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05/09/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 C
From: Evan Meltzer, DPM
If our podiatry days are numbered and our demise is approaching according to Dr. Tomczak, can someone explain to this old retired podiatrist why more podiatry schools have been recently established? When someone asks me what my profession is, I say that I’m a retired podiatrist. If the general public doesn’t know the scope of our field, who is responsible for disseminating that information?
New Mexico is seriously short of primary care MDs and DOs. As a result, nurse practitioners are often the first primary providers seen by new patients. One of my neighbors who typically accompanies his wife on our monthly hikes was absent from the last hike. When I asked Barbara where Jim was, she said, “Jim is having foot trouble and his primary care provider (a nurse) told him, there’s nothing else that can be done for your foot.” That naive statement just dismissed our entire profession! I asked Barbara a few basic questions about Jim’s complaint and then referred him to one of the several excellent podiatrists in the area whom I know personally.
Jim was fitted with custom orthotics and is doing well. I cringe every time I see TV ads from the “Good Feet Store.” After prescribing custom orthotics for over 40 years, I don’t ever recall a patient telling me that their back pain or foot pain disappeared after one day of wearing these prescription devices, let alone those (paid persons) who claim immediate relief by wearing the OTC arch supports dispensed by the Good Feet store. So, who’s responsible for educating the general public about our beloved profession? Why are there new podiatry schools being created if we are on our “last legs?”
Evan Meltzer, DPM (retired), Rio Rancho, NM
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02/03/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 C
From: Brent D. Haverstock, DPM
As usual, Dr. Jacobs nailed it on the head. We as a profession don't have a clue what we are or want to be, so how do we expect the public to know? Dr. Jacobs has talked and written about comparisons of podiatry to dentistry. It would appear to be a good time to revisit this comparison. I feel all graduating DPMs should complete a two-year residency that focuses on podiatric medicine, biomechanics, wound care, and minor procedures.
This would lead to board certification in podiatric medicine and those entering practice would be called "podiatrists". Then there would be a select number of podiatric surgical programs in the country, and those who are selected would complete another two years of training in foot and ankle surgery. This would lead to board certification in podiatric surgery, and those entering practice would be called...
Editor's note: Dr. Haverstock's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 C
From: Daniel Jones, DPM
If there is one thing that schools are good at, it's taking money. With the federal government fully subsidizing all education at ANY cost, there is no incentive for schools to consolidate. And if you already have an MD or DO school set up, why not cast a larger net to get more money?
Perhaps the conversation with applicants goes something like this, "Oh, I'm sorry, you didn't have good enough grades to get into our medical program. Why not apply to our DPM program? You can be a foot and ankle surgeon! By the way, that will be 60,000 dollars a year for the next 4 years."
Who wouldn't start a program? 90% of the classes are the same. You only need to hire one or two podiatry professors and use the existing machinery already set up for your med students, and your med school now makes an extra million a year. Until CPME denies new schools from popping up, the number will continue to grow. Would that be a restraint of trade violation? Probably. So we will keep adding more schools as numbers of applicants dwindle to a point it's no longer sustainable, and podiatry gets absorbed by the allopathic and osteopathic professions.
Daniel Jones, DPM, Casper, WY
02/07/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 C
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
10/12/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 C
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.
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