The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,000 Podiatrists Daily

October 30, 2007 #3,079 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Backyard Pool Saves CA Podiatrist From Raging Fire

Dr. Roger Bielasz stood in the remains of his hilltop home near the swimming pool that saved him and his wife as a firestorm raged over their heads. “We survived in our pool,” Bielasz said between coughs. “We have a guardian angel.” Roger and Dena Bielasz live on a ridge overlooking San Pasqual Valley and the Wild Animal Park.

Dr. Roger Bielasz and wife in front of pool that saved their lives. (Photo Scott Linnett)

After flames raced up a ridge above the San Pasqual Valley early Monday morning, Dena and Dr. Roger Bielasz jumped in their pool and watched the inferno engulf their home in an unincorporated area north of Poway. They endured the cold water for three hours and huddled under an overhang for protection against flying debris. Bielasz, a podiatrist, said all of his neighbors were aware that the Witch Creek fire was burning Sunday. “They looked at the fire and said it appeared to be miles away,” What trapped them, he said, was a fire that flared after 1 a.m. Monday when a power line fell on the valley floor.

Roger Bielasz said the power line ignited a fire that surrounded his home in five minutes. Bielasz said he and his wife rushed to their garage to escape in their car as the fire towered over their house. “The flames were 20, 30 feet above my deck,” he said. “Down there below my door was a fire tornado.” That's when they went to the pool.

While the Bielaszes were in their pool, they realized the shallow end was so close to the house that the home would collapse on them when it caught fire. The Bielaszes moved to the deep end and huddled under an overhang that formed the pool's waterfall. “After we'd been under the overhang for a while, brick-size debris started flying over” from a neighbor's house, Roger Bielasz said. Then the flames engulfed their house. “I had to watch my house burn,” Bielasz said. Bielasz spent three days in bed, recovering from smoke inhalation.

Source: Michael Burge, San Diego Union-Tribune [10/27/07]

IN Podiatrist Writes Christian Mystery Novels

The patients in Dr. Brandt Dodson’s office know him as a compassionate podiatrist who sometimes makes house calls. What they probably don’t know is that he goes home after doing his hospital rounds and writes Christian mystery novels. One of Harvest House Publishers’ favorite writers, Dodson has written five novels with his heroes struggling with their faith in the midst of crime investigations.

Dr. Brandt Dodson Reviews a Manuscript

At seminars and conferences where he frequently speaks to aspiring writers, Dodson tells them “write what you know.” For the most part his books are set in Indianapolis where he grew up. As his heroes travel the dark and often mean streets and alleys of the city, Dodson brings his stories alive by describing actual streets and locations. For his plotlines he draws on his years in the FBI. He also asks questions of his father and other family members who spent their lives in Indianapolis law enforcement.

Eventually Dodson hopes to make the transition to full-time writing. “I realize that may mean a hefty pay cut, but it’s a calling“ he says. “Right now I’m still working full-time as a physician, so my writing day usually begins at around eight in the evening and continues until ten or eleven. I usually try to write six or eight hours on weekends. I don’t write with an outline, so I look forward to seeing where the story will take me.”

Source: Linda Owen, SA Worship.com [10/27/07]

Incumbent PA Podiatrist Pitted Against Physician in Coroner Race

The Bucks County coroner race will pit the incumbent against a political novice. Dr. Joseph Campbell, a Republican, is seeking a third term, while the Democrat, Dr. Polly Beere, is a physician who works as a medical-legal consultant and has retired from Merck Research Laboratories in North Wales. Campbell has overseen the planning and construction of a joint county morgue and crime lab in Warminster, computerized the office's records and standardized education for deputy coroners. “My eight years of experience here stand for quite a bit, and we've done a good job at performing all the operations of the office,” he said.

Dr. Joseph Campbell

Although the coroner does not have to be a doctor, candidates usually have been. Beere is not licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania, but said her training gives her an edge over Campbell, a podiatrist. But Campbell, who lives in Springfield, said his practice enhances his work as coroner because regular contact with patients keeps him sharp.

Campbell said he requires eight deputy coroners under his supervision to at a minimum take the same courses that the state says he must take. He talks to community groups and schools, especially at prom time, to reinforce the danger of driving under the influence. “This is pretty much the only place that medicine and politics meet,” he said.

Source: Jenna Portnoy, Bucks County Courier Times, [10/27/07]

Query: Surgical Power System

Our local community hospital has budgeted replacement of our vintage Hall Micro-100 power set. I need a very practical, no-frills recommendation for replacing this system. Our OR supervisor showed me a Synthes system with an electric hand piece with about 20 replaceable heads. It’s too complicated and unnecessary for our needs. I am looking for recommendations on a good, reliable, workhorse system.

Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA

RE: Supplier for Stainless Steel/Carbon Fiber Insert (Kurt Gustafson, DPM)
From: Tim Vogler, DPM, Itamar Rosenbaum, C.Ped,

First, I hope this patient has had any equinus deformity corrected, which of course will put excessive pressure on the amputation stumps. That having been said, I would not attempt to ‘control’ the shoes with an insert (such as suggested) as this will be doomed to failure. Instead, this patient should have full length steel shanks and a gradual rocker bottom sole (along with custom-molded multi-density orthoses/prosthetic fillers.

Tim Vogler, DPM, High Point, NC, Timothy.Vogler@cornerstonehealthcare.com

There are several different things that you can do for this patient. Langer Labs makes a device called the Propell, which is a custom orthotic that has a full length carbon fiber foot plate, and incorporates everything into one device. To buy a carbon fiber foot plate to put in the shoe, you could call Aetrex at 1800-526-2739. Be aware that these foot plates come in several different rigidities. Another way of solving this problem is to have a steel sole bar sandwiched into the sole of the shoes along with a rocker sole modification.

Itamar Rosenbaum, C.Ped, New York, NY, nycped@verizon.net

RE: Pay for Drug Performance
From: Lloyd S. Smith, DPM

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that several pharma companies in France and Great Britain had their drugs approved for use and payment by the respective national healthcare services provided they met certain performance standards in patients. For example, a particular drug used for treating neuropathy would be dispensed to the patient. The patient would return in a pre-determined amount of time and if a measurable and significant reduction in symptoms were reported, the patient would continue on the drug. Otherwise, the drug would be stopped, the pharma company would either not be paid or would have to refund the cost of the drug used to the health service. I think that is a great idea for most of the high cost drugs and equipment we use every day in practice.

Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA, lloydpod@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE – MISSISSIPPI

South Mississippi - Hospital and Outpatient Surgical Center privileges available. Opportunity for Young aggressive podiatrist. Call (228) 762-9531.

PRACTICE FOR SALE -VENTURA, CA

Satellite office in Ventura, CA. Located very close to the hospitals and referral sources. Potential for further future growth. Nice coastal community and nice weather all year around. Inquire at tkhk@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA

Multi-specialty group is looking to add another Podiatric Surgeon or General Podiatrist to our well-established group. Office locations in northwestern Pennsylvania. Unlimited opportunities exist for the right Associate, wound care experience is a plus. Please forward your CV to adminsec@ips-mso.com

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
lianadpm2@aol.com or mail to 2441 SW 22nd street, Miami, FL 33145

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.

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