The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

November 28, 2011 #4,317 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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DC Podiatrist Provides Shoe-Buying Advice for RA Patients

The best shoes you can buy when you have arthritis are those with rubber soles, says Alison Garten, DPM, CPed, vice president of the American Association of Women Podiatrists and a podiatrist in Washington, D.C. The advantage to rubber soles is that they give you more cushioning. Check the soles of shoes you're considering as carefully as you check the fit. 

Dr. Alison Garten

Make sure the sole is most flexible at the ball of your foot because that's where you push off when you walk. (Flexibility in the middle doesn't matter much.) If you do choose shoes with a slight heel, Garten adds, make sure the design also has a back strap so that it better secures your foot.

Source: Beth Orenstein, Everyday Health [11/3/11]

NJ Podiatrist Helps Coordinate Thanksgiving Dinners for Seniors

Township police officers delivered at least 140 bags of homemade turkey dinners Wednesday to low-income seniors who otherwise may have had no holiday meal on Thanksgiving. Nathaniel Lawrence, 72, is a former federal employee who retired after he had a stroke in 2003. All his relatives are long gone, and he never had children.

Dr. Hal Ornstein

Lawrence said he was grateful to the police officers and township’s senior services for the big dinner, and he’s looking forward to other holiday plans organized through the senior center, such as the Christmas dinner thrown by Dr. Hal Ornstein, a local podiatrist who also helps coordinate this Thanksgiving program.

Source: Asbury Park Press [11/24/11]

Debt Deadlock Helps Medicare, but for How Long?

While many Americans view the debt deadlock in Washington as a national stumbling block, advocates for Social Security and Medicare saw it as a victory when the congressional supercommittee declared defeat last week. The programs they view as vital to the country's safety net were spared immediate serious cuts when the committee failed to issue a plan. Yet experts warn that changes to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will have to be part of any solution to curtail the country's $15 trillion debt.

An earlier debt commission led by economist Alice Rivlin and former Sen. Pete Domenici, R-NM, concluded that the mounting costs of Medicare are "the principal driver of future federal deficits." In roughly seven years, federal health care spending will outpace the costs of every other program, including Social Security, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Medicare is expected to become insolvent, meaning that its income can't cover costs, in 2024, according to the latest report by its trustees.

Source: Laura Green, Palm Beach Post [11/26/11]

Alleged Overcorrection of Bunion (MI)

Summary of Facts: Patricia Starr, who was blind, reportedly underwent bunion surgery at a hospital on Feb. 22, 2006. She said the surgery was performed by defendant podiatrists. According to Starr, the podiatrists overcorrected the bunion by going too deep into the tissue and muscle and removing too much bone. After the surgery, they reportedly failed to advise her of the overcorrection and of the appearance of her foot.

As a result of the overcorrection, she said, her foot was disfigured, she could not bend her big toe, her gait was abnormal, and she sustained a loss of balance. Starr filed a lawsuit against...

Editor's note: This complete jury verdict reporter can be read here.

Result: Defendant's Verdict ($0)

Plaintiff's expert: Barry Bean, DPM, Southfield, MI.
Defendant's expert: Neal A. Mozen, DPM, Southfield, MI

End Each Week on a High Note

Finish the week with something that makes your staff smile. Spend a few minutes walking around and watching people work. Then hold a
brief meeting to praise what you saw people doing well. Reinforce their positive behaviors and they will return to work Monday with more enthusiasm.

Source: Adapted from “Lousy Managers Try and Catch People Doing Something Wrong,” Tim Sanders via Communication Briefings

Query: Nitroglycerin Patches

I recently had a patient advise me that she had both feet saved last year with the application of nitroglycerin patches for an apparent PVD (unknown cause) problem that threatened loss of both feet. Does anyone  have any information on the applicability for PVD and possibly peripheral neuropathy, and what would the dosage use and precautions be? I suspect that even though it is applied topically, there can be a significant impact on the heart, so there may be other precautions that are required to be taken.
 
Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA

RE: Who Gets to Cast?
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

At the Midwest Podiatry Conference, April 19-22, 2011, there will be a lecture, "Improving Your Casting Technique." This lecture could have satisfied the many complaints that not enough biomechanics are being presented at conferences, but it will not. Why? The lecture is for podiatric medical assistants. I guess some of our colleagues have such little regard for our profession that they "farm" this out to their assistants. Isn't this a fine state of affairs! This also does not say very much about the MPC board who has the responsibility to improve our knowledge and continue to upgrade our profession. I have great respect for our podiatric medical assistants, but casting is something I feel they should not be doing. I sure hope the practice is not billing for casting done by an assistant.

Maybe these patients would be better off going to a chiropractor? Just kidding. Of course, they would be better off coming to my office where I do not mind getting my hands full of plaster of Paris.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: The Blood Pressure Discussion (Randall Brower, DPM)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM

A machine at Walgreens does not make up for the skill of a podiatrist or a physician actually listening to the blood pressure. If you diagnose high blood pressure, why not also refer out to a cardiologist or PCP? Being a podiatrist is a profession in which you can help patients. Isn't this what we are in practice for?

Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY, podiatrist12@verizon.net

RE: Can Early Diagnosis of Bunions Prevent Foot Surgery? (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From:  Robert D. Phillips, DPM

I think that Dr. Bijak can make his points without being so pejorative. I hope that he doesn't say nasty things to his patients the way he cuts down and belittles his colleagues. I think that we can disagree without being disagreeable and disrespectful. Interestingly enough, the orthopedists I work with don’t think that it is non-medical practice when we utilize “arch supports.” They concede that they just didn’t learn much about it. And it’s amazing the number of family practitioners who want to learn more about it.

One of the better scientific studies about orthotics was Tim Kilmartin’s, in which he found that his orthotics actually made bunions worse in pediatric patients. I had the good fortune of publically discussing with Dr. Kilmartin his findings shortly after his publication. The one thing I had to disagree with him was that...

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

CPME-CERTIFIED WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP

Open position available Jan.31, 2012. St. John`s Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway New York. State-of-the-art wound care center. All aspects of wound care including hyperbaric oxygen & reconstructive surgery. One year, excellent salary & benefits. Must have completed approved residency and passed boards. Contact Mariann (718) 869-7256

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

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

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 DPM footcare@comcast.net

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 - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA - SAVANNAH

Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking associate or new residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA

Busy surgically-oriented group in Bakersfield, CA searching for 4th doctor. Wound care center privileges. All 3 current surgeons have 3+ years post-graduate training. Send letter of interest with CV to: aghams2@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE

30 year old practice with 5 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hardworking, team player. $160,000 base salary with bonus incentives and benefits. Post-residency experience a plus. Please send resume to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com

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 - 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 - TAMPA BAY AREA

Excellent opportunity to join a well-established multi-office group practice in the beautiful Tampa Bay area starting July 1, 2012. We are seeking a highly motivated, ethical and personable physician with a Florida license. Competitive salary, excellent benefits and partnership track. Please email or fax CV to thesykeshome@aol.com  (813) 254-8262

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA

Seeking associate with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital-based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short bio to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA / BAY AREA

We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial who can help grow our practice. Must have great people skills, clinical/surgical skills, and positive demeanor. California license required. Send your CV and cover letter to cvpodiatrist@gmail.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 24-36 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 Diane Coulter, Office Manager.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY/ LONG ISLAND

Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PSR-24/36 trained individual for busy practice in family-friendly college town. Seeking personable, ethical, motivated individual to join our well established practice providing all aspects of podiatric care. Competitive salary and benefits package. Reply with letter, CV and photo to Jagerone@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTON, OH

Join a well-established modern practice in Dayton, Ohio. Excellent reputation and referral base. Base salary $120,000, benefits and bonus structure. EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet vascular studies, CO2 lasers, all aspects of DME. We seek a surgeon that is well-trained and personable to join our group of 4 podiatric surgeons. Would like to have this individual buy in to the practice eventually. Please send CV and to Ohiodoctors@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Looking for 3rd associate. Must be personable, well trained and highly motivated. Great locations in Southern Maryland, including an Ambulatory Surgical Center. We currently have EHR, digital radiography, dispensing center and PADNet. Looking for immediate hire! Please send CV to:  myfeetfeet@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 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PODIATRY OFFICE TO SHARE - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

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. 425-643-8901 isbinc2006@gmail.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's and Students

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