The Voice of Podiatrists

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November 03, 2008 #3,390 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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DC Podiatrist Uses Medihoney™ as Wound Dressing

Before the advent of modern medicine, honey was commonly used to treat wounds. The treatment fell out of favor when new types of sterile dressings and antibiotics became widely available. Now, honey is making a comeback. Medihoney™ is a medical grade honey. It comes from bees drinking the nectar of the manuka shrub, Leptospermum scoparium, found only in New Zealand.

Dr. John Steinberg

Medihoney is approved by the FDA for use in wound care. The honey is impregnated in a dressing made of calcium alginate, a substance derived from seaweed. John Steinberg, DPM, podiatrist with Georgetown University Hospital, says when placed on a wound, the calcium alginate absorbs some of the wound fluid, forming a gel that keeps the wound moist. Traditional dressings sometimes dry out and stick to the underlying skin, causing pain and disrupting the healing tissue when old bandages are removed. Medihoney dressings don't dry out and are easily removed. If any part of the dressing remains behind when the bandage is removed, it can be rinsed away with water.

Currently, Steinberg is using Medihoney dressings for several types of wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers and venous ulcers on the leg. He says Medihoney won't replace traditional wound dressings. However, it is one more option for doctors to use when faced with wounds that don't heal or become infected with drug-resistant germs. Experts warn against using store-bought honey on wounds because regular honey isn't sterilized and may contain spores from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Source: WSOC-TV [10/31/08]

NJ Podiatrist Runs for East Brunswick Town Council

Four candidates are running for a seat on the East Brunswick, NJ Town Council.

Dr. Eugene DeMarzo

Eugene DeMarzo (R), 52, has a wife, Darlene, and five children, Tara, Nicole, Ben, Michelle and E.J. He is a podiatrist with practices in Woodbridge and Highland Park. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and philosophy from Fordham University and a medical degree from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He has lived in town for 18 years. He is a former softball coach and division director for youth softball. He ran for council in 2006.

Source: East Brunswick Sentinel [10/30/08]

ACPME Seminar an Overwhelming Success

Last weekend’s American College of Podiatric Medical Education (ACPME) meeting in Northern New Jersey was a first-class meeting offering 14.75 CME’s. Speakers included Drs. Marc Brenner, Paul Kesselman, John Guilianna, Terry Spilken, John McNerney, Elliott Udel, Jonathan Treadwell, and Francine Scharaldi-Deck.

Dr. Marc Brenner conducts a dermatology workshop.

20 exhibitors were present, as well as 3 Breakout sessions. The conference was highly successful according to Steven Goldstein, ACPME Director of Medical Education and Robert Marcus, DPM founder of the ACPME.

Query: Bleomycin for Warts

Is anyone using Bleomycin to treat warts? Can you describe the treatment regimen?

Michael H. Warheit, DPM, Buffalo Grove, IL

RE: PICA Group Will Become Part of ProAssurance
From: John Clarke, DPM, Michael L. Michetti, DPM

I have no skill in prognostication; if I did, Ohio State would have beat Penn State. That being said, I anticipate the "new company" growing, premiums rising, some making a lot of money. Then a bold group of podiatrists who are frustrated and desire to have more of a say in their malpractice, will start a new company that will have an uncanny resemblance to the original PICA.

John Clarke, DPM, Fremont, OH, jclarke2735@sbcglobal.net

I am both disappointed and dismayed by the planned PICA demutualization. I am bewildered by the PICA Board's decision to demutualize a company that provides coverage and stability to the profession and is rated "A-" by A. M. BEST. I was president of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association in 1981, the year PICA was founded. Many of our younger members have no knowledge of the circumstances that led our leaders to develop a podiatry-owned insurance carrier. There was indeed a malpractice crisis. Insurance was at best, expensive, and at worst case scenario, difficult to obtain. The founding fathers of PICA, including Herb Rothfeld and current President/ CEO, Jerry Brant, overcame enormous odds to develop a PODIATRY- OWNED malpractice carrier.

The following quote is from PICA's website. "It's important that the guiding principles for foundation of the company are still essential to our success today. Those include providing support for the podiatric profession, maintaining a strong and stable financial business structure and offering quality coverage for a fair price." The demutualization or SALE of the company goes against the very core principles on which the company was founded. Eventually podiatrists will have little or no say in the direction of the company, but then, I guess we all know that we can always trust insurance companies to do the right thing. A bonus check for $15,000 or so dollars may seem enticing now, but will be meaningless in the long run. I am obviously perplexed by the Board's motivation to sell the company. I strongly urge each member to read the proxy carefully before agreeing to a sale. As it currently stands, I, for one, will NOT vote for this transaction.

Michael L. Michetti, DPM, Gaithersburg, MD, mlmltm@aol.com

RE: Non-Payment to Associate (Name Withheld)
From: Michael Lawrence, DPM, Joel Lang, DPM

Most state boards have a clause pertaining to "unprofessional conduct" and certainly this would qualify if it is substantiated. One of the real fears in life is having a complaint which could jeopardize one's professional license, thus livelihood. I would send this threat by certified mail to the individual before going to the board and see what happens. This could be inexpensive and effective. And if payment is not forthcoming, follow through with a board complaint which will probably provide you with immediate satisfaction and eventually your money!

Michael Lawrence, DPM, Chattanooga, TN, ftdoc@joimail.com

I would suggest to this individual that he/she write a formal "letter of complaint" to the State Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division, or the equivalent in his/her state and one to State's Attorneys Office in your local state. In addition, write the same letter to the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

That's four letters to state and federal agencies. It is likely that one of those agencies will start an investigation of the circumstance of making an individual work without compensation. I have done this in the past for clients involving large corporations and have had great success.

I would copy the doctor in question with each letter and send them a few days apart for greater effect. The senior doctor will understand that this could get really serious, really fast. It is possible, if not likely, that his/her legal fees will exceed any settlement he/she might make with "name withheld." It is likely that he/she will settle this issue without going to court or having to deal with these governmental agencies. It will give "name withheld" much more leverage in negotiating a settlement.

Joel Lang, DPM, Cheverly, MD, langfinancial@verizon.net

RE: Hospital Credentialing (James J DiResta, DPM, MPH)
From: Howard L. Lazar, DPM

Dr. DiResta seems to miss the point. The Medicare COPs were not written for the benefit of podiatrists. The intent of these federal regulations is to prevent credentials discrimination against all doctors, M.D.s, D.O.s, D.P.M.s, and DDS/D.M.D.s, in hospitals that participate in the Medicare program. The language of the federal regulation is quite clear. That Dr. DiResta's, or any other hospital, has chosen to ignore the federal regulations, and applies credentials discrimination policies "across the board" does not legitimize those policies.

Howard L. Lazar, DPM, JD; Bloomfield Hills, MI howardlazar@comcast.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEW YORK

We’re in search of a motivated, well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our well-established multi-doctor, multi-office practice is located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York State. All DPM´s in our group are board-certified and there is a residency program affiliated with our practice. This is a special opportunity for the right person(s), with an excellent compensation package available. Please reply to HVFA, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.com.

PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. 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

EQUIPMENT FOR RENT - EXTREMITY MRI

Now you can rent an extremity MRI, have the scan performed, read by a board-certified radiologist and derive all the income. two convenient locations, Manhattan East 60th street between Park and Lexington, and Plainview, Long Island. Conforms to the Stark amendment; call for information (516) 476-1815.

ASSOCIATE WANTED – NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to a partnership for PSR 24-36 trained foot and ankle, surgically trained podiatrist. A well-established, ethical and academic, successful, solo, half-time and multi-faceted podiatric practice wishes to expand surgical services. No competition with foot fellows. Need diabetic limb salvage, plastic surgery techniques, strong surgical rear foot and ankle reconstruction, ABPS qualified certification required. Practice has state-of-the-art orthopedic surgical environment and plenty of future expansion capabilities for a bright, eager, reliable associate. Excellent salary and benefits; no nursing homes. Present doctor is podiatric chief of three hospitals. Mail CV with current references to fgsddpm@verizon.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION –GEORGIA

A well-established practice in South Georgia seeks a full time PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist. Excellent benefit package. Please send CV to agriffin@southernpodiatry.com. For more information, visit our website

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

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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