Podiatric Medical News
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Issue Date: August 18, 2026
Podiatric Medical News
The Voice of Podiatrists Since 1994
A Podiatrist-Run Publication
Reaching 23,000+
August 18, 2026 #8,338 
Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
Podiatric Medical News
E-mail us at bblock@podiatricnews.com
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COPYRIGHT 2026 - No part of Podiatric Medical News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block.
Podiatric Medical News is no longer affiliated with Kane Communications, Inc. and Podiatry Management.
PODIATRIC QUICK POLL
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Beware the ‘Cinderella Complex’: NY Podiatrist
This fairy tale can have a seriously painful ending. Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is one thing. Fitting into your own shoes — decades after buying them — is another story, says Rock G. Positano, DPM, a podiatrist and co-director of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. “Cinderella complex” is the name for trying to fit into a too-small shoe.
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| Dr. Rock G. Positano |
“Shoes that don’t fit correctly may cause a variety of problems such as tendonitis, blisters, ankle swelling, and knee, hip and lower back pain,” Positano said. “It is recommended to fit new shoes in the afternoon when the foot is most swollen from daily activities such as walking and standing,” Positano said.
Source: Head topics via New York Post [8/15/26]
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PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR
NY Podiatrist Discusses The Caveats of Wearing Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes are not inherently bad for your feet, but they do come with some real caveats. Because jelly shoes are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar plastics, they don’t offer the same flexibility as more traditional shoe materials. “I’ve personally experienced blisters from these types of shoes,” says Samantha Landau, DPM, a podiatrist and professor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University. “The friction of plastic against your feet can cause abrasions and blisters.” Unlike softer materials — think canvas or leather — the plastic used for jelly sandals doesn’t have much give, so it’s more likely to rub against your feet and cause pain.
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| Dr. Samantha Landau |
Beyond blisters, there’s another issue worth considering before you wear jellies all day — a lack of arch support. “They tend to lack arch support, which will result in foot fatigue if you wear them for long periods of time,” Dr. Landau says. “Wearing shoes without arch support for long periods of time can lead to things like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and posterior tibial tendinitis.”
Source: Bethany Heitman, NBC News [7/30/26]
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - OPINION - PART 1
RE: The Importance of Maintaining the Integrity of Podiatric Education
From: Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
We all know there is a crisis in the schools. One faculty member recently told me there was pressure to change grades and pass podiatry students who had failed courses. These are not some college football players majoring in flat tire maintenance. This is a medical school where students use scalpels, syringes, and drugs (hopefully prescribed). CPME ought to be all over any suggested grade changing like the wintergreen odor of vomit neutralizer. Instead, I was told that the instructor was asked to change the grades or resign because every tuition dollar is important.
Since I was a resident, there have been complaints regarding surgical certification. There are questions asking if rearfoot and ankle certification are dependent on which program a resident attends. There are certain residents who will never retain their rearfoot and ankle certification because they didn’t attend the correct name recognized residency programs. There are places a resident can match where you can be forefoot certified, and even though there is no orthopedic surgeon for 80 miles, and you have done 50 rearfoot reconstructions per year, you don’t have the proper big university medical school name recognition. Afterall, podiatry cannot tolerate weak board certification.
Questions on the re-certification exams are so difficult, grandfathered practitioners who take an unnecessary MOC exam every three months may not even recognize the questions. So, their residents answer the questions that newer board-certified podiatrists will someday randomly face. Those taking the MOC tests are screening questions for those wishing to get certified.
Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD, Columbus, OH
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 2A
From: Jim Christina, DPM
I am not sure why Dr. Jacobs feels it is appropriate to make an offensive personal assault on me. First of all, I have been retired for over two years and have no knowledge or information about the number of applicants to the colleges of podiatric medicine. Perhaps I misread Dr. Tomczak's post, but I thought he was making a general reference to AACPM and their lack of publishing enrollment and graduation statistics. Again, if I misread the original post or misinterpreted and he was specifically referring to the current incoming class, I apologize. I have no affiliation with AACPM nor do I represent them in any way and never did.
With regards to not revealing the membership of the Seal Committee when I was APMA Executive Director, this was and is an anonymous committee. They are part of a rigorous process to evaluate products for the APMA Seal. The purpose of their anonymity is to make sure no company interested in the APMA Seal can bring any undo influence on committee members. I would think any reasonable person would understand this necessity.
During my tenure with APMA, I interacted with many members and non-members and always responded to their inquiries in the most timely, complete, and informative manner possible.
Jim Christina, DPM, Retired APMA Executive Director, Lewes, DE
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 2B
From: Lloyd Smith, DPM
As a past president of the APMA, I find the comments by Dr. Jacobs remarkable in several areas. First, Dr. Christina is retired. As such, why would he know the number of students admitted to colleges of podiatric medicine?
Second, in the past the number of students admitted and applied was published. I assume that still happens. If not, it should be public knowledge.
Third, the members of the Seal committee are necessarily kept secret in order to avoid submitting those individuals to pressure from the companies involved. It makes perfect sense.
Lloyd Smith, DPM, Highland Beach, FL
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIC MEDICAL EDUCATION) - PART 3
From: Alan Sherman, DPM
Regarding the ongoing discussion between Jim Christina and Rod Tomczak and others about the true metrics for application/admission trends to podiatry school, thank you to Dr. Christina for providing the link to the statistics tab on the AACPM website where so much is clearly laid out for anyone that wishes to see. For the purpose of our further education, I have summarized the comparison of the number of applicants and GPA/MCAT scores of applicants to podiatry, MD, and DO schools for the entering class in 2024…the last year that I see stats readily available. Applications to MD schools have risen slightly over the last decade, while applications to DO schools have risen dramatically during the decade, but have dropped recently.
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| Sources: AACPM, AAMC, AACOM websites |
The conclusion that I would draw from this data (and you are all welcome to draw your own conclusion) is that it is slightly more difficult to get into MD and DO schools than it is to get into podiatry school, the average GPAs and MCAT scores are slightly higher but that the total numbers involved are not even comparable. DPM applications are only 2%-4% of MD/DO applications. The bigger issue for us is the declining applicants for DPM schools. We remain, I believe, a small niche profession compared with the greater MD/DO world.
Alan Sherman, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (HEALTHCARE NEWS)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
In our practice, we send all suspicious nail specimens to labs even if our clinical judgment says the test might not be needed. That being said, I know where some of our colleagues might be coming from when they ask, "If a nail has all of the clinical characteristics of a mycosis, why bother with sending a specimen to a lab?"
I suspect some of this stems from disparities between labs in analyzing mycotic nail specimens. Most of us have had cases where we were clinically certain the nail was mycotic and it even responded to either oral or topical antifungals, yet the lab report comes back saying it is negative for mycosis.
This type of lab report could place both the doctor and the patient in a bind when it comes to insurance companies. An insurance company seeing a negative report might not want to cover the podiatrist or patient or even worse, the patient may not want to use prescribed antifungals even if they appear to be working. Hence I can empathize with a doctor examining a thick yellow odorous nail saying to him- or herself. "If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, it is a duck" and not bother with lab tests.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Richard Neil Lepird, DPM
Dr. Richard Neil Lepird passed away on August 14, 2026 at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville at the age of 96. He graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 1954, receiving the John Collet Award for Surgical Excellency.
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| Dr. Richard Lepird |
He began his practice in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery in November of 1954 in Estherville, Iowa. During his practice life, he attained diplomatic status in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and was Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Source: legacy.com
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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| Just when you thought you've seen everything! (photo: Diana Luganski) |
Source: Minna Parikkah via Virtual Shoe Museum
MEETINGS & WEBINARS
CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS
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ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - AL, AZ, GA, IA, KS, MO, NE, OK, SC & TN
Aria Care Partners is seeking Mobile Podiatrists to work 1-2 days/week in skilled nursing facilities. You will have autonomy and focus on clinical care while we take care of all scheduling and billing. Guaranteed daily base rate plus competitive compensation. Electronic charting and all equipment provided. Make a true difference in an under-served population. New graduates or experienced practitioners are welcome! Email CV to: kcampbell@aria.care
MOBILE POSITIONS - DAYTONA, JACKSONVILLE, NAPLES, ORLANDO, PANHANDLE, SARASOTA, TAMPA
Responsible DPM/NP/PA team players. Home visits, ILF/ALF/Rehab. Paid travel. No call. No ER. Half days or 9-5. Weekends optional. Autonomy. Potential commission up to $230K+/yr based on availability and performance. Serious FL licensed applicants email contact@PodiatristAtHome.com
LOOKING FOR YOUR FOREVER PRACTICE? JOIN OUR TEAM! - NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute is seeking a well-rounded Associate Podiatrist interested in a long-term relationship and partnership opportunity within our growing, diverse, and highly successful practice in Northwestern New Jersey. We offer an outstanding work environment, competitive salary, excellent benefits, and significant professional growth potential. To apply, send your résumé to: John.guiliana@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH OF BOSTON, MA
We are seeking a full-time associate, ABFAS BE/BC, to join our well-established group practice with a strong reputation. Our practice is deeply integrated within our hospital system and medical community and we engage in both inpatient and outpatient care. We have an excellent referral network with high influx of new patients. We handle wide range of elective surgeries and manage diabetic foot infection/limb salvage. Despite our strong integration within our hospital system, we maintain our autonomy, ensuring a positive work-life balance. We offer an excellent compensation/benefits package. Outstanding opportunity for qualified candidate. Email CV: footdocsma@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - WASHINGTON STATE, TEXAS, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON DC, NEW YORK
Podiatry positions available for immediate hire in Nursing Facilities in Spokane, Yakima, and Seattle, Washington, Central and Northwestern Virginia, Houston and San Antonio, Texas, Washington DC, and New York. Send CV and Cover letter to office@easternpodiatrypllc.com
LEVEL UP YOUR PODIATRY CAREER IN NYC!
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ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - TUCSON, ARIZONA
The Sonoran Foot & Ankle Institute is seeking a motivated podiatrist to join our growing multi-physician private practice serving Tucson, Green Valley, and Oro Valley. We offer a $200,000 base salary, comprehensive benefits, an established patient base from day one, strong referral relationships, surgical exposure, supportive mentorship, and long-term growth opportunities. Enjoy a collaborative, patient-centered environment with the autonomy to develop your own practice style. Contact: contact@sonoranfootandankle.com
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST OPPORTUNITY - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Loma Linda Foot and Ankle Center is a busy, well-established, physician-owned podiatry practice seeking a full-time Associate Podiatrist to join our growing team. We are looking for a motivated, compassionate, and ethical physician with excellent clinical and surgical skills who is committed to providing outstanding patient care. Qualifications: *DPM degree from an accredited institution *Completion of a minimum 24-month surgical residency *Board Qualified or Board Certified (preferred) *Strong work ethic and excellent communication skills *California license (or eligible for licensure) Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV to: llfootankle@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA (FAIRFAX, ANNANDALE)
Established private practice seeking full-time board qualified/certified podiatrist. Residency with RRA preferred. Practice with strong referral base, high patient volume, become part of a teaching/mentor at INOVA Fairfax residency program. Email CV to: kashanidpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO
Onyx health group is looking to hire podiatrists for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in the Cleveland and Dayton areas. Set your own hours, clinical support, excellent commission pay. New grads as well as those with experience are welcome to apply. Info@onyxhealthgrp.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST OPPORTUNITIES - MULTIPLE STATES
US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS), the nation's largest podiatric group, is hiring! We have immediate and future openings in MD, MO, NC, VA, & WV—ideal for doctors ready now or upcoming graduates. Join a team committed to advanced technology, top-tier care, and long-term growth. Must be licensed or in process. Email cover letter and resume to: recruiting@us-fas.com
CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Podiatric Medical News CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 23,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, Podiatric Medical News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 23,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SPOKANE, WA
35 year established and turnkey practice in Spokane, WA grossing $800k/year. Owner wants to cut back or retire. Wanting to pay it forward by offering the same work-life balance opportunity that I have enjoyed. Enjoy low cost of living, minimal traffic, access to mountains, lakes and four seasons. Email Thomasink50@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - TAMPA, FL
Podiatry practice in Tampa, Florida looking for an associate with the desire to purchase the practice. Practice consists of 250 bed nursing home and 100 bed Assisted Living facility. Doctor is willing to stay on to ensure smooth transition. Send resume to Tampafootdoctor@gmail.com or call us (813) 750-5642.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - X-RAY EQUIPMENT
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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - LASERS
Lunula Laser NO CLICK MODEL, never a click fee, like new, $27,500 OBO. Cutera, Genesis Plus Laser, lightly used great for fungus nails, scars. $18,000 OBO. Dr. Ivar Roth. 949-650-1147 or E mail Frontoffice@CPSNewport.com
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