The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily

June 12, 2012 #4,486 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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WI Podiatrist Discusses Summer Foot Health Tips

Sandals are comfy in hot weather, but most don’t provide much support, and walking in them can cause inflammation of the heel, said podiatrist Dr. Michael Quinn at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. That pain ranges from a sharp pain and limp while walking, to the need for special support or physical therapy.

Dr. Michael Quinn

It’s best to take the extra time and slip on some shoes with better support, he said. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the feet, too. And don’t go barefoot in public places, to avoid warts and athletes foot.

Source: Jessica Larson, LaCrosse Tribune [6/9/12]

Aussie Podiatrist Stands Up for Patients

When families take out private health insurance, they rightfully expect to receive comprehensive coverage in exchange for their money. Instead, what they get is a shoddy system of partial coverage, where post-operative bills reveal insurers pay just a tiny proportion of medical costs. Patients are left with out-of-pocket costs, which are growing exponentially, reaching a staggering $1,700 for some operations. Many ordinary families have been left crippled by costs they thought they were covered.

Damien Lafferty

How refreshing today that doctors themselves have finally stood up for their patients. As surgeon Damien Lafferty points out to his patients, some funds do not cover operating theatre fees, and funds are under no obligation to cover podiatry fees either. As he says, some funds have no understanding of their clients' needs.

Source: The Sunday Telegraph [6/9/12]

Journalist Learns to Eat Healthier After FL Podiatrist Diagnoses His Gout

Recently, Byron Dobson was treated by Dr. Bryan Spooner. "I was experiencing considerable pain in my foot, and it was difficult to walk without grimmacing. An x-ray showed inflammation in the foot, likely caused by tendinitis, but also probably gout. 

Dr. Bryan Spooner

This bout with gout has given me even more reason to eat healthier. I'm hoping that being more careful of what goes in will help reduce repeat flare-ups. I've gotten the message. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, meaning that it's important to stay hydrated, stay away from high-caffeine drinks and avoid beef, pork, lamb and shrimp. There are many other dietary adjustments to make."

Source: Byron Dobson, Talahassee Democrat  [6/10/12]

Editor's Note: PM News is proud to present excerpts from Meet the Masters.

Bret Ribotsky: Is it time to mend fences with ACFAS? 

Dr. Joseph Caporusso

Joseph Caporusso: Right now, the scenario that we have is that ASPS is our surgical affiliate. I think the first step would be for ACFAS to talk with ASPS and see what their thinking is. If the ACFAS wants to talk to them, that would be fine. Right now, we recognize ASPS as our affiliate, and that’s where we stand.

Drs. Lee Rogers and Brad Wenstrup

Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's guest are congressional candidates  Dr. Lee Rogers and Dr. Brad Wenstrup. You can register for future events by clicking here

3 Trends in Physician Online Activity

Manhattan Research’s “Taking the Pulse U.S. 2012” survey of 3,015 physicians in 25 specialties didn’t ask only about tablet computing use. Among other conclusions:

• Physicians with three screens (tablets, smartphones and desktops/laptops) spend more time online on each device and go online more often during the workday than physicians with one or two screens.
•  Adoption of physician-only social networks remained flat from 2011 to 2012. Physicians reach out more frequently to and are more influenced by colleagues they formed relationships with at school or at work than peers they first connected with online.
•  More than two-thirds of physicians use video to learn and keep up-to-date with clinical information.

Source: “Taking the Pulse U.S. 2012,” Manhattan Research via AMNews

Correctly Express Your Gratitude

In this fast-paced business world, saying, “Thank you” takes valuable time but favorably impacts your bottom line. Avoid making a faux pas by following these tips:

•  Determine the best way to deliver your appreciation. Consider whether the recipient’s style is formal, casual, or traditional to decide your message’s salutation, tone and method of delivery (paper or email).
•  Remain professional, but be warm and conversational. Speak from the heart.
•  Break down your message into three parts. State what prompted your note, recount an important part of the exchange and, summarize what happens next. Example: “I appreciate your expertise on how to handle the the surgery. Your information allows us to achieve a good result. When we meet next month, dinner is on me.”
•  Proofread and check for spelling errors. Read your words out loud to hear the tone. Double-check the address before you mail the note or hit Send.

Source: Adapted from “Five Tips to Get Maximum ROI From Saying ‘Thanks,’” Lydia Dishman, Fast Company, via Communication Briefings

RE: Restrictive Covenant (Name Withheld)
From: John Morris, DPM

Rather than being concerned about whether it is "enforceable" by law,  I think you should consider if it is the "right" thing to sign a contract and then decide not to follow it. Just because you may be able to get away with not following the AGREEMENT is not the reason not to be a man or woman of your word. The operative word is "AGREEMENT."

Once a hiring doctor spends 1-3 or more years getting an associate started in practice (e.g., salary, malpractice, health insurance, countless hours reviewing superbills with the associate, introducing the DPM to patients and referring doctors, helping the associate learn from his/her mistakes which have resulted in patients leaving the practice, retirement or other benefits), don't you think the hiring DPM is entitled to have you live up to your AGREEMENT?

Even if your relationship with the  hiring doctor didn't live up to your expectations, I'd bet that you are more ready to run a practice and had an easier time getting started than if you had opened your practice right out of residency. My advice is to not just be ethical only when it suits you.

John Morris, DPM, Los Angeles, CA

RE: Restrictive Covenant (Name Withheld)
From: Ron Raducanu, DPM

I am not an attorney, but do have some intimate experience with this. First and foremost, please get a good medical practice attorney. If you have a medical school in your area and don't have an attorney, speak to the administration there, and they may be able to help find you a good one. Expect to pay for it. It's worth it all the way.

Here are a couple of tips that I've learned in my travels BUT again, consult an attorney for the details.

- If you can prove that you were "recruited" for...

Editor's note: Dr. Raducanu's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: DEA Certificate Cost (John Gilfert, DPM)
From: Michael Rothman, DPM

Dr. Gilfert is absolutely right. Using an online inflation calculator, the $5.00 in 1963 should be only $37.60 today. However, the same formula gave a result of $15.04 today for that $2.00 visit in '63. So the cost of all medical care is totally out of line.

Michael Rothman, DPM, Skokie, IL, michael.rothman1@gmail.com

RE: "Unified" Post-Graduate Training (Charles Lombardi, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM

Dr. Charles Lombardi made several good points in his posts regarding a one or two-track podiatric residency. I like his thinking. I would hate to see our profession divided between surgeons and non-surgeons. I feel that podiatry encompasses both areas.

Please do not take the words, "minimally competent" as a negative. It just means it is the point where anything below is unacceptable. That being said, we should ask ourselves, "what should the minimally competent podiatrist be able to do?"

I think we...

Editor's note: Dr. Forman's extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Success Tips from the Masters (Ron Raducanu, DPM)
From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM

I agree with almost everything Dr. Raducanu states. He correctly states, “Many larger metropolitan hospital systems and many of the larger insurance carriers REQUIRE ABPS certification to be accepted on their staff, and also to have the ability to participate on the insurance panels.” What he conveniently leaves out (as does everyone else who reminds us of the “real world”) is that this situation is entirely and completely podiatry-created and propagated.

The newly minted certified surgeon convinces the local hospital that the DPM working there competently for 30 years is unqualified because he does not share the same certification, or did not do a three year residency, or a two year residency, or any residency, or blah blah blah. Then in the name of “credentialing” states that this is what the “hospital wanted.” Fratricide. Plain and simple. Statements like “with today's residency experience, there is really no reason NOT to be ABPS-certified,” is just a little smattering of the smugness that is pervasive within our ranks, and denies our true history.

What about the vast majority of us who did not have “today’s residency experience.”? Some of us have opened hospitals and major academic medical centers to ensure that this experience is available but was non-existent when we graduated school. Is it not crazy that I can be the chief of podiatry at a major academic medical center but completely blocked from working in a small community hospital by someone I trained, based on the “real world?”
 
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY, Bryan.Markinson@mountsinai.org

RE: Barefoot Running More Efficient (Doug Richie, DPM)
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM

One of the problems with “proving” biomechanics using EBM as the ultimate judge is that, too often, there is little applicable evidence on either side of an argument, making EBM a weak yardstick. In this case, Dr. Ritchie asks for someone with young ideas and theories, like Dr. Friedman, to provide “studies” reinforcing his/her anecdotes and clinical experiences. By doing this, Doug infers that he has EBM to support his position. In fact, there is little positive evidence defending standard running shoes based on their reducing pronation, motion control and incorporating thick, shock absorbing heels as acceptable.
 
Bruggerman, in 2007, produced a study revealing that 33-56% of runners get injured every year.  Axiomatically, isn’t that a logical reason for us to visit alternatives, even before they are EBM proven? Can Dr. Ritchie share with us studies that show motion control, anti-pronatory features and a big, thick, shock absorbing heel on a running shoe “improves foot health,” as he asks Dr. Friedman to provide?
 
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY, drsha@lifestyelpodiatry

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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Retiring from practice. Equipment For sale. Mini x-ray. One year old Ultrasound with MS arterial/venous X-ray plates. Great condition Ritter chairs. Drills, surgical tools. So much. Just ask, I probably have it: Footcare@comcast.net

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: EPAT

(Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment) for sale. D-Actor 200. This machine is still new. Purchased in late 2011.( new machines>30K). It is the conservative alternative to surgery. Treats Plantar Fasciitis, Heel spurs, Achilles Tendonitis, Joint pain. Great Buy. $17,995 or best offer. Please call 713-541-3199 for more information. or email contactus@houstonfootankle.com

SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI

Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM

PRACTICE FOR SALE - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Established 40+ year old well-rounded practice of both surgical and non-surgical care with special emphasis on sports medicine. Medicare and BS/private insurance base, no Medical assistance. Needs to transition to a confident well trained individual. Purchase can include building. Contact: podiatrypracticesale@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE — BROOKLYN, NY

A large, busy practice is for sale in Brooklyn, NY. This practice has been in the same location for over 50 years. Average 150 pts/week, average gross 730K, most surgery is referred out. Financing available. Call 800-983-4194, or email: contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOUSTON, TEXAS

30 year old busy, progressive practice for sale with an excellent reputation and well established, diverse referral base. Well trained, dedicated, supportive staff. Excellent cash flow ($400K net income after overhead). EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Free standing building also available with large outdoor sign. Owner retiring and willing to stay part time during transition. Contact:mcrosby@picagroup.com or call (888) 776 2430.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Well-established practice seeking associate with opportunity for buy-in. Must have a minimum of 2 years surgical residency, or have 10 years practice experience with rear foot surgical skills. Great opportunity for growth with in-house surgical center, 2 hospitals within walking distance & more. Puerto Rican License required. Send CV/Resume to admin1@podiatrycenterpr.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER. Join a modern, well-established 42-year-old podiatric medical/surgical practice within a multi-specialty office. Located just 20 minutes from NYC. Must be responsible, compassionate, driven, and self-starter. Enjoy cross-referrals from other specialists and support of medical assistants, office managers, and medical billers with over 50 years combined experience. Utilize modern technology: state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, ESWT (machine is owned by practice), physical therapy, x-ray, circulation testing, NCV, and in-office operatory suite. Very strong and effective advertising/marketing program. No nursing homes, No HMOs, No Medicaid, No Medicare. Must be licensed for podiatry in New York. Send cover letter/CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

Podiatry office in Central NJ- Looking for a three year surgically trained associate who has entrepreneurial spirit for a very busy office. You will see new patients and have the potential to become board certified in two years. Partnership guaranteed within three years for the right person. Must be very outgoing and personable. Great opportunity for a person who is confident and a go getter." Please fax your CV to: 732-968-8821.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Full-time/Part-time, motivated, outgoing associate wanted for immediate job opening. Multi-office, multi-doctor practice based in Orange County, is looking for hard-working individual to treat wide range of patients. PSR 24 training a must and Spanish speaking a definite advantage. Email your CV to ocpodiatryoffice@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Busy, two office group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Good mixture of general podiatry and surgery. Applicant should be PMS 36/Board Qualified/Certified. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: toesrus7@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETTS

Looking for an extremely hard working podiatry associate for part-time work, opportunity for full time. Busy and expanding podiatry practice in the Merrimack Valley. Will work in both office and nursing home setting. In office, we have laser technology, electronic medical records, diagnostic ultrasound, x-rays, etc. Please email us at resumesent11@comcast.net if you have interest in this position. If we find the right person, this opportunity could lead to partnership. Looking forward to hearing from you.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST AUGUSTINE, FL

A well-established, solo-physician in St Augustine, FL; is seeking a full-time associate. Applicant should be well-trained with sound surgical skills, applicant must be board eligible/certified. Practice offers a state-of-the-art practice setting, with a good general mix of all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Competitive salary. E-mail resume to drfootwound@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC

Full and part-time opportunity available in 40 year old practice in downtown Brooklyn. State-of-the-art office with EMR and digital x-rays. Must be experienced, highly motivated with good clinical skills. Competitive salary. Possible buy-in opportunity available. please email resume to dpm10019@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO

Ohio practice with excellent reputation and patient base seeks to hire a Podiatric Surgeon. The offices are state of the art including Digital X-Ray, EMR, Diagnostic ultrasound, Padnet Vascular Testing, CO- 2 Lasers all aspects of DME. The base salary is $120,000 with a bonus structure and benefits also would like to have this individual buy into the practice eventually. Please send CV to Ohiopodiatrist@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS

Podiatry practice in Worcester Massachusetts is looking for an associate podiatrist. Busy 2-person practice. High surgical numbers. No nursing homes. Call to hear free recorded message for more information. Call 641.715.3800 Access Code 32299 and message 4 to learn about the practice. Visit our website www.centralmasspodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Immediate opening for a full time/part-time PSR 24/36 podiatrist in a 30 year old, well established practice with an excellent reputation and referral base. State-of-the-art office with EMR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound and beautiful office. Generous base salary, malpractice insurance, health insurance, benefits and bonus structure. A well rounded and energetic podiatric surgeon needed for this group of 4 board certified podiatric physicians and surgeons. Please send CV to: michiganfootandankle@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN SOUTHEAST & SUBURBS

Perfect Career Opportunity for experienced DPM. This unique opportunity is for any level of training from RPR to PSR to PSR3. Fast track partnership for the right individual. Must have Michigan license. All phases of practice can be expanded including surgery. Local hospital privileges available. Individual must be ethical, personable, hard working and committed to high quality care. Competitive salary with buy-in or partnership available. Please fax a letter of interest and CV to 734-981-0487.

ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – NEW YORK CITY

Looking for someone with some working experience in a podiatric office. Two sessions (1/2 day) a week for July and August for Upper West Side of Manhattan. References a must. One 8 AM to 12, one 12 to 5 PM. Reply to fabienne.rottenberg@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTH CAROLINA

New associate position available that may lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hard working, and committed to quality in patient care. We are offering a competitive salary with bonus opportunities and a wide range of benefits. All interested candidates should send a CV to MFAS828@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Associate wanted for hospital-based podiatry group practice. Full scope of practice. Surgical residency 24month+. Outstanding opportunity, work environment, and recreational pursuits. Fax CV to 907-562-5195, please call 907-562-4958, e-mail us at contactus@alaskapodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - YORK, PA

Three-office practice with hospital, surgical center & nursing home privileges. EMR since 2000. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, progressive practice. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Practice offers good mix of surgery, wound care, and general podiatry. Open to associate with potential future buy-in. Please forward your information and CV to footdocpa@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's and Students

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 13,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.

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