The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 14, 2011 #4,305 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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MI Podiatrist Wins School Board Election After Opponent Concedes

Farmington Public Schools board of education candidate David Sampson today submitted a letter to local media that ends any speculation over whether there will be a recount in the race for a 4-year seat on the board. After the votes were tallied, Dr. Murray Kahn held a mere 21-vote edge. 

Dr. Murray Kahn

In his post-election announcement, Kahn, a podiatric surgeon and division head of podiatry with Henry Ford Health System, wrote that he "would like to thank David Sampson for the investment of his time and energy in this campaign and laud his civic engagement."

Source: Joni Hubred-Golden, Farmington Patch [10/10/11]

We've just mailed the November 2011 issue of Podiatry Management. This special 252-page diabetes issue includes over a dozen articles on this important topic. In addition, you'll  find our usual assortment of features, including our columns, and a CPME-approved CME.

November 2011 Podiatry Management

Minimalist Shoes May Have Some Benefits: TN Podiatrist

Vibram FiveFingers, A foot covering that shields the skin from rough outdoor surfaces while providing a barefoot feeling is a part of the minimalist movement Dr. Ryan Chatelain may be able to get behind. The podiatrist and assistant professor at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine says he’s curious to try the shoes that claim to require the foot to do more than a typical sneaker. “I’m not necessarily a proponent, but I’m not against it because I can see that it could increase muscle strength,” he said.

Dr. Ryan Chatelain

Chatelain says most individuals could use the shoes and not experience any problems, with the exception of people who have vascular diseases or diabetes. And since an every-day tennis shoe absorbs much of the shock from running, allowing the foot to do that same job may have benefits. “I think there is something to that,” Chatelain said. “The foot was made that way for a reason.”

Source: Amanda Marsh, Johnson City Press [10/10/11]

IFAF Grant Supports BUSPM's Yucatan Crippled Children Project

The International Foot & Ankle Foundation for Education and Research (IFAF) provided a grant of $3,000 to the Barry University Yucatan Crippled Children Project this November. The donation was part of the IFAF's ongoing committement to the YCCP. Twice a year, the IFAF provides a team of surgeons and residents (Seattle Team) to attend trips to Merida, Yucatan, to work with members of the Miami Team. These surgeons and residents attend to many crippled children in two days of surgery at the Orthopedic Red Cross Hospital in Merida, and also attend a full day of screening of new patients and post-operative cases at the rehabilitation clinic in Progreso, Yucatan. 

L-R: Drs. Byron Hutchinson, IFAF Board of Directors; Dock Dockery, IFAF Chairman; Keith Kashuk, Barry YCCP Co-Chair; Mr. Alejandro Ojeda, Director of Rehabilitation, Progreso

This November trip, the teams did ten surgical cases on complex lower extremity problems and saw 60 patients on the screening day. The Red Cross Orthopedic Hospital's Chief, Dr. Aldolfo Rocha, is a pediatric orthopedist and he assists in many of the procedures and then does all of the follow-up of the operative cases as well as the Ponseti cast changes.

MT Medical Center Adds Two Podiatrists

Podiatry has been in high demand for several years. "It's definitely a growing field," said Dr. Brian Church, podiatrist at the Great Falls Clinic. The podiatry department at the Great Falls Clinic is also growing. Church joined the Clinic in August, as did podiatrist Dr. Daniel Hodson. 

Dr. Brian Church (Photo: Rion Sanders)

Church's and Hodson's training also allows them to perform surgeries. "Their qualifications are so high," said Mary Frances Frieling, chief operating officer and director of nursing at the Great Falls Clinic. "They can do everything from A to Z basically."

Source: Erin Madison, Great Falls Tribune [11/11/11]

NC Podiatrist Jailed Over Contempt of Court

Dr. Robert A. Liberatore of Gastonia, was found in contempt of court during a civil domestic hearing on Nov. 1 between him and his wife, Maria Liberatore. He is accused of failing to abide by an Oct. 17 court order signed by District Court Judge Meredith Shuford, according to the Cleveland County Clerk. The Oct. 17 court order said that Robert Liberatore seized possession of marital assets, causing a financial burden to his wife. It also said that Robert Liberatore is a flight risk and that he’s required to turn over his passport to his attorney to be held until released by the court. At the time of Liberatore’s arrest in the courthouse, police patted him down and found a toy gun in his possession, according to an arrest report.

Source: Wade Allen, Gaston Gazette [11/11/11]

Query: Hyaluronic Acid Derivative Injections

Does anyone have experience or know of recent research/clinical articles dealing with hyaluronic acid derivative injections for 1st MTPJ DJD - such as: hyaluronan/Supartz, sodium hyalurnate/Euflexxa, or sodium hyaluronate/Hyalgan?
 
Alan Berman, DPM, Carmel, NY

RE: Chronic Wound in Type 1 Diabetic
From: Chris Ferguson, DPM

A chronic wound that doesn't seem to resolve may not be a wound. I would biopsy it to rule out a carcinoma.

Chris Ferguson, DPM, NY, NY, cfergdpm@yahoo.com

RE: Lateral Knee Pain (Elliot Udell, DPM)
From: Michael B. DeBrule, DPM

I agree with Dr. Udell’s idea to refer the patient. However, here is what I know about orthotics and knee pain: There are some studies attempting valgus wedging for mild to moderate medial knee arthritis, so will varus wedging help for lateral knee arthritis? Who knows? A new study by Bennell did not find wedging helpful: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3100910/?tool=pubmed  Hossain argues that there is little evidence that orthotics are better than regular insoles for patellofemoral pain (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011 Jan 19:1).  

I think the best way to optimize an orthotic prescription (and hopefully help knee pain) is a trial and error method using in-shoe pressure analysis and video as described by Dananberg (JAPMA, 1999 89(3)) and more recently by Williams and Yackel (JAPMA 2007 97(1)).  I use this method for my practice with good success, but we need more studies. The next Prescription Foot Orthotic Lab Assoc. conference might present some new ideas.

Michael B. DeBrule, DPM, Marshall, MN, Dr.DeBrule@InnovativeFootCare.com

RE: Brewer's Yeast for Hyperhydrosis (David Alper, DPM)
From: Stephen Peslar, BSc, DCh

I have found that an effective low-cost treatment for hyperhydrosis is black tea soaks 20 min OD. I advise my patients to buy the tea at a dollar store, and that black tea is much better than green tea.

It is a natural holistic treatment. The tannic acid shrinks the sweat glands, so much less sweat is produced. One patient said that it is the cheapest and most effective treatment he tried in 30 years. He can stand and walk without discomfort, his tinea has cleared up with OTC antifungal cream and he is no longer embarrassed when he visits friends and family at their homes, because he can take his shoes off and there is no stench. 

Stephen Peslar, BSc, DCh. Toronto, Ontario, pezpied@hotmail.com

RE: The Passing of Craig Gastwirth, DPM

Humor. Passion. Kindness. Smarts. And so much else. I have known Craig since he was a freshman at NYCPM. His brother, Glenn, and I car-pooled together. We met many times through the years and he always had something to add to my life and to our profession. I am so saddened by his passing and hope his immediate and professional families are heartened by what he has meant to our lives.
 
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM, Newton, MA

I was saddened to learn of Dr. Gastwirth's passing; he was one of our attendings at the Kern Residency from 1984-1986. He was always helpful, positive, and cheerful in clinic and in the O.R. My condolences to his family.

Mark K. Johnson, DPM, West Plains, MO

One of my earliest memories of NYCPM as a freshman was being greeted by sophomore Craig Gastwirth. He was smiling ear to ear as he told a group of us newbies, "you have no idea how much fun you'll have in this profession!" He was right.

Paul Busman DPM, RN Clifton Park, NY

RE: The Passing of Craig Gastwirth, DPM

I am very deeply saddened to learn of Craig's untimely passing. We attended NYCPM together, enjoyed a friendship and often a lunch time game of hearts. My sincere condolences to Cheryl and the entire family. Podiatry has lost a true professional and a mench.
 
Edwin Bruno, DPM, Bangor, ME, NYCPM, Class of 1976

I am saddened to hear of the death of our classmate, Craig Gastwirth. Although I have not seen Craig in many years, he was truly a pleasure to have as a classmate from 1972-1976. It truly puts things in perspective when a young family man is taken from us. God bless his soul. He will be missed.

Larry Kobak, DPM, NYCPM, Class of 1976

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Craig. He will be missed by all his classmates, NYCPM 1976. He was among the brightest and most able, and a great guy.

Bill Deutsch, DPM, NYCPM, Class of 1976

RE: Diabetic Patient Check-ups (Tony Poggio, DPM)
From:  Richard A. Simmons, DPM
 
According to Dr. Poggio, there is no code for routine diabetic check-up. Even so, on page 19 of medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10116.pdf is the following quote: “Foot Exam: Medicare Part B covers a foot exam every 6 months for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensations, as long as you haven’t seen a foot care professional for another reason between visits.”

Though there is coverage for this “check-up,” the limitations on the podiatrist are extremely severe; however, Medicare recipients are told it is covered, and podiatrists are supposed to jump through hoops to meet the criteria.

Richard A. Simmons, DPM, Rockledge, FL,  RASDPM32955@gmail.com

RE: Floppy Toe Treatment?

A patient recently asked if I could provide him with a prescription for Viagra. "Only if you have a floppy toe," I replied.

Martin V. Sloan, DPM, Abilene, TX

PRACTICE FOR SALE – NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where...you can see 0-50 patients daily * average 100 new patients monthly * have zero accounts receivable * gross $480K per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contact  pistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS

Well established, expanding podiatric medical and surgical practice with multiple locations Northeast of Dallas, Texas. Modern offices with EHR, digital radiography, Padnet vascular studies and laser. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package for a motivated, ethical, personable and well trained PSR/36 or board equivalent. This individual will also assist managing the residency program. Send resume (CV) to northtexaspodiatry@yahoo.com along with a letter of intent

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY/ LONG ISLAND

Seeking an ethical, competent, and responsible associate with a minimum of board qualification, who is proficient in all facets of podiatric medicine, surgery, and biomechanics for a multi-doctor and interdisciplinary medical practice in NYC with suburban NJ/NY satellite offices. Must be able to practice independently with excellent management skills. PT/FT with potential for partnership.ambulatewell@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Multi-office group seeks highly trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer person with frame and trauma experience. Our practice is state-of-the-art and has all modalities: EMR, PadNnet, on-site billing, diagnostic US, PRP, digital x-ray, etc. Excellent salary, bonus structure and benefits with partnership available. Please forward CV and letter of intent to docsbnb@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS PERMANENT P/T

Podiatrist needed for Medinah Spine/Rehab/Podiatry. Upper middle class suburb multi-disciplinary established office seeks perm P/T podiatrist to service established podiatry practice. Please call SueL 630-529-0077 or fax resume to: 630-529-0087.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

Fully equipped podiatry office in North Gate area of Seattle. Office located in medical professional building near I-5. Office has 3 treatment rooms, 3 physical therapy rooms, direct digital x-ray, PAD- net, NCV testing equipment, physical therapy equipment. Please contact us: website Tel. 425-643-8901isbinc2006@gmail.com

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

SPACE AVAILABLE IN MULTI-DISCIPLINE WELLNESS CENTER- WHITE PLAINS, NY

SUB LEASING TIME on MRI (NYC)

Don't refer out $$ when they can go into your pocket. Beautiful state-of-the-art 5th Avenue medical office is offering lease time on a .31 tesla Esaote extremity MRI, complaint with Stark laws. This particular magnet is the only one accepted by insurances and Medicare as of 2012. For more information email dri@myfcny.com

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - SUPERPULSE 45 WATT PEAK POWER LASER ( LUMIX2) Bill

Superpulse 45 watt peak power Laser ( lumix2) used once or twice. This is a real superpulse 910nw up to 100,000 HZ. Great Laser Used in the super bowl by the Green Bay Packer Why am I selling? I have too many lasers in my office now ( six) This is a great laser for plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis. Lightweight portable. easy to use, fully programmable Sold to first person under $$12,000 You will NEVER get a laser like this at this price. Enjoy. it I just have too many lasers. David Zuckerman DPMfootcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER- USED K-LASERS

I have used K-laser for sale. Still in Warranty. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargeable and can be move from room to room or office to office. This isn't the cold laser that you see. It is a 10 watt laser. We have used this laser on NFL sports players. For those that understand a good laser. E-mail David Zuckerman, DPM for Details and pricing. footcare@comcast.net

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