The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 22, 2010 #4,017 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IL Podiatrists Can Now Earn 50 Credits on the Internet

Recently, the number of required continuing medical educations credits for Illinois podiatrists has increased to 100 credits every two years. The good news is that 50 of those credits can be earned on-line via CPME-approved programs such as the one offered by Podiatry Management.  

Currently, PM's CME program costs $139 per ten units (15 contact hours) . We encourage those who still need credits this year to sign up at http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm.  The price for this program will be increasing to $149 on January 1, 2011. 

P.A.D. Can Lead to Lower Limb Amputations: TX Podiatrist

P.A.D. occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs. This can result in leg muscle pain when walking, disability, amputation, and poor quality of life. Blocked arteries found in people with P.A.D. can be a red flag that other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may also be blocked – increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Dr. Joseph Caporusso

The test for P.A.D. is called the ankle-brachial index, a painless, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in the ankles with the blood pressure in the arms. “Poor circulation in the legs – particularly in people with diabetes – is a serious problem,” stated Joseph Caporusso, DPM, Chair of the P.A.D. Coalition. “Without proper blood flow, a minor problem such as a cut or blister may not heal properly and may lead to an infection. If not treated promptly, these problems can result in amputation of a toe, foot, or part of the leg.”

Source: Newswise [11/19/10]

Winter Requires Potective Footwear: APMA President

From grandparents to grade-schoolers, we've almost all, on occasion, sacrificed sensible for stylish when it comes to the shoes we select for cold-weather wear. But wearing shoes that don't protect and support our feet during chilly winter months can cause foot ailments that could last long after the snow has melted into spring. From bunions, dry skin, and toenail fungus to frostbite and arthritis, cold can cause and worsen a range of foot health problems.

Dr. Kathleen Stone

To every shoe its season, says the American Medical Podiatric Association (APMA). "Sixty-four percent of Americans admit to wearing shoes that hurt their feet, and three out of 10 who wear painful shoes say they do it at least once a week," notes Dr. Kathleen Stone, podiatrist and president of the APMA. "We generally spend a lot of time on our feet, and nearly a quarter of us put in six or more hours on our feet each day. Winter, with its precipitation and chilly temperatures, not to mention the demands of the holidays, is no time to live with feet that hurt."

Source: Osceola Sentinel Tribune [11/19/10}

NJ Podiatrist Recognized for Spontaneous Donation for Soldiers

When Edward Noll, chaplain of the American Legion Post 8 went to see his podiatrist in Clifton, Dr. Jeffrey Miller, he expected nothing more than the professional medical services that he came for. When Noll spoke about the work of Post 8 in assisting soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq by sending packages, Miller was moved to make a $500 donation to the work of the Post.

Edward Noll (R) presents plaque and certificates to Dr. Jeffrey Miller

Noll then surprised Miller when he came to his office to present a plaque of Appreciation, along with certificates for each of Miller's podiatry offices.

Source: Clifton Journal [11/19/10]

ME Podiatrist Pleads Not Guilty to Cocaine Possession Charge

A podiatrist from Cumberland pleaded not guilty today to a cocaine possession charge, and is expected to be bailed out of jail on $1,000 cash. John Perry, 49, who runs Atlantic Foot & Ankle Center in Portland, was arrested Wednesday. He is the target of an ongoing federal investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Perry was arrested Wednesday morning after a traffic stop in Cumberland. Police say they found a gram of cocaine in the vehicle. Perry has no criminal history except for a drunk driving charge in April, according to state records.

Source: Trevor Maxwell, Kennebec Journal [11/19/10]

Painkillers Darvon, Darvocet Withdrawn at FDA Request

The maker of Darvon and Darvocet announced Friday that it would stop marketing the widely used painkillers in the U.S. because a new study links the active ingredient to serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm abnormalities.

The FDA requested the withdrawal and urged doctors to stop prescribing the drugs immediately. But it advised patients to keep taking their medication while consulting quickly with physicians to find an alternative. Pain management experts said the drugs are easily replaceable. The decision follows years of controversy about Darvon's dangerous side-effects

Source: Andrew Zajac, Los Angeles Times [11/20/10]

Query: Circulation to Toes, Post-Op

I have a patient in the hospital with very questionable perfusion to two toes after hammertoe surgery. I told the patient to hang his feet down for a few minutes out of each hour as well as get up and take a short walk from time to time to help gravity pull blood distally. Otherwise, I told him to keep his foot level. The medical doctor was adamantly against that and told the patient to do the opposite. He felt there was no value to what I said, and that it was far more important to keep swelling down by constant elevation. The patient has moderate swelling of his foot. I really didn't want his foot terribly elevated at all times because blood has difficulty going against gravity to perfuse the toes. He is already on coumadin and aspirin, and IV antibiotics for infection. Any thoughts from my colleagues on this?

Stephen Pirotta, DPM, Bentonville, AR

Query: Telephone Answering System

I currently use Verizon’s answering system for my office and I am getting too many complaints of “silence” when patients are on hold. Could I get advice on a cost-effective system that will handle the “silence” effectively.

Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY

RE: Am I entitled to the Reason? (Barry Block, DPM, JD)
From: Lynn Homisak

I agree with Dr. Block 100%. Think of it another way...would you rather she lied and called in "sick" to avoid all the questions? If so, there are trust issues to be concerned about. Give her credit for her straight-forward approach. Encouraging an honest environment is always best.

Lynn Homisak, PRT,  Renton, WA, lynnprt@msn.com

RE: Leonard Levy on Meet the Masters (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

I appreciate the remarks by Robert Bijak, DPM, about the discussion I led on Meet the Masters about the MD or DO degree for DPMs. My intent was to describe the picture that at least I think exists. However, I did not mean to imply that it would necessarily take 20 years to accomplish it. My point was that there has been so much rhetoric regarding this issue but there still has not been a conclusion made by the organized profession to go that route and, if so, there is no plan. A specific, well-coordinated, vigorous action plan is needed if that is the direction the profession chooses to go. Without a plan, we can expect to continue to wander aimlessly.

Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, levyleon@nova.edu

It appears to me, and hopefully most, that an individual obtaining a DPM/DO or DPM/MD degree in no way helps the profession as a whole. Sure, the DPM/DO or DPM/MD will grant that specific individual more privileges and credibility as more education/experience rightfully does, but how does this help the appearance of the rest of the profession? Possibly, the dual medical degree comes off stating that the DPM is not sufficient or adequate enough, and more education should be required to perform the job that we are already doing? 
 
To those who have the dual degree for other reasons such as wanting to enhance their education, etc., please forgive me, and understand that my comments are directed towards the perception of the general public and our medical peers looking at the profession as a whole.

Brant McCartan, DPM, MBA, MS; Boston, MA, brantm@gmail.com

Editor's note: Dr. Steve Gershman's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Impending Medicare Cuts (Robert Kornfeld, DPM, Robert Cropper, DPM)
From: Barry Mullen, DPM

I'm sorry, but I haven't heard many viable solutions to our current healthcare crisis. What I have witnessed is frustration and panic catalyzing naivety and hasty, ineffective decision-making. With all due respect, a one-day walkout will have...NO EFFECT!

Not the government, local media, nor your community majority, give a hoot unless that walkout directly affects their well being! The fact is that social security cuts became inevitable. Economic crises exist and are partly to blame, but delve deeper into why healthcare is in crisis mode; then conjure solutions to...

Editor's note: Dr. Mullen's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Senate Passes One-Month Delay; House Bill for Extension Introduced       
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM  

So what! At the current reimbursement rates, it's a losing proposition for most providers. Rolling over and accepting below-the-cost-of-providing-care set in motion the ability of commercial insurance companies to do the same. Stopping the cuts is not enough. We have not seen tort reform because providers are looked upon as being easy to push around. If push comes to shove, we will continue to work for near nothing. Because of the few who rip off Medicare, every provider has to worry about innocent "oopsies" in charting, being exposed to the possibility of ruin. 
 
Providers are now the working wounded. I have not participated in Medicare for 15 years.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, doc@footsportsdoc.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA BAY AREA

Excellent opportunity to join a well established multi-office group practice in the Tampa Bay area starting July 1, 2011. We are seeking a hard-working, ethical and outgoing physician with Florida license. Salary commensurate with training plus benefits. Please email or fax CV. podiatryfl@yahoo.com 813-254-8262.

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.

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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP - MARYLAND/DC

High volume, state-of-the-art podiatric practice in prestigious Montgomery County Looking for a highly motivated, well trained podiatric physician to help manage a very busy in-patient and out-patient based practice. Minimum of PSR-36 with interest in hindfoot surgery, ankle reconstruction, and complex wound care. Salary and benefits are commensurate with the position...and exceptional opportunity for the right individual. Please send CV and a letter of interest to adassili@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISIANA

Associate position in busy multi-office practice. Must be highly motivated, hardworking and have good people skills. Residency training required. Competitive salary and benefit package. For more information please submit CV and specify your current location and availability. Confidentiality assured. E-mail dpmposition@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW MEXICO

Well established, multi-office practice in sunny Albuquerque, NM
is seeking a well-trained (PSR 24/36) associate to start July 2011. Travel required one day/week. Utilize your talent with our "Leg Law" as well as our state-of-the-art practice including digital x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, PADNet, and an in-office surgical suite. Send your cover letter, CV and 2 letters of reference to:  familyfootww@yahoo.com. Visit our website at www.newmexicopodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – IOWA CITY AREA

Modern practice seeking a well-trained (PSR 24/36) associate to start immediately. Excellent opportunity for an energetic, hardworking individual with strong surgical and medical skills. Solid referral network and 13 years of growth. Come live in the Iowa City area and enjoy the quality of life and stability of a Big Ten University community. Competitive salary and benefit package available. If interested, fax CV to 319-354-1014 or e-mail to dave@341foot.com

ASSOCIATE  POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office multi-doctor practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner OK. Fax CV to (239)566-8778 or Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.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 ohiodoctors@aol.com

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

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.

WOUND CARE TISSUE HEALING FELLOWSHIP

St. Johns Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, NY currently has one opening for its 12 month CPME-approved Wound Care and Tissue Healing Fellowship beginning immediately. St. John's Episcopal Hospital has a major wound care/hyperbaric oxygen center. Fellows are trained in all aspects of wound care including certification in hyperbaric medicine. Surgical residency training required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please contact Lloyd Bardfeld, DPM, Director: Wound Care Tissue Healing Fellowship, 516-592-7075, tnddawg@aol.com

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 - 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

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

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

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

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