The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

November 26, 2012 #4,622 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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NY Podiatrist Discusses "Shoe-icide" via High Heeled Shoes

Although many teen girls want high heels and the more grown-up styles of women in their 20s, it's important to hold back on this impulse during their teen years. Prolonged use of high heels can harm foot muscles and can actually change tendons and bone alignment. This is especially true for teen girls because their feet are still growing and sky-high heels can affect the way they walk as adults.

Dr. Hillary Brenner

Numerous studies have been conducted on the relation of high heels with women's foot ailments and conditions. Podiatrist Dr. Hillary Brenner told WebMD, "We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide. Ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain."
When it comes to winter boots for teen girls, it's best to keep the heel flat and sturdy. Winter has enough obstacles and adding a heel to an inexperienced wearer can lead to falls, sprains and breaks.

Source: Sara Lugardo, Helium.com (WebMD)

APMWA Announces 27th Annual Student Writing Competition

The American Podiatric Medical Writers Association has announced its 27th Annual Student Writing Competition. 

• All papers MUST be non-technical in nature. Appropriate subjects include practice management, ethics, law, education, or any topic that would be suitable for a lay publication.
   
• There is no word limitation. Papers will be graded for content, style, grammar, neatness, and overall impact.
   
• First prize will be one thousand dollars ($1,000), sponsored by an APMA Educational Foundation endowment from Dr. and Mrs. Steven Berlin, and recognition in the APMA NEWS and the APMWA Newsletter. Honorable Mention Certificates may also be awarded.
   
• This competition is open to ANY enrolled podiatric student.
   
• Entries must be received by 4/15/13 via e-mail at bblock@podiatrym.com
   
• Entries become the property of APMWA, which may arrange publication of the entry.

FL Podiatrist Starts Holiday Shoe and Sock Drive

A local podiatrist started a Holiday Shoe and Sock Drive after hearing about an alarming number of Duval County students coming to school without shoes."I think it's a great feeling, especially when you can help out people. The little things you do make a big impact on someone else. I think that's what makes a difference," said Dr. Vimal Reddy with First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic.

Dr. Vimal Reddy

The drive began in early November. New or gently used shoes or socks can be donated until December 4th. "I figured we can put something together where we can give new and gently used shoes to kids who don't have shoes. For some of us, it's a second thought. For them, it's a priority," said Dr. Reddy.

Source: News4Jax.com [11/23/12]

CA Podiatrist Recalls Stories Of Recently Located Shipwreck

In its day, the five-masted George E. Billings was a graceful schooner that crossed the Pacific with enough lumber to build 100 homes. In the end, it was a barge for weekend anglers, a white elephant so costly that its owner towed it to sea, torched it, and let it sink. A four-paragraph story in the Feb. 12, 1941, Los Angeles Times made a vague reference to its resting place: "a lonely island reef north of here." A photo showed a flaming hulk with smoke billowing over rugged hills. Just where the Billings lay was anyone's guess. Shipwreck buffs knew though that whoever found it, would peel back the layers on more than a century of rough-and-tumble Western maritime history.

(L-R) Dr. Jens Birkholm and 1941 photo of Billings aflame.

In Solvang, a 73-year-old podiatrist named Dr. Jens Birkholm treasures stories of the Billings that he heard as a boy in Denmark. His paternal grandfather, Fredrik Birkholm, was an early captain, and his maternal grandfather, Wilhelm Jarlshöi, was first mate. Fredrik's wife, in the custom of the day, accompanied her husband and raised their children amid the towering waves, they told Jens. The Billings' Japanese cook had been a schoolteacher before he was kidnapped and forced to work on ships. The cook was so grateful to serve on the Billings, Birkholm said, that he sent the captain a set of porcelain teacups still cherished by the family.

Source: Steve Chawkins, Los Angeles Times [11/25/12]
Editor's note: The complete story can be read here. 

Patients' e-records Access Tied with Increased Healthcare Use: Study

A study of patients at Kaiser Permanente in Colorado found that patient use of Web-based electronic health-record system portals was linked to an increased use of clinical services, including higher rates of office visits and telephone calls to providers. Results of the study are set to be published in an article, "Patients with Online Access to Clinicians, Medical Records Have Increased Use of Clinical Services," in the Nov. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study looked at healthcare services by nearly 89,000 patients enrolled for at least 24 months with the integrated delivery network from March 2005 through June 2010. These patients were divided into two equal groups: those who were users of the organization's My Health Management patient online access system and those who were not. Researchers found "a significant increase in the per-member rates of office visits (0.7 per member per year) and telephone encounters (0.3 per member per year) for portal users compared with non-users," according to a news release about the study.

Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [11/20/12]

Query: 1st MTPJ fusion or Lapidus for Severe HAV

I would like to open a discussion regarding fusion of  the 1st MTPJ or 1st met-cuneiform for treatment of long-standing, severe HAV (about 20 degree IM). The patient is a healthy, non-smoker, and wishes to remain active. I have felt that the great toe joints were meant to keep moving, creating stability with a Lapidus, but some podiatric surgeons have touted 1st MTP fusion as a very good approach with “great results”. What are my colleagues’ experiences? Are patients happy with the functional result of the MTPJ fusion?

Mark Aldrich, DPM, Antigo, WI

RE: CMS to Now Cover Obesity Counseling
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

In a stunning change from previous policy, CMS has now started to cover counseling for diabetic patients who need "obesity" therapy. The natural question that erupts from this is whether or not DPMs will be allowed to participate. As of this time, it seems an open question. In an article on this subject , coverage is extended to "Supervised nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or physician assistants also will provide the service."
 
Other providers will have to have a physician (as defined by CMS) available in a nearby room or venue. APMA should open immediate discussions with CMS to clarify this issue. At stake is whether or not DPMs have the training to provide this counseling, and if not, where and how they can learn it. This is a vital issue for DPMs because they eventually see most diabetic patients in a very serious capacity. In most states, DPMs are allowed to diagnose and treat pedal manifestations of general body disorders.
 
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - USED Q-CLEAR LASER

Still under warranty . New laser head just added. First Best Offer. Marketing and training included. Dr. Zuckerman will train you. e-mail with questions to mook863@comcast.net

PEDORTHIST WANTED – NEW JERSEY

Certified pedorthist interested in part owning-working in a therapeutic shoe store in busy podiatrist's office. Please email to advancedfoot1@aol.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 PODO2345@AOL.COM 516-476-1815.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PUERTO RICO
 
Looking for a well motivated surgically trained podiatrist for a 20 year old hospital-based multi office practice . Candidate must be personable, ambitious, and knowledge of SPANISH language a must. Hospital surgical privileges available with heavy load of high risk diabetic foot patients. This position leads to PARTNERSHIP, and eventually ownership. Offices located near San Juan Metro area near Beaches, great schools, and major shopping malls. Please send CV to medicopodiatra@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY

Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. I am looking for an entrepreneurial minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with a doctor who is as committed to your success as he is to his own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - PORTLAND, OREGON

Busy office with good steady referral sources looking to expand. Areas of expertise wanted: wound care, surgery of all aspects, knowledge of running an office. Please come with good personality and hard work ethic. New main and satellite offices. Email: office.pfac@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEW JERSEY - PASSAIC COUNTY

Associate Position Available leading to Practice Purchase. 25 year old well established general, well rounded practice seeking residency trained, ABPS eligible/certified podiatrist. Must be able to perform general foot procedures/surgeries without assistance. Well equipped office with digital x-ray, ultrasound, Doppler, 3 treatment rooms. Hospital Privileges available. Must be logical, Ethical and hard working. Pay commensurate with performance. Call 201 986-1900 ToeBizCenter@Yahoo.Com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Welcome to paradise! Immediate opening in a busy, multi-location practice. Six figure income potential possible for the motivated individual in the first year. Surgical training a plus. Hospital privileges available, depending on training. Must be Florida licensed. Great benefit package. Send CV and cover letter to 1foot.ankle@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH FLORIDA

Busy multi office practice needs 3 year surgically trained Podiatrist to join five doctor practice. Benefits include Salary, Bonus, Health Insurance, Pension Plan and CME. Digital x-Ray and EMR in all offices. If interested please send a CV and letter of interest to alvatore1@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Exciting Opportunity! Associate position. Must be Board Qualified. Joining all Board Certified Doctors in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot and ankle surgery. Respond to: Podiatryoffice@doctor.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NC PIEDMONT

Excellent opportunity for highly motivated, ethical, and personable PSR 24/36. This well established, 3-physician practice has excellent rapport with physician community, multiple office locations, and hospital privileges. Intent is an associate leading to partnership for the right individual. Competitive salary & benefits. Email CV to dpmassociatenc@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF BAY AREA

We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial to join our growing practice. Must have great people skills, clinical/surgical skills, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Send your CV and cover letter to: cvpodiatrist@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CT (GREENWICH, FAIRFIELD, AND NORTH HAVEN)

Join one of the largest podiatric groups in Connecticut. Well-established and progressive offices, including EMR, digital x-ray, vascular and NCV studies, Pinpointe and CO2 lasers, diagnostic ultrasound and electrical stimulation therapy. You can expect a full schedule of patients the day you start, and a very competitive salary. For more info www.greatfootcare.com. Send resume to Dr.Kassaris@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to : practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com.

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14,000 DPMs 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 14,000 DPMs. Write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. 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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