The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

December 08, 2011 #4,326 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Obesity A Prominent Cause of Heel Pain in Students: MO Podiatrist

With school sports seasons in full swing, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons stresses that athletes should never "play through the pain" in their feet. Left untreated, heel pain can lead to difficulty in walking that will require complicated therapy. The number of pediatric patients reporting heel pain increases with fall and winter sports seasons. Obesity is emerging as another prominent cause of heel pain--even with students in physical education class activities, says Karl Collins, DPM, FACFAS, a St. Louis-based foot and ankle surgeon.

Dr. Karl Collins

The good news is that kids are good healers and treatment may be simple if it is done quickly. 

Source: Medcompare [11/30/12]

OPMA Podiatrists Participate in Fox Chicago Diabetes Information Forum

Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA) President, Dr. Ada Paolucci, Past-President Dr. Theodore Polizos and Executive Director Dr. Michael Hriljac participated in a special webcast for the Picture This Diabetes Forum, presented by the Entertainment Industries Council (EIC), done in collaboration with Novo Nordisk and hosted by Fox Chicago, designed to raise awareness about diabetes in Chicago. 

Drs. Ada Paolucci and Theodore Polizos (R) with former Chicago Bear, Jay Leeuwenburg (L) at the Picture This Diabetes Forum

Speakers at this forum included Illinois State Representative Jim Durkin, who gave a talk about his involvement as a member of the Illinois Diabetes Caucus while passionately advocating diabetes awareness in Illinois, and former Chicago Bear Jay Leeuwenburg, who talked about playing professional sports while managing diabetes. “We’re excited to be a part of this forum, as it offers valuable insight and advice for creating powerful health messages about diabetes by bringing them to the attention of the local media news outlets and their audiences,” said Dr. Hriljac. “We hope this initiative will be carried out throughout the country.”

IL Podiatrist Shows School Kids Importance of Exercise, Foot Health

Naperville podiatric physician Larry Kosova, DPM gives last minute exercise instructions to students at Cragin-Belmont Elementary School in Chicago. Kosova participated in a new program sponsored by the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association called "Move Your Feet." The program promotes exercise and education about foot and ankle health and was inspired, in part, by First Lady Michelle Obama's “Let’s Move” exercise program.

Dr. Larry Kosova shows school kids importance of exercise, foot health.

The program encourages physical fitness while also educating elementary school children about anatomy and the importance of their own foot health. The pilot program focuses on children in grades four through eight and covered: anatomy of the foot, common foot ailments and their treatments, and the importance of exercise.

Source: Chris Martin, Trib Local [12/5/11]

CA Podiatrist Became WWII Pilot After Pearl Harbor

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor that will be remembered Wednesday on the 70th anniversary, young men in small towns across America united and lined up at the enlistment offices to serve their country at war - and a few courageous women like Dr. Mary Burchard. At 28, Burchard peered out the window of her medical practice at the young enlistees marching off to war on the street below in York, PA and she joined them.

Dr. Mary Burchard in 1941 and today

She flew airplanes as a hobby, but felt the call to serve her country. Mary was nicknamed "Doc" by the other fly girls. Last year, Mary received the Congressional Gold Medal along with the other 300 remaining WASPs.

Source: Denise Carson, The Orange County Register [12/5/12]

Congress Mulling 2-Year Medicare 'Doc Fix' With No Raise

A last-minute plan is shaping up in Congress to postpone a massive reduction in Medicare reimbursement to physicians for 2 years, and freeze rates in the meantime. The political will to avoid a 27.4% pay cut scheduled for January 1 seems to be there on both sides of the aisle. Last week, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said that Congress would pass legislation by December 16 to avert what physicians consider a catastrophic blow to their practice finances and seniors' access to care.

The question is how Republicans and Democrats will strike an agreement while they are fighting tooth and nail over other end-of-year matters, such as extending a payroll tax cut for workers, and unemployment benefits for the jobless.

Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape News [12/6/11]

RE: Terbinafine Overdose (Eric Edelman, DPM)
From: Jay D Helman, DPM

Terbinafine has a half-life of 2 weeks. Therefore, 2 weeks after last dosing, it's out of the blood and into the skin and nails for the next three months. If patients LFTs are normal, then there is no reason you can't complete the regimen. The only thing Dr. Edelman didn't mention is whether or not he cultured and confirmed that he is treating strictly a dermatophyte. If not, it won't be effective. The reservoir of terbinafine must be sufficient in the nails for the entire clearing process for it to be effective. If it runs out prior to total clearing, the entire nail will re-infect.

Jay D Helman, DPM, Suffern, NY, footdr80@hotmail.com

RE: Life-Long Maintenance Regimen for Onychomycosis (Evan Meltzer, DPM)
From: Alan L. Bass, DPM,  Jose' M. Concha, DPM

I recommend using Mycomist by Gordon Laboratories which helps control cross-contamination. What would you rather give your patient, a can of Lysol or a bottle of Mycomist, a professional product, by a company that supports podiatry. The underlying problem could also be excessive perspiration for which I would then recommend Formadon (Rx) by Gordon Laboratories.
 
Alan L. Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ, abassdpm@optonline.net

In my office, we use Fungasoap in conjunction with any oral, topical, laser, or excisional approach to onychomycosis. It is used especially after resolution of the infection to prevent recurrence. The active ingredient is  5% tea-tree oil which is well documented (Medline articles) as highly effective against dermatophytes, yeast, bacteria, and even MRSA. The fact that it is in a soap base formulation gives patients a more routine regimental habit, therefore leading to a practical hygienic approach which is also inexpensive as well as effective.  After washing with Fungasoap and rinsing, we recommend blow drying of the feet using a hair dryer, making sure to use the cool setting. Fungasoap has also significantly reduced cellulitis & infections of our patient population which has led to a significant drop in amputations in our high risk patients. Fungasoap is sold by Pedifix Inc. (Brewster, NY) and offers the patient and physician a 100% money-back guarantee if not satisfied.

Disclaimer: I am the inventor of Fungasoap body wash.

Jose' M. Concha, DPM, Saint Augustine, FL, fungus@pol.net

RE: Hair Loss and Lamisil (Brian W. Fullem, DPM)
From: Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM

This finding could be coincidental. A former employee of mine was going through a lot of family issues and was losing her hair due to the stress. Once the stress abated, her hair began growing normally again, although it did take several months. Perhaps see if this could be occurring with your patient. It is amazing how stress plays a much bigger role in many medical conditions than we realize.

Cynthia Ferrelli, DPM, Buffalo, NY, cyncity5@gmail.com

RE:  Starting a Practice (Nicole Rubackin-Hayward, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

My best advice to give would to get on staff at your local hospital and get involved on a committee(s).

Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH, ly2drmusser@gmail.com

First, I suggest that you join the most dynamic organization in our profession: the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management. They will provide you with a lot of ideas and advice on how to market and manage your practice. Second, continue what you are already doing: visit all of the PCPs and specialists who are part our referral sources, and introduce yourself to the hospital's administration. Third, you may join a local church, community service club, and volunteer group.
 
Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Marietta, GA, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

Based on your background in the pharmaceutical industry, I would think you could give very informative talks to medical specialists, nurses, perhaps pharmacists, and  certainly the general public (and particularly those groups of patients you wish to target). Doing so would not only give you the visibility you need at this time but also the credibility that local (paid) advertising  lacks.

Writing articles for medical journals and local newspapers would accomplish the same goal, albeit at a slower pace.

Bob Levoy, Great Neck, NY, blevoy@verizon.net

RE: Onychomycosis is a Common and Frustrating Condition: Canadian Podiatrists
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
 
Dr. Andrew Klayman is quoted as saying: "Exposure to the gym, unsterile pedicure instruments at nail salons, swimming pools, and public showers can spread the fungus. And it's contagious."
 
One issue that is obvious to all of us, but seldom questioned or discussed, is why do we almost always see some nails badly affected by mycosis and others on the same foot, totally non-affected. If "contagious" is the only factor, why wouldn't all of the toes on the same foot be equally as infected by the same pathogen? There is no better environment for the spread of fungi than damp, stuffy shoes. Could there be others factors at play such as a lack of cell-based immunity which affects some toes and not others? Could biomechanical imbalances cause damage to the stratum corneum of some toes and hence inhibit the production of keratinocytes, the first line of response in those particular toes and not the others?
 
Evidence-based answers to the above questions would not only address why only certain anatomic areas are affected and not others, but might address why there is such a high rate of recurrence of onychomycosis after the cessation of treatment.
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: MN Podiatrist Supports Statewide Single-Payer Health Insurance System
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

There is no such thing as “free healthcare.” The argument for single payer is that it is more efficient and more money goes to healthcare. Single payer supposedly allows more money for actual healthcare because it is not profit-driven. But profit-driven systems are far more efficiently operated than governmental organizations. Governmental organizations become bloated with too many intermediate managers who stay on forever. They usually come with over-sight programs that get too powerful. Profit systems usually end up with some executives being severely over-paid and money is spent to advertise, which comes out of healthcare dollars.

Some mix of both systems is probably best. But look out for extremes in either category. There is no perfect answer. Excessive regulation is not the key. When I compare big government to the private sector, I think most Americans gravitate to the private sector. It was still possible to force insurers to cover pre-existing conditions by eliminating some coverage demands (like alcohol and drug rehab for everyone), without Obamacare. An example is travel insurance, which covers pre-existing conditions if the insurance is purchased within two weeks of the first deposit for the tour. I will never become an alcoholic or drug addict. But I must pay for that coverage anyway. More choices usually mean a more responsive marketplace.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, San Jose, CA, Rosey1@prodigy.net

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 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Immediate position for associate to partnership for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be a PSR-24 or PM&S-36 trained. 100K start. Must be ethical, self-starter, hard worker ,team player. Willingness to learn / work as part of a team. Great ancillaries & surgery facility. Must be proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Email CV and recent cases to: susmitad86@yahoo.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 - 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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FLORIDA

Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Candidate should have the skills and desire to perform rearfoot/ankle surgery. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner. In a cover letter tell me why you should be selected for the team. Email cover letter and CV with subject line "I am your new team member." to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.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 - 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 - TEXAS

We are looking for a reliable and enterprising podiatrist who will assist in growing our practice. People skills, clinical/surgical skills and good behavior will be a plus also Texas license required. forward your CV to "divinefootcarecenter@yahoo.com or you can also contact us at 972-790-2800, fax number 972-790-2803.

PART TIME PODIATRIST NEEDED- LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Busy podiatrist looking for assistance with treating home-bound patients. Flexible hours, independence, and great compensation. If interested, email CV to homefootcare@hotmail.com

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

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

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.

RESEARCH AND SURGICAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM: BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
 
Join our team and become an expert in limb preservation, tissue repair, and wound healing. This is a unique accredited multidiscipline fellowship program at a major teaching hospital. Fellows will be expected to significantly contribute to clinical research, surgical procedures, teaching and innovation with a world renowned expert team. Requirements: Completion of a two or three-year surgical residency; ACLS certified. Candidate must possess a commitment to an academic career in podiatric medicine and surgery. Program begins 7/1/12. Submit a CV and letter of interest to: Erin Springhetti erin.springhetti@bmc.org and the Director Dr. Vickie Driver,Vickie.driver@bmc.org. If questions call 617-414 6821.

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

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

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