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08/26/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: Howard Dananberg, DPM
I’ve been following the thread on how podiatry is losing its expertise in biomechanics. I understand the allure of surgery, but with the pathetic insurance reimbursements, stress, and periodic complications that a surgical practice creates, it’s surprising that designing and dispensing custom foot orthotics doesn’t have greater acceptance. It can be financially rewarding, and patients love them and the practitioners who provide them.
When combined with lower extremity manipulation techniques, many long-term issues can spontaneously resolve as well. And, thinking through biomechanical issues can be a very satisfying academic endeavor and rewarding to both patient and doctor. Think about attending the Richard O. Schuster seminar on October 24 and 26 at NYCPM in New York. Well worth it.
Howard Dananberg, DPM, Stowe, VT
Other messages in this thread:
08/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: Ben Pearl, DPM
Paul, I am grateful for the many things you have written regarding DME in this and other forums. Regarding there being no "blue ribbon panel" to address the biomechanics situation, I offer that you should spread the word for the virtual biomechanics summit I have offered to students free for the past 4 years. Our next virtual summit with the AAPSM will be Superbowl weekend. I choose to do what I can rather than looking at what has not been done.
Ben Pearl, DPM, Arlington, VA
08/25/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
Having written on this subject many times here, it seems that despite some efforts by the schools industry and others, not much has changed. The question is not so much who is at fault, but who is responsible for taking charge of this situation and coming up with a remedy. Is it industry, the schools, CPME, residency directors, attendings hiring new practitioners out of residency, or APMA, ACFAS, ABPM, etc.? Or is it a combination of all of the above?
To repeat the same old story and a reflection of the issue(s):
Karen Langone, Jeffrey Ross, I, and others less than a decade ago presented a three-hour symposium on "Advanced Biomechanics for the 21st Century" at a past APMA meeting. Fewer than 50 attendees out of the thousand at the APMA meeting attended this...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD, Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM
Considering the contemporary meanings of "tweak," I sincerely hope we don't tweak anymore. But this is an example of how out of touch we can become. They have a new vocabulary and set of social norms.
Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD, Columbus, OH
Sadly, I agree with the previous authors. I used to tell patients that the reason they had better results with foot surgery than their friends who went to an orthopod was not because podiatrists were better surgeons but that podiatrists did not just discharge them after surgery. We made them orthotics, recommended appropriate footgear, and followed up until they were sure their problems were resolved.
That is no longer the case with many (most) podiatrists. Some will send them to me or another “old timer” for follow-up care, but many discharge them ASAP just like the orthopods. We might as well become MDs or DOs. We are no longer better at total foot care than they are.
Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM, South Bend, IN
08/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: David Secord, DPM
I have a niece, whose husband is a journeyman electrician. He is now 30 years of age, is the head of his crew of 15 and they do large, industrial wiring projects. The last time I talked to him, he let me know that he makes about $250,000 a year, after spending six months in school to obtain his certification. His crew has done projects around the world, with the accommodations picked up by the client.
I really like what I do for a living but have to admit that the preponderance of individuals spending four years in a University setting to obtain a degree in underwater basket weaving or some such other waste of time should really look at what plumbers, electricians, welders, pipe fitters and tool makers are earning. With that earnings potential, without massive school debt, and zero chance of malpractice actions, these occupations are also a threat to our professional longevity. Searching for warm bodies to occupy seats at our schools, as opposed to those with a drive and thirst to help people and serve the profession is not the way to go. Just my opinion.
David Secord, DPM, McAllen, TX
07/21/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere congratulations on Dr. Block’s outstanding work with PM News these 8,000 issues. His dedication to journalistic excellence has not gone unnoticed, and I felt compelled to acknowledge the remarkable integrity he brings to our profession.
In an era where media landscapes are often polarized and one-dimensional, Dr. Block’s commitment to presenting multiple perspectives on complex issues stands as a beacon of responsible journalism. His willingness to explore various sides of the same story demonstrates a level of intellectual honesty that is both refreshing and essential for informed podiatric discourse. This balanced approach allows PM News’ audience to form their own well-rounded opinions rather than being fed a singular narrative.
Dr. Block’s moral standards and unwavering integrity shine through in every piece he...
Editor's note: Dr. Ribotsky's extended-length letter can be read here.
06/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 1B
RE: Updating Podiatric Medical Education (Rod Tomczak, DPM, ME, EdD)
From: H. David Gottlieb, DPM
Just to clarify, ALL podiatric residencies involve training in both podiatric medicine and surgery. Some have the added certification of rearfoot and reconstruction ankle surgery. ALL podiatric residents are required to be trained in general, medical, and podiatric care including biomechanics. Surgery of the foot is a component of their training. Office and hospital clinic training is also a component. Advanced ankle and leg surgery is only part of the training program and only in the Rearfoot and Reconstruction Ankle programs. State licensure does affect the scope of the training, but working with orthopedic surgeons does occur to round out the programs. While turf issues do occur, many orthopedic surgeons respect our residents as equals.
Please learn about the actual state of podiatric residency programs before making accusations and unfounded criticism.
H. David Gottlieb, DPM, Baltimore, MD
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