03/05/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS)
From Gary S Smith, DPM
Around 1996, Medicare cut by 50% how much they pay for many procedures like nail avulsions. They had a cost-of-living increase built in every year. That all stopped and we haven't gotten an appreciable raise since. At the same time, commercial insurances cut how much they pay for procedures by 75% and have not raised how much they pay since. That is the biggest challenge facing podiatry. That is why nobody wants to do what we do. You have to be an MD or DO to make money as an employee in healthcare.
Gary S Smith, DPM Bradford, PA
03/05/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (IN THE COURTS)
From: Lawrence J. Kansky, DPM, Esq
Congratulations to Dr. Strash and Dr. Leonard for surviving false allegations and false charges by the FBI and the DOJ.
In 2007, I was investigated by the DEA and State of PA. This resulted in false criminal charges being alleged against me, which devastated me. While I did not receive much support from the podiatric community except from Thomas P. Jiunta, DPM, I did receive great support from the MD surgical community, including from my orthopedic surgeon friend.
My family provided tremendous support, as did the judge who charged me. This judge called me the day after he charged me in his courtroom, and told me, “Don’t quit, I know who the bad doctors are in Luzerne County, and you are not one of them.” I asked this judge why he cared so much about me and his reply was, “Because...
Editor's note: Dr. Kansky's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/04/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS)
From: Keleigh Muxlow, DPM
These were not on the multiple choice options for the biggest challenges facing podiatry: Disagreement and arguing between two of our biggest certification boards. Who can take podiatry seriously if we don’t even take each other seriously? This is a challenge among us. This can relate to the low student enrollment. Why would we encourage others to follow our path because of this?
Keleigh Muxlow, DPM, Littleton, CO Class of 2013 (one of the biggest graduating classes with residency shortages)
03/04/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Lynn Homisak
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Don Chantiles, DPM, from Yorktown, PA. Don was not only a respected individual but also a compassionate physician, deeply committed to his practice and his patients. I had the privilege of visiting Don at his office, where I witnessed firsthand the gentle and professional connection he had with his patients. He made sure that each one felt heard and well cared for.
Don also fostered an admirable and respectful bond with his staff, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. His genuine, caring nature was evident in every aspect of his practice. Throughout my years and experiences in the podiatry profession, I had the privilege of making many valued friendships. Don was truly one of the special ones. His good nature and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by those who were lucky enough to know him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Lynn Homisak, Cape May, NJ
03/04/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (IN THE COURTS)
RE: Liberty Restored - Indictments Against TX Podiatrists Dismissed (Walter W. Strash, DPM)
From: Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Stephen Leonard, DPM
Dr. Strash, I applaud your courage. I can't imagine the heartbreak that ordeal caused you, your practice, and your family. Best wishes.
Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Mount Pleasant, MI
It was with a heavy heart that I read the ordeal you experienced at the hands of the corrupt FBI/DOJ, for I was also threatened by them in 1999. Congratulations on fighting and not surrendering.
I won't go into detail, but they tried, and did, go after several doctors in the Tampa Bay area for obscure violations of the Stark law. This was conducted under the Clinton/Janet Reno tenure. The prosecutor they appointed to Tampa Bay declared openly at a legal conference that his office would go after about 300 doctors. He further stated that 100 would be dropped, 100 would plead, and 100 would be incarcerated. I was fortunate to have had very good documentation and was not pursued. However, others were not so fortunate and their lives were changed forever.
The irony here is that while the FBI was busy investigating honest, dedicated doctors, some of the 9/11 terrorists were learning to fly planes out of the Venice, FL airport.
Stephen Leonard, DPM, Spring Hill, FL
03/04/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME)
RE: New Supplier Enrollment Moratorium
From: Paul Kesslman, DPM
Last week, President Trump announced a new war against fraud during his State of The Union Address. It did not take long after that announcement for the hammer to come down against DME fraud. In a rather stunning announcement, CMS effectively blocked new supplier enrollment for 7 categories of medical suppliers for at least 6 months. Physicians (which includes DPM, DO, DPM, and optometrists) as well as other professional service providers (e.g. pharmacies, orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists) are exempt from this moratorium. This bears repeating, physicians, including all categories of physicians, are exempt from this moratorium.
The moratorium will affect medical supply companies that have physicians as their CEO, Medical Director, CFO, etc. Medical supply companies have their principal business supplying DME. Such IS NOT the case for physicians whose main job descriptions are medical/surgical patient care. In other words, the moratorium does not affect physicians whose main business is not providing DME, but who are providing DME as an ancillary service to their professional medical practice. Thus, this moratorium will have little, if any, negative impact on physicians who wish to add a practice location or have no DME license and wish to enroll as a DME provider. In fact, this moratorium may free up personnel at the DME enrollment carriers and allow them to process professional enrollees much more expeditiously. The moratorium is in place from 2/27/26 through at least 8/27/26.
Something had to be done about the amount of DME fraud. While this may impact many DME supply companies who wish to add an additional location or block new honest practitioners from entering the market—unfortunately, they are the collateral damage as have been us, the taxpayers who fund the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds. Hopefully, this moratorium will work!
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Oceanside, NY
03/03/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SPORTS MEDICINE)
RE: The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon: Potholes and Injury Prevention
From: Keith Gurnick, DPM
Just ahead of the Los Angeles Marathon, scheduled for next Sunday March 8th, race organizers and city crews are repairing many potholes and road safety hazards caused by recent heavy rainstorms and deferred maintenance. This is an effort to limit potential injuries to participants and observers caused by twisted ankles and falls that could lead to fractures and even fatalities. More than 26,000 runners are expected. The total participants will include hand cyclers, wheelchair participants, and runners of all ages, and groups including elite runners as well. Acute traumatic running injuries can be among the most serious injuries incurred in distance running.
A new comprehensive review pulls together decades of race-day and training data to assess what lower-body injuries actually happen in marathon running, and why? Here were some of the relevant findings. Marathon participation continues to...
Editor's note: Dr. Gurnick's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/03/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (IN THE COURTS)
RE: Liberty Restored - Indictments Against TX Podiatrists Dismissed
From: Walter W. Strash, DPM
Two years ago, my life took an unexpected and irreversible turn. The day had begun like any other—driving to work, listening to a podcast, immersed in the familiar rhythm of routine. By afternoon, that ordinary day had given way to something unimaginable. An FBI agent arrived at my office in the middle of a busy clinic day and presented me with a Target Letter and, with stark finality, said, “You’re going to be indicted.” In that instant, time seemed to divide into before and after. Nothing would ever be the same again.
The days that followed were a blur of urgency, uncertainty, and resolve. I met with a local attorney and soon learned that I had been granted the rare opportunity to appear before the Grand Jury. The notice gave me only four days to prepare. Prayerfully, my wife and I worked side by side, assembling a comprehensive “Grand Jury Packet” for each of the twenty-three jurors—documents that reflected not only the facts, but the truth of my professional conduct and...
Editor's note: Dr. Strash's extended-length letter can be read here
03/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I will miss Ben greatly; he had such a wonderful presence. He was such a pillar of our podiatric program and curriculum since 1976. Ben was a true professional, knowledgeable, and kind individual. I had the pleasure of having him as an instructor in general medicine at CCPM, a longtime colleague as a faculty member at the podiatry college, mentor, and dear friend for many years. We will miss his smile, sense of humor, passion, and kindness.
Ben was always interested in what was going on in our lives, how the family was doing, and we always talked sports (of course basketball was a priority). Ben was such a passionate educator and a true promoter of the podiatric profession and our podiatric students for so much of his career. My deepest condolences to Cindy and the family. He will be truly missed by all. Rest in peace Ben.
Tim Dutra, DPM
03/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (ACGME ACCREDITATION)
From: Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
As Dr. Barry Block stated in his editorial in this February's Podiatry Management, the APMA House of Delegates will soon be voicing its opinion on allowing ACGME to visit podiatric residencies. The purpose of the visits is to let the podiatry profession show ACGME our residencies measure up to MD/DO residencies. The visits are not to have ACGME accredit any podiatry residency program, but merely to tell us if we are training our residents to the same level as MDs and DOs. The visits can’t focus on scope or content, but rather the process and maybe sequence. Remember, podiatry adopted an across the board three-year residency requirement for all DPM graduates so we can become more like the MDs and DOs.
Dr. Block reminds us that in the very first issue of Podiatry Management, some 44 years ago, the idea of a degree change was brought up to allow us a plenary license. We are on the horizon of starting the process that will make us equal to...
Editor's Note: Dr. Tomczak's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Stefan Feldman, DPM
From: Rich Blake, DPM and the KevinRoot Medical staff
Today, all of us here at KevinRoot Medical are mourning the death of a great individual, Dr. Stefan Feldman. Stefan was part of the KevinRoot Medical family for almost 20 years, beginning as one of our early clients in 2007, just months after we opened our doors. Over the years, that professional relationship grew into something much deeper. A mere 3 years ago, and almost to the day, I was introduced to Dr. Feldman, and we became instant friends. We shared weekly meetings and collaborated on the medical education for the clients of KevinRoot Medical.
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Dr. Stefan Feldman |
I knew early on of his health struggles, which he never let bring down that incredible energy and passion for what he did. I am so sorry for his loss and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family. May he rest in peace, and find strength from his love that he poured out to you all.
How do you capture the essence of a man in a few words? For one, his love for...
Editor's note: Dr. Blake's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/25/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SCOPE OF PRACTICE)
From: H. David Gottlieb, DPM
This is the response I received from Google’s AI Gemini, then decide how practical this would be. My prompt was: "What are the requirements to become licensed as a nurse practitioner?" Gemini said: Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a journey that bridges the gap between nursing and medicine. Because NPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), the requirements involve a combination of rigorous academic study, thousands of hours of clinical practice, and national board testing.
The path generally follows these four primary pillars:
1. Foundational Nursing Education & Licensure - Before you can become an NP, you must be a Registered Nurse (RN).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Most graduate programs require a 4-year BSN degree. While some "bridge programs" exist for those with an...
Editor's note: Dr. Gottlieb's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/25/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: Pathologization and Medical Care
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
Pathologize. The act of declaring a normal variation in anatomy or function pathological, that is, a disease. Pathologization is utilized to justify the need for intervention in order to control or correct the declared abnormality. The result is unnecessary care, the burden of unnecessary costs, and the potential harm or sequelae which may be associated with such treatments. Not infrequently, pathologization evolves in the absence of supportive studies, or evidence that the declared “pathology” has been demonstrated to negatively impact on the health of an individual. The theoretical disorder translates into profit for those treating these declared pathologies. The need for treatment of such entities is rapidly adopted by a subset of practitioners absent any vigorous proof that treatment is required. Marginal becomes major. Insignificant becomes significant. Unnecessary becomes necessary.
Pediatric foot types are a paragon example. Parents are informed that their child has an abnormality based upon no published science. If such variations in anatomy are necessary to identify, there is no evidence that such declared abnormalities result in patient harm. Over-screening leads to over-diagnosis. Over-diagnosis results in over-treatment. Unneeded treatment. There is a misrepresentation made to parents suggesting present or future harm to their children. As a result, a misguided demand for such services is created. Financial incentives rather than evidence-based science drive the process. Like-minded practitioners gather and form a collaborative for mutual protection and group think, as well as rationalization.
Why are pediatric “foot types” not discussed in textbooks of pediatric orthopedics? Where are the published studies supporting these theoretical abnormalities requiring treatment? Who are the individuals allowing these unproven theories to be presented for CME credits at seminars?
Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO
02/24/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (SCOPE OF PRACTICE)
RE: Advanced Placement for DPMs to Obtain a Nurse Practitioner Degree
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM
Instead of trying to compare a podiatrist's training to a physician's training, why not compare a podiatrist’s training to a nurse practitioner’s training? If a nurse practitioner can treat the entire lower extremity, then so should a podiatrist. At a minimum, nursing schools should allow advanced placement for podiatrists to obtainable an NP degree so the podiatrist can be licensed to treat the entire lower extremity.
Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY
02/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Ben Zier. Ben was a true champion for the podiatric profession. He supported us at the local and state level. He had a great rapport with the students and taught us what we needed to know for our medicine rotations. Personally, Ben helped me through a minor health crisis while in school. I will never forget his kindness, thoughtfulness, and support.
My favorite Ben story was how he decided to go into general medicine. He was a medical student doing a surgical rotation. The surgeon asked Ben to cut the suture while closing. "Too long" the surgeon commented on the first suture. "Too short" on the second suture. Before cutting the third suture, Ben asked, "How would you like this one - too long or too short?" The surgeon asked Ben to leave the OR. That's how he decided to become an internist. I've told that story to every resident that I worked with. RIP Ben.
John M. Giurini, DPM
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B
RE: The Passing of Bennett Zier, MD
I am sorry to hear about Dr. Bennett Zier’s passing. As a student in San Francisco, I had the chance to learn from him and also saw his care firsthand as a patient. He was a steady, thoughtful physician and a dedicated teacher who had a real impact on many of us in podiatric medicine. I’m grateful for what he taught and the example he set. My condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him.
Philip Radovic, DPM
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A
I remember taking Gen Med from Dr. Zier in podiatry school, which we jokingly called Ben Med, with affection. The course left me well prepared for residency rotations in general medicine and emergency medicine, in which I was able to function at the same level as the medical residents.
Dr. Zier related a story about when he was a resident. He told the staff that he was beginning his residency, and was there to learn as much as he could. As a result, the staff taught him a great deal. Another resident at that time came across as knowing it all, which resulted in his rotations being much more difficult to get through. I carried this advice into residency and private practice.
There are two things that I learned from Dr. Zier by direct observation of patient care in rounds with him. The first was how to determine if a patient has liver disease when the patient's hands are extended. The second was the work-up necessary to diagnose Addisonian crisis. Although I never saw either of these in private practice, I never forgot them. His passing is sad to hear, but what he has done teaching podiatry students is immeasurable.
Bart Holt, DPM, Missoula, MT
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Fran was the valedictorian of his class at TUSPM. He was brilliant, funny, a bit of a tough guy, and a talented surgeon. He always performed with 110% energy and intensity. I knew him from his Temple U days and we practiced at the same hospital for years. He left podiatry to become a successful financial advisor. That was a definite loss for the profession. He was a family man and a good friend and will be missed by all.
Martin Pressman, DPM
02/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 3
It was with sadness that I read of the passing of Dr. Zier. Whether he knew it or not, the man was my mentor. He was perhaps the perfect example of what the relationship between podiatry and the allopathic profession can and should look like.
He taught me what it means to be collegial, kind, and patient. His kindness is what I will always remember him for. His generous nature touched his students and his patients. I am forever grateful for his example of human compassion and dignity.
Daniel Jones, DPM, Casper, WY
02/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
Fran was one of my legendary attendings and I remember how the residents would contend with one another to cover his surgeries. It was never dull! The first case I scrubbed with him, it was just the two of us. It was a tibial nail, something not in the common cases we were used to back then. But for him it was just another day in the OR.
I remember that we had a great discussion about the literature that day. He taught me to have confidence if it was backed up by skill and knowledge. Wise words from a man who had all these qualities.
V. Kathleen Satterfield, DPM
02/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Tom was a classmate of mine at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, along with his brother George and my brother Gary. You couldn't find a nicer guy than Tom. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 3
The passing of Ben Zier brought back incredible memories of working with him for 39 years until I retired. Ben came to the California college of Podiatric Medicine following his residency in primary care at UCSF to assume the role of Chaiman of the Department of Medicine. He was dedicated to the medical education of podiatric students so they could hold their own when practicing our profession.
He was a role model as a medical educator and our profession is the beneficiary of his relentless role of providing the necessary medical knowledge we needed to succeed in practice. He was a friend as well as being the primary care provider for me and my wife until we retired. Our condolences to his wife Cindy and their family.
Joshua Gerbert, DPM, Kamuela, HI
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
Fran Lynch was a good guy, a very capable surgeon, a thought leader in his day, and a person with a great sense of humor. He trained under James Ganley, DPM. When he left podiatry to follow other career options, it was a loss to the profession.
Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Arnold Signer, DPM, The Passing of Stuart Alan Courtney, DPM
It’s a sad day to see two friends and colleagues listed in the obituaries. Arnie Signer served in the APMA delegates with me for many years. He was a friend and trusted individual. It was always fun to reunite at the HOD and elsewhere.
Stu Courtney was a classmate at NYCPM 1974. When I needed emergency orthopedic surgery, his son arrived. We chatted a bit and established my connection. Stu and I talked several times thereafter. His son is still my orthopedist.
May they both rest in peace.
Lloyd Smith, DPM
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
This most recent publication of PM News was very disturbing to see so many very active podiatrists I have been familiar with pass away. I have regularly spoken to and emailed Dr. Arnold Signer who I have been good friends with for 50 years. He was a genuine individual and an excellent podiatrist. He will be greatly missed by the Florida Podiatry Association. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I was very sad that my dear friend Arnie Signer passed away last week. I have known Arnie for over 63 years when we started college together at Emory University in 1963 in Atlanta. We became close friends and fraternity brothers. After College, Arnie went to OCPM in Cleveland and I went to PCPM in Philly. Arnie ended up practicing in Jackson for many years and I in DC.
In 1996, Arnie and his good friend Biff Kramer helped me get elected to the APMA Board of Trustees. He was a dear friend and colleague. We kept in touch all these years. Arnie was active in Florida PMA and a Delegate to the APMA House of Delegates for over 20 years. I will miss him very much. May you Rest in Peace my dear friend, rest in peace.
Harold B. Glickman, DPM
