The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 10, 2012 #4,634 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OK Podiatrist Elected President of OPMA

Podiatrist Dr. Bryan Blanck has been elected president of the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association for 2013-2014. Blanck will be developing policies voted on by the general membership. Everyone reports to him and he appoints all committees. He also helps decide how the Association's funds will be spent.

Dr. Bryan Blanck

Blanck is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and an Associate of the American Professional Wound Care Association. He was one of the initial investigators for VAC silver usage with split-thickness skin grafts.

Source: Art Lawler, The Ada News [12/7/12]

MO Podiatrists Honored for Service to Low-Income Clinic

The Shared Care Free Clinic celebrated its fourth annual Scopes for Hope fundraiser on November 9, 2012. The clinic serves low-income, uninsured adults with chronic medical illnesses so that they can live lives free of the complications of chronic disease. The event raised enough money to provide for half of the budget for 2013. The event show cases the talents of the local medical community and is well supported by physicians, hospitals, insurers and the local community.

(L-R) Jonathan Zerr, Board President, Drs. Ryan Frank, Bridget McCandless, and Arthur Weisman

Arthur Weisman, DPM and Ryan Frank, DPM of Heartland Podiatry in Independence, MO were the evening’s honorees. Dr. Bridget McCandless described their 10 years of service to patients, “These men have come to the clinic for years to provide education and foot care to our high-risk patients. Whenever a patient had more severe foot disease, including ulcers or infections, they cared for these patients in their office until they were well. What a great service to our patients.” Both men were presented with plaques for their service.

Red Cross Honors CA Podiatrist

Solano County is a home to a remarkable group of local individuals and organizations that were honored by the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter for lifesaving heroism, extraordinary acts of kindness and courage, and inspiring dedication to community service. The 2012 Solano County Heroes Awards is an annual program that pays tributes to those who make a difference in their community.

Dr. Nancy Kaplan (right) of Napa with Jackie Hanson who runs LIGA International (The Flying Doctors of Mercy)

Among those honored was Dr. Nancy Kaplan, a podiatrist at the Sutter Medical Foundation in Fairfield. Dr, Kaplan helps children in Mexico as a volunteer for LIGA International (The Flying Doctors of Mercy).

Source: Holly Valentine, San Jose Mercury News [12/7/12]

NY Podiatrist's Foundation Honors Furniture Company

Heavenly Productions Foundation (HCF) honored Bob's Discount Furniture and Bob's Charitable Outreach at a charity event on November 30, 2012 at the Grand Prix NY in Mount Kisco, New York.

(L-R) Sheryl Nolletti, Cathy Poulin, Dr. Kathy Reilly-Fallon, and Donna Gizzi.

These tribute awards were bestowed by HCF founder Dr. Kathy Reilly-Fallon to the President of Bob's Discount Furniture Bob Kaufman, Public Relations Director of Bob's Discount Furniture Cathy Poulin, and Bob's Outreach Coordinator, Sharon Valley, for helping children in many communities.

CA Podiatrist Resigns from Board Position to Devote More Time to Her Practice

After 16 years on the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District board, Dr. Cecile Shepard resigned last month to devote more time to her podiatry practice. Shepard announced she was stepping down during the Nov. 28 board meeting.

Dr. Cecile Shepard

Board Chairman Bobby Glover said Shepard indicated that her workload was picking up and she didn't believe she would be able to devote adequate time to the district. "Having served for a long period of time on the board, she brought a lot of historical perspective that will be missed," Glover said. Shepard was appointed to the board in 1996 and won re-election in 2010.

Source: Lisa P. White, Contra Costa Times [12/7/12]

Baucus Working to Stall Doc Pay Cut

The Senate Democratic health policy leader is writing legislation to delay an impending Medicare physician pay cut, according to health policy sources. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the powerful Finance Committee, is writing the bill that would delay a 26.5% Medicare physician fee cut scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, according to Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

The senators referenced Baucus' doc patch legislation in a letter they wrote on behalf of 29 of their colleagues this week urging him to include extensions of a range of smaller Medicare payments for hospitals, including the low-volume and the Medicare-dependent hospital programs.

Source: Rich Daly, Modernhealthcare.com [12/7/12]

Query: The Fiscal Cliff

Despite searching Google, I still don't understand the fiscal cliff. If someone can explain it to me in twenty five words or less of no more than two syllables each, I would appreciate it. My major concern is if it will affect the Doc Fix or the 27% reduction in physician payments.

Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH

Editor's comment: It means that mandatory pay cuts will go into effect, including cuts in Medicare. Additionally, we would all return to the pre-Bush tax rates. Other explanations are welcome.

RE: A1c and Elective Foot Surgery (Allen Jacobs, DPM)
From: Gino Scartozzi, DPM, Neil A Burrell, DPM

The standard that I have used within my practice for elective procedures in diabetics has been 7.5 mg%.

Gino Scartozzi, DPM, New Hyde Park, NY, gsdpm@aol.com

The Texas Diabetes Council, Texas Department of State Health Services in 10/29/2009 adopted new guidelines for physicians in the state of Texas. The recommendation of an A1c between less than 6 up to 8 was adopted based on type of diabetes, age of the patient, duration of diabetes, and of course co-morbidities. This information as well as all the TDC algorithms can be found at tdctoolkit.org/algorithms_and_guidelines.asp     

Neil A Burrell, DPM, Beaumont, TX, nburrell@gt.rr.com

RE: A1c and Elective Foot Surgery (Allen Jacobs, DPM)
From: Tip Sullivan, DPM

Dr. Jacobs has opened a very appropriate topic for discussion. I am not aware of any papers that specifically relate A1c to foot surgery success, elective or otherwise. The first thing that I asked myself after considering his question was: What is “elective” foot surgery? Certainly, we all agree that the current trend in “cosmetic” foot surgery is “elective.” I think the line one draws between elective surgery and necessary surgery can get grey.

Perhaps the terms emergent and non-emergent surgery would be...

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

RE: Source for Urea Liquid or Gel (Steve Block, DPM)
From: Daniel Waldman, DPM, Dock Dockery, DPM

I have used Kera-42 for many of my patients with great results. CTS Rx is an in-office dispensing podiatry-focused company with aesthetic packaging and a growing product line. 

Daniel Waldman, DPM, Asheville, NC, dpmcareer@me.com

Clinical Therapeutic Solutions (CTS) offers a 42% Urea cream, that also contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, and antioxidants. It is sold exclusively to podiatric physicians for resale to patients. 

Disclaimer: I am a clinical consultant for CTS.
 
Dock Dockery, DPM, Seattle, WA, gdockdockery@aol.com

RE: CA Legislator's Bill to Allow DPMs to Perform Some Primary Care Functions
From: Robert Bijak, DPM

For years, many podiatrists have been advocating that the APMA and the schools proclaim a change in podiatric educational philosophy, stating that podiatry is going to be a plenary-trained medical specialty viz-a-viz, osteopathy. This has not happened, and in the article regarding DPMs performing SOME primary care functions in California, podiatrists are lumped in with nurses and pharmacists. 
 
Our DPM has not been recognized in a caliber that places us in a different class. Of course, for some podiatrists, achieving the recognition of a nurse practitioner would be elevating. When are we going to stop dancing around the issue and make the DPM a plenary degree? It's up to all podiatrists to pressure their schools, the APMA, and respective boards. It's time to put our money where our mouths are!

Robert Bijak, DPM, Clarence Center, NY, rbijak@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 - FLORIDA

Busy Central Florida 4 office Practice. Full time position available for a podiatrist with 3 years surgical training. E-mail  your CV to:  Atlanticfootfl@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

Do you want to practice in a fast paced office environment? Do you like all aspects of podiatric medicine? Very busy 2 office practice looking for associate to add to our group of 5. If you are a forward thinking, surgically trained podiatrist send your CV to giacalone@faant.com

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 - NEW YORK CITY / BROOKLYN

Full time office locations. Excellent opportunity for a motivated, ethical and enthusiastic associate to join a successful, well established hospital affiliated practice. Must be residency trained PSR 24/36.Board eligible/certified by ABPS preferred. Must be competent in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Competitive salary with incentives. Email CV to DRSTEVEMENNA@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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN

Multi-doctor practice looking to add associate for two offices in Flint, MI. Partnership opportunity for right person. Needs to be proficient in forefoot surgery. Two docs already proficient in rearfoot/ankle surgery. Competitive salary, paid vacation and seminars. Patient schedule available “now” from retiring associate. Email resume flintfootdocneeded@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rearfoot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual. Send CV to dpmkthomas@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – WISCONSIN

Growing, innovative practice with multiple locations in South Eastern Wisconsin seeks an outgoing, team-focused podiatrist. Must be board certified/eligible, compassionate, professional, and flexible. Competitive salary and benefits, busy independent practice with large amount of new patients. Please send CV & letter of introduction to: Milwaukee.podiatrist@gmail.com

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 - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Busy multi office practice with latest in technology EMR, digital X-rays. Looking for BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be able to handle rearfoot / ankle trauma and reconstructive cases. Paid vacation, health insurance and partnership available. New or experience practitioners welcomed. Email resume to: mny1029@gmail.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 - 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 - 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

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - IMAGING

MinXray X-ray-Stationary Podiatry System with orthoposer. Excellent condition. Best offer. Fluroscan officemate. This Mini C-Arm has excellent resolution; it is totally automatic and comes in a 4” Field of View. This system includes a printer. Very good condition - $7000. Email Dr Cohen for details and photos. jr11231@yahoo.com 

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