vito’s unfortunate circumstance was  an extreme example of what risks physicians take when trying to help someone, it is a reality check on the potential consequences as well. Best regards to a fine gentleman and podiatric physician and surgeon.

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

RE: Midmark Chair Repair (Joe Borden, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM

Just tell the repairman that you don't pay for travel time, and that you approve of $36 per hour labor, and that any return trip within the global follow-up period of 60 days is not chargeable. Medicare gets away with it, why can't we?

Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY, Musella@aol.com

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 - 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

NORTHEAST OHIO PODIATRY OPPORTUNITY

Western Reserve Senior Care, an innovative home visit practice that makes visits to seniors in assisted living facilities and SNF’s, is recruiting for a Part-Time Podiatrist. Make a true difference as you make visits to homebound seniors while managing the full scope of podiatric disease. This opportunity offers a perfect balance of superb lifestyle and excellent compensation. Practice is affiliated with world class health systems in Cleveland, OH. Email CV to wmills@westernreserveseniorcare.com

PART TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED-LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with patients located in facilities, home, office etc. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested email CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com or call Terri at 323-353-8103.

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

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

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

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

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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