The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

October 11, 2010 #3,980 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Good Running Shoe Better Than Rocker Shoe for Most People: MA Podiatrist 

Exercise and eat right. We all know the formula for fitness. But several shoe companies are promising to make a workout out of your every-day activities. Shapeups by Skechers is just one of the shoes promising to give you more than an ordinary sneaker. Boston Medical Center podiatrist Dr. Chris Locke says the shoes can be beneficial, but not for everyone. "Those shoes are especially harmful for people who have an unstable gait because the shoe has a rocker bottom," he said. 

Dr. Chris Locke

Most people don't know what kind of gait they have, so knowing if the shoe is right for you can be tricky. "I actually had a patient who came in about two months ago with Achilles tendonitis," Dr. Locke said from wearing those shoes. Dr. Locke believes most people would be better off spending less money on a decent running shoe. "I believe you're getting just as much, if not more of a benefit," he said.

Source: Paula Ebben, WBZ (CBS) Boston [10/8/10]

Barry’s Annual Residency Fair a Resounding Success

The 5th Annual Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine Residency Fair was a resounding success. Between 30 and 35 residencies from across the nation came to Barry in an all-out effort to share information of what each program has to offer. This presented the students with an opportunity to gain more information and build an early relationship with the programs of their choice. 

Residency Fair Planning Committee, Class of '12 (Back row L to R) Michael Cannon, Ben Lewis, James Averett, Paul Fawson, Rajan Patel, Vinay Matai, Allyssa Knowles (Front row from L to R) Titorya Stover, Trinh Nguyen, Maria Fundora, Sofie Pinney, Blake Weeks, Roma Patel

Starting Oct. 15th, 2010, the Class of 2012 will be applying for externships. The Residency Fair has been a crucial stepping stone in helping students find a program that best fits their needs. This year, a diverse group of residencies from across the country attended from locations including: California, Colorado, Chicago, New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Virginia, to name a few. 

Source: Blake A. Weeks, BUSPM Class of 2012 President

TX Podiatrist is National Diving Champion and a Cancer Survivor

They come from a variety of backgrounds and professions but are united by a common thread – breast cancer.  In September 2009, 11 local women who were going through treatments for breast cancer or are breast cancer survivors were featured in Houston Community Newspaper’s first Breast Cancer Awareness section. They shared their stories of hope, courage, victory, and inspiration. And a year later, HCN has interviewed many of them again and offers updates on their conditions.

Dr. Lori Hillman

Dr. Lori Hillman, 50, of The Woodland was diagnosed in 2003 and remains in remission. She is a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist in private practice in The Woodlands and is active as a diver. In August, she won the platform event at the United States Masters National Diving Championships. Coupling that with another platform win this year, she will reach All-American Diver status at the end of the year. She’s also the mother of two boys.

Source: Sondra Hernandez, Houston Community Newspapers [10/6/10]

TX Podiatrist Elected to NAP

Lawrence Lavery, DPM, MPH, tenured Professor in the Department of Plastic Surrey at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas has been elected as a Distinguished Practioner within the National Academies of Practice within the Podiatric Medicine Academy. Becoming a Distinguished Practioner within National Academies of Practice is an  honor that acknowledges outstanding achievements.

Dr. Lawrence Lavery

Membership in each of the 10 different medical academies represented within National Academies of Practice is limited to only 150 active distinguished practitioners or scholars at any one time. Only the most distinguished professionals in each profession are considered for nomination and election.

Feds to Build 'Data Warehouse' of Health Claims

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management plans to create a national "health claims data warehouse," according to an announcement published in the Federal Register. The database will be stocked with personally identifiable healthcare data, including individuals' names, addresses and Social Security numbers as well as a wealth of healthcare information such as diagnoses and treatments, providers involved and charges. The data will be gathered via daily regular feeds from health insurers that cover current federal employees and retirees, military personnel, postal workers and their families. It also will include data from participants in the national pre-existing-conditions insurance program and the multi-state option plan created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to the announcement.

The data will be mined to "actively manage all three programs to ensure the best value for enrollees and taxpayers," according to the statement from the Office of Personnel Management. Data also will be used by law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Medical records information from the database also could be routinely disclosed "to researchers and analysts inside and outside the federal government for the purpose of conducting research on healthcare and health insurance trends and topical issues," according to the announcement. 

Source: Joseph Conn, Health IT Strategist [10/8/10]

Identify Consensus to Gain Buy-in

Take a consensus approach to important decisions, and staffers are more likely to buy in to the solution and support it. You will know that you have reached true consensus when everyone involved is able to make the following statements:

•  “I believe that you understand my point of view.”
•  “I believe that I understand your point of view.”
•  “Whether or not I prefer the group’s decision, I will support it because we reached it openly and fairly.”

Source: Adapted from Remarkable Leadership: Unleashing Your Leadership Potential One Skill at a Time, Kevin Eikenberry, Jossey-Bass via Communication Briefings

RE: Too Many Stress Fractures in House School Athletes (Eric Edelman, DPM)
From: Frank Lattarulo, DPM

I, too, see many stress fractures this time of year as well as during the spring season when lacrosse season starts. It's unusual since these soccer and lacrosse kids play outside, even taking into account more and more are playing on synthetic turf. In contrast, I don't see as many stress fractures during the winter (basketball) season when the athletes are playing on harder surfaces such as hardwood floors laid on top of cement.

I have had meetings with the high school athletic director, and these meetings are always welcomed but seldom are my suggestions followed. The underlying factor, in my opinion, between soccer and lacrosse versus basketball is the shoe. Most high school basketball players wear the same shoe that Kobe or LeBron play with. It's an excellently constructed shoe with a good sole, last, and upper. A "regular" soccer shoe isn't very supportive and made fairly narrow and soft. Since our local high school competes on state championship levels, these student athletes often tell me they wear a size smaller. This, of course, compounds the problem. The athletic directors (ADs) often just let their coaches coach. In many cases, they have hired these coaches or were brought on board with coaches in place. They are often hesitant to make any radical changes, especially in programs that are highly successful.

My advice to the A.D.s is simple. When the student athlete is playing the sport, simply keep the shoe (cleat) on. However, when these coaches do their serious cardio running (often miles and miles), have them change their cleats to running shoes. If that is met with resistance, I recommend an all surface turf shoe. Either way, the common denominator is to try to work out a deal with a local lab and the high school to outfit players with a good supportive orthotic. You will be surprised that, in many cases, pretty fair deals among all parties can be reached.

Frank Lattarulo, DPM, NY, NY, DOCLATT@aol.com

RE: Loss of Privileges (Ivar E. Roth DPM,MPH)
From: Timothy James Henne, DPM, Ira Deming, DPM

I am having a similar issue. This is how I handle it. 1) Make a list of orthopedic procedures and how to revise them. 2) Have all the surgeons show all their cases for the RARE revision rates. Ask for knee fusions, shoulder fusions, hip fusions, etc.  3) Then be prepared to meet with everyone in the room with administration and "talk about it." By the end of my meeting, my orthopedic referrals actually increased.

Now whether you should be fusing, replacing, etc., it is up to you to show that you are qualified. Not having done ANY in the last two years does raise concern, so you to should be reasonable as well.   
 
Timothy James Henne, DPM, Clermont, FL, tjhennedpm@hotmail.com

In order for the hospital to do this, it would have to apply the same standards to anyone performing this type of surgery, such as orthopedic surgeons. The basis for their decision - if something went wrong, you would need to perform a fusion, and according to them, you are not qualified to do this - is nonsensical. Even if you were not competent to perform a fusion, you could refer the patient to someone else who could. This happens all the time in all specialties. The reason that your hospital is doing this is a recent change in JCAHO rules for hospitals in which continued competency to perform a procedure must be demonstrated somehow. I suggest that you have a discussion with either the chair of the credentials committee or the VP in charge of medical affairs of the hospital. You may have a problem if you are unable to demonstrate continued competency, but this same standard  needs to be applied to all who perform such procedures.

Ira Deming, DPM, Bethesda, MD, imddpm@aol.com

RE: Loss of Privileges (Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM, Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM

Our practice’s introduction into this community started out just as Dr. Roth describes. It is interesting to me that our orthopedic counterparts seem to bring matters of contention, but our other surgical colleagues do not. It makes it difficult to rule out competition as the driving force.

The end result was that a hospital may institute safety standards as they see fit, as long as they are lawful, with one of those being non-discriminatory.  In our case, as long as the orthopods were held to the new mandates, there would be no issue. That apparently was not what they had in mind, and knowing all surgeons must perform procedures that are just not common or often seen, the matter was dropped.

Please keep us apprised on your progress with this issue. It is an ongoing one for many of us.

Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, podiatrist@mindspring.com

Dr. Roth's predicament is a prime example of what the future of our profession will be facing if we do not achieve equal scope of practice in every state of the union. This situation also touches on the subject of the discrimination that orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons will have against the post-graduate, 3-year trained podiatrists, as well as the 2- and 3-year surgical-trained podiatrists who discriminate against their less-trained or "forgotten" colleagues. Wake up podiatrists!

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

RE: Medicare to Cover Holistic Therapies (Bob Kornfeld, DPM)
From: Howard Dinowitz, DPM

This is amazing news! I am truly gladdened knowing I will be in attendance at Dr. Kornfeld's seminar November 6th & 7th in New Jersey.

Understanding holistic principles and applying them for patient care is a wonderful part of medicine and will be a welcomed addition to tried and proven traditional approaches we currently undertake. That said, getting out of the "grip" that insurances have on the entire medical profession is immeasurable. I believe combining both integrative and traditional disciplines is not only the wave of the future, but I feel that any doctor, whether podiatrist or any other specialty would be incompletely armed without a working understanding of both. Dr. Kornfeld, bravo!
 
Howard Dinowitz, DPM, Brooklyn, NY, drdinowitz@verizon.net

RE: Private Practice to Clinic Employment (Name Withheld)
From: Robert Wunderlich, DPM

In reply to Name Withheld's query regarding a possible transition from private practice to clinic employment, I can speak from the perspective of having gone in the opposite direction. I was an employed podiatrist for 8 years, then transitioned to private solo practice 5 years ago. I've been extremely happy with my practice, and all things equal, I would never go back to working for a large group or clinic.

The first question I would ask Name Withheld is "how many of your new patient referrals/consults come from this 'mega clinic'?" If the answer is 'all' or 'a lot', then I think you have to at least consider...

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

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to  f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – LONG ISLAND

FT/PT Associate position available with busy multi-office podiatry group on Long Island. Our practice is state-of-the-art, and encompasses all phases of podiatric care. We welcome new practitioners, or someone who would be open to merging a smaller practice with ours, and benefitting from our practice management overlay. We also invite residents graduating in 2011 who want to practice on Long Island to apply for this position. Compensation includes competitive salary and bonuses. Vacation pay and malpractice insurance are also offered with a full time position. Please send your CV by fax (631) 293-3462 or e-mail to mets724@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA 
 
A great opportunity to join a very busy, well established, diversified practice in Clearwater, Florida. We are seeking an Associate who is BC/BE and highly motivated, minimum PSR24+. We offer a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume to Jaye@fdn.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

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

ASSOCIATESHIP - MARYLAND

A great opportunity to join and gain ownership interest of a well established, diversified practice in Maryland. 2-year residency needed, EHR, ultrasound, ASC, hospital close by with wound care center. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Established podiatry practice in Houston, TX has an opportunity for a well-trained associate to start immediately. Great opportunity for a new graduate or established solo practitioner looking to join a successful practice with a fast track to partnership. Practice is modern and offers all of the latest equipment and technological advances available in podiatry. Aside from seeing patients and providing outstanding care, individual must be personable, passionate, and willing to help market themselves to referral sources as part of a plan implemented by our business development coordinator. Salary with bonus and benefits available. Send cover letter, CV and 2 letters of reference to houstonpod@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

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume and photo to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

Part/time, full/time associate for busy, well established multi-doctor, multi-office NYC group. Seeking motivated, ethical, NYC licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of Podiatry. Board Qualified/Certified preferred. Salary plus incentives, pension/medical/dental. Partnership potential. Fax CV to 631-369-6570.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS, MO 
 
Leading group practice looking to add one podiatrist to established location. Group's podiatrists enjoy incentive compensation plan (production and sharing group profits), benefits including health and malpractice, and supported with integrated practice management and EMR systems. Perfect opportunity for solo practitioner to join group setting. Could also be part time opportunity for the right individual.  Please forward CV to StlPodGroup@gmail.com

PART-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to f-massuda@footexperts.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 - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
Rare opportunity. Busy all around practice, including pediatrics. Hospital guarantee of $200,000 for first year. Ready to retire. Will stay on for transition. Low price of $130K. E-MAIL tracy.podiatry@comcast.net or call: 209.835.4276 

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

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's and Students

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