The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,000 Podiatrists Daily

October 25, 2007 #3,075 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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TX Podiatrist Is Guest Speaker at ADA India Meeting

Lawrence A. Lavery, DPM, MPH, Professor, Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine was a guest speaker at the American Diabetes Association's Best of ADA -- India. The two day event brought the most relevant topics from the ADA 2007 Scientific Sessions to the Indian subcontinent.

Dr. Lawrence A. Lavery

The exchange of medical research and Indian culture was held in Delhi and Calcutta. Physicians and researchers from the US, India, and Europe addressed the tremendous spread of the disease and presented solutions relevant to Indian physicians.

In addition to Dr. Lavery, David Marrero, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Medicine, Indiana University; Henry Klar Yaggi MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Yale Universiy; and Luigi Fontana, MD,PhD., Associate Professor, Washington University School of Medicine were faculty-sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

WV Podiatrist Celebrates 100th Birthday

Dr. Naomi “Nicki” Boyers-Hovatter has long had a motto by which she thoroughly lives. “Do not resent growing old; many are denied the privilege.” The longtime Fairmont podiatrist knows this to be true. Nicki turned 100 years old yesterday. Most of her old friends, sadly enough, are long gone.

Dr. Naomi "Nicki" Boyers-Hovatter (Photo Danny Snyder)

She says that 100 years ago today, she was born in a house on Merchant Street where WesBanco is now located. And except for spending a number of winters in Florida when her husband’s health was failing, she has lived in Fairmont all her life. “I would come back here and practice in the summer,” she says. “I had a home in West Palm Beach and my old home here.

She became a podiatrist after visiting a friend in Chicago. “I guess all I ever wanted to be was a doctor,” she said. Boyers was her maiden name and the name she used as a doctor. Nicki finds it difficult to explain her longevity. But she admits to attempting to live by the Golden Rule — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She also said she wants to “be kind to everybody because I cannot pass this way again.”

Source: John Veasey, Times West Virginian [10/22/07]

NY Podiatrist Offers Tips to Marathoners

NYC podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC Foot Care and is on the Board of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Dr. Zong offers foot-related advice and tips to runners participating in this year’s New York City Marathon, for keeping feet in tip-top shape and feeling like a champion at the finish line:

Dr. Oliver Zong

*Stretching. Stretching primes the body for the strenuous activity. Stretch before and after running. Concentrate on the calves, hamstrings, quads, and feet.

*Shoes. Invest in a good pair of running shoes. They provide specific impact support that running demands. If feet sweat heavily during running, try putting talcum powder in the shoes to keep feet dry.

*Socks. Cotton socks absorb moisture. For a long run like a marathon, feet may require a synthetic sock (containing acrylic), which helps alleviate moisture from your skin. Make sure that the seams of your socks are not in an area of pressure, which can lead to a lot of pain. If you cannot find a comfortable location for the seams, try turning socks inside out.

Source: Health News Digest [10/22/07]

Query: Medication Use for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

I have been asked to participate in a survey regarding medication use for painful DPN. I currently utilize Neurontin and Lyrica, as well as various narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics and NSAIDS to help these patients. I am curious about the general podiatric community use of other anticonvulsants (Tegretol, Topamax, Mysoline, etc) and anti-depressant medication use including SSNRI drugs (Cymbalta) and older tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Pamelor, Tofranil, etc). Any input would be appreciated.

Neil H Hecht, DPM, Sherman Oaks, CA

Query: Phones and Multiple Offices

I am wondering what my colleagues with multiple offices do in regards to phone systems. I have two offices currently connected by a foreign exchange line, (one line is shared by both offices) which is very costly. Is there a less expensive option? We do not want to use answering machines during office hours.

Daniel Reznick, DPM, Ypsilanti, MI

RE: Off-Shore Transcription Services (Michael DiGiacomo, DPM)

We have been using a service out of India for a number of years. Our current transcription service is jettranscriptions@yahoo.com . They are pretty accurate and inexpensive. The transcription comes back in 12-24 hrs.

Michael J. Schneider, DPM, Vail, CO, MJS10Vail@aol.com

RE: Tablets for EMR (Samuel Cox, DPM)
From: Robert Bondi, DPM, Mark E. Weaver, DPM

Our practice has been using the Motion Computing slate type tablets for 18 months now. They have worked well without any problems. I do not use a key board in the treatment rooms and have found the hand writing recognition works well if you take the time to train it.

Robert Bondi, DPM, Lee’s Summit, MO, Robert.Bondi@Foot-Docs.com

A little point of consideration with respect to the notebook computer decision. I used one when I was with a large group. I loved it, BUT when you are handling twelve different things at once and walking from room to room you will probably drop it from time to time. I did it twice in five years. Cha-ching $3,500. gets expensive. I really would and do prefer monitors in each room. You can use them with more versatility and in the long run they are much cheaper and easier to upgrade and support.

Mark E. Weaver, DPM, Ft. Myers, FL, TCOPN@att.net

RE: PM Jury Reporter
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

I received a number of communications from doctors who have been injured by the testimony of one particular doctor, who has used the tort system for his own personal gain, at the expense of a number of podiatrists. Some previous defendants have approached counsel and even the District Attorney in one particular location, with a "decent" case against this pseudo-expert. They were always told to "let it go." "Get on with your life," etc.

This represents officers of the court who wish to see no changes in the broken system, because it might tend to reduce their ability to make a living through torts. If I were any of these, I would confront those officers of the court with this question: "Why are you defending a broken system? Do you have a vested interest in maintaining a damaged tort system and allowing certain individuals the license to use it inappropriately for their own personal gain?"

We have seen this in other venues. Ex-prosecutor, Michael Nifong, although disbarred, obtained a "gentleman's agreement" with fellow prosecutors to serve only one day in prison." This despite the fact that he exhibited gross negligence and used his prosecutorial powers for political reasons and personal venality. Make no mistake. They tend their own. You are on the outside looking in. But you should confront them with this, and you have a right to do so.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, ROSEY1@prodigy.net

IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE NEEDED - SOUTH MIAMI

Approximate $100,000 position available now. 6-doctor 8- Office group needs a replacement for a doctor who is leaving soon. 40 patients per day already scheduled for you. Partnership track available. Spanish speaking is a major benefit. Email CV and letter of intent to Liana 2441 SW 22nd street Miami, FL 33145 lianadpm2@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BUFFALO, NY

Part Time Practice with full growth potential. Mix of conservative, biomechanics and diabetic foot care. Great surgical potential. Gross 170K. Willing to stay through transition. Call 716-432-7092.

Super Luxurious Custom Oceanfront Dreamhouse on Caribbean island of Bocas del Toro, Panama. FULLY FURNISHED 5000 SQ FT, 5 BED, 5 BATH, 2 KITCHENS, Infinity Pool, satellite TVs, wireless internet, Lush Tropical landscape, NEVER hurricanes. NO TAXES for 20 YEARS. $875,000. photos & info drritarae@yahoo.com

Orthofeet is looking for independent sales reps to sell their line of shoes and orthotics. Orthofeet offers high end shoes and diabetic insoles that are covered by Medicare, along with competitive advantages and unique selling points. E-mail: mb@orthofeet.com

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