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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:
01/29/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS)
RE: PM News Quick Polls
From: Charles M. Lombardi, DPM
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the polls featured in PM News. While I appreciate the intention behind engaging our community, I believe it is crucial to address the unscientific nature of this poll, as it may misinform your readers. Here are my main points:
1. Lack of Scientific Rigor: The poll appears to be an informal survey that does not adhere to scientific standards. As such, its results should not be presented as representative of the opinions of qualified podiatrists or the broader medical community.
2. Questionable Voter Demographics: It is essential to note that anyone could participate in this poll, including exhibitors, advertisers, and individuals who may not have the relevant expertise in podiatry. This raises significant concerns about the credibility of the results.
3. Absence of Voter Data: You have not provided any quantitative data regarding the number of participants in the poll and their vocation. Without this information, it is challenging to assess the reliability of the findings.
Given these concerns, I respectfully urge you to consider including a disclaimer in future publications regarding the poll's scientific validity. This would enhance transparency and ensure that our readers are fully informed about the nature of the content.
Charles M. Lombardi, DPM, Bayside, NY
Editor's response: Dr. Lombardi has successfully identified that our reader polls are, in fact, reader polls. We agree that these informal surveys shouldn't be confused with double-blind scientific studies—a distinction we trust our savvy audience of professionals has already made. We’ll continue to provide these snapshots of community opinion exactly as they are: informal, engaging, and provide a general sense of readers' opinions.
01/29/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: Why Dormer No Longer Sells Canthrone Products in the U.S.
From: Keith Gurnick, DPM
"Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company specializing in dermatology therapeutics, has announced the resolution of a legal dispute with Dormer Laboratories, Inc. As part of this settlement, Dormer Labs will no longer sell cantharidin-containing products in the United States. This includes their products Cantharone (Liquid) and Cantharone Plus."
Source: Synapse [7/15/24]
Keith Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
01/28/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION)
From: Rod Tomszak, DPM, MS, EdD
Brooke Bisbee, DPM has decided, based on which stakeholders she hears, to reject ACGME’s offer to explore accreditation of DPM residencies. PM News’ survey overwhelmingly displayed APMA’s membership would prefer a DO or MD degree to our current DPM degree. Instead, podiatry will focus on student recruitment without ever mentioning that DPMs would prefer a different degree. This maneuver is something I call a serious moral and ethical offense. Let me know when the survey results are included in any information forwarded to potential students. There seems to be uncertainty about ACGME’s involvement. Rather than explore reservations and come up with a solution, we slam the door on ACGME’s toes, generating more trauma for the profession. There is a solution.
A true leader would propose to ACGME that they send a couple of their accreditation team members along with CPME’s re-accreditation of two podiatry programs. One program would be at a university hospital-based podiatry residency, and the other program would be a community hospital-based podiatric residency. The two experienced ACGME accreditors would submit their evaluations for the two programs. These evaluations would have no bearing on the accreditation of the podiatry programs but would be open to all APMA members to see.
As a sign of good faith, ACGME would invite a couple of educationally savvy DPMs on a re-accreditation visit to two of the several ACGME-accredited Foot and Ankle Fellowships, and the DPM evaluation would proceed exactly like the DPM residencies.
Rod Tomszak, DPM, MS, EdD, Columbus, OH
01/27/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME)
From: Bruce I Kaczander, DPM, Paul Langer
Congrats, Paul, on a well earned/deserved award from your fellow ICPM ‘81 classmate…Keep up the valuable work you do for the profession!
Bruce I Kaczander, DPM
Congratulations to Paul Kesselman on being inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame -- a well-deserved honor. It's always a pleasure (and educational) to spend time with Paul.
Paul Langer, McClain Laboratories
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
I recognize that I am advancing in age when my friends depart this world and leave behind their loved ones. John Bergmann was a biomechanical prodigy and a devoted family man. I have utilized his laboratory for 43 years, with returns less than 1% for adjustments. His demeanor and guidance enabled the production of a wide range of orthotics. His family business will continue to thrive with the expertise imparted by his father and the tutelage provided to his children.
Nancy, his wife who collaborated with him, will remain to oversee this remarkable podiatric company. Having dedicated countless weekends to fulfilling prescriptions, he is now in a position to finally relax and witness the next generation’s achievements. It was an honor and a privilege to know him as a person and a friend.
Ian S. Goldbaum, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
It was with great sadness that I learned of his passing. He was a second-generation podiatrist who loved the profession. At great cost to his lab, he developed the first office-based optical scanner for podiatrists. In 1989, I purchased the 9th machine (in the world) from him for the price of a new car. I flew to Chicago and spent several days with him. He was a most pleasant gentleman.
It was a great machine and accurate. Years ahead of its time! Still, having been trained in California, I was very good with plaster and I was not using the machine much. He called me and said he saw that I was not using the technology much and offered to buy back the machine without me even asking him. The profession will miss him.
Jack Reingold, DPM
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Podiatry has lost one of its greatest doctors. Dr. John Bergmann and his orthotic laboratory and its innovations will be greatly missed. He was an old friend for many of us that are still around. My condolences to his family and may his energies in orthopedic footwear and orthotics be a continued direction for orthotics and its continued success in treatment.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I first met John when he was about 5 or 6 years old when I was in high school and worked a summer job for his father Dr. Carl Bergman in his laboratory in Chicago at 1327 North Clark Street. His father was responsible for encouraging me to follow a career in podiatry. To this day, I have only fond memories of those times and am still enjoying pursuing my professional career.
Bill Beaton, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL
01/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of John Bergmann, DPM
I am deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of Dr. John Bergmann. He was the second-generation owner of Bergmann Orthotic Laboratory. John was not just a colleague but a friend for close to 40 years. He spent countless hours helping so many of us with difficult biomechanical cases. He fully gave all of us his time and expertise so that we could do the best for our patients.
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Dr. John Bergmann |
John was a real mensch. Whenever I had medical or even personal issues, he was there for me. He never would say, “ I am too busy to be with you in your hour of need.” He was a real people person. In the forty years of our friendship, never did I hear a bad word about anyone come out of his mouth. Even if he had professional disagreements with other biomechanical gurus, he might have disagreed, but would never ever make it personal.
During the last few months of his illness, many of us tried to reach out to him but he did not want his dire problems to be a burden to any of his friends and colleagues. He only accepted our prayers. May his family be comforted, and may his memory be a blessing for all of us.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
01/22/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
From: Lawrence Kosova, DPM
The only way to evaluate AI systems is to actually do the evaluations yourself. They all have their pluses and minuses. You could simply have a script like a real patient H&P form and just read it to different systems and see which output you like. You should also practice with your staff and have one play the patient. Some suggestions are Dax-Copilot, Abridge, Ambience, Scribmatic, Nabla, Freed, and Heidi Health AI (which I am a medical advisor for). The price ranges will be free for a limited time frame or in the case of Heidi, there is a free version that has limited functionality but enough to do your charts to $650/month or more for the different systems.
How private they are will depend on their certification such as ISO 42001 certification which few have. Soc 2 type 2 and ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials certifications, just to mention a few. Most of this can be found on each company’s website. The real question to me is how usable are the products for you? How customizable is the product for you and your office staff. What controls do you have in the settings to adjust the product to your own needs? Can you use your current templates and office forms?
Lawrence Kosova, DPM, Naperville, IL
01/21/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEETINGS)
RE: Ceremony for SuEllen Dercher at NYSPMA Conference
From: Kim Rhartigan and Stu Wittner
Please join us on Saturday January 24, 2026 at 12:30 PM at the NYSPMA Conference for the unveiling of a permanent plaque in honor of SuEllen Dercher. We will gather for a short ceremony at the McClain booth which is where the Gordon Labs booth was for so many years.
Kim Rhartigan and Stu Wittner
01/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM
I did invite conversation on this subject and Dr. Jacobs responded with a post that curiously both lauds and dismisses functional medicine at the same time. However, his post is not “conversational”, but rather more opinionated. Conversation invites inquiry. Inquiry elucidates things in an educational way. But when someone has strong opinions on something they have never studied or applied to their practice, that is called bias. His positive comments here are erased by this bias.
Dr. Jacobs dismisses functional medicine because of the cost, something he brought up a few times. He also states that insurance does not pay for it as if insurance companies have the right to decide the standard of care, which, unfortunately, they do but only when you are in an insurance-dependent business. Let me comment first on this. The “cost” of care for someone covered by insurance is not inexpensive. There are premiums, co-pays, deductibles, non-covered services and rejected...
Editor's note: Dr. Kornfeld's extended-length letter can be read here.
01/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Alan Sherman, DPM
This was a very nice reminder of who we are and what we do. Thanks Cynthia for submitting this thoughtful reminder. I agree totally that we can and should hold our heads up high. We offer services and surgery that no one else does or comes even close to. I am proud to be a podiatrist and so should every other practitioner of our great profession.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
I have to say that I am surprised by the content of the recent message. It could have been written 25 years ago and seems so out of touch with the realities of practice today for our 3-year residency-trained colleagues. Who doesn't have high self-worth among them? Are so many feeling "undervalued and boxed in?"
My understanding is that recent residency grads are getting good jobs working for hospitals, health delivery systems, and group practices. They are largely kept busy and they're making a good living doing it. All are doing some elite work like wound care and reconstructive surgery. And if there is a health benefit for many patients to have their nails cut carefully and safely by you and if you have the time, why not do it?
Alan Sherman, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
01/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME)
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
There is an idiom from the California gold rush days, “There’s gold in them thar hills.” Perhaps a modern version might go, “There’s money in them thar grafts.” Do these almost 400 cellular and tissue products (us older guys still call them skin graft substitutes) impact the outcome of wound management to such an extent that Dr. Kesselman’s warning of increased amputation rates without them may be expected?
I think not. A recent examination concluded that CTPs may expedite the healing of some wounds; a recent meta-analysis concluded that indeed CTPs reduce healing time and are associated with a greater percentage of healed diabetic foot ulcers when compared to controls (Lu, et al., JVS vascular Insights Vol, 4, 2025). Numerous meta-analyses and other summaries and position papers express...
Editor's note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter can be read here.
01/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA IN THE NEWS)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Thank you Dr. Joseph, and the APMA for making articles published in JAPMA available to physicians all over the world for free. Hopefully, other journals will get the idea and do the same.
For years, whether I was treating a patient with an unusual condition or researching previously published papers to aid in a paper, I was working on or researching papers for a lecture I was giving. I often found that if I needed to see more than the abstract, I would have to pay twenty five dollars to download the entire paper. If I needed to see multiple research papers, the cost would be prohibitive. In some instances, my hospital's library would get the paper for me; in other cases, I was out of luck.
As physicians, we all took a Hippocratic Oath to help but do no harm. This should apply to medical journals as well. They are helping by allowing access to all of their papers and being harmful by charging high fees for their articles.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
01/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOLE PURPOSE BY SAVANNAH SANTIAGO, DPM)
From: Greg Caringi, DPM
In 1981, I was a Junior resident at Kern Hospital in Warren, Michigan. I still think they made a mistake, but I am grateful to this day to Dr. Kanat and my attendings for the opportunity. In those times, every day of our residency was mapped out. Before we could scrub a case in the OR, it was required that every Junior resident work as a scrub nurse for 2 weeks before we could participate in the procedure and touch a patient.
I was eager and, of course, thought this was unnecessary. In retrospect, this was an important step, one that made me a better surgeon and probably a better member of the OR team. Throughout my career, the OR personnel always complimented me on my awareness of the OR staff and protocol. I eventfully became a residency director myself, and I never forgot those early lessons in OR etiquette. For a program known for confident and assertive surgeons, I will always remember that my first lesson in the OR was humility.
Greg Caringi, DPM, North Wales, PA
01/17/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBTUARIES)
From: Ian S Goldbaum, DPM
I recently learned of the passing of one of my earliest mentors, Dr. Howard Reznick of Ypsilanti and Chelsea, Michigan. I was fortunate to train in his program in 1984–85—an experience that gave me the foundation for building and running a high-end podiatric practice. Dr. Reznick and his partner, Dr. Paul Tai, generously shared the practical “secrets” of surgical practice and the art of managing podiatric patients in everyday encounters. Their office was not only a learning environment, but a genuinely enjoyable place to be. Dr. Reznick’s humor, good nature, and quick wit made even the busiest clinic days memorable.
One holiday season at the Chelsea office, a patient arrived carrying an unexpectedly large live pig. Without hesitation, Dr. Reznick handed me a dog leash and, recognizing neither of us wanted livestock in our sports cars, gave me the afternoon off to escort the pig to the town butcher. As I walked down Main Street, townspeople called out, “Hi Doc—nice pig!” Years later, when Doc Hollywood was released—with Michael J. Fox leading a pig down the street—I couldn’t help but smile at the resemblance.
I remain grateful to Dr. Reznick for his guidance, example, humor, and generosity. His impact on me—and on countless podiatrists who trained under him—lives on in every patient we treat and every practice he helped shape. May his memory be a blessing.
Ian S Goldbaum, DPM
01/17/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
Dr. Kornfeld has asked to open a discussion on functional medicine. The basic tenet of functional medicine is to address the etiology of a disorder rather than address only the symptoms. It is a holistic approach. This is a principle that generally is appropriate in our daily practice. No reasonable person can reasonably argue a contrary position. It calls for individually unique programs for each patient.
Many practitioners of functional or integrative medicine are direct pay. As a result, a significant portion of the population may not be able to avail themselves of functional medicine benefits due to the cost of some therapies such as supplement therapies or testing protocols which are out-of-pocket. There are often high expenses associated with functional medicine, as many of these services are not covered by insurance. In addition, there is a distinct lack of...
Editor’s note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter can be read here
01/17/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1
RE: Know Your Worth
From: Cynthia Correa-Cedeño, DPM
It’s 2026, and I’m still shocked that when I talk to the general public—and even MDs and DOs—people think podiatrists only deal with warts, calluses, and nails. Being a podiatrist means being a specialist of an entire lower extremity region of the body. We treat the foundation of the human body. When the feet aren’t functioning properly, it creates a cascade of issues up the kinetic chain—knee pain, hip pain, back pain, shoulder pain, even headaches. We study the nervous system, vasculature, muscles, tendons, ligaments, biomechanics, immunology, genetics, and homeostasis. We think like engineers. We perform surgeries that take patients from barely walking to living fully again. We correct deformities, restore function, and change lives.
Yet somehow, we’ve been reduced to glorified nail clippers. Yes, there are elite podiatrists doing incredible, complex work—but that doesn’t make the other 90% insignificant. We prescribe medications that affect the entire body. We diagnose systemic disease from foot exams. We detect early diabetes, identify cancer, and help women navigating menopause-related inflammation and pain.
So why do so many podiatrists feel undervalued and boxed in? We are not just treating feet—we are treating people. Our communities need us. Every podiatrist who understands their worth and continues to level up their skills expands the impact of this profession. You didn’t go through podiatric medical school and residency to shrink yourself. Don’t let others define your value. This profession is noble, intelligent, and essential. Know your worth—and don’t let anyone put you in a box.
Cynthia Correa-Cedeño, DPM, Orlando, FL
01/17/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME)
RE: CMS and Cellular Tissue Products
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
CMS’s recent decision to sharply reduce reimbursement for all cellular tissue products (CTPs) and to eliminate payment for wastage is, paradoxically, both commendable and deserving of strong criticism.
The explosive growth in CTP utilization over the past five years was clearly unsustainable. CMS had little choice but to take decisive action. Left unchecked, CTP expenditures could have significantly strained the Medicare Trust Fund and potentially jeopardized CMS’s ability to fund other critical, life-saving treatments—including those for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and countless other conditions affecting our families and communities.
That said, as is often the case, the pendulum may have swung too far. These sweeping cuts now risk...
Editor’s note: Dr. Kesselman’s extended-length letter can be read here.
01/15/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOLE PURPOSE BY SAVANNAH SANTIAGO, DPM) -PART 1C
From: Mark Wolpa, DPM
After reading Dr. Zlotoff's memorable experience, I was reminded of mine that I have not thought about in many years, but still break out in a cold sweat re-living it.
As a first-year residents at the California Podiatry Hospital in San Francisco, we were required to take call and stay overnight at the hospital. Back in the days when dinosaurs roamed the streets, patients having surgery checked into the hospital the night before and we would work them up before their surgery the next day. My surgery schedule had me in the operating room with an attending who was very generous with residents. If the case was B/L, the resident was guaranteed to do a foot. The case I would be scrubbing was a B/L bunionectomy. This was at the beginning of my program and I was very excited to add to my very limited case numbers.
The night before the surgery I was called in the middle of the night to deal with a patient...
Editor’s note: Dr. Wolpa’s extended-length letter can be read here.
01/15/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOLE PURPOSE BY SAVANNAH SANTIAGO, DPM) -PART 1B
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
The commentary regarding the preparation of a resident for surgery is important. However, there is the other side of the equation: the role of the attending. Ultimately, the goal is to graduate a resident that will have the confidence to perform surgery independently. We have a responsibility to the resident as they have to the attending. I have devoted my life to the education of students and residents and would like to share some thoughts.
A pre-operative discussion is critical. What factors did the attending consider in making the decision to proceed with surgery? What are the intended goals of the surgery? In what manner is the surgery planned to be performed? What are the intended goals of the resident for the case? Are you prepared to offer constructive...
Editor’s note: Dr. Jacobs’ extended-length letter can be read here.
01/15/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SOLE PURPOSE BY SAVANNAH SANTIAGO, DPM) -PART 1A
From: Tom Silver, DPM
As a student, I was on a rotation at a hospital and excited to observe one of my first forefoot cases. I asked a supervising nurse which OR the podiatry case was in. She told me, then said something to the effect "you work with feet...oh how disgusting!" On my way to the OR, I passed by another OR and saw several doctors and nurses working between the legs of an extremely obese patient. I then walked into the OR where I was about to observe, I saw a nicely scrubbed, very clean, exposed forefoot. Lesson learned: There are a lot worse things to be working with than feet!
Tom Silver, DPM, Minneapolis, MN
01/15/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
From: James Huish, DPM
I am very satisfied with Inteliscribe. The pricing is very reasonable, significantly more affordable than several other AI platforms I have used, while still delivering excellent performance. Both the mobile app and desktop interfaces are intuitive, clean, and easy to use. The quality and accuracy of dictation capture across all components of my clinical documentation, combined with the speed of transcription, are outstanding. From a workflow perspective, I have seen clear improvements in efficiency, particularly in billing and coding, due to the additional features built into the system. Overall, Inteliscribe has delivered exceptional value to my practice, with strong security and practical tools that extend well beyond transcription alone. I highly recommend it.
James Huish, DPM, Safford, AZ
01/14/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: The Quest for Non-Covered Services
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM
Many podiatrists are working hard to find as many non-covered services as possible to add into their practice to improve income over the abysmal insurance payments. And I completely understand that. Surviving on what insurance is willing to pay is a huge challenge. To that end, we have lasers, shockwave, regenerative medicine injection procedures, peptides, and supplements to name a few that have become very popular as an adjunct to covered services. And there is no doubt that all of these modalities can be extremely helpful when used on the right patient at the right time.
The trap many are falling into is recommending these treatments without fully understanding the mechanism of action. Again, I have no problem with improving your practice’s bottom line. This is how we make a living and we all have a right to make a really good one. But we have an obligation to our patients to recommend treatments in a...
Editor’s note: Dr. Kornfeld’s extended-length letter can be read here.
01/14/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE)
RE: UHC Used "Aggressive" Tactics To Falsely Report Patient Data to CMS
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
In today's Becker's HealthCare, there is a report that UHC used aggressive tactics to bloat and inflate UHC data in order to up the risk assessment of patients. While stopping short of accusing UHC of illegal action, Chuck Grassey, US Senator from Iowa, stated, "Bloated federal spending to UnitedHealth Group is not only hurting the Medicare Advantage program, it’s harming the American taxpayer."
In plain simple terms, the status quo of how CMS pays Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is simply obsolete and must go the way of the Pony Express. It clearly continues to invite fraud and abuse without any signs of let up. There needs to be a better way to compensate for these plans and show them the door and/or a view from behind bars. On a similar note: A few weeks ago, Horizon Blue Cross pleaded guilty to committing $100M worth of fraud by violating the New Jersey False Claims Act. If medical providers committed the amount of fraud and abuse that many of the insurers have committed, they would have had their billing privileges restricted/removed and/or seen how well an orange jumpsuit fits.
In conversations with every medical specialist encountered, we all agree that it's time that the same level of justice be meted out to the insurance industry and their MBAs in the executive suite, who commit fraud.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Oceanside, NY
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