From: Philip Radovic, DPM
I would like to acknowledge Heather Kaufman, DPM and Richard Manolian, DPM for their professional integrity in addressing concerns related to recent PM News posts. Their decision to voice these concerns demonstrates a commitment to upholding ethical standards within the podiatry community. It has come to my attention that certain podiatrists' representations of themselves as mentors and authorities in the field have raised significant concerns among peers.
Please note that this message is intended to encourage professional dialogue and should not be interpreted as a definitive statement on the conduct or practices of any individual. It is merely an acknowledgment of the ongoing conversations within our community and a call for continued commitment to excellence in our field. The method of loss leader bilking of patients is unseemly, if not fraudulent. A podiatrist's portrayal as a sole gatekeeper for podiatric privileges in local hospitals, based on the claim of being the only podiatrist with a three-year residency, has been a subject of contention. These representations impact the professional advancement of other podiatrists and bring into question the integrity of such actions.
The hyper-promotion of a surgical procedure, advertised extensively in the newspapers as a universal “orthotic solution” for all ages, leads to considerable professional scrutiny. A lack of understanding of adjunct procedures can lead to post-interventions by orthopedists and podiatrists, ultimately resulting in the procedure being excluded from local hospitals. Again, this brings our profession into scrutiny. These situations highlight the importance of professional integrity and evidence-based practice and the ethical responsibility of medical professionals to prioritize patient welfare over personal or professional gain.
Philip Radovic, DPM, San Clemente, CA
From: Allen Jacobs, DPM
Sadly, I must respond to the sophomoric comments recently made in PM News regarding my comments on Krystexxa. Krystexxa is utilized to lower serum uric acid and for the treatment of chronic tophaceous gout. The goal of treatment is to lower the uric acid to less than 6. It is not used to manage acute gout. It is a drug which typically requires multiple IV administrations. It is not a drug typically utilized by podiatrists. The comments made were a classic example of not knowing what you do not know.
I did not suggest that podiatrists do not or should not treat acute gout or in fact any acute monoarticular disorder. Rather, if you would read my comment rather than embark on an inaccurate diatribe, my point is that Horizon does and has participated in podiatry education. They do not appear to ignore podiatry. However, they accurately conclude that Krystexxa is a medication appropriately employed by rheumatologists in the majority of...
Editor's note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter can be read here.
