The Voice of Podiatrists

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November 16, 2006 #2,742 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Stuempfle Honored For Longtime Service to TUSPM and Profession

Dr. Richard G. Stuempfle was recognized at Temple University’s Annual Gallery of Success Banquet. Dr. Stuempfle, a Temple alumni, received an award for professional attainment as a graduate of Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Richard G. Stuempfle

Dr. Stuempfle recently celebrated 50 years as a podiatric physician with a private practice in Lock Haven since 1956. He is a staff member at Lock Haven Hospital and since 1960 has been a staff podiatrist at Susque-View Home. He was instrumental in co-organizing the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Assistants Association in 1984 and remains director-at-large of that association.

Dr. Stuemple has served on Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine Alumni Association Board since its inception in 2001, and has been the board’s vice president since 2004.

Source: The Express [11/15/06]

IN Podiatrist Nearly Dead-Drunk, Literally

A foot doctor and former Zionsville, IL resident was so drunk he should have been unconscious — and was nearly dead drunk — when he rammed a Honda Civic on Indiana 334 Sunday night.

Dr. Richard O. Lundeen, 55, Indianapolis, tested .46 blood alcohol content at the scene, said Boone County Sheriff Lt. Mike Nielsen. An hour after the accident, Lundeen’s BAC was .31 percent, according to a test done by Lebanon Police Officer Kevin Stump.

Lundeen is charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and misdemeanor operating with a blood alcohol content of at least .15 percent. He had last been ticketed, for speeding, in February 2002. He has seven other speeding tickets, according to court records. Dr. Lundeen is Residency Director of the Winona Hospital Podiatric Residency Program in Indianapolis.

Source: Rod Rose, The Lebanon Reporter [11/14/06

NYCPM’s Director of Library Services Re-Elected as Recording Secretary of NYC Health Sciences Librarians Group

Thomas P. Walker, M.S.L.I.S., Director of Library Services at NYCPM, has recently been re-elected Recording Secretary of the Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan and the Bronx Health Sciences Librarians, known as BQSI/MB. The goal of BQSI/MB is to bring together those in the New York City geographic area engaged in providing professional health sciences library services, for the following purposes: for furthering their own specialized knowledge; for the exchange of information; for improvement and development of resources; for identifying special needs; and for coordinating all library services and activities with existing area groups, libraries and programs. Mr. Walker has been associated with BQSI/MB since 2003.

Query: EPF Complication

I have a patient who had EPF 8 months ago. The patient’s heel pain resolved but he has developed swelling/pain distal to the heel (midfoot area) after activity and also tingly/shooting pains towards 4th/5th toes. For the past several months ago, I have attempted the
following: NSAIDs, injections, strapping, orthotics, six wks of immobilization. The symptoms improved after the immobilization, but have now regressed. NCV's were normal. MRI is positive for nondescript inflammation. Due to symptoms, location and involvement of the toes, I feel probably the lateral plantar nerve is impinged in some way and am contemplating neurolysis. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Daniel Tellem, DPM, Rochester, NY

RE: Open Book Policy (Bob Levoy)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

Unfortunately, as a podiatrist, I did not get a significant amount of training regarding office management or how to run a business. That is why my basic philosophy for the last 18 years has been “ask someone that knows more than I do”. I have always had an “open book policy” with my office manager and with my advisors whether they were accountants or investment advisors. The rest of my employees do not need to know the specifics of the money side. I will say that this has gotten me in trouble in the past when my x-office manager (for 12 years) was caught embezzling money. Perhaps this person may not have chosen to do the things that they did if they had not been privy to all the information? I don’t know. I still seek advice and share the open books with my current office manager; they have to know the particulars of the practice to do their job well. In my office we try to make the business aspect a joint cooperative venture between myself and the office manager—patient care is the venue of the rest of the office.

I would love to hear from other podiatrists regarding employee embezzlement and the path that they have taken to recover any money as well as firewalls to put up to prevent this. I was advised not to pursue legal action because the legal action would be more than it was worth—i.e.-you can’t get blood from a turnip.

Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS, tsdefeet@msfootcenter.net

RE: Rape of the Plantar Fascia
From: Allen Jacobs, DPM

The November issue of Podiatry Today includes an article by Stephen Barrett that deserves review and commentary by every clinical practitioner of podiatry. In this article, Dr. Barrett proffers a position that the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis is anachronistic, and argues for more aggressive and earlier surgical intervention. In the article, Dr. Barrett appears to suggest that the ACFAS Preferred Practice Guidelines, as well as the majority of podiatric and orthopedic references advocating non-operative management of plantar fasciitis, represent guidelines based upon non-scientific study.

In this article, Dr. Barret cites references which are related to tendinitis, shoulder pathology, and other pathologic conditions unrelated to plantar fasciitis. He questions the use of cryotherapy, suggesting that such therapy is tantamount to medical negligence. He opines that steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, but offers no reference relative to the treatment of plantar fasciitis to support his claims.

In short, I believe this "article" is an open invitation to the violation of accepted standards of care for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Dr. Barrett has every right to express his opinions. However, this article demands a review by our profession and commentary on PM News. This article calls for, what one esteemed colleague once called, a rape of the plantar fascia

Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO, allenthepod@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW ENGLAND

Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.comASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Central California multilocation practice looking for PSR-36 associate leading to partnership. PSR-36 trained podiatrist with great opportunity for reconstructive surgical practice. Practice has Medicare-approved surgery center. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent salary and incentive. Respond to: westsidefoot@yahoo.com

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