Podiatric Medical News
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Issue Date: October 26, 2026
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Podiatric Medical News
The Voice of Podiatrists Since 1994
A Podiatrist-Run Publication
Reaching 23,000+ Subscribers
October 26, 2026 #8,387 Publisher: Barry Block, DPM, JD
Podiatric Medical News
E-mail us at bblock@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 MEDICAL NEWS QUICK POLLS
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| Results of last week's poll |
PODIATRIC QUICK POLL
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PODIATRISTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
CA Podiatrist Discusses GLP-1 Drugs and the Bone Health of Your Feet
According to Dana Figura, DPM, "A 2026 review of sixteen studies on GLP-1 medications raised questions about the bone effects of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. One small trial in older adults already at increased fracture risk found that a year of semaglutide treatment increased a marker of bone breakdown and reduced bone density at the hip and spine compared with placebo. However, participants also lost more weight, so researchers couldn't determine whether these changes reflected a direct drug effect or the effects of weight loss itself. These findings do not establish that Ozempic increases fractures, and longer-term research is needed to clarify its effects on bone health."
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| Dr. Dana Figura |
"A few things worth knowing: 1) If you are on a GLP-1 medication and you have a foot or ankle fracture, or are planning foot surgery, tell your surgeon. Healing time and hardware choices can be affected by bone quality. 2) Weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and sufficient protein intake matter more, not less, while losing weight quickly on these medications. 3) Do not stop a prescribed GLP-1 medication based on this research alone. Talk to the prescribing doctor, since findings vary significantly by which specific drug you are taking. 4) New or unusual foot pain during a period of rapid weight loss is worth getting evaluated rather than dismissed, since stress fractures in the small bones of the foot can be easy to miss," says Dr. Figura.
Source: Yahoo! Creators [10/21/26]
PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES
TX Podiatrist Receives the Edward James Olmos Award
On October 22, 2026, Robert G. Frykberg, DPM, MPH, was awarded the 2026 Edward James Olmos Award for Advocacy in Amputation Prevention at DFCon. This honor recognizes and celebrates his longstanding dedication to diabetic foot care, limb preservation, and the prevention of avoidable amputations.
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| (L-R) Drs. Michael Conte, David Armstrong, Robert Frykberg, and Joseph Mills |
Through decades of clinical care, research, and education, Dr. Frykberg has influenced and advanced the care of people at risk for diabetes-related limb loss. His contributions highlight the vital role of podiatric medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration in preserving mobility, independence, and quality of life.
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1
MN Podiatrist Follows in Her Parents' Footsteps
Mankato Clinic’s Foot and Ankle Center is becoming a family affair for its founding podiatrists, James Nack, DPM, and Lynn Gustafson, DPM, who got to welcome their daughter, Danielle Nack, DPM, to the clinic staff as a foot and ankle surgeon on Tuesday, October 20. Drs. Gustafson and Nack are the clinic’s first podiatrists who were hired back in 1992.
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| (L-R) Drs. James Nack, Danielle Nack, and Lynn Gustafson |
Dr. Danielle Nack said the position will be her first job in medicine after completing a residency at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul and advanced fellowship training at TriValley Orthopedics in Pleasanton, California. During her fellowship, Dr. Nack said she focused on reconstructive forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgery, as well as total ankle replacement, arthroscopic ankle surgery, sports medicine, and trauma.
Source: Evan Berg, KEYC [10/22/26]
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2
FL Podiatrist Joined Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group
Podiatrist Juan E. Sardiña, DPM, has joined the Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group. Dr. Sardiña is on staff at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Dr. Sardiña earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida. He completed foot and ankle residency training at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Florida, where he served as chief resident.
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| Dr. Juan Sardiña |
Dr. Sardiña completed a traveling fellowship in limb lengthening and deformity reconstruction at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Source: South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report [10/23/26]
RESPONSES/COMMENT (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: Is Replacing "Podiatry" with "Foot and Ankle" a Good Idea?
From: Sev Hrywnak, DPM, MD
Replacing the established term "podiatry" with phrases like "foot and ankle specialist", "lower extremity reconstructive surgeon", and other terms without the word "podiatry" is not beneficial for the profession because it creates confusion about identity, scope, and training. The word podiatry is widely recognized by patients, employers, insurers, and other healthcare professionals as a distinct clinical discipline focused on the assessment and management of conditions of the foot, ankle, and related lower-extremity structures. Changing the terminology can weaken that recognition and reduce referrals driven by familiarity.
A second issue is scope creep. "Foot and ankle specialist" may sound broader or more “orthopedic” in orientation, while "lower extremity reconstructive surgeon" strongly emphasizes surgical reconstruction. Not all podiatric practice is surgical, and many clinicians provide preventive care, biomechanical management, wound care, diabetic limb services, and chronic condition follow-up. Overemphasizing surgery could misrepresent professional capabilities and undercut non-surgical specialties. Overemphasizing surgery may discourage prospective applicants from pursuing a career in podiatry.
Although surgery is an important component of podiatric practice, it is only one aspect of comprehensive patient care. The profession would benefit from broadening its recruitment messaging to reflect the full scope of podiatry. Rather than focusing primarily on surgery, it should emphasize that, following four years of podiatric medical school, residents receive comprehensive podiatric medical and surgical training. This includes rotations in internal medicine, vascular medicine, infectious disease, and other medical subspecialties, alongside surgical training in podiatry, orthopedics, and general surgery.
Third, terminology affects interprofessional relationships. Other medical and allied professionals may interpret new labels as implying different licensure, training background, or authority, even when the underlying education remains podiatric. This mismatch can lead to duplication of roles, billing misunderstandings, or barriers to collaboration.
Finally, patient trust depends on clarity and consistency. The public understands "podiatrist" as a clear destination for foot and ankle health. Introducing alternate titles can delay care by forcing patients to re-interpret who to see, what services are included, and how expertise maps to their needs.
Sev Hrywnak, DPM, MD, Chicago, IL
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EHR)
RE: Zocdoc Enhanced EHR Integration
From: Nelya Lobkova, DPM
I want to make podiatrists who are on Zocdoc aware that there is an enhanced integration happening with Zocdoc and their EHR. They sent a very brief email noting this, which was missed by most of my colleagues, and more importantly, it goes through automatically without consent unless you call and OPT OUT. I am personally not okay with this and question the HIPAA compliance here, but either way, all of us need to be aware and make our own decisions (see letter below).
“We’re reaching out to share an upcoming enhancement to your EHR integration designed to streamline your daily workflow and help us deliver better tools to your practice. Beginning November 23, we are expanding the data we receive through your EHR integration to incorporate all of your practice's appointments, including those not booked through Zocdoc, and associated data such as expanded appointment outcomes and reimbursement data. This update will help us improve your experience and power new features we’re building to give you a clearer view of your marketing performance.
If you want to take advantage of this enhanced integration, there's nothing you need to do, it will be available automatically. We value your continued partnership. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this update, please contact our team.
The Zocdoc team”
Nelya Lobkova, DPM, NY, NY
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODING & BILLING)
From: Lawrence F. Kobak, DPM, Esq.
A pre-approval from an insurance company does not guarantee payment. If the patient has not met his/her deductible, they will not pay it, to the extent the deductible was not met. If a maximum benefit was reached, the insurance company will not pay beyond that amount. It is the provider’s responsibility to obtain this information from the patient or insurance company. Obviously, the status of a patient’s deductible may change by the day.
If the insurance company gets their money refunded by the provider, the provider may bill the patient for that amount. In New York, if there is no allegation of fraud or abuse (note: just an allegation is sufficient), there is a 2-year look-back limit. If not, it depends on if a federal program is involved, such as Anthem and Medicaid - 5 years or a private insurance company, 6 years.
Note: I am not commenting on the “fairness” involved, just the law involved.
Lawrence F. Kobak, DPM, Esq., Pine Brook, NJ
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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| Aptly named "Organic Geometric" |
Source: Deniz Terli via Virtual Shoe Museum
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.
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME-APPROVED 12-month fellowship, located at St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Queens, New York. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. The wound care fellowship position pays a 6 figure salary for the year, with benefits. Please contact Dr. Joseph Tarantino at jtfootcare@gmail.com EOE employer.
ASSOCIATE WITH PARTNERSHIP POTENTIAL! - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Busy six doctor, well established, state-of-the-art equipped, 2-location practice in Southwest Florida. Seeking a motivated, surgically trained, team player to join our Foot And Ankle family. Unrestricted wide scope of podiatric privileges at two local hospitals with corresponding emergency department call. Full variety of clinical options from sports medicine, wound care, trauma, forefoot/rearfoot/ankle surgical pathology, and professional high risk preventative management. Base salary, incentive bonus schedule, 401(k), medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, uniforms, and all marketing as well as professional dues provided. For more information or interview, contact 941-626-2997 by text.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY
Join our multi-office practice. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Must work well with staff and local medical community. Prefer private practice experience. California license required. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN
Exceptional opportunity for a Foot & Ankle Surgeon (DPM) to join a thriving boutique Manhattan practice! $200K guaranteed compensation with $400K+ first-year earning potential. 40-hour workweek, no call, 20 days PTO, health benefits, relocation assistance, and exceptional culture. Surgical skills preferred. Board eligible/certified required. New graduates welcome! Email CV: nycfootdoctors@gmail.com
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 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 POSITION- SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Busy, growing, multi-location wholly owned practice seeking associate. Board eligible/qualified surgically trained Podiatrist. Benefits include competitive salary, insurance, retirement, and productivity bonus. Surgical Center on-site. Recent retirement of the founding Doctor has us too busy. Southern Maryland has a small-town feel, offering many outdoor activities and a growing community close to the metropolitan DC area. Please forward CV and cover letter to mdfootdoc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST OPPORTUNITIES - DE, FL, IL, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, 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 - AZ, IA, MO, NE & OK
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Join an established multi-office practice with high new patient volume and great growth potential. We offer an excellent salary + benefits + productivity bonus. Dynamic environment with well trained staff and No Call. Arizona State License preferred but not necessary. Please email CV: HealthyFeetAZ@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT
Associate position with partnership opportunity available in fast growing podiatry/foot and ankle surgery practice. Benefits include: competitive salary, 401(k), health, PTO, malpractice, CME paid. RRA Required. BC/BE Required. Prefer a candidate with office experience to start Jan/Feb 2027. Email cover letter and CV to ctfootanklecare@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - PITTSBURGH, PA
Exciting opportunity to join a growing, patient-focused podiatry practice with multiple Pittsburgh-area locations. Seeking a motivated, team-oriented full-time podiatrist. Competitive salary, excellent benefits, established patient base, and supportive work environment. Come grow your career with us! Send CV to: gibbsantonella2112@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - BOCA RATON, FL
Established practice with full schedule from day one. Good variety of pathology, seasoned staff, many ancillaries including MRI, US, Vein Services, CT, Pathology, etc. Excellent for surgical boards cases. Competitive salary/ productivity bonus/ benefits. Highly desirable community. Long-term opportunity. FL License required. ABFAS/ ABPM BQ/BC preferred. Please send cover letter and CV to alopez@certifiedfoot.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - WARREN AND STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
Cosmetic Foot & Ankle Surgery P.C. is hiring two full-time podiatrists in Warren and Sterling Heights, MI. One role is mobile/homecare, the other in-clinic. Competitive pay, benefits, modern surgical suites, and support staff provided. Email CV to drzefmarkaj@gmail.com. New grads welcome.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT
Established high volume Connecticut Podiatry practice seeking a motivated surgical or nonsurgical podiatrist to join our team, treating a diverse patient population with all types of foot and ankle conditions. Enjoy a strong patient base, high income potential and a rewarding career in a supportive environment. Residency program affiliation. Contact bfsoffice301@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SYRACUSE, NY
Seeking a skilled, compassionate podiatrist to provide exceptional foot and ankle care. Competitive pay, supportive team, and great growth opportunities. Surgical board numbers within the first year! Apply to docryanlee@gmail.com and take the next step in your career!
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - SOUTHWEST
A well-established, physician-owned independent private practice seeks a full-time Podiatric Surgeon. We offer a highly competitive starting salary, performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive benefits, and a defined pathway to partnership and ownership. Exceptional opportunity for a motivated surgeon seeking long-term professional and financial growth in a thriving surgical practice. Strong surgical skills, work ethic, and commitment to exceptional patient care required. Submit CV: prljammin@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH JERSEY/PHILADELPHIA
Seeking full-time associate for busy practice. Our group covers the full range of foot and ankle care including routine foot care, wound care centers, inpatient care, elective surgery and trauma/reconstruction. All levels of training/experience are encouraged to apply but must be board qualified/certified. Reply to dkm449375@gmail.com
PODIATRIST WANTED - NORTH JERSEY
Established practice has openings for full-time and part-time podiatrists. We want personable team players who enjoy patient care. Full-time compensation is $200K+ including bonus. Benefits include a 401(k) with match, PTO, a CME allowance and CME time off. Send CV to njpodoffice@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND
Advanced Foot Care is seeking a full-time Podiatrist to join our upscale, multi-location practice with 8 state-of-the-art offices across Long Island. We provide a modern, newly renovated work environment, a supportive and collaborative team culture, and access to the latest medical technology and billing software. We are looking for a motivated physician with a strong work ethic, positive energy, and a passion for patient care. In return, we offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more, visit www.AdvancedFootCare.com and apply by emailing dr.pedramh@advancedfootcare.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.
SEEKING TO PURCHASE A PODIATRY PRACTICE - BERGEN, ESSEX & HUDSON COUNTIES, NJ
Established North Jersey podiatrist, not Curalta or private equity, looking to acquire a practice. Private, physician-to-physician conversations. A dignified transition that respects your legacy, your patients and your staff. All inquiries kept strictly confidential. Reply to njpodoffice@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
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW JERSEY
Rare opportunity to acquire a thriving 35+ year podiatry practice with two established locations: 1 Pelican Dr., Bayville, NJ, and 890 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Professionally appraised at $365,000, with financing available. Practice owns Barnegat office and offers five-year lease with option to purchase. Serious buyers, inquire today! Buffywoo@comcast.net
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
TURNKEY PODIATRY PRACTICE FOR SALE - SALISBURY, NC
Established 36-year podiatry practice located just blocks from the hospital. The office features four treatment rooms. Building and equipment are included, offering an excellent opportunity for a podiatrist ready to establish or expand a practice. Click here to learn more / contact Phillip Kolb at phillip@newleafbrokerage.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - UPPER WEST SIDE - MANHATTAN
After more than 30 years in private practice, I am beginning my transition toward retirement and I am seeking podiatrist interested in acquiring my established Upper West Side practice. The practice has a loyal patient base, a long-standing reputation in the community, and an excellent Manhattan location. An ideal opportunity for someone looking to establish a New York City practice or add a second location. Serious inquiries welcome and confidential. Please contact the office manager Mrs. Maritza Valentin, (917) 287-2954. email Valentinm1875@gmail.com
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