The Voice of Podiatrists

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December 25, 2009 #3,736 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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IN Podiatrist Has Success with Ankle Implants

Harry Platt, a 68-year-old retired police officer from Hammond, is looking forward to the day when he can get back to playing golf and taking long walks, both activities that once helped keep him healthy and happy. Thanks to a new ankle prosthesis that he had implanted in September, that day may be coming soon, his doctor says.

Dr. Jeff Niespodziany

Jeff Niespodziany, a podiatrist at the South Bend Clinic, performed the procedure using the Inbone Total Ankle, a prosthesis produced by Wright Medical Group, based in Arlington, TN. The goal of the procedure, Niespodziany said, was to reduce Platt's arthritis pain and to restore some mobility in his ankle. The physician said he's now performed six ankle replacements using the Inbone and has seen success with all of them.

Unlike hip and knee prostheses, which have been available for decades, he said, there has not been an effective ankle prosthesis — in his opinion — until recently. Niespodziany likes that the Inbone allows for not only up and down movement of the ankle, but also some side to side motion, he said.

Source: Kim Kilbride, South Bend Tribune [12/22/09]

OCPM Student Receives APHA Award

The American Public Health Association (APHA) held its 137th Annual Meeting on November 8-11, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA, where the Podiatric Health Section (POD) announced its 2009 award recipients.

Darrell Ballinger

Among the recipients was OCPM 4th year student, Darrell Ballinger, who was recognized for his liaison efforts between American Podiatric Medical Students Association, APHA Students and the POD section. 

Source: Footsteps (OCPM)

Businesses Brace for Health Bill's Costs

Companies are alarmed at potentially costly provisions in the Senate health-care bill, many of which they hope will be scrapped during a final round of negotiations early next year. A scramble to massage the hefty measure, instead of pushing to kill it, reflects the view of many in the business community that a sweeping remake of the U.S. health-care system now appears inevitable.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is among a few big business groups calling for Congress to scrap the overhaul effort. Business is worried that President Barack Obama's push to extend coverage to millions more Americans will raise the burden on employers. Business groups have widely criticized the 2,074-page Senate bill, which looks set for passage on Christmas Eve.

The Senate bill calls for a nearly $70 billion tax over 10 years on insurance companies, plus a $2 billion-a-year tax on medical devices. Billions of dollars are also meant to be raised from added taxes and fees on wealthier seniors, higher-end insurance plans and tanning salons. Companies of all sizes have been increasingly burdened by health-care costs, which topped $400 billion in 2007, according to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Unrestrained, that figure is expected to double by 2017. About 70% of workers receive health insurance through their employers.

Source: Neil King, Jr., Wall Street Journal [12/23/09]

Alleged Surgery Disrupted Blood Flow to Toe (Tennessee)

Facts: Julie Goodowens, then age 57, had a history of pain in her right foot. She began treating in the fall of 2002 with Defendant. After a course of conservative care, Defendant performed surgery on 1-22-03. Defendant performed an aggressive cheilectomy among other procedures. Goodowens has since complained of more significant problems with her foot, primarily with her big toe. In this lawsuit, she alleged error by Defendant in his surgical technique.

The plaintiff's expert, Dr. Alan Rothstein Marietta, GA, alleged the surgery lasted too long, the dissection was too extensive, and this combination disrupted blood flow to the toe. Rothstein further opined that Goodowens will need a fusion surgery. Besides Defendant, Goodowens also sued his medical group, its liability only being vicarious.

Defendant defended that the surgery was properly indicated and performed. He blamed plaintiff's result on a complication, not negligence. The court's instructions asked if Defendant had violated the reasonably competent podiatrist standard. The answer was no, and Goodowens took nothing.

Result: Defense verdict.

Plaintiff’s Expert : Dr. Alan Rothstein, Marietta, GA
Defendant’s Expert: Dr. Craig Camasta, Atlanta, GA.

Source: Tennessee Jury Verdict Reporter

Hire the Best

Ask the front-runners for an open position to write an action plan for their first 30 days on the job. Reasons:

•  You will discover what candidates think they must do to succeed on the job.
•  The document could give you ready-made goals. When you decide whom to hire, use that person’s action plan to guide the person through the first month on the job. Because those are goals that the person has already agreed to, you gain instant and effortless buy-in.

Source: Communication Briefings

RE: Published Randomized Controlled Trials in Podiatric Journals
From: Michael Turlik, DPM

I recently reviewed the number of randomized controlled trials published in different journals during 2009. I found 1 randomized controlled trial published in JFAS, 3 published in JAPMA, 32 published in JBJS/A, 45 published in JAMA, and 93 in NEJM. Of the four publications found in the two leading podiatric journals (JFAS, JAPMA), two were by practicing podiatrists in the United States. No randomized controlled trials were found to be authored by faculty members from any of the podiatric colleges.

Michael Turlik, DPM, Cleveland, OH, mmturlik@aol.com

RE: A Strange Coincidence

Recently, AAPPM held a roundtable dinner on DME Protocols Fayetteville, Arkansas. Here is the sign on front of the hotel.

Hotel Sign at AAPPM DME Meeting

Submitted by Hal Ornstein, DPM

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY, NY

Excellent opportunity for a three-year surgically trained foot and ankle physician. We are a high-volume, diversified, multi-office practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Ample growth opportunities for a personable and highly-motivated DPM with ability, and a desire to teach and take ER call. If interested, please forward CV to: healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW IOWA (SIOUX CITY AREA)

Well-established, diverse, growing practice. Excellent referral base. Seeking an ethical, hardworking, motivated, caring podiatrist to fill a full-time position. Multiple hospital affiliations. Generous income with room for growth, leading to partnership for the right candidate. See our community www.siouxlandchamber.com. Fax CV, resume, three references to 712-258-9977.

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CINCINNATI, OHIO

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to join one of the most successful practices in the United States. We do not have a seniority system. If you are motivated and have completed a PSR 24-36 residency, your income is limited only by your enthusiasm and desire to achieve.  Email resume to khart@cincinnatifootcare.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND

MINDRAY DP-6600 Diagnostic Ultrasound for sale. 7.5 Mhz linear transducer. Like new condition, less than 2 years old. Comes with mobile stand. Contact robdaughertyddd@yahoo.com or 573-979-1809 for further information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - TENNESSEE

Well established practice for sale. Full scope medical and surgical practice including DME. Exceptional practice with a high volume of new patients. Excellent hospital and surgical center privileges with investment opportunity. Great area for a family and the outdoorsman. 731-446-7285/E-mail nraines@charter.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice and medical building for sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area, Central Fl.; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion & investment; good insurance climate. 352-223-2713 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

DREAM PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY - OKLAHOMA

Use forefoot, rearfoot, wound skills in ideal small city with nearby lake. No buy-in costs. No limit on income. EMR. Act fast. OK State License deadline is 1-30-10 and test is comprehensive. Personality preferred over ego. Email julietburk@gmail.com or call 918-931-1425 for details.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MD

Well-established and growing 2 office state-of-the-art practice located in medical/professional buildings. EMR, Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, DME provider, etc. Competitive Base Salary plus bonus, malpractice, health insurance, etc. PSR 24 minimum/Board Qualified or Certified with ability and desire to take ER call. If interested, forward CV to DOCSBNB@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA & SOUTH CAROLINA

Seeking recent residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facility. Fax cover letter & CV to (843) 208-3348 or E-mail to melissafoot@pol.net

PODIATRISTS CHICAGO/NW IND/BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Jake Shimansky, Director of Physician Recruitment. Phone-773-342-5221 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail jshimansky@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com

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