The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 05, 2010 #4,002 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Too Much Holiday Cheer Can Lead to Gout: TN Podiatrist

Don't overindulge in holiday cheer— Did you know your feet can feel the effects of too much holiday cheer? Certain foods and beverages high in purines, such as shellfish, red meat, red wine and beer can trigger extremely painful gout attacks, a condition when uric acid builds up and crystallizes in and around your joints.

Dr. Christopher Hendrix

"Oftentimes, it's the big toe that is affected first since the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes," Tennessee podiatrist Christopher Hendrix, DPM, FACFAS says.

PPMA Elects New Officers

Robert Herpen, DPM, was elected as the new President during the House of Delegates meeting and banquet of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA), held in King of Prussia, PA, on Saturday, October 30. Dr. Herpen graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM), formerly the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, in Philadelphia in 1989. He is currently Assistant Professor of Medicine and Orthopedics at TUSPM.

Dr. Robert Herpen being sworn in

Marc Karpo, DPM, is now PPMA’s new President-Elect and is also a graduate of TUSPM (1982). He is in Private Practice in Norristown, PA, and has been the Bucks/Montgomery Division President since 1996. Joseph Pasquino, DPM was elected as Vice President; Joseph Smith, DPM as the new Secretary for the Board; and Todd Zeno, DPM joins the PPMA Board as its newest member.

OH Podiatrist Appointed as President and CEO of Hospital

The Orrville Hospital Foundation Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Marchelle L. Suppan DPM, MBA., as President and CEO, of Dunlap Community Hospital effective November 1, 2010. Dr. Suppan has an extensive background with Dunlap. She practiced podiatry in the community and was a member of the Dunlap medical staff, serving two terms as President of the Medical Staff. Dr. Suppan also served on the Dunlap Board of Directors. She has held the position of Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Dunlap for the past five years.

Dr. Marchelle Suppan

Dr. Suppan received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland and completed her Surgical Residency in foot and ankle surgery at Riverside Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Suppan is a past president of OPMA. She will also become President of the Ohio State Medical Board in 2011. 

Record Number Attend Goldfarb Foundation Clinical Conference 2010

“If you offer quality education at a great price, they will come.”  This has always been the goal of the William L. Goldfarb Foundation, ever since it was established in 1994 in memory of William L. Goldfarb, DPM, who died in 1993. Dr. Goldfarb was dedicated to building a premier podiatric continuing education framework within the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA). The Foundation continues the Goldfarb legacy.

The busy exhibition hall at the Goldfarb Seminar

The Foundation’s 38th Annual Clinical Conference held October 28-31, 2010, at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA, saw a record number of 51 attendees; which broken down included 272 DPMs, 29 Faculty, and 50 podiatric medical assistants! Add the 71 exhibitors into the mix for a total of 422 participating in some aspect of the Conference. “This year’s seminar offered speakers from a marathon winner to a rheumatologist from Georgetown University. The topics were comprehensive and complete,” says Goldfarb Foundation President Dr. John Marty. The 39th Annual Goldfarb Foundation Clinical Conference will be held November 10-13, 2011.

NY Podiatrist Avoids Prison Because of Family Circumstances

A former podiatrist who admitted to defrauding the healthcare system will not go to prison. Michael Akyuz of Greece, NY was sentenced to five years probation for stealing almost three-quarters of a million dollars. U.S District Court Judge Charles Syragusa called it a unique, exceptional family circumstance that led him to impose a lesser sentence today. The recommended sentence for his crimes was 41 to 51 months in prison, but 44-year-old Akyuz will not have to spend a day behind bars.

Akyuz admitted to healthcare fraud and mail fraud while he was a podiatrist. Over the course of five years, the former foot doctor tended to elderly patients in nursing homes and retirement communities. While he billed Medicare for complex expensive procedures, in reality, he did little more than clip their toenails.  Akyuz said he took the money to take care of his family's healthcare costs. He has four children with varying degrees of autism.

Source: Brett Davidsen,| WHEC.com [11/3/10] 

Obama Open to GOP Ideas on Healthcare Reform

Addressing the nation for the first time after Republicans claimed control of the U.S. House of Representatives, President Barack Obama said if Republicans have ideas on how to improve the nation's healthcare system, he is happy to consider those ideas.

 Obama said it would be misreading the election to think voters want to re-litigate the last two years of work. He did say, however, that he'd be willing to discuss provisions of the bill and acknowledged if the bill's 1099 provision for small businesses—designed to raise revenue—is “too burdensome,” then that could potentially be one area to tweak. “Let's talk specifics,” Obama said, referring to areas Republicans may want to change.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [11/3/10]

Query: Three Strikes and You're Out?

Where in the [podiatric] bible does it say that the maximum number of times one can give a steroid injection for heel pain is three?

Arden Smith, DPM, Great Neck, NY

RE: Onychomycosis Onset (Nick Pagano, DPM)
From: Paul Busman DPM, RN

Just how would you know when the point of infection was? This is probably why there's no data on onset of signs. 

Paul Busman DPM, RN, Clifton Park, NY, paul@busmanwhistles.com

RE: Web-Based EMR Systems (Alan Bass, DPM)
From: Michael Tran, DPM

In response to Dr. Alan Bass, as of November 01, 2010, according to the Certified HIT Product List (CHPL) website, the TRAKnet DPM by BioMedix Vascular Solutions is labeled as "Modular", not "Complete." One can view the criteria by clicking on the "View Criteria" next to the software under the Certification Status. The "170.304(b) Electronic prescribing" and the "170.306(d)(1) Electronic copy of health information" are not checked off.

I feel these are important in the future when EHR becomes standard.  When will these be approved by the CCHIT? At this point, should we purchase this software to qualify for meaningful use and qualify for the incentive money by the government?  .

Michael Tran, DPM, Manhattan, KS, mtrandpm@cox.net

RE: NY Podiatrist Evaluates "Revolutionary" Golf Shoe
From: Sam Bell, DPM, Jay D. Helman, DPM

Evaluation of the new ECCO golf shoe. I find that when I am playing golf, in addition to needing support and cushioning during the 99 swing phases, I also need support and cushioning during the additional 3 1/2 to 4 miles that I am walking during the round.

Sam Bell, DPM, Schenectady, NY, dpmbell@aol.com

It’s obvious that Dr. Hoorfar does not play golf. Golf is played on a multi-terrain environment, requiring exceptionally constructed shoes. The back swing alone requires good lateral support to prevent rolling the back foot. I can tell you that many of the people I treat are golfers with plantar fasciitis. To say that it’s not a problem in golf is misleading. Golf shoes need to have sturdy counters and a flexible forefoot. They should be comfortable and well-supportive, breathable, yet must keep the feet dry from wet soil.

Jay D. Helman, DPM, Pearl River, NY, footdr80@hotmail.com

RE: Wrong-Patient, Wrong-Site Procedures Persist Despite Safety Protocol
From: Henry Slomowitz, DPM

A simple modification to the current standard to prevent wrong side surgery will go a long way. Simply put "Yes" on the correct side and "NO" on the wrong side. Think about it. A blank foot gives no message. A "Yes" tells you it’s the correct side. I have been doing it for years.

Henry Slomowitz, DPM, Paterson, NJ, minggao@optonline.net

RE: PM News Publishes 4,000th Issue
From: Multiple Respondents

A huge congratulations and expression of deep appreciation to Barry on his 4,000th issue of PM News. Just think of the countless hours and hours PM News has taken Barry with one mission in mind...to help make our profession the best it can be. Barry, your heart is huge as is your dedication to podiatry! Thank you!

Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ

Kudo's Barry to you and your family for giving podiatric medicine and surgery a "soul." You  have given a forum for the entire profession to air the most hot button issues that face a medical practitioner today. I respect the visceral dialogue that takes place daily on the most important topics that face our podiatric community. 

Here is to the next 4,000 issues of PM News and I thank you for keeping us talking and engaged. The future is bright as long as we create a dialogue about where we want to be in the evolving world of healthcare. Thank you Barry!

Tilden H. Sokoloff, DPM, MD, IUHS School of Medicine

Congratulations to Dr. Barry Block on the 4,000 issue of PM News. Barry is someone that goes the distance with his editing skills, inquisitiveness, professionalism, and diligence. He is unique to the DPM community - a real gift. Here's to the 10,000th milestone in the years ahead!

Gina Ryan, CAE, CEO Pathways

RE: PA Podiatrist is Among Doctors Paid By Pharmaceutical Companies on Posted Database
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM

The unfair press given to Warren Joseph and other physicians providing excellent educational opportunities to other physicians is just another example of irresponsible inflammatory journalism. My colleague Al Musella aptly points out those speaking fees should be paid to an intermediary in order to assure proper compliance with CME credits.

This still does not absolve the fact that the vast majority of the unrestricted grants ultimately are paid to the speaker for...

Editor's Note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHILADELPHIA, SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Seeking motivated, independent foot & ankle surgeon to join large practice. Our multi-office practice covers all aspects of foot and ankle pathology, including heavy hospital volume. Offering competitive salary and benefit package. Send CV and two references to bleich5252@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN - (OAKLAND COUNTY)

Outstanding opportunity for associate in well established practice, general & surgical podiatry forefoot, rearfoot & ankle (full or part-time). Well-trained, responsible, motivated with good communication skills, ABPS qualified or better. Send CV & letter of interest to: PodiatristWanted@AOL.com. All replies kept strictly confidential

ASSOCIATESHIP - MARYLAND

A great opportunity to join and gain ownership interest of a well established, diversified practice in Maryland. 2-year residency needed, EHR, ultrasound, ASC, hospital close by with wound care center. Fax resume to 410-749-6807.

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED - INDIANA

Part-time full-time Podiatrist needed for our Indiana offices. Must have Indiana license. Must have completed two years of surgical residency. If qualified email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND

Well-established group practice is located only 45 minutes from both DC and Baltimore. Immediate opening for a minimum PSR 36 Podiatrist for full time position. We have it all: EMR, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ASC, etc. Excellent salary with bonus structure and benefits. Please email resume to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate opening for the right candidate. Join a well-established podiatric group in Southwest Florida. We are a multi-office practice with EMR, Digital x-ray, and more. Seeking full-time associate that is PM and S-36 trained, personable, independent and highly motivated individual. Must be BC/BS in rearfoot and ankle with confidence in complex reconstructive cases. Full benefits package, competitive salary, excellent lifestyle. Please respond to JLH459@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Busy, surgically-oriented practice in Bakersfield, CA seeks ABPS qualified/certified surgeon to join our existing two surgeons. Must be hard-working and honest. Strong reconstructive surgical practice with trauma privileges and wound care center/diabetic limb salvage center. Starting in December or January. E-mail CV to aghams2@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

Associate needed for a dynamic group practice in Northern New Mexico. We are looking for a well-trained 3-year surgical resident to help us build our practice leading to partnership. In New Mexico we have a leg law. Besides a great professional experience, we have the mountains for skiing, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. Ideal for an experienced podiatrist looking for a location change. Please send a resume to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OHIO

Join a well-established modern practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $100,000 and benefits with a bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, all aspects of DME, Padnet vascular studies, and CO2 lasers. We seek a surgeon that is well trained, personable and motivated to join our group of 3 Podiatric Surgeons. Would like this individual to buy in the practice eventually. Please send resume and photo to

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH, CENTRAL & SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

ASSOCIATION POSITION - MARYLAND AND DC

Immediate opportunity to join our group in Maryland and DC. Will consider full or part-time. Our practice is general podiatric care with a heavy slant on sports medicine/orthotics. In-office ASC. Must be PSR 24-36. Send cover letter and CV to hgodpm@verizon.net

PART-TIME / FULL-TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP - CHICAGO

Part-time podiatrist needed for 2 offices in Chicago with an average of 20 hours/week. Must have Illinois license. Must have completed 2 years of surgical residency. If qualified, email to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY

Part/time, full/time associate for busy, well established multi-doctor, multi-office NYC group. Seeking motivated, ethical, NYC licensed DPM with excellent office management and clinical skills in all phases of Podiatry. Board Qualified/Certified preferred. Salary plus incentives, pension/medical/dental. Partnership potential. Fax CV to 631-369-6570.

TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP - FOOT & ANKLE

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is currently accepting applications for its 12 month trauma surgery fellowship beginning August 1, 2011. Fellowship to include advanced techniques in all foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on lower extremity trauma, reconstruction & total joint replacement. Residency training required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Ben Olsen, DPM, Director: Foot and Ankle Trauma Fellowship, Broadlawns Medical Center, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314, 515-282-7927, bolsen@broadlawns.org

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MARYLAND, DC SUBURB

Own your own practice and be your own boss.Great opportunity. Retiring after 38 years in practice at the same location. Practice is fully equipped with digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, computer network, orthotic scanner and state licensed ambulatory surgical center.  Owner will stay on as needed for easy transition. dpmpracticeforsale@yahoo.com
 

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CONNECTICUT

Outstanding solo practice for sale in northern Fairfield county, CT. Shared space with other medical professionals. Very low overhead. Grossing almost $300K on 30 hours per week. Referrals from three different primary care physician offices. If interested e-mail CTPodiatry@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,500 DPM's and Students

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