09/06/2023    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 B

RE: The Increasing Podiatric Abandonment of “Routine Foot Care" (Lawrence Rubin, DPM)

From: Elliot Udell, DPM

 

Dr. Rubin is dead on target when he questions whether podiatrists trained in foot surgery are no longer addressing non-surgical foot problems. This discussion is linked to the ongoing discussion on nurses who are starting foot care clinics. As a profession, we are like ostriches with our heads buried in the sand; we don't want to see that other non-doctoral level professions can and will encroach on all facets of foot care. Those who feel that their professions are secure because they only do surgery have their heads buried deeper in the sand. 

 

In my local hospital, PAs working in the operating room have told me that the general surgeons often allow them to do procedures "skin to skin." It is a matter of training and we could see future clinics run by physician assistants, trained by orthopedists and podiatrists, delivering high levels of foot care without the need of a podiatrist. It's only a matter of time until this happens. We have had many discussions over the years about non-podiatrists casting for and dispensing orthotics. It hit home when I witnessed my own physical therapist taking impressions for and ordering orthotics for his patient and the order was placed at a lab that promotes itself to our profession. What is the solution? Until there are legal statutes put into place, we simply have to love and be good at taking care of feet, and happy patients will refer others to podiatrists for foot and ankle care. 

 

Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY 

Other messages in this thread:

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01/12/2024    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 B

RE: The Legacy of James Ganley, DPM (Allen Jacobs, DPM)

From:  Steven Kravitz, DPM

 

Dr. Jacobs’ post to pay tribute to Dr. James Ganley is an absolute pleasure to read. Thank you Dr. Jacobs for taking the time to articulate this and to Dr. Block for publishing and helping it gain some traction and attention, so that many have the ability to read it. There are a lot of lessons in it, and Dr. Jacobs' beautifully touches the surface describing attributes, nuances, and the ability to get to feel who Dr. Ganley was, and why he is recognized as an icon. Humble with humility, brilliant, without exception compassionate for others, a sense of balance in life, and ability to enjoy other aspects outside of his profession... sailing being just one of them.

 

One important point that comes out as you read the tribute is how much Dr. Ganley appreciated and enjoyed being a podiatrist. There's too much negativity today about our profession and...

 

Editor's note: Dr. Kravitz's extended-length letter can be read here.

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09/14/2023    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 B

RE: The Increasing Podiatric Abandonment of “Routine Foot Care" (Fred Ferlic, MD)

From: Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH

 

I have been offering routine foot care since I began practicing 38 years ago after completing a 3 year surgical residency program. Lately, and I am not sure why, there has been a huge increase in new patient calls for routine care. I am averaging 4 new patients a day who just want their nails and calluses trimmed. Today again, I had one of those patients request that I make her orthotics after I explained why they would help her. Believe me, routine care is bringing in lots of pathology to my office. Two others wanted to have treatments for their fungus nails. While it has taken years to develop this following, I think that the other podiatrists in town have abandoned this care, and I am now thankfully the recipient.

 

Lastly, I call my extended care nail techs “podiacurists” as they all are former pedicurists converted to medical nail techs/podiacurists who I have trained to do nails and callus care. I sincerely hope that any podiatrist who want to get busier get the word out that you do routine care; you will not regret that decision.

 

Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA