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05/18/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS
RE: Unequal Treatment of Ex-Patriot DPMs by ABPM
From: Jeff Carnett, DPM
There are many of us American trained DPMs working overseas who are not eligible to be board certified by either board as we did one or two-year residencies, but not three-year programs. So, how shocking to see that ABPM will certify those with bachelor degrees in podiatry from the UK, SA, Australia, Malta, and New Zealand who did not take the MCAT, have no basic medical sciences in their courses, and no residencies. These degrees are right from high school.
Doesn't that discredit anyone with the ABPM certification in the U.S.? So, we expatriate DPMs need to take a bachelor podiatry degree so we can get certified, but we can't get certified with a CPME-approved DPM degree and residency? I’m trying to understand how that helps the profession. While overseas, our work is often highly surgical, but alas that doesn't count.
Jeff Carnett, DPM. Auckland, New Zealand
Other messages in this thread:
12/01/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (THE FUTURE OF PODIATRY)
RE: De-Extinction (John S. Steinberg, DPM)
From: H. David Gottlieb, DPM
Beginning with the early years of PM News, there have been naysayers lamenting the demise of the podiatric profession. At one time, I was one of them. On this Thanksgiving evening, I am thankful that all the gloom and doom has been for naught.
As Dr. John Steinberg, and others, have pointed out our graduating residents work in every practice setting there is: independent, group single-specialty, multi-specialty, as part of orthopedic practices, hospital, clinic, and others as befit their training and desired setting. They command high salaries, even those who opt for nursing home centered care. They also chair committees where they work and/or...
Editor's note: Dr. Gottlieb's extended-length letter can be read here.
11/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: Warren Buffett's Words of Wisdom
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
Warren Buffett, the 95-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, released a Thanksgiving letter this week, as Greg Abel is set to take over the reins at the company. Why it matters: "Buffett has earned a reputation not only as a legendary investor, but as someone with the secrets to living a better life," CNBC's Ryan Ermey writes.
The final paragraphs of the letter contain several nuggets of wisdom, gleaned from 9+ decades of life experience, including these:
"I'm happy to say I feel better about the second half of my life than the first. My advice: Don't beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn at least a little from them and move on. It is never too late to improve."
"Get the right heroes and copy them."
"Remember Alfred Nobel, later of Nobel Prize fame, who reportedly read his own obituary that was mistakenly printed when his brother died and a newspaper got mixed up. He was horrified at what he read and realized he should change his behavior. Don't count on a newsroom mix-up: Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it."
"Kindness is costless but also priceless ... Greatness does not come about through accumulating great amounts of money, great amounts of publicity or great power in government. When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world."
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Grantham, PA
11/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS)
From: Gary S Smith, DPM
Parity is something we will never have with MDs. It's not about education or qualifications, it's simply perception. We are still a punchline on TV and that's not going to change. It's okay to want parity but, if you really need that, switch professions. As a podiatrist, you have to be your own accolade. The main thing causing the terse discussions between us is that there is a huge difference in how employed and self-employed podiatrists view the state of healthcare and podiatry. These sides will not fully understand one another. Self-employed podiatrists are much less satisfied because we see what we are really being paid for what we do. We deal with the credentialing and insurance headaches that employees don't.
You also have to understand that dissatisfaction with the system is not just us. The whole healthcare system is a mess thanks to low reimbursement. In PA, there is an area the size of Connecticut where there are no baby delivery services. If you want to see your family doc, it's 2 months. A specialist like a urologist is 6 months for an appointment. These doctors are being overwhelmed and not happy either. It's not a good time to be a physician.
Gary S Smith, DPM, Bradford, PA
11/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
It is very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Denno. He was a true leader at the Scholl College, and for many of us, our first exposure to the clinical aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. He was an impassioned educator who took tremendous pride in teaching future physicians. He was humble beyond reproach, and his multitude of pearls and tips from decades of practice were invaluable. His lessons were timeless, both with regards to being a clinician, as well as how to carry oneself as a professional. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Arush Angirasa, DPM, Austin, TX
11/26/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I'm sorry to report the passing of Kevin Moran, DPM of Westminster, MA on 11/3/2025. Kevin was a professional colleague, friend, devoted family man, and an outstanding podiatrist. Most of all a true gentleman, and someone to be admired.
A graduate of Assumption College, ICPM, he was active in professional practice for 32 years prior to retirement from Fallon Clinic in Worcester MA. Kevin was a member of the APMA, and the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society serving as its president in 1992. Kevin also was a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
David Kaufmann, DPM
11/26/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE)
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
While this story is done with a humorous tone, it is nevertheless a very sad commentary on the entire state of the insurance industry and can be extended to all health and other types of insurance offerings. Holding dinners and luncheons at restaurants, providing free food, alluring patients with other bonuses such as "free dental" and transportation to/from doctors' offices are but a few of the lures these plans use on the unsuspecting.
Free dental? Really? Until they read the full prospectus which those who do, will run from. They barely provide cleaning and x-rays from a limited number of dentists. Other than that, these unsuspecting patients find out they will be paying out-of-pocket for most dental work, just as they would in traditional Medicare. The dentists who do participate in these plans usually are not the patients' dentists, nor are the listings accurate. And what about the other promises and...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
11/25/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (THE FUTURE OF PODIATRY)
From: Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
John, thank you from the bottom of my, everyone else’s, presumed dark and nefarious heart. I will shock you by telling you that we are very, very close to feeling the same way about podiatry. The profession has been wonderful to us, our families and the public, especially those facing an amputation because a wound was mismanaged or not managed at all.
I was not exuberant about private practice for the singular reason that I was alone. When an exceptional case presented and the x-rays viewed, I’d look at them and say, “Wow, look at this!” and there was no one to share my excitement with. I entered academia after less than seven years in private practice to teach at Des Moines which was one of the best decisions of my life. I looked forward to every day as I did at Ohio State and breaking a glass ceiling in Columbus and furthering the profession in unchartered...
Editor's note: Dr. Tomczak's extended-length letter can be read here.
11/25/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (INTERESTING PODIATRY-BASED STORIES) - PART 1B
From: John Hester, DPM
In response to Dr. Roth's recommendation to recruit Jameis Winston to matriculate to a podiatry school, I hope you were being facetious. Winston has made $80 million dollars over the course of his career and is currently under a 2-year $8 million dollar contract. I'm having a hard time picturing him in a library on a Saturday night prepping for a pharmacology exam!
John Hester, DPM, Waltham, MA
11/25/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (INTERESTING PODIATRY-BASED STORIES ) - PART 1A
From: George Jacobson, DPM
Jameis Winston started college at Florida State University in 2012. In 2022, he completed his degree in social sciences. I don’t think he has the required prerequisites to apply to any medical program. Perhaps an honorary degree, but we spent a lot of time discussing the lowering of qualifications for entrance into podiatry school. Why would that not matter now?
George Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL
11/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (THE FUTURE OF PODIATRY)
From: John S. Steinberg, DPM
It is a shame that a few of our own are filled with such negativity and doom. The almost daily posts to this platform seem determined to cast a dark shadow on the profession that has given almost all of us so much reward and fulfillment. How about some facts? Just about every door is open to a DPM now, we practice in every academic and group practice setting, and we dominate the field of foot and ankle surgery throughout the country. The ACFAS salary survey puts us at $446K average earnings for fellows and the APMA Marit salary survey shows $304K average earnings across the entire profession. Hardly seems like a story of doom and gloom to me!
Yes, we do have a student recruitment problem which really is a visibility, branding, and awareness issue. We are working aggressively to fix that and we will fix it.
I don’t have the time to write lengthy essays on a daily basis to counter the negativity on this platform. Rather, I fill my day with the medicine, surgery, teaching and research that fulfill me. To the naysayers, check out this recent publication from ACFAS for more facts: DPM Surgical Pathway
John S. Steinberg, DPM, Washington, DC
11/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE)
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM
Those Medicare patients who live on fixed incomes are impacted by higher prices for almost everything they need to exist. When they are bombarded with television commercials that offer "more" for "less", it is very enticing for these patients to switch from traditional Medicare to one of the many Medicare "Advantage" plans available. We should all be thankful that the limited open enrollment period is not year-long.
The main reason Medicare patients switch is to save money. Those who can afford to keep what they have are not interested in switching because they are happy or satisfied with their current healthcare. Sadly, the patient often finds out afterwards that the advantage plans do not pay for some of the things that were payable by traditional Medicare, only because the advantage plans have figured out how that they can simply deny claims and services.
Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
11/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (INTERESTING PODIATRY BASED STORIES IN THE NEWS)
From: Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH
I think podiatry schools should contact Jameis and inform him about interest in having him matriculate as a student; of course he would have to meet the requirements. However, offering him a scholarship should not be done as he can easily afford to attend and those funds should be used for students that either need the help or merit-based scholarship applications.
Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
11/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
When I was in my last year at Scholl’s, I became pregnant with my 3rd child. The policy at that time was that for each day of clinics missed, you needed to pick up 3 days. Knowing I would need to take some time off (2 weeks), I wanted to work extra shifts prior to having the child. Many of the clinicians and administrators resisted this idea. Dr. Denno, who was clinic chair, championed my cause so I was able to graduate with my class.
In the Army, he had performed many trauma surgeries, including repair of mine injuries that extended well above the ankle. I found out from a local orthopedic surgeon that Dr. Denno had been his superior in the army but Dr. Denno never flaunted his skills or achievements. He was a kind and wonderful teacher and I will always be grateful for his support.
Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM
11/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (THE FUTURE OF PODIATRY)
From: Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
De-extinction is the cutting edge of science, resurrecting vanished species using powerful gene-editing tools. With well preserved DNA from fossils giving us a clear blueprint of an extinct species, extinct species resurrection is possible. Or so says John Kennedy Philip in the most recent issue Philosophy Now.(1) The concept is that given the appropriate DNA, a living organism can be recreated. As of now, tabloid TV has reported celebrities cloning pets for a mere $50,000, but none have been extinct.
Imagine podiatry as a species. If a species does not evolve according to the mandates of an environment that is changing around them, there are several possible sequels. Most of them revolve around a decline in the health or viability of the species (read podiatry for the word species from now on) or even its extinction. In this article, the author speaks to the recreation of Dire Wolves from discovered DNA. If the recreation was not identical, but close, would it be close enough to call it the same species?
The podiatry we practice today is not the podiatry we practiced in 1980, nor was it the podiatry our fathers practiced in in 1960. For NPs and PAs jumping on board, they are practicing a version of podiatry we are familiar with but recognize as a throwback to...
Editor's note: Dr. Tomczak's extended-length letter can be read here.
11/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (INTERESTING PODIATRY BASED STORIES IN THE NEWS)
From: Wenjay Sung, DPM
Every podiatry school in America should be offering him a scholarship, ready for him when he’s done with football. For publicity, for clicks, for aura, or whatever it’s called now, put it out to the press because there will be a huge positivity swing for the profession that comes from this.
Wenjay Sung, DPM, Arcadia CA
11/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (ACGME ACCREDITATION)
RE: ACGME Recognition – A Small Step to Parity
From: Christian Robertozzi, DPM
Being under the ACGME umbrella by itself will not give us parity. However, it is a step in that direction, the same way that mandating a three-year podiatric residency program was a step in that direction. Medicine is a team sport. Podiatry must be able to bring something of value to the table and demonstrate its worth.
When I applied to my local hospital, there were no podiatrists who had OR privileges. At my interview, I was told to apply to the other local hospital 15 miles away. They initially granted me bedside privileges. For three years, I appealed it until I finally got OR privileges. When I went to do my first case, the chief of anesthesia greeted me with a 10-minute lecture why podiatry doesn’t belong in an OR. He ended his oration with, “We don’t want your kind...
Editor's note: Dr. Robertozzi's extended-length letter can be read here.
11/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE)
From: Joe Boylan, DPM
After the laughs and giggles and John’s informative overview of Medicare Advantage (MA), John never addressed why MA is popular with patients. I am personally a proponent of traditional Medicare and private supplement insurance; for all the obvious reasons. In NJ and Florida, I ask people on MA plans why they chose their plan. Some of these Medicare-eligible people are low income but MANY are not.
I learned that if you have a plan C MA plan, you do not have the plan B premium deducted from your SSI monthly payment. The 2026 Plan B premium will be $ 202 per month. You do not pay for a supplement plan which can range from $ 200-$400 per month depending on age. Some MA patients do choose a PPO-style plan and do have some additional costs. You do not pay for a drug plan which may be $100 per month. Some people do choose a higher tier MA drug plan and do pay additional costs.
Some of these MA patients are getting monthly debit cards for food and monthly debit cards to cover OTC items. Some provide social meeting areas where breakfast is offered and other services like haircuts. It seems the MA business plan is to get the highest amount of federal money available and pay low physician fee schedules, and at the same time drive down the cost to the patients and provide other amenities.
Joe Boylan, DPM, Ridgewood, NJ
11/21/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOCIAL MEDIA)
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
I had a patient tell me yesterday that the wait to see a specialist doctor on referral in her health plan was on average 6 months. This is really terrible. That is why my concierge practice continues to grow and thrive and I am sure will be exceptional when my son takes over in a few years.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
11/19/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOCIAL MEDIA)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Thank you, Dr. Beaton, for bringing this online support group to our attention. We should all visit it. Many healthcare professionals are upset when laypersons give medical advice on internet support groups. One reason why these support groups have gained popularity is that many doctors fail to communicate effectively with their patients, and the busier they are, the worse this problem becomes. I have chronic medical issues.
Recently, I was prescribed a medication. The paperwork that came with the drug indicated that there might be contraindications with other meds I was taking, as well as untoward side-effects. The nurse at the drug company told me not to take the medication until I discuss it with my doctor. I called to speak with the specialist and was told that I would have to make an appointment to talk with either the doctor or his NP, which would amount to a three-month wait. I realized that the days are gone when all doctors promptly returned telephone calls. I visited a Facebook group on that drug and read how others handled the problem and acted accordingly. Welcome to the practice of medicine 2025.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
11/19/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (INSURANCE ISSUES)
RE: Horizon BCBS New Jersey to Pay $100M Over False Claims Allegations
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
In a recent Becker’s Payer Issues there is an incredible story about Horizon BC BS, which has paid $100M in fines over allegations of violations of the False Claims Act. This is the same company which has ruthlessly conducted post-payment audits on podiatrists for orthotic and other claims. Horizon is also notorious for denying payment on clean claims for all healthcare providers in the State of NJ.
The very same allegations (lack of appropriate documentation and/or misleading billing practices) which Horizon accused many DPMs and other physicians of perpetrating in the State of NJ, Horizon BC has admitted to. it appears that Horizon fraudulently induced the state (or its employees) to award them a multibillion-dollar contract and then overcharged the state throughout the contract’s duration. According to the NJ Attorney General, this fraudulent action represents the state’s largest ever non-Medicaid False Claims recovery. Hopefully, the future impact will result in:
1) Horizon BC making whole any provider who was wrongly persecuted by Horizon BC, who turn out to be crooks in their own right.
2) There is foundation for contract termination, and the State of NJ will have the temerity and grounds to terminate its relationship with the State of NJ.
3) Other state OIG and Attorney Generals acting more vigorously at reviewing health insurance carriers’ business dealings. This is likely not an isolated issue and each state and the Federal Govenment needs to do a better job at watching over the wolf which is watching the henhouse.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Oceanside, NY
11/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOCIAL MEDIA)
RE: Plantar Fasciitis Talk and Tips Support Group on Facebook
From: William Beaton, DPM
I have been following the Plantar Fasciitis Talk and Tips Support Group on Facebook for quite some time and have been amazed as to just how much confusion there is around the treatment of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It seems as though most of the posters are self-treating with what they can find on Google either before seeing a podiatrist or after failed treatment by a podiatrist or other provider. When the underlying biomechanical malalignment is not addressed, the symptoms will continue to recur as confirmed by the many posts and many of these are less than complementary about podiatrists and their care.
If you are not following this group, I suggest that you do in order to get a feeling of the patient frustration and attitude toward podiatry regarding the treatments and results of our professional care.
William Beaton, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL
11/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
While Dr. Denno was stationed at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma, he called me to come up and see an x-ray he had just taken. I drove the hour north. We were both at a loss to explain what we saw. The radiograph was an AP of both feet showing SEVEN metatarsals at each foot.
Gordy was a kind, dedicated, and excellent podiatric physician. He will be greatly missed.
Peter Harvey, DPM
11/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE)
From: Alan Sherman, DPM, Connie Lee Bills, DPM
Oh my goodness, the John Oliver segment about Medicare Advantage Plans that Paul Kesselman, DPM shared was just precious. Thank you for sharing one of the best pieces of satirical journalism I have seen in years. Every doctor should have this piece playing in their waiting room as a valuable service for their patients. Sometimes, humor is the best medicine and this one was certainly that. In the words of P.T. Barnum, there is certainly a sucker born every minute.
Alan Sherman, DPM, Boca Raton , FL
I agree what an amazing and informative piece! I learned something from it.
Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Mount Pleasant MI
11/17/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: A Call for Unity and Constructive Action
From: Lawrence Rubin, DPM
I have been a proud member of the podiatry profession since 1958, and it is with both deep concern and affection that I observe the current heated discussions on this platform. The frustrations regarding residency competitiveness, our professional standing, and slights by MDs and DOs are real and valid concerns that have, in various forms, been with us throughout the decades.
However, the current tone of the conversation—pitting colleague against colleague in argumentative threads—serves only to diminish our collective strength and distracts us from the very real, practical solutions we need to pursue. We are one profession with a shared goal: to provide excellent lower extremity care and achieve the full recognition we deserve. Instead of reiterating our argumentative positions, I respectfully suggest that we pivot our valuable time and energy toward recommending concrete, remedial solutions for the existing problems. Let us channel our passion into proactive measures.
Lawrence Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
11/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: Charles M. Lombardi, DPM
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Email to the Editor on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 |
Editor's response: We appreciate reader feedback, but our publication will not be strong-armed or intimidated. This is hardly the first time — and won’t be the last — that someone has threatened to use their influence to dictate who can express their opinions about podiatry. We remain committed to open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. Our readers are invited to view the full discussion and come to their own conclusions.
This topic is now closed.
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