The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

October 17, 2008 #3,376 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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WV Podiatrist, 101, Honored as Outstanding Alumna

Dr. Naomi "Nicki" Boyers Hovatter will be honored at the annual Alumni Awards Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 24, as part of Fairmont State University's and Pierpont Community & Technical College's Homecoming 2008, "Falcons Are Forever." Hovatter is a 1925 and 1927 graduate. She obtained an education degree from the Fairmont State Normal School in 1925 and received her A.B. in 1927. She went on to become a podiatrist and opened a practice in Fairmont, where she served many young athletes and community members.

Dr. Naomi "Nicki" Boyers Hovatter

Hovatter has been an active member of a number of organizations over the years, including the Eastern Star, of which she has been a member for the past 59 years. Her work with young men and women includes serving on the advisory board for the Rainbow Girls, chaperoning trips, sponsoring social functions and being an outstanding role model. She celebrated her 100th birthday in October 2007 and attributes her longevity to not resenting growing old and realizing that many are denied the privilege.

Source: Fairmont State College (WV Govt) [10/16/08]

OCPM Alumnus & Wife Donate $100,000 to Name Medical Skills Lab

Dr. Edward J. Benedict, OCPM Class of 1953, recently pledged $100,000 to name the new Podiatric Medical Skills Lab at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. The “Dr. Edward and Ethel Benedict Podiatry Medical Skills Lab” consists of a 1,600 square feet lab with 24 examination tables. This lab offers students training in the fundamental skills of podiatric medicine including; tapings and paddings, application of casts and splints, and casting for orthotics.

Dr. and Mrs. Edward J. Benedict

Dr. Benedict, who practiced in Kent, Ohio , explained, “Because podiatry has been good to me, I wanted to give back to the school.” Since retiring in 2001, Dr. Benedict is now living in Florida with his wife Ethel.

1 Year Jail Term for NY Podiatrist for Selling Drug Samples

A Long Island podiatrist has pleaded guilty to selling sample pills for the past eight years to a pharmacist who then resold them to unsuspecting customers. The Nassau County district attorney's office said Thursday that Dr. Arthur Minkoff, of Woodmere, must pay $152,000 in restitution and spend a year in jail in exchange for his plea.

Minkoff pleaded guilty to grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions. Minkoff, a licensed podiatrist, allegedly took the pills from a Woodmere medical office where he worked as a technician.

Source: AM News [10/16/08]

Alleged Premature Removal of K-Wire (NY)

Facts: In March 2005, plaintiff Ellen Mann, a sales manager in her early 60s, underwent removal of Kirschner fixation wire – a steel pin that was securing a surgically repaired toe of her right foot. The surgery, performed on Feb. 25, was intended to correct a severe, painful, claw-toe deformity of the second toe of Mann’s foot. It included an arthroplasty, which is the creation of an artificial joint, and a tenotomy, which is the division of a tendon. The surgeon, podiatrist initially determined that the pin would be removed after four weeks. However, the pin was ultimately removed after two weeks. Mann claimed that the pin was prematurely removed, and that as a result, her right foot developed a permanent deformity.

Mann sued, alleging that the defendant failed to render proper post-operative care, that the defendant did not obtain informed consent to the surgery, and that his failures constituted medical malpractice. Mann acknowledged that she signed a form that established her consent to the surgery, but she claimed that the defendant did not disclose that the procedure could have caused a permanent deformity. Thus, Mann’s counsel contended that the defendant did not obtain Mann’s informed consent. The lawyer also contended that the defendant wrongly disregarded his original belief that the pin could not be removed until four weeks had passed.

The defendant contended that Mann was told that she had to limit her post-operative physical activities, but that she disregarded those instructions. He claimed that her activity caused “pin-track irritation,” which is an infection that stems from movement of a fixation pin, redness of the associated skin and edema.

Injuries: Mann alleged permanent dorsal and medial deformity of her right foot. The deformity does not impair her daily functions, but she contended that it produces embarrassment. She also contended that the deformity hampers her social relationships and causes a residual loss of enjoyment of life. Mann sought a total of $300,000 for past medical expenses and past and future pain and suffering.

Result: The jury rendered a defense verdict.

Plaintiff's Expert: Pamela Karman, DPM, NYC, NY

Defendant's Expert: Michael Trepal, DPM, NYC, NY

Source: Verdict Search

More U.S. Residents Forgoing Care

The Washington Post on Thursday examined how "the global economic crunch is forcing a growing number of Americans to scale back on medical care." The number of people who have gone without a prescription, used retirement savings to pay for health services or skipped a doctor's appointment for themselves or a child has increased since last year, according to a study released this summer by the Rockefeller Foundation and Time Magazine.

The study found that 25% of 2,000 respondents said in 2008 they skipped a doctor's visit because of cost, up from 18% in 2007, and 10% said they decided to forgo a visit to the doctor for their child for the same reason. In addition, IMS Health this summer recorded the first decline in U.S. prescription drug spending after double-digit increases for almost a decade.

Another survey by the Center for Studying Health System Change found that almost 20% of U.S. residents say they have trouble paying medical bills. According to the Post, "Layoffs, shrinking bank accounts, rising medical prices and widespread anxiety that the economy is likely to worsen" are leading people to "split pills, forgo screening tests, ... delay elective procedures ... and turn to home remedies as cheaper alternatives."

Source: American Health Line [10/16/08]

Avoid Mouth Noises on the Phone

People on the phone often sound as though they have a mouthful of mush: gum, or candy, or they’re finishing their lunch. The only thing that should be in your mouth when you or your receptionists are on the phone is your tongue. Remember, please, the phone is a microphone and anything that is in the mouth will sound ten times louder to the caller as you think it will. Empty your mouth before you pick up the phone!

Source: Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor

Query: White Marks on Nails

I am looking for some information and differential diagnoses for a recent patient. He is an active, healthy, 16 year old high school student. Clinical appearance of both finger nails and toenails show varying sizes of transverse white lines, located at different positions on the nails. They appear similar to what one would suspect as minor trauma marks, but there is no history of trauma and ALL nails are involved. Any thoughts or reference material suggestions would be appreciated.

Dennis R. Frisch, DPM, Boca Raton, FL

Query: Feedback on Staff

I would like to get feedback from our patients on the performance of my staff. What methods have been most effective?

Mark Gotfryd, DPM, Birmingham, AL

SURGICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

One Storz-Ergo Surgical Kit - Oscillating and reciprocating plus K-Wire driver. In very good operating condition. $4,500.00 Complete set of surgical instruments for any type of foot surgery. Includes osteotomes, implant prep osteotomes, hemostats, rongeurs, Allis clamps, retracters, bone forceps, etc, in excellent condition. Approximately 80 instruments. $1,500.00. e-mail Marstubass@aol.com

SURGICAL PODIATRIST - CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Surgical Group, one of the largest multi-specialty surgical group practices in New England, is seeking a Board-Certified podiatrist to add to our four-physician podiatry division based in Hartford. This podiatrist will provide all aspects of podiatric care with a focus on wound and surgical care to a well-established patient base. We require PSR-36 training and bc/be. Competitive salary and productivity bonus, partnership opportunities, excellent benefits, and reasonable overhead. Please apply online or via our website , or fax your CV to 860-524-2653. No phone calls, please. EOE

ASSOCIATE WANTED - SOUTH JERSEY

Part time/ Full time Full scope, well established group practice located between Phila. and the Shore. Digital X-ray, EMR, Diag U/S. Prefer PSR 24-36 individual with several years previous experience but will consider the right recent grad. Must be willing and able to provide quality palliative and surgical care. Medicare and NJ Blue Shield provider numbers is a plus. Competitive financial and benefits package. E-mail resume & references to: Toetrukr@aol.com

EQUIPMENT WANTED – AUTOCLAVE/CHAIRS

Wanted to buy – Used New Style (not pressure cooker) desktop digital autoclave (e.g. Midmark Ritter) and 2 waiting room chairs. Call 212-724-4457 or e-mail frottenberg@juno.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – PAD SYSTEMS

2 SensiLase 3000 PAD Systems used for Skin Perfusion Pressure (SPP) & Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) tests for micro and macro-circulatory assessment. I’m selling because podiatrists no longer qualified to do studies and get reimbursed in Colorado. Paid $24,390. Sell for $20,000 each. Purchased from Vasamed. Call or e-mail Jack Burgin A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center 2001 S. Shields St., Bldg. F, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, (970) 232-1717 jack@asafoot.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to d-kitchens@footexperts.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor; practice is in a growing retirement area in the center of the state. Option to purchase or lease real estate. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours, so it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725 for details and ask for Lee.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

Great opportunity for hard-working, ethical podiatrist to join Midwest multi-physician, podiatric group with multiple locations. A well-established, successful, growing practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT and PT surgically trained physician. Applicant should be well-trained in all aspects of surgical care, completed a 24-36 month residency, & at least board eligible. Diverse practice offering high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume to: 712-258-9977

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-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

PODIATRISTS NEEDED – DALLAS/ FT WORTH – TEXAS AREA

Texas Home Footcare Associates, a podiatry exclusive company specializing in house calls and visits to facilities for the elderly, is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in the Dallas area. Full and part-time positions are available. Immediate Openings Available. Must have a Current Texas license. Competitive Compensation Package. If interested fax curriculum vitae to 972 931-4819 or e-mail gjmdpm@tx.rr.com. For further information, call 972-380-8028.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes.Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

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