The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

March 29, 2009 #3,505 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Foot Structure Causes Most Bunions: CA Podiatrist

Bunions, my friends: They just get no respect. Maybe it has something to do with the toes themselves, seemingly frivolous appendages that actually are vital to our ambulatory ability.

Dr. Spencer Lockson

"A pronated (foot) that flattens out and rolls to the inside is one type to watch," says Sacramento podiatrist Dr. Spencer Lockson. "A smaller percentage of bunions are caused by arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. But it's that foot structure that causes undue forces on the joint."

Treatment ranges from the conservative (choosing shoes with a wider toe box, wearing a prefabricated arch support or custom orthotic) to surgery.

Source: Sam McManis, Sacramento Bee [3/22/09]

TX Podiatrist Vies for School Board Seat

The three people who end up winning the McAllen school board seats that are up for grabs will have to keep the school district financially sound, lower the dropout rate, and work with a new superintendent to make sure students receive a good education.

Dr. Joseph Caporusso

The seven candidates vying for those seats said during a candidate forum Thursday that they were up for the challenge. Podiatrist Joseph Caporusso and Ralph Garcia, a human resources director and former Parent Teacher Association president, are vying for Place 6. Earlier this week, Caporusso was elected as treasurer of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Source: Jennifer L. Berghom, The Monitor [3/26/09]

MS Doctor Arrested For Insurance Fraud

A Jackson doctor has been arrested following an insurance fraud investigation, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. Dr. Larry Cruel (age 44) was arrested this morning by investigators with the Attorney General's Office, Insurance Integrity Unit, on one count of insurance fraud and one count of wire fraud. Dr. Cruel is accused of submitting false claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Dr. Cruel, who is a podiatrist at Advanced Foot Care located in Jackson, MS, faces up to three years and a fine of $5,000 or the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, for the insurance fraud charge and up to five years and a fine of $10,000 for the wire fraud charge.

Source: Comp News Network [3/27/09]
 

Query: Heel Pad Stabilization

A 23 y/o female sustained a degloving injury to her heel area in 2008. The heel pad is now hypermobile after repair (ORIF and skin grafting). Shearing forces are creating a painful medial callus build-up that leads to superficial ulceration. Wearing a silicon padded elastic sock has not helped. Ankle joint ROM is WNL. Her STJ can evert normally, but has limited inversion. Her relaxed calcaneal stance position (RCSP) is slightly everted. Any thoughts on conservative or surgical options? 
 
Calvin Britton, DPM, Little Rock, AR

RE: Extra-Depth Scuba/Swim Fins (John P. McLoughlin, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Force Fins are open-toed; forcefins.com. Cost is roughly $150.00

Jay Kerner, DPM, Rockville Centre, NY, Aikiman44@aol.com

You can have your orthotic lab make orthotics for his scuba booties. PAL lab made me orthotics for my booties to off-load my 5th metatarsal after I fractured it. I went on a dive trip a week after getting out of a boot cast. 

Catherine Yack, DPM, Huntsville, AL, cpod52@bellsouth.net
 

I suggest the patient avoid "full foot" fins and look into "open heel adjustable" versions. You usually wear neoprene dive boots with this type fin instead of bare feet, and the toe section is cut away. If the patient can't wear a neoprene boot, he can try a neoprene sock and open heel adjustable fin. The SCUBAPRO Twin Jet would be great if cost isn't a barrier.

John Schoene,  Johnson Outdoor,  jschoene@wi.rr.com
 

RE: Recurrent Verruca, Possible Carcinoma [Zacharia Facaros, DPM]
From: Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD

Please refer this patient out to an oncologic surgeon for an appropriate biopsy/testing and treatment. Chronic unresponsive ulcerations can and do undergo malignant degeneration. Do not use any GraftJackets or any other so-called topical "remedies." 
 
Thomas Graziano, DPM, MD, Clifton, NJ, TGrazi6236@aol.com

RE: A Challenge to PICA/Proassurance and the Profession
From: Ken Malkin DPM

I am urging and calling on each and every PICA policyholder who receives a check from the PICA sale to donate a portion of this windfall to the APMA Educational Fund. In these hard economic times, most charitable organizations have been suffering. Imagine the impact that this PICA “found” money can have on the future of our profession. Students who are best-suited to study podiatric medicine will not be turned away for lack of funding.

Donating as little as 3% (250.00 for me) of this PICA Bounty by each policy holder will result in both a tax deduction for the policyholder and result in perhaps 2 million dollars or more to the Fund.  Imagine if we all gave 10% of the bounty to the Fund – that could be more than 8 million dollars. THIS IS A ONE TIME CHANCE TO DO A GOOD THING AND BARELY FEEL IT LEAVE YOUR POCKETBOOK.

I am also calling on Proassurance (the parent of PICA) to  double the contributions received by the Fund within 60 days of the PICA policyholder checks being mailed as an act of good faith to the profession. 

While Dr. Kanat and I attempted to reverse the PICA sale through a resolution of the APMA House of Delegates, it is now a done deal. I am donating $1,000 to the Educational Fund in honor of Dr Kanat’s  52 years of service to the  APMA House of Delegates and his profession. Mark your contribution as PICA-Related and send to: APMA Educational Fund, 9312 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD  20814

Ken Malkin, DPM, Caldwell, NJ, drpod1215@aol.com

RE: Podiatry in Canada (Article by Darryl J. Martins, DPM)
From: James Hill, DPM

As President of the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association, I read with interest the article by Dr. Martins in your March 2009 edition “have a look at foot and ankle care in the land of the maple leaf." I thought it might be helpful to your readership to provide an update on the situation in Ontario.

To begin with....

Editor's note: Dr. Hill's extended-length artile can be read at: http://www.podiatrym.com/letters2.cfm?id=25381&start=1

RE: PM News Marks Issue #3,500 & 15th Anniversary [Marlene Reid, DPM]
From: Hal Ornstein, DPM

I have had the great pleasure of working with Barry Block since my national student leadership days in the mid 80’s. To watch the momentum of his giving to our profession and his passion to share his heart and soul tirelessly with others serves as a personal beacon! When the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management established our most highly respected award last year, The Bernie Egerter Leadership Award, Barry was at the top of all our board’s list. It was a great day in my career when I was able to present this to him. My favorite part of Barry is his simple demeanor and love to be “common folk” even though he is one of our profession’s giants.

Barry deserves a huge MAZEL TOV as PM News hits 3,500 issues and fifteen years of connecting podiatrists internationally. And let’s not forget the support and dedication of David Kagan and Hermine Block who work side-by-side with him.

Hal Ornstein, DPM, Howell, NJ

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - MIAMI DADE FLORIDA

Partnership/buy out opportunity for the right candidate. Well-established modern practice. EMR , digital x-rays, gait scan etc. Excellent hospital privileges. SALARY...two options. $50,000 starting, 40% of everything you generate over $120,000, 50% over $200,000, 55% over 250,000 and 60% of everything you generate over $350,000. Want a fixed salary instead? $80,000 a year. I feed you patients and provide an excellent well-trained staff. Contact doctorinhialeah@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FL

Practice sale, in beautiful, high quality of life, growing area; 2000 sf bldg. fully equipped/ designed for podiatry; excellent location, features & exposure; near hospital, wound and HBO center. Great opportunity for expansion; good insurance climate. 352-357-7499 / E-mail: windnwave@earthlink.net

PRACTICE FOR SALE-SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN-BRIGHTON

Great opportunity. Established 11 years. Excellent location. Large illuminated sign on busy main road. Mid to high income growth area.  Supplies, furniture, and equipment included: X-Cell X-Ray w Hope Autoprocessor, Pelton-Crane Autoclave, Parks Lab, Bircher, Burton Floor Light, OR with Lighting, bone instruments and power equipment, Midmark Chairs. Quality 1,350 sf build-out. convenient parking. Must sacrifice. Call (248) 565-5266. Docpod@aol.com

NEEDED CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC PODIATRISTS

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website

PODIATRIST NEEDED FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Multi office practice needs doctor of podiatry for full time and/or part time for private office, clinics, and nursing homes. Great opportunity to grow with and unlimited income potential. Offices in Miami, Hialeah, Westchester, and Cutler Ridge. Email to feetdoctor@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – VICTORIA, CANADA

Beautiful Victoria, B.C. Canada on the ocean, fast growing area. Associate for multi-office full scope practice. Licenser exam to be given in June 2009. Reply to dr.cole@shaw.ca

ASSOCIATE POSITION NEW YORK

Podiatrist needed for private clinic setting in N.Y.C.  All RFC, no stress, $40+/hr. Great opportunity to earn some easy extra money. For more info. And details call (917) 880-6639 or e-mail: hansfeet@aol.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE WANTED - FLORIDA

Associate needed for a dynamic multi-doctor practice in the Tampa Bay area. Partnership opportunity for the right candidate. Preference given to a PSR 24+ resident completing their education this spring/summer, and must have a Florida license. Well-established practice, high tech with EMR and digital x-rays, with specialties in sports medicine, surgery and wound care. No nursing homes or HMO's. Excellent hospital privileges available. Choose an area of practice concentration that you are passionate about and enjoy a lifestyle for yourself and your family that is second to none. E-mail: kimvelez@tampabay.rr.com

ASSOCIATE NEEDED - MIAMI DADE FLORIDA

Partnership/buy out opportunity for the right candidate. Well-established modern practice. EMR , digital x-rays, gait scan etc. Excellent hospital privileges. SALARY...two options. $50,000 starting, 40% of everything you generate over $120,000, 50% over $200,000, 55% over 250,000 and 60% of everything you generate over $350,000. Want a fixed salary instead? $80,000 a year. I feed you patients and provide an excellent well-trained staff. Contact doctorinhialeah@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHANDLER/GILBERT/PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Seeking a well-trained, ethical and hard working graduate of a PSR 24+/36 Residency to join our growing multi-location practice. This is a practice with a nice mix of 35% surgery/trauma, 20% diabetic/wounds, 25% biomechanics, 20% pediatric. ER Call. Opportunity for partnership at 2 surgery centers. Very modern offices with EMR, U/S, Digital X-Ray, ESWT, Vascular Testing Machine. Excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. Board eligible/certified a plus. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to FootAnkleAZ@aol.com

OFFICE SPACE/ MRI RENTAL – NYC, LI   
 
Turn-key space available, daily, monthly; East 60th off Park Ave, East 22nd St. off 3rd Ave, and Plainview Long Island. JACHO-certified operating rooms available, as well as all surgical equipment and anesthesia. Extremity MRI Rental. Stark compliant. All exams read by board certified radiologist. Call for details. 516 476-1815

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 11,500 DPM's. Write to  bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110.

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