The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

December 23, 2011 #4,339 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Tissue Filler Can Delay or Prevent Hammertoe Surgery: NY Podiatrist

When Diana Smirkle had painful corns which conservative treatment did not work, she turned to Dr. Johanna Youner in Manhattan for one of the latest techniques in foot pain relief. "It's an off-label use of filler that has been FDA-approved for areas on the face, the nose, and the labial folds for years, and we found it safe and effective in the feet," Dr. Youner says.

Dr. Johanna Youner

The filler, Juvederm is injected beneath the corn and fills up surrounding tissue that has been lost through years of wear and tear. The filler not only evens out and shrinks the corn, it triggers the body to replace its own worn out tissue. "Using filler we can either delay surgery or halt it all together," Dr. Youner says.

Source: Amy Leone, WUSA-9 [12/20/11]

OH Podiatrist Finally Realizes His Dream to Pitch at Fenway

In the summer of 1952, a lanky left-handed pitcher out of Roslindale High School took the mound at Fenway Park. 18-year old Dick Dawson was on the verge of realizing a dream. He tried out for the Boston Red Sox, but was not selected. Dawson went on to Boston College and then the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. In 1965, he moved to Canton, where he maintained a thriving practice before becoming a manager for Pfizer Pharmaceutical. 

Dr. Dick Dawson Pitches at Fenway Park

Improbably, 57 years later, he would get another chance to make his mark. On a rainy night in July of 2011, the kid from Roslindale, now 77, again took the mound at Fenway. His son Mark put in the winning bid at a local charity auction for a chance to throw out the first pitch before a Red Sox game. Dawson threw a strike. 

Source: John Quattrucci, The Canton Journal [12/20/11]

NY Podiatrist Launches Vitamin Line

Surgery Vitamin has announced the launch of a new line of surgeon-developed vitamin dietary supplements to support optimal healing after a variety of surgeries and cosmetic procedures. 

Dr. Neal Blitz

"Unlike most vitamin preparations available in the drug store, Surgery Vitamin Surgical Support Program is a targeted proprietary blend of key-healing nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and amino acids) that not only provide the surgical patient with the proper ingredients for healing, but specifically avoids those ingredients that are not allowed to be taken around a surgery," says Dr. Neal Blitz, president and founder of Surgery Vitamin.

OH Podiatrist Can't Sit on Two Boards at the Same Time: Attorney General

A Pemberville man who was elected to the Eastwood school board in November will have to decide whether to take his place on the Board of Education or keep his seat on the Wood County Board of Health. Dr. Ted Bowlus, a Perrysburg podiatrist who serves as president of the health board, and Eastwood school board member Robert Kuhlman were elected to two open seats in the November election. 

Dr. Ted Bowlus

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued a legal opinion Monday that said it would be a "significant conflict of interest" for the president of a board of health to serve on a school board for a district situated within the health district because the two entities annually share in the amount of tax revenue generated within the 10-million dollar tax limitation set by Ohio law.

Source: Toledo Blade 12/21/11]

NJ Podiatrist Charged with Running Oxy Prescription Mill

Undercover detectives have charged an Emerson podiatrist with writing high-dose Oxycodone prescriptions by the dozen for people in and around town in exchange for a fee from a local bodybuilder and another man who acted as black-market brokers. Dr. Carnig Shakarjian, 49, of Park Ridge, already was facing charges following his arrest for illegally dispensing Ecstasy. He had been free on $50,000 bail when the new charges were announced today.

Source: Jerry DeMarco, Cliffside Pilot [21/21/11}

Democrats Press Boehner to Set Vote on Tax Cut, SGR

Congressional Democrats on Wednesday would not say if the House or Senate has plans to introduce a stand-alone bill to avert a looming 27.4% Medicare physician payment cut if federal lawmakers can't agree on a payroll tax cut bill that includes a two-month freeze on payments to the nation's doctors.

During a call with reporters, Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) repeated a message that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) sent to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in a letter Wednesday: that the Ohio Republican should reconvene House members and hold an up-or-down vote on the Senate-amended version of a House payroll tax cut bill that the Senate passed with strong support last weekend.

Source: Jessica Zigmond, Modern Healthcare [12/21/11]

Query: Chronic Rash in 14 Year Old

Can someone provide a differential diagnosis for this non-puritic, maculer/papuler, symmetrical rash in a healthy 14 year old female, ongoing for over one year. This is not due to a contact dermatitis and the patient has no illnesses nor exposure with the exception of irregular menstrual periods controlled by BCP.

Undiagnosed Chronic Rash in 14 Year Old

This lesion has not responded to multiple steroid creams and lotions prescribed by the PCP and the dermatologist. I wanted to get the patient's medical records and labs before I biopsy this.

Bruce Krell, DPM, Chandler, AZ

RE: Orthotic Therapy For Hallux Rigidus (John Scholl, DPM)
From: Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Jeff Root

I have used custom orthotics with a Morton’s extension several times for this condition with good results. I have also used the hemi-toe implant, but if the patient would like conservative treatment, the orthotic works well.
 
Connie Lee Bills, DPM, MT. Pleasant, MI staff@familyfootcare.biz

In addition to a long 1st metatarsal, it appears there is also an element of metatarsus primus elevatus with this case. Since the treatment goal appears to be symptomatic relief, the question is how can this be achieved with an orthosis? The key is to consider the etiology of the pain.

Both a long and elevated 1st metatarsal can cause functional hallux limitus or lead to hallux rigidus. This patient’s pain is associated with dorsiflexion of the proximal phalanx of the hallux and related jamming of the joint dorsally. Since you are attempting to treat this case non-surgically, that rules out...

Editor's note: Mr. Root's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Holiday Staff Bonuses
From: David Gurvis, DPM

I am not an expert in how to formulate your staff bonuses, or even if you should give one. They can be based on productivity, or collections, or simply out of the goodness of your heart. But let me relate a "fact" of life bestowed upon me by my accountant years ago and that is, once you give a bonus, it is expected. It may forever after be called a bonus, but it isn't. It becomes an expected gift. If you have a bad year, and thus give no bonuses, expect to see staff disgruntled.
 
So, be sure you want to go this way, and if so..then you need to figure out what and how much.
 
David Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN, deg1@comcast.net

RE: Starting a Practice (Peter Harvey, DPM)
From: David Alper, DPM, Bob Hatcher, DPM

A compelling reason not to work Saturdays? Family time and just having a life of your own are two reasons that come to mind.
 
A good practice needs hours for working people - the logic of opening on Saturdays. But I never wanted to, for the reasons listed above. So, for 26 years I have had office hours starting at 7am. My patients LOVE it, as they can sneak in before work and school. My staff loves it because the "early" person starts at 7 and is out by 3pm, having half the afternoon for whatever.
 
And I get a two day weekend (available for emergencies, of course).
 
David Alper, DPM, Belmont, MA, belmontpod@aol.com

Hopefully, you have a life outside of podiatry. That’s why! Take it from someone who has been in practice for 30+ years. Spend the time with family and friends. You’ll not regret it. I’m certain you’ve heard the adage that no one complains when near death that they didn’t work enough.

Bob Hatcher, DPM, Raleigh, NC, bob@blhatcher.com

RE: Standard of Care - Neuromas
From: Dr. Michael B. DeBrule

I have used U.S.-guided sclerosing alcohol injections for neuromas in my clinic. Although Dr. Dockery describes good outcomes without sonographic guidance, Espinosa in JFAS (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21733418) found sclerosing injections without guidance were not helpful (mirrors my experience). 

In addition to the studies mentioned by Dr. Davis, a European study by Fanucci, et al. found total or partial relief in 90% of patients using U.S.-guided technique (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14531002). We are still lacking a double-blinded placebo controlled study.

I know of no studies investigating radiofrequency ablation for neuromas, but recommend this technique as well. Ablation has been successful for heel pain and should work well for other nerve entrapment syndromes of the foot and might be more patient-friendly (doesn’t need to be repeated four times). Landsman, et al. have a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study coming out soon for heel pain.

Michael B. DeBrule, DPM, Marshall, MN, Dr.DeBrule@InnovativeFootCare.com

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

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 - ALBANY/CAPITAL DISTRICT AREA

Immediate position available with generous salary, fringe benefits and percentage. All phases of Podiatry. For more information please contact Dawn at (518) 828-6516 or fax your resume to(518) 828-9510.

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - NORTHERN CINCINNATI, OHIO (FAIRFIELD)

Lead to partnership &/or buy practice. Well-established, reputable & successful (700K collection annual) 25+ year practice. Newer 2k sq.ft office condo & w/5 tx rooms, Aver.80 new patients monthly, full hospital privileges, DME, Padnet, digital x-rays. Inquires to email: gsherwood1@cinci.rr.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 - TEXAS

Practice in Houston is looking for PSR 24/36, BE/BC trained doctor. We are situated in an affluent area with a large medical community with EMR, diagnostic ultrasound, digital x-ray, multi use laser and our own surgery center. We seek a highly skilled surgeon, well-trained in trauma, wound care and rear foot reconstructive procedures willing to learn and incorporate into our “system.” Must be outgoing, goal-oriented, motivated and positive. Partnership available after successfully attaining the first year’s goals. Compensation includes excellent salary, health benefits, paid vacation and CMEs. Please send CV, references and letter of interest to faajobs@gmail.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 - NEW JERSEY

Associate/Partnership available to energetic doctor(s) or willing to merge into larger group/multi-specialty practice. 25% Medicare, 75% Privates/HMOs, No Medicaid. 8,500 visits per year. Diversified hospital/office wound care, hospital/ASC surgery, and general podiatry. 27 years of excellent local reputation. 2,700 sq ft office opposite hospital in desirable Monmouth County. capstops@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 - 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. Excellent start salary with bonus. 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 with letter of intent to: susmitad86@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.

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.

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

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