The Voice of Podiatrists

October 19, 2006 #2,718 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Sever’s Disease Easily Prevented: NY Podiatrist

Growing pains are part of childhood but if you're child is starting a new sport and suddenly begins to complain of foot pain area podiatrists say: don't ignore it. The pain could be associated with a condition called "Sever's Disease." The condition is completely treatable and easily prevented as long as you listen to your child.

Dr. Stacey Sarmiento

"Usually it takes a lot to get them to the point where they're complaining. So if a child comes up to their parents and saying that they're having this problem, usually it's been going on for several weeks," says Dr. Stacey Sarmiento, of Gates Podiatry. Dr. Sarmiento recommends seeing the doctor if your child complains of heel pain for more than a week.

The best prevention: good shoes. Parents should look for a shoe with good arch support and room for the child's foot to grow.

Source: Elizabeth Harness, WROC TV, 10/17/06

OH Podiatrist Could Lose License For Failure to Disclose DWI Conviction/Felony Charges

A Westerville, OH podiatrist could lose his medical license or face other punishment by the State Medical Board. Dr. Walter Shonkwiler didn’t tell the board that he pleaded guilty in 2005 to a drunken driving charge, nor did he tell them that he was indicted on theft charges and accused of passing bad checks in the same year, according to a letter the board sent to the podiatrist last week.

Shonkwiler repeatedly submitted false evidence to East Columbus Surgical Center to show he had applied for medical privileges at various hospitals, the letter says. Shonkwiler can request a hearing before the Medical Board decides whether it will punish him.

Shonkwiler faces felony theft charges in connection with depositing into his own account $7,220 from checks to another practice. He is scheduled for trial later this month in Franklin County Common Pleas Court and faces two unrelated charges of passing bad checks to his medical office landlord.

Source: Columbus Dispatch [10/18/06]

U.S. Med School Enrollment Up 2.2% Call For 30% Increase by 2015

First-year enrollment in U.S. medical schools edged up slightly -- by 2.2% -- in 2006 for the second straight year, reaching an all-time high of 17,340, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The increase is a small step toward a long-term resolution of an expected future shortage of physicians, AAMC President Darrell Kirch said. The AAMC, which represents all of the nation’s 125 accredited medical schools, has called for a 30% increase in medical school enrollment by 2015.

Source: Michael Romero, Modern Healthcare [10/18/06]

Query: Erickson Retirement Communities

I have recently answered an ad that I received for Erickson Retirement Communities. The ad was searching for podiatrists in several states to work for this organization to provide podiatric services in their retirement communities. The company hires the DPM and pays a salary, malpractice, health care benefits, 401K, etc. Do any doctors have any experience working for Erickson Retirement Communities or any pros or cons working for this company?"

Name Withheld

RE: Source For Office Brochures (Chuck Ross, DPM)

I have used The Highland Group (www.highlandgrp.com) for designing and printing of very professional color on glossy paper brochures for my office. The Highland Group also designed and maintains my web page for me. I highly recommend this company and I have no financial ties to them.

Arthur Weisman, DPM, Independence, MO, www.heartlandpodiatry.com

RE: Inexpensive A-O Fixation Set (David Gutierrez, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Osteomed will provide their screw set on consignment, charging you for only the screws used.

Gary Friedlander, DPM, Phoenix, AZ, tbirdpod@cox.net

I think you will find the Orthopro set is probably the least expensive A-O set. They are a decent company to work with, you might try contacting them. The screws are cannulated though, but I think the cost saving could be surprising. They are available on the web www.orthoprollc.com

Ira Weiner, DPM, Las Vegas, NV, vegasfootdoc2005@yahoo.com

Synthes 2.7 stainless steel self-tapping screws are about $10 each. Purchase more of the most common sizes you use, and a few shorter and longer just in case. Use the Synthes catalogue and just purchase the individual instruments you will absolutely need...drill bits, countersink, screwdriver, bone clamp, etc. This can be done very inexpensively.

Neil Levin, DPM, Sycamore, IL, DRFEET1@aol.com

RE: End ABPS Board Certification at 60 (Arden Smith, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

If someone is not capable of passing re certification or taking a test then they should not be treating the public. Certification is important standard that we should all be accountable for. As for ABPOPPMS not requiring re certification after age 60, it sounds like they should be a fraternal organization not a certifying board. I hope they will re think their policy.

Louis Galli, DPM, NY, NY, Skippod@aol.com

There is one simple fact and that is that all should recertify including the hot shots that started ABPS and are now grandfathered. If they are so elite and bright, they can take the test with no preparation. I would argue that those grandfathered are possibly more out of touch and should catch up by taking tests every 5 years to make sure they are competent!

The 60 issue is difficult because everyone is different at 60. The bottom-line is that Board Certification does not prove that you have superior judgment or skills! They are just letters for many. Even up the playing field grandfathers and then decide on the age limit. By the way, I am ABPS certified.

Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL, dr_mkatz@yahoo.com

60 is the new 40 and it is likely that many of us will be practicing in some capacity well into our sixth decade and even into our 70's. Perhaps the emeritus status should exist only when the surgeon retires from practice.

Robert J. Snyder, DPM, Tamarac, FL, DrWound@aol.com

I'm not sure what Dr. Meisler means by grandfathering! The only people grandfathered into ABPS were the founding fathers. Everyone else has taken an exam. Yes some have been pre-1991 when you were given a lifetime certificate that is extremely hard to take away from someone. Each of those pre-1991 submitted cases (foot and ankle) and sat for an exam (foot and ankle). So do not state they were grandfathered!

Charles M Lombardi, DPM, Bayside, NY, chazdpm@aol.com

Recently, a "know-it-all" type of patient came in for a discussion about her thickened nails. She had seen an ad in a magazine and was afraid that she had hermaphrodites living under her toenails. I stoically explained that we shouldn't judge them, that it is against the law to discriminate against them and we would need a very powerful microscope to confirm her suspicions. She nodded with that "Yes, Doctor, I understand completely" look. We then we moved on to talk about the fungus infection involving her toenails.

Howard Bonenberger, DPM, Nashua, NH

HOUSE CALL PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY- CHICAGO / NORTHWEST INDIANA

Chicago-Home Physicians specializes in house calls to the elderly homebound. Full and part-time positions available in Chicago/Northwest IN. Competitive Compensation, including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-292-4800. Fax-773-486-3548. E-mail sschneider@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

WELL ESTABLISHED PODIATRY PRACTICE IN MT. AIRY, NC

Dr. John H. Hodges had a well established podiatry practice in Mt. Airy, North Carolina that is either for sale or in need of an associate/partner to come on board to take over patient care. Dr. Hodges unexpectedly passed away in January 2006, leaving approximately 3,500 patients without a podiatrist to care for them. This is a unique opportunity to be able to begin work in an extremely busy podiatric practice. If interested, contact Carolyn McMackin at (336)577-2886 or cmcmackin@triad.rr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW ENGLAND

Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BRONX, NY

Podiatrist wanted two days a week(with full-time growth potential). One day working in a busy Bronx office, one day making house calls. Base salary + incentives. Golden opportunity for a podiatrist to join up with a very ethical, hard-working and successful DPM. Please email CV to: Scottdeis@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ARIZONA

Excellent opportunity for an experienced looking for a change or young podiatrist looking to jump start their practice. Podiatry practice is well established over 25 years, successful and a large volume in the Phoenix metro area. A current AZ License preferred as the position is available immediately. The right person will join as a salary associate leading to partial ownership in the group practice. Position available immediately. Email CV and inquiries to:scfcs@cox.net

PODIATRY POSITION IN ALABAMA

Excellent opportunity for immediate opening with AL licensee. Practice is very busy, 2 locations in West AL. Opportunity of six figures first year with contract for stock ownership. Great place to practice and raise a family. Get started with no hassles of a start-up practice. Very modern offices with ongoing management. Fax resume to (205) 330-9920 and visit our website at www.myfeethurt.com

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WANTED

MinXray P-200 Exposure Hand Switch with Timer Control (circa 1977). jim.fractal@gmail.com

SEEKING ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

Hardworking, ethical and well trained PSR-24 trained podiatrist seeking a part-time associate position in Westchester county or surrounding areas. Please contact (206) 919-2832 or bbrick2@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR – FLORIDA

High Income position for ethical hard working podiatrist, great for semi-retired or to supplement office practice, part time. Must have Florida license and active Medicare/Medicaid numbers. FAX CV or Resume to 727-785-4697

WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75

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