Podiatric Medical News
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Issue Date: September 15, 2026
Podiatric Medical News
The Voice of Podiatrists Since 1994
A Podiatrist-Run Publication
Reaching 23,000+ Subscribers
September 15, 2026 #8,358
Publisher: Barry Block, DPM, JD
Podiatric Medical News
E-mail us at bblock@podiatricnews.com
www.PodiatricNews.com
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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REMEMBERING 9/11
NY Podiatrists Recite at the Calling of the Names Ceremony
In 2016, volunteers from the 2001-2002 St. Paul’s Chapel World Trade Center Relief Ministry created the first Calling of the Names Ceremony. Their intention was to honor all deceased 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Workers and Volunteers by having a ceremony similar to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum’s annual ceremony. They felt it meaningful to do so on the anniversary itself, and at St. Paul’s Chapel where many responders found respite.
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| (L-R) - Drs. Wilma Hunt-Watts, Kathy Reilly Fallon, and Arthur Gudeon |
On this twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our nation, Wilma Hunt-Watts, DPM, Arthur Gudeon, DPM, and Kathy Reilly Fallon, DPM were honored to recite the names at the “11th Annual Calling of the Names Ceremony.” These podiatrists served as volunteers at St. Paul’s Chapel and rendered foot, ankle, and wound care to the NYPD, NYFD, Iron/Steel workers, and other rescue and recovery personnel. Dr. Reilly Fallon, Founder and Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, presented crystal awards to Drs. Gudeon and Hunt-Watts at St. Paul’s Chapel to honor their extraordinary volunteer service and compassionate care at St. Paul’s Chapel after 9/11/01.
HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
TX Podiatrist Announces Departure from Wilbarger General Hospital After 5 Years
Gary Cramer, DPM, will be leaving Wilbarger General Hospital (WGH) on Oct. 29, after five amazing years serving the community. Known for his compassionate care and a deep commitment to his patients, Dr. Cramer has cared for countless patients and families, earning their trust through clinical expertise and genuine concern for the well-being of every person in his care.
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| Dr. Gary Cramer |
“Thanks to the WGH Board and the community for allowing me to participate in medical care in Vernon. You have a solid hospital and staff. I will forever remember my time here,” said Cramer. Dr. Cramer also expressed his sincere appreciation to the patients, nurses, providers, staff, and community members who have made his years at Wilbarger General Hospital so meaningful.
Source: Angel Owens, KFDX [9/12/26]
IN THE COURTS
Court Dismisses CO Podiatrist's Suit Over Medicare Fraud
A Colorado federal court Friday dropped an Austrian medical device-maker from a lawsuit brought by a podiatrist who alleged the company helped create a scheme to bill Medicare using improper codes, finding that the podiatrist failed to detail the alleged fraud sufficiently and defend several other claims.
James Anderson, DPM, and his podiatry practice alleged that Biegler and Solace promoted the Stivax device as an implantable, Medicare-reimbursable pain management tool and instructed doctors to bill Medicare using codes designed for implantable devices, codes that did not apply to the Stivax device. Dr. Anderson said he purchased more than 100 Stivax devices and submitted Medicare claims using the billing codes the companies recommended, resulting in Medicare demanding repayment of at least $276,162. All six claims were dismissed with the door left open for Anderson to re-file.
Source: Amy Rowe, Law 360 [9/11/26]
PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW
OR Podiatrist Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Women Patients
A Portland, Oregon podiatrist was sentenced Friday to more than eight years in prison after 13 women reported he sexually abused them during treatment and surgical recovery. Brian Bowen, 52, received a 100-month prison sentence following his June 17 conviction on one count of first-degree sexual abuse during a bench trial. Bowen subsequently pleaded guilty to 10 misdemeanor counts of third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse involving false representation, accounting for each of the 13 patients.
Source: WCAX3 (Fox) via KPTV/Gray News [9/12/26]
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PROPOSED MEDICARE CUTS)
From: Jeff Pinsky, DPM
On the news story about the proposed reduction for services with the -25 modifier, I think the wrong message is being sent. Where the story says: “… he noticed a concerning spot and immediately conducted a biopsy. It came back as a Stage IV melanoma. ‘Can you imagine him getting delayed treatment because Medicare wanted to pay us a 50% reduction?’” This focuses purely on reimbursement. It makes me wonder what the provider’s options are. Don’t do, or delay the service to get the non-reduced approved payment schedule? That’s providing substandard of care service, failure to diagnose, etc. The guys behind the 1-800-LETS-SUE-THEM eat this stuff up.
Docs (not just podiatrists) face a pure and simple further reduction in pay. Not keeping up with inflation isn’t enough; we have to now put up with going backwards economically. In the vast majority of markets, dropping out of Medicare isn’t a viable option. I retired at the right time, just before the [healthcare] world started to unravel at the seams.
Jeff Pinsky, DPM (retired), Petersburg, VA
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1
From: Lee C. Rogers, DPM, David B. Alper, DPM, Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM
Dr. Jacobs raises appropriate concerns about both the proposed mechanism and the limited evidence supporting plantar fascia embolization (PFE). We recently examined this question in “Plantar Fascia Embolization for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Critical Appraisal of Limited Evidence,” which has been accepted for publication in JAPMA and is anticipated to be published online next week. Our review identified only four clinical studies, all representing Class IV evidence, with no randomized or controlled trials. Across all four studies, only 132 patients were evaluated, and half of the entire evidence base came from a single retrospective study conducted within one clinic network in Japan.
While the reported outcomes may appear encouraging, the extremely small sample sizes, geographic and institutional concentration of the evidence, absence of controls, lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, and inconsistent requirements for prior conservative treatment prevent these improvements from being confidently attributed to embolization. We concluded that PFE remains investigational and should not yet be routinely recommended outside carefully selected patients or research-based settings.
Lee C. Rogers, DPM, San Antonio, TX, David B. Alper, DPM, Boston, MA, Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM, Indianapolis, IN
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 2
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
Dr. Smith suggested that GLP-1 drugs cause cancer. The following was AI-generated:
GLP-1 receptor agonists are not associated with a broad increase in cancer risk, and the large body of trial and real-world evidence is overall reassuring. The most robust synthesis to date—a systematic review of 48 randomized placebo-controlled trials (94,245 participants)—found that GLP-1 RAs probably have little or no effect on thyroid, pancreatic, breast, or kidney cancer (moderate certainty), and likely little or no effect on colorectal, esophageal, liver, gallbladder, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, multiple myeloma, or meningioma (low certainty). [1] Large observational cohorts and meta-analyses more often suggest a reduced overall cancer risk, driven by weight loss and improved glycemic control, particularly for obesity-associated malignancies. [2-4] The two areas where residual signals persist and warrant clinical attention are thyroid cancer and, in some recent cohorts, kidney cancer.
Thyroid cancer — the primary residual concern — the FDA boxed warning derives from rodent studies showing dose- and duration-dependent C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); these agents are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of...
Editor's note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter appears here.
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Stu Ruch. I had the honor of having his son, Dr. John A. Ruch, as my residency director and mentor at Doctors Hospital in Tucker, Georgia many years ago. During my residency, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Stu when he visited Dr. John, and it was amazing to see, hear, and learn from these two podiatric legends as they shared their knowledge.
Dr. Stu trained with Earl Kaplan, DPM, at Civic Hospital and Dr. John is the long-time academic leader of The Podiatry Institute and its associated residency program at what is now Emory Decatur Hospital. I extend my personal, deepest condolences to my good friend Dr. John Ruch, Rodney Ruch, and the entire Ruch family.
Michael S. Downey, DPM, Philadelphia, PA
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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| Don't mess with the soleman |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Jimelle Rumberg
MEETINGS & WEBINARS
CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS
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.
LEVEL UP YOUR PODIATRY CAREER IN NYC!
Join Footcare Now! From dermatology to reconstructive surgery, our platform drives your growth with full-time, part-time, or flexible roles. Learn while you earn in the heart of New York—relocation assistance provided! Apply now: Send your CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION PART-TIME - NORTHERN VIRGINIA
IMMEDIATE opening for part-time position. All aspects of Podiatry. Send resume to: krpsgold@cox.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION- HUDSON VALLEY NY
Thriving for over 50 years, Family Footcare Group LLP seeks a full-time Podiatrist for its Hudson Valley, NY locations. Role covers lower extremity care, wound treatment, and surgeries. Requires DPM, accredited residency, and board eligible. Offers partnership track, competitive pay, health insurance, CME, relocation, and PTO. Send CV to gatlas@footcaregroup.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - IL, WI, LA & IN
Immediate opportunity for a qualified podiatrist to join our growing team, providing routine and referral podiatric care in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Competitive percentage-based compensation with $100,000-$150,000+ annual earning potential, based on caseload and productivity. Excellent opportunity to grow patient volume and income. Compensation details discussed during interview. info@ilfootclinic.com
POSITION AVAILABLE - PENNSYLVANIA, MISSOURI, ALABAMA
Podiatry-only ancillary care company, Podiatrist owned and operated, looking for ethical and responsible podiatrists to service Long Term Care facilities in PA, MO and AL. Flexible schedules. Generous pay structure. Inquire about other regions as well. Send CV and inquiries to info@thepodiatrycompanyllc.com
GENERAL NONSURGICAL PODIATRIST (DPM) - BASSETT HEALTHCARE NETWORK
Looking to join a respected, physician-led healthcare system in beautiful Central New York? Bassett Healthcare Network, an academic health system affiliated with Columbia University, seeks a General Nonsurgical Podiatrist (DPM) to join an established team of podiatrists and surgeons. Enjoy an immediate referral base from 300+ primary care providers, competitive compensation of $180,000-$225,000, uncapped incentive potential, and a sign-on bonus up to $50,000. Comprehensive benefits include malpractice coverage, CME support, retirement plan, and generous paid time off. Experience an exceptional quality of life in a vibrant lakeside community with year-round outdoor and cultural activities. Apply Today! Click here
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBANY, NEW YORK
Well-established podiatry practice in Albany, NY seeks a motivated podiatrist board qualified in forefoot surgery, with strong interests in forefoot surgery, wound care, and sports medicine. Serving the Albany community for over 40 years, we have a strong referral base providing immediate patient volume and professional growth. Position includes surgical privileges and hospital call at a local 440-bed hospital. Competitive compensation, mentorship, and partnership track available. Send CV to Steven.Lam2@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND
Thriving podiatry practice with 3 office locations seeking highly motivated and reliable full-time associate. Candidate must be board eligible, residency with RRA preferred. Great work environment with strong support staff. Competitive compensation, benefits package, and generous sign-on bonus offered. Please email CV to: careers@mynewfeet.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST OPPORTUNITIES - CT, DE, FL, IL, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TX, VA, WA & WV
US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS), the nation's largest podiatric group, is hiring! We have current and upcoming opportunities for doctors ready to join now, as well as positions planned for 2027. Join a growing team committed to advanced technology, exceptional patient care, professional development, and long-term career growth. Must be licensed or in the process of obtaining licensure. To learn more, email your cover letter and resume to: recruiting@us-fas.com
MOBILE PODIATRY POSITIONS - AL, AZ, GA, IA, KS, MO, NE, OK, SC & TN
Build a rewarding podiatry career at any stage with Aria Care Partners. Join our team as a Mobile Podiatrist serving residents in skilled nursing facilities. Focus on clinical care while we provide administrative support. Daily base rate plus competitive compensation. Grow with greater purpose, autonomy, flexibility, and professional support while making a meaningful impact for an often-underserved population. New graduates and experienced Podiatrists are welcome. Send your resume to: kcampbell@aria.care
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 - EUGENE, OREGON
Tracktown USA! Seeking full-time rearfoot associate to join our team, ABFAS BQ/BC. Both strong clinical and surgical skills are required. 1-2 years out of residency preferred. Compensation with base and bonus structure. Benefits: insurance, paid vacation/holidays, paid CME, malpractice. Buy-in possible/suggested. Enjoy: skiing, world class road, gravel and mountain biking, fly fishing, sailing, surfing, the Oregon Coast, University of Oregon Ducks, minor league baseball, great live music, Eugene Ballet, Eugene Symphony. CV to dustydock@gmail.com
FOOT & ANKLE SURGEON - MANHATTAN, NY
Join Gotham Footcare, a thriving Manhattan practice offering competitive compensation, health benefits, and a $10,000 relocation bonus. Board-Eligible or Board-Certified candidates are required; strong surgical skills are preferred. Email your CV to ana@gothamfootcare.com
FULL-TIME CHAIR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE & SURGERY
The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is seeking a Full-Time Chair for the Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. The Chair will lead faculty, drive academic excellence, and oversee clinical experiences in a collaborative environment. Generous benefits! ($120K-$140K). jacquelyn.ortiz@rosalindfranklin.edu
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 - WATKINSVILLE, GA
Thirty year established podiatry practice with solid revenue and referral base, loyal patients, and seamless transition. Seller will continue to practice to ease transition. Located in a vibrant medical market near desirable Watkinsville, offering excellent quality of life. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE WANTED - LOS ANGELES, CA
Established cash-buyer podiatrist seeking a profitable podiatry office or group practice to purchase with strong patient volume with opportunity for continued growth. Flexible transaction and structure. Practice owners considering retirement, transition, or sale, please contact: podiatry001@gmail.com
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT OR SALE - REDBANK AND FREEHOLD, NJ
Established podiatry practice. Redbank:2150 sq/ft, 6 treatment rooms, billing office, lab/kitchen, waiting room, receptionist room, 2 doctor’s offices (3 minutes from Riverview Hospital). Freehold:1350sq/ft, 4 treatment rooms, waiting room, reception room/kitchen and doctors’ office, (5 minutes from Centerstate Hospital). Contact.: docfoot77@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - SWIFTPRO CORDLESS WART REMOVAL SYSTEM
SwiftPro cordless wart removal system. Like new, used approximately 20 times. Includes charging dock, seven brand-new treatment tips, and soft carrying case for convenient storage and transport. Professional-quality equipment, well maintained and ready for use. Asking $12,000. For additional information, contact Jennifer at jennifer@gpfootandankle.com today.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - X-RAY EQUIPMENT
USED/LIKE NEW High frequency X-RAY unit with full Rayence software integration & Digital X-RAY XMARU1012 WCA Wireless flat panel portable detector and 3 lithium ion batteries, located in NJ - EMAIL DOCTORBHALJA@GMAIL.COM for details, pics and discounted pricing.
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