The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily

April 20, 2009 #3,524 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Orthotics Work Best in Shoes with Substantial Soles: CA Podiatrist 

Dr. John Swaim knows that stiletto heels and flimsy flip-flops aren't the best choices of footwear for women, but he also knows that they will continue to be worn. "I'm a realist," Swaim said from his Red Bluff office. "I can't dictate fashion to women." But what he can do is counsel them on making wise footwear choices as often as possible. "A person takes a minimum of 10,000 steps per day," Swaim said. "That repetitive motion is going to have consequences." Those consequences are exacerbated by inappropriate footwear.

Dr. John Swaim

Swaim said the three most common problems he treats are plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. Some people are more prone to developing those afflictions because of heredity or the makeup of their foot. "The joint under the ankle is key to proper balance," Swaim said. Shoes can either exacerbate or improve that imbalance. Orthotics that fit into shoes help the foot maintain proper balance. He said that orthotics can be designed to fit dress and casual shoes and can be rotated among varying pairs of shoes. The inserts work best in shoes that have a substantial sole. "The less under the foot, the less I can help you," he said.

Source: Debra Moore, Record-Searchlight [4/15/09]

OH Podiatrist Achieves Recognition as Certified in Public Health

The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) has announced that David J. Hintz, DPM, MPH has achieved the recognition of being Certified in Public Health. In addition to being certified in Public Health, Dr. Hintz is further recognized with the special honor of being in the Charter Class of those Certified in Public Health. He currently is engaged in private practice in Elyria, Ohio and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. David J. Hintz

Dr. Hintz achieved his graduate degree in public health from CSU and NEOUCOM in May of 2007. The inaugural Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam was administered to nearly 700 professionals. This was the first time that the CPH exam was administered. Examinees sat for the exam in both the U.S. and in international locations. Professionals who sat for the exam demonstrated their commitment to furthering the profession of public health.

Mistretta Appointed to GA State Board of Podiatry Examiners

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he has appointed Richard P. Mistretta, DPM, 43, of Suwanee, Podiatrist Representative to the Georgia State Board of Podiatry Examiners.

Dr. Richard P. Mistretta

Mistretta is a partner and podiatric physician/surgeon with Affiliated Foot & Ankle, P.C. He is the president of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Kiwanis Club of Duluth. Mistretta earned a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University and a medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Source: The Daily Citizen [4/17/09]

Query: Associate to Partner Agreement

We are looking for information and recommendations of individuals or companies that help with the process of transitioning an associate to a partner, including development of buy-in/buy-out, etc.  
 
Robert Frimmel, DPM, Sarasota, FL
 

RE: Chronic Achilles Tendinitis (Alan Mauser, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents

Your patient looks like an excellent candidate for Alfredson's Eccentric Protocol. When applied to a compliant motivated patient, significant improvement (both subjectively and histologically) is seen in 6-12 weeks for 90% of patients with mild to moderate midportion tendinopathy. It does not work well for insertional tendinopathy. Simply do a Google search on the topic and find many resources describing the technique. Drop me an e-mail, and I can send off some info as well.

Nicholas Taweel, DPM, PT , Philadelphia, PA, dpmpt@hotmail.com

When Achilles tendonitis becomes chronic, it is more likely to be a tendinosis condition, which is not an inflammatory but a degeneration condition. An Achilles tendinosis will NOT respond to ice, total rest, splinting or even NSAID's.

Before you attempt any surgical procedures, confirm the diagnosis of tendinosis with an MRI, and if present, this patient will need PT specific to the treatment of tendinosis, which will include eccentric ROM exercises and heat modalities among others. Last, but not least, ESWT has been researched and proven to be successful in treating tendinosis.
 
Narmo L. Ortiz, Jr., DPM, Cape Coral, FL, nlortizdpm@embarqmail.com

I have had moderate to good success in refractory AT cases with the infiltration of prepared platelet-rich plasma into the paratenon, and other UK colleagues report similar outcomes with the use of autologous whole blood. The UK Department of Health's NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has issued guidance notes on the use of autologous blood for Tendinopathy when it is used in the Public NHS (National Health Service). See: nice.org.uk/Guidance/IPG279/Guidance/pdf/English
 
Martin Harvey, BSc (Hons),Tamworth, England, podmart@tiscali.co.uk
 

Query: Diabetic Socks (Cheryl Martinetti, PMAC)
From: Tim Quist, DPM, Robert Gaynor, DPM

In regard to diabetic socks that can be sold in the office at a reasonable cost, my office has been selling socks from a company called Cresent, Inc., makers of "World Softest Socks." They are indeed, very soft. They have multiple varieties, including light compression and wide fit socks, all with a minimal toe seam. We are able to sell them in the $6-$8 range. I think this makes for a much easier sell than to sell socks that are in the $12 - $16 range. Their products have received the APMA Seal of Acceptance. You can contact the company at (877) 977-7625, or visit their website at worldssoftest.com. I have no connection with the company except for being a satisfied customer.

Tim Quist, DPM, Elkhart, IN, tquist61@gmail.com

You might want to consider the Instride diabetic sock. They are silver-lined and are available in crew and quarter length. They come in white, black and bone at a cost around $4.50 a pair.

Robert Gaynor, DPM, Lake Worth, FL, Drgaynordpm@aol.com
 

RE: Gordon Labs Sponsors AAPPM Student Dinner
From: Nisha Krishnan

SuEllen Dercher, President of Gordon Labs hosted a dinner for new residents to meet with AAPPM officers during the Midwest Podiatry Conference. The event was put on at Edwardo’s Natural Pizza Restaurant in Chicago, IL. The meet-and-greet session was a fantastic experience for the Scholl podiatry students to converse with the residents and ask questions about their future.

Luke Hunter, President of the Scholl Chapter of Practice Management said, “This dinner was an amazing experience! The residents were very open and forthcoming with tons of advice on how we should approach externships and residencies. I now know more of what to expect, and what is expected of me. I hope to use this information to maximize my learning experiences." All the Practice Management officers would like to acknowledge and thank SuEllen Dercher and Gordon Labs for hosting this wonderful event!

Nisha Krishnan, Practice Management Secretary, SCPM Chapter, nishabkrishnan@gmail.com
 

RE: Unruly Children (Anas Khoury, DPM)
From: John H. McCord, DPM,

At times during my practice years, I agreed with W.C. Fields who admitted that he did like children, par boiled or fried.  I let the parents handle their kids unless they were a danger to other patients. In those cases, I rescheduled the patient with the children and asked them to leave.

My middle son had severe behavioral problems, especially in church. One Sunday, he was raising hell, mostly talking loud during mass. I couldn't get him to be quiet. Suddenly, he stopped and pointed to the crucifix behind the altar with a life-sized Christ hanging near death. He said, "What happened to him?" I whispered, "He talked in church." Colin remained quiet for the rest of the service.

John H. McCord, DPM, Centralia, WA, jhmccord@yahoo.com

Here’s a tongue-in-cheek response to a serious issue, but I take my chuckles where I can find them. I was at a sports medicine seminar when I noticed this:

Unattended Children

Peta Minerof, DPM, Evanston, IL, pminerof@aol.com

Editor's note: This topic is now closed.

NEED EXTRA INCOME? IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR A PER-DIEM DPM

Our practice continues to grow and we’re in need of a well-trained DPM who is great with patients. Our multi-office practice is located in the scenic Hudson Valley region of upstate NY. This is a great opportunity to grow with our practice and provides unlimited income potential. Reply to: Hudson Valley Foot Associates, PO Box 3300, Kingston, NY 12402-3300; or email CV and cover letter to: jobs@hvfa.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

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Join a solo surgeon in a two office private practice, modern facilities with EMR and digital x-ray, reconstructive and trauma surgery.  Excellent starting salary and benefits. Position leads to partnership. Submit letter of introduction and CV to jdisabato@vfasa.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 POSITION - ILLINOIS
 
Podiatrist needed to provide care for elderly population in Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities. Must be ethical, hard-working, interested in geriatric care and willing to travel. e-mail resume to poddoc2328@hotmail.com

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

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

PART-TIME NON-SURGICAL PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH JERSEY    
 
23 yo practice recently relocated to a spectacular newly-constructed and equipped storefront next to a busy supermarket with ample parking and senior citizens in vibrant downtown. Accepting Medicare and Blues only with great potential. Perfect for expanding to full-time, a second office or new practitioner with means and office experience.  Priced to sell. Financing possible. E-mail interest with contact to Mikedup1215@yahoo.com 

CASE CONSULTING

Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.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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