Pedorthic Newswire Issue No. 268

For the latest industry information on foot health and more.

July 9, 2008, Issue #268

DISCUSSION

Send your comments, questions, responses, articles or case studies to Pedorthic Newswire at editor@pedorthicnewswire.com. Your emails will be reviewed by pedorthists and the editors of Pedorthic Newswire, and selected submissions will be posted in an upcoming issue for feedback from other readers. The deadline for each issue is noon on the Monday of each week.

NEW QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

Question: A 57-year-old diabetic patient with a failed hallux amputation with several foot ulcers and osteomyelitis was referred for pedorthic care. To date, nothing done by his previous practitioners has healed the foot despite providing good care (hallux amputation, Apligraf application, GraftJacket application along with supportive topical and systemic care). His infectious disease doc wants him to have a transmetatarsal amputation, but his vascular surgeon says it will fail. Blood sugars are under good control. His current doctor is in favor of referring the patient out for a BK amputation rather than subject the patient to another failed surgery to preserve part of the foot. Is there any hope for pedorthic treatment, and if so, what do PNW readers suggest to prevent further amputations?

- Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped., Eneslow Pedorthic Enterprises, Inc.

Question: In regards to pedorthics and AFOs I am quite confused at this point. It is clear that this is a divided issue. Somewhere I was given the understanding that my scope of practice as a C.Ped. was sub-malleolar and that any involvement of the ankle itself was to be left to the CO in our office. Apparently this must not be the case across the board and I was wondering at what point C.Peds began including the lower leg into their practice. Are the lines limiting scope of practice grey and somehow left to personal interpretation? If pedorthists were always allowed to include the lower leg then I don’t understand why it wasn’t included in my Pedorthic education (including the Pedorthic exam itself)? AFOs are obviously more revenue which would be great for my practice but at what point is it to be done by an orthotist rather than myself?

-Mark C. Scheibelhut, C.Ped. , O.S.T.

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS WITH RESPONSES

Previous response to discussion: I would also like to add my two cents worth to the previous discussion initiated by Mr. Erick Janisse’s comments and concerns regarding PFA has sent pedorthists an urgent message to contact senators to vote for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (have to love how politicians can dress up legislation with a title that sounds like it will help orphans and widows when in reality it takes food off their table and puts bucks in someone else's pocket).   The reason given by PFA is that it delays implementation of competive bidding for several years. Since TSD benefits and custom AFOs are not included under competitive bidding, then what items that a pedorthist might supply are affected by competitive bidding?    Prefab orthotics, wheelchairs, items of that nature.   How much of your business is custom AFOs and TSD footwear versus prefab?

Is competitive bidding the best reason to encourage pedorthists to call their senators and ask them to vote for this legislation? Maybe not.

Factor in one other issue that is supposed to be part of this bill.

The APMA has sent an urgent message to its membership to contact their senators to vote FOR this bill because it includes "exempting podiatric physicians and other licensed health care providers from DMEPOS supplier accreditation requirement."

So if you are a pedorthist that supplies Medicare TSD or AFO benefits, you will have to incur the initial and ongoing expense of accreditation while the podiatrist down the street that is not supplying TSD benefits to beneficiaries that you used to would not.   Seems fair?   Does not seem right?

I will be contacting my two senators to tell them that there is no logical reason that one supplier should be held to lower standards than another supplier.   Accreditation is supposed to improve quality of care and reduce Medicare fraud.   From what I see in my community accreditation should be used across the board with all suppliers.   Use http://www.senate.gov/. and then click on Senators at the very bottom left of this home page to find your senators.

- John Mishasek, BOC Pedorthist, C. Ped.

New response: I'd like to first take this opportunity to notify all the pedorthists out there who I work with and respect that my response to Mr. Mishasek is not an attack on the pedorthic profession. I work and refer to many pedorthists and have respect for what your profession can do on a daily basis. This includes many of the contributors to this newsletter, some of whom I have received more than one referral from over the years and one who is a regular contributor to this newsletter.Read the rest of this response here.

- Dr. Paul Kesselman

New response to discussion: In response to Mr. Sevier’s comment in last week’s Newswire: Thank you for the clarification on OSU’s program. I am pleased to find out that at least some AFO-related curriculum is being taught.

I just want to take a minute to reiterate and clarify my original concern. I don’t know what constitutes a module I don’t know if it is an hour, an afternoon or a day but you and I both know that it is not sufficient training to be able to say the practitioner is thoroughly educated in the molding, selection, function, fitting and modification of ankle-foot-orthoses and their biomechanical functions, variations, indications and contraindications. The advanced courses you mentioned are all post-cert courses. They need to be pre-cert if that is what our scope of practice encompasses.

Furthermore forget informal surveys I have four newly certified pedorthists on staff and not one of them can recall any specific, in-depth AFO training in their classes. Among the four of them, they can recall only one question on the certification exam regarding AFOs. I’m sure you will point to the fact that they took the ABC exam as opposed to the BOC exam, but I haven’t been able to find anyone with whom to speak who has taken the BOC-pedorthist exam, so I have nothing to go on there.

My point is, we are not adequately training or testing our pedorthists in regards to AFOs. It is not my intent to put anyone down or come across in an accusatory tone. Regardless of what the pedorthic scope of practice currently is, we as pedorthists, or any other health care provider for the matter have a moral and ethical responsibility to our patients and referring physicians not to stray beyond our scope of competency and right now that competency is at the most - being very weakly taught and tested. So, I think we need to slow the AFO Express train down or even better, back it up and make sure we are proceeding in the best interest of our patients and our profession.

On a personal note: I was a BOC certificant for many years. I have a great deal of respect for the history of the organization and I owe them a debt of gratitude for allowing me to enter into the world of orthotics. So, from that perspective - and with all due respect - if I were a BOC certificant today, it would strike me as irresponsible and unprofessional and perhaps even downright embarrassing to see a sitting member of my organization’s board of directors engaging in such childish behavior as name-calling and hurling unfounded, irrelevant and petty personal insults at a colleague in a respected public forum.

- Erick Janisse, Egomaniac, Amateur Pollster, Crackerjack Orthotist and Malignancy Extraordinaire

Question: We have the box for Soles 4 Souls in our office. Great response from our clients, so much so that we can't afford to ship all the shoes out!!! Being a small business this is an expense beyond what we can do on a monthly basis. Any hints on how to send these without breaking the bank? I love the program and want to keep participating, help!

- Reggie Swickard, CPed , Dayton, Ohio

Response: Ship them without shoe boxes. Trash those that in your judgment are not wearable. Accumulate them for a longer period so you are not paying small freight charges. Make sure you have the best freight program. NSRA has a great freight program. http://www.nsra.org/; 800-673-8446.

- Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped., Eneslow Pedorthic Enterprises, Inc.

Question: I would like to find a central fabrication facility that does high quality custom orthosis in a timely fashion. I have not been very impressed with the quality and options of custom orthotics offered by some of the Diabetic shoe manufacturing companies. Some are little more than a good OTS orthotic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

- Kay Drew L.C. Ped.

Response: We are a new central fabrication facility in Atlanta, GA with a loyal following. Give us a shot, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

- Rick Martinez C. Ped; OSM, Foot Dynamics, Inc., ph: 877.821.0030

Response: Prothotics in Winnipeg Canada does a wonderful job. We have producing custom medical orthotics for over twenty years using old world hand craftsmanship augmented by the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. We would be please to discuss the possibility of working together. Please give us a call at 1-800-667-3679

- Brent Konantz, Ortho. ,RMT LCSP C PED (C)

Response: Levy & Rappel is a good recommendation for custom orthoses.

- PNW Reader

Comment: Since the last discussion on developing green practices in PNW, we see continued effort being made to improve our conservation-preservation practices. It is a challenge to sustain green practices in the current climate of personal behavior. Waste is everywhere. The shoe boxes we open are loaded with paper and plastic wrappings that mostly get thrown away. We put products we sell into shopping bags that we throw away. We drink water from bottles and cups that we throw away. Most recyclable products and materials are thrown in the trash. Soles 4 Souls has invented footwear recycling. The more shoes that people take out of their closets and distribute to the needy, the better it is for us as well as needy people.

We have developed habits of consumption over the past fifty years, ever since the addition of plastic into our lives. Plastic spoons and plates were not originally intended for disposal after using, rather a less expensive, less breakable alternative to glass. For most of us it was just an excuse not to have to wash and dry dishes and glasses, forks and knives. Consumption became a national pastime with the introduction of Pampers disposable diapers and the replacement of automobiles every two to three years beginning in the 1960’s.

Now we face it in all corners of the globe, as the Third World becomes westernized and joins the consumption society.

It is time to step up to the plate and reverse this pattern that has become a conditioned reflex for us all. I am asking that each person who reads Pedorthic Newswire be a resource to Save Our Planet Earth. This can become the theme of our profession, our own lives, and all of society. It has to start with education. We can and must include the subject in all of our education programs.

I ask each of you who read Pedorthic Newswire to reply to this plea. What have you observed? What are you doing? What behavior modification have you begun to Save Our Planet Earth. Please reply weekly so that this Pedorthic Newswire can become a resource of all information that is available on the subject.

- Robert S. Schwartz, C. Ped., Enewslow Pedorthic Enterprises

Response: We provide a scholarship for a Maine student to study at a Maine college, and the criterion is their commitment and ability to positively impact the economy and/or ecology of Maine. We’ve done that for ten years, and have been able to help some wonderful young people.

- Jim Wellehan

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS WITHOUT RESPONSES

Question: Like Dennis Hagan, I am having difficulty understanding the terminology "SCAFO" and what the device really is. I have looked in a textbook for orthotists and cannot find a picture of a SCAFO. Would someone who fabricates or supplies SCAFOs please email PNW a picture of one of these devices so it can be posted?

- John Mishasek, BOC Pedorthist, C. Ped.

SPONSOR NEWS

AETREX ANNOUNCES JULY SHOE OF THE MONTH

Aetrex is pleased to present the Shoe of the Month for July - the G223 Men's Gramercy Distressed Slip On. The G223 is crafted from a stylish, distressed full-grain leather and is lined with soft, cowhide leather for optimum comfort & breathability. This unique shoe features an elegant and modern slip-on design.

The G223 has multiple removable insoles including a high-tech comfort orthotic and Aetrex's patented Mozaic layer for customization and fitting flexibility. Available in Multiple Widths: Medium, Wide.

When you purchase the G223 during the month of July you will receive 10% off. For more information on this shoe, click here

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

For further information, please contact Dan Bacher at dbacher@aetrex.com

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY NEWS

Opinion: Congress should approve Affordable Footwear Act

Many people in Ohio and elsewhere gave generously this past holiday season. Many collected partially worn shoes residing in closets around their homes and donated pairs to the needy. This gift brightens the lives of those struggling to provide their families with something so basic.

It also points to more that must be done. Congress must approve the Affordable Footwear Act. A bipartisan coalition of House members introduced the measure in November. They recognize the harm caused by high tariffs applied to footwear imported from other countries. Full Text

Source: The Times-Gazette

FDA Adds Cancer Warning to Foot Cream

Using a large amount of becaplermin (Regranex), which is prescribed for the treatment of severe foot and leg ulcers in people with diabetes, could increase the risk of dying from cancer, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA's warning was issued following a long-term analysis of patients who used the Johnson & Johnson treatment compared with those who did not. A black-box warning has been added to the drug's label, stating that patients who used three or more tubes of becaplermin over a period of 20 months were five times more likely to die from cancer. The FDA's analysis revealed that when patients used lower amounts of the drug, they were at no greater risk of developing cancer than patients who had not used the drug at all. Full Text

Source: Fox News

DIABETES

Minnesota clinics vary in quality of diabetes care, report says

By Maura Lerner, Star Tribune

A new "health report card" has found that diabetics are much more likely to get their disease under control at some Minnesota clinics than others.

The report, by a group called MN Community Measurement, rated more than 300 clinics on their use of widely accepted best practices to treat diabetes and vascular diseases. Full Text

Source: Star-Tribune

Foot care focus of new diabetes clinic

A new diabetes institute, the first of its kind in Ontario, has opened its doors in Hamilton. The Mayer Institute, located on Railway Street, is dedicated to treating diabetic foot disease as well as providing non-diabetic foot care.

The clinic provides advanced foot and wound care, along with diabetic education. The goal is to reduce the diabetic amputation rate in Hamilton by 50 per cent by the year 2012. Full Text

Source: The Hamilton Spectator

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Ecco earns top of Golf Fitness Magazine '08 Footwear rankings

Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO announces its World Class City GTX and ACE Hydromax golf shoes topped the Golf Fitness Magazine 2008 Footwear Rankings in the Men’s Classic and Ladies Hybrid categories.

Appearing in the May/June 2008 edition of Golf Fitness Magazine, the inaugural shoe rankings evaluated leading footwear brands on a series of criteria, including fit, performance, styling/design, cool factor, cross-over appeal, value and overall performance. The World Class City GTX and ACE Hydromax each received a score of 96/100. Full Text

Source: WorldGolf.com

BECOMING A CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST

Join A Growing Service Profession: Pedorthics

Pedorthics is a professional field covering the design, manufacture, modification and/or fit of footwear. Pedorthics encompasses shoes, orthoses and foot devices that prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, injury or congenital defect. Certified Pedorthists work with patients and their footwear to conform to a doctor's footwear prescription as part of the patient's treatment

To become a certified pedorthist, you must take a pre-determined number of course hours in pedorthics and pass a certifying examination overseen by either The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics® or Board for Orthotists/Prosthetists Certification, Int’l. Both the ABC and BOC are independent certification bodies that set standards for the profession and are recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

More information, including FAQ's

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics information on the step-by-step process of becoming a pedorthist

Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification

For information on the Canadian certifying organization:
The Pedorthic Association of Canada

UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS

BECOME A CERTIFIED PEDORTHIST

COURSES

The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Click here to view a detailed calendar including dates and locations, information and pricing.

The Pedorthic Footwear Foundation has several scholarships and grants for 2007. Visit http://www.pedorthics.org/ and then click on the "Foundation" tab for more information.

Traveling Courses To Your Area sponsored by The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics, Inc. a not-for-profit pedorthic school. Please contact us to discuss your needs at phone: 765-557-7216. Email: pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

CFS Allied Health Education: Pedorthic Certification: Exam Review
This review is focused on supplying the student with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the ABC Certified Pedorthic exam by presenting exam-like questions, exploring possible answers, and discussing rationales for correct and incorrect answers. Contact CFS Allied Health Education at (918) 266-3678 or visit http://www.learnpedorthics.com/ for more information.

*ABC and The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics are registered trademarks of the The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., which is not affiliated with CFS Allied Health Education and does not endorse this review.

Oklahoma State University has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical oriented individual. Your next course option is to begin by enrolling in our Level 1 Online Program! Then you are required to attend a Level Two: Hands-On program. Once you have successfully completed these courses, you may enroll in our Level 3 Online Program! Contact Information: Jerry Wilson 918-293-5330 or Andrea Autaubo 918-293-5330 or visit our website http://www.osu-okmulgee.edu/ Click here for course listings.

For more information on the Scholl College pedorthic pre-certification course: Contact the Special Programs Office at 847-578-8410, email Ellie.Wydeven@rosalindfranklin.edu or click on www.rosalindfranklin.edu/scpm/ce/.

The National Shoe Retailers Association is pleased to bring training and CEs directly to you, without the additional cost of travel, food, lodging, registration fees or lost work time. Our affordable WISER Sales Training DVD makes in-house training easy and there’s now an online exam for Continuing Education credits from ABC and BOC.

WISER Sales Training provides quality training for new sales associates and re-motivates experienced sales staff. The DVD format makes it easy for employees to train at times convenient for them, and for employers to offer quality training without hiring outside trainers or taking the most experienced staff off the sales floor. ABC’s Category 1 CEUs for WISER Sales Training total 21.75 credits (2.5 scientific, 19.25 business), good through year 2010. BOC’s credit total is 20.34 (6.42 CPE Category 1, 13.92 Category 2).

Pricing for the program is as follows:

DVD, workbook and guide for trainers Members: $295 (Non-Members $395)

Additional Handbooks: $10 each

Online Test Members: $100 (Non-Members: $200)

For more information or to order, click http://www.nsra.org/wiser_intro.php?ad=pn

or call or email Kim Surasky at 1-800-673-8446, ext. 318, kims@nsra.org.

2008 FOOT SOLUTIONS C. Ped. TRAINING COURSE INFORMATION Foot Solutions is an accredited facility that hold classes three times per year. The company's course will offers the certificate needed in all three levels to sit for the C.Ped Exam. The facility is located at2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30067
July 25: 1-day cram session
October 31: 1-day cram session
For application and fee information, contact:

Tracy Strickland 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 206 tstrickland@footsolutions.com

Betty Hubauer 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 201 betty@footsolutions.com

Dr. William Faddock 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 209 bfaddock@footsolutions.com

AUGUST 2008

Eneslow Pedorthic Institute, 470 Park Avenue South @ 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016-6819, Phone: 212-477-2300. EPI Pre-Certification Course: August 11th - August 26th 2008 $3,995
EPI Pre-Certification course is a two and a half week all inclusive course to prepare individuals to become a Board Certified Pedorthist. The EPI course is also designed to help health care professionals enhance their practices (ATC, CO, CPO, DC, DPM, MD, PT). Pedorthic treatment has proven to provide incremental patient benefits, particularly when added to other treatment protocols. The awarding of an ABC/BOC fitter certification provides the certified pedorthist with an appropriate and meaningful recognition of professional competence. Contact Sarah Goldberg at (212) 477-2300 ext 211 or sarah@eneslow.com.

Special Note: Aetrex is offering each Aetrex Customer a special $2,000 savings on Aetrex purchases of $4,000 for each person who attends the Eneslow Pedorthic Institute Pedorthic Pre-certification Course. Enroll Now!

OCTOBER 2008

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science will offer their 3-level competency based training course for future pedorthists from October 14-30, 2008 for the classroom session. The pre-course online session is available prior and must be completed by October 6, 2008. The Pre-Certification Course in Pedorthics has been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Pedorthic Education (CAPE). Podiatric Physicians and other medical professionals may be considered for advanced placement based on the podiatric/medical education and year of graduation.

BECOME A THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTER

For additional information on the Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course, please contact the Aetrex Marketing Department at: marketing@aetrex.com.

AUGUST 2008

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: August 12 (Birmingham, AL), $195.

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: August 21 (Raleigh, NC), $195.

SEPTEMBER 2008

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: September 5 (Greenwood Village, CO), $195.

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: September 14 (Pasadena, CA ), $195.

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: September 16 (Portland, OR), $195.

OCTOBER 2008

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: October 14 (Louisville, KY), $195.

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: October 21(Rochester, NY), $195.

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: October 27 (Atlanta, GA), $195.

DECEMBER 2008

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course: December 5 (Orlando, FL), $195.

For additional information on the Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Course, please contact the Aetrex marketing department at (800) 526-2739 or marketing@aetrex.com.

ADDITIONAL COURSES

Oklahoma State University is offering various courses ranging from instruction in shoe fitting to biomechanics and pathomechanics of the foot. To view a complete listing of 2007 courses and dates, please click here.

CFS Allied Health Education is pleased to announce their new ABC Approved Therapeutic Shoe Educational Course. An ABC certified fitter of Therapeutic shoes is an individual trained and qualified in the provision of non-custom therapeutic shoes and non-custom diabetic multi-density inserts. This two-day course fulfills the educational requirements needed to apply for the ABC Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes credential. To learn more, please visit CFS Allied Health Education's website at http://www.learnpedorthics.com/ for course dates or call (918) 266-3678.

ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE 1-on-1 or Group Tutoring Available; Eneslow Training & Tutoring Program, Individual and Small Group Program

WHO SHOULD COME:
Those who wish to improve their pedorthic, sales, retailing, biomechanics and business skills.
Those who need a refresher course; prepare for the Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes or the
Pedorthic Pre-Certification Course and Exam.

SUBJECTS: PEDORTHICS - SALES -RETAIL MANAGEMENT
Pedorthic Assessment - Pedorthic Shoe Fitting - Pedorthic Solutions Footwear - Foot Orthotics
Foot Products - Ready-made - Custom Shoe Constructions and Designs
Shoe Modifications - Casting and Evaluation Techniques for Custom Shoes & Orthotics - Business and Practice Management Finance & Administration
Forecasting & Budgeting - Buying & Inventory Control Marketing & Advertising Professional Responsibility - Safety - Human Resources Biomechanics Pediatrics
Pathology of Diseases and Malalignments

HANDS-ON 1-ON-1 INSTRUCTION
$150/ hour for individual training

GROUP TRAINING
$125/hour per person for two or more participants in the same program at the same time
$100/hour per person for five or more participants in the same program at the same time

Fee: Two hour minimum

HANDS-ON 1-ON-1 TRAINING WITH ROBERT S. SCHWARTZ, CPED, OR DR. JUSTIN WERNICK, DPM, CPED
$250/hour for individual training &
$200/hour per person for group training
Added Value: An insider’s look into the retail, pedorthic, sales, store operations, and business management of Eneslow.
ABC and BOC points may be applied for.

ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE, 470 Park Avenue South at 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016

Call for more info (212) 477-2300 (Ask for Sarah Goldberg, CPED) (212) 353-2876 Fax

email: epi@eneslow.com or visit http://eneslow.com/epi

INTERNSHIPS

Internship Course with The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics:
Pedorthic Clinical or Manufacturing Internships Available. Daily, Weekly or Extended Internship Courses Available. Experience clinical settings in Orthopaedic, Podiatric, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Clinics as well as experience in a BAPFOL approved functional foot orthosis laboratory. We specialize in diabetic wound care as well as pediatric and adult biomechanics. Your internship hours can earn you an Associates Degree In Pedorthic Biomechanics or be used as continuing medical education hours. Please contact Pam Haig at 765-557-7216 or pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org.

Comfort Shoe Specialists, state of the art retail pedorthic facility, offers internships for on the job training requirements in beautiful St. Louis. Room is available as an option. Call Edith James, Certified Pedorthist, at 314-822-3300 -- or email Edith@ComfortShoe.com

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association Upcoming Seminars/Courses: Click here for a complete schedule.

AOPA has been delivering successful, cost-effective business products and solutions for 90 years. AOPA knows the business of O&P.

CLASSIFIEDS

Seeking to Hire: Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. is a vertically integrated footwear, foot health and technology company whose mission is "to bring to market footwear and footcare products that enable you to live life your way, pursuing your favorite activities, avoiding unnecessary setbacks and overcoming challenges whenever possible."

Aetrex manufactures casual/comfort, athletic and diabetic footwear. The company is also a leading manufacturer of over-the-counter orthotics and diabetic inserts. In addition Aetrex is the leading provider of foot scanning technology to the retail market place. Aetrex sells its products through broad channels of distribution including, retail shoe, sporting goods, golf, pedorthic, DME, podiatry, O&P and others. Check http://www.aetrex.com/ and http://www.foot.com/ for additional information.

"Service/Tech Reps-Northern California, Pacific Northwest , NY Metro & Georgia"
Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. is seeking dynamic individuals to work as a service/tech rep to travel Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, NY Metro and Georgia. The position requires some retail/wholesale shoe experience with knowledge of, and the ability to resolve computer hardware/software issues. We offer salary, bonus and a complete benefits package. E-mail resumes to leslie@aetrex.com or fax (201) 833-0846. No calls please.

Business For Sale All inclusive: The Foot Support Center in Allentown PA, Business, Real Estate, Shoe Repair Equipment, Business Equipment & Inventory. Listed on the Lehigh Valley MLS @ http://www.lvarmls.com/ MLS # 302587. Located at 120 E. Emmaus Avenue near I-78, Rt. 309 and Rt. 145, there is a high volume of traffic, an ever growing clientele and a very loyal following of current clients/patients. Unique all-inclusive one-stop facility reason for sale is based on health/illness. Buy now. Call Ben Baker @ 610 -392-5495. 6/11

Seeking to Hire: Certified Pedorthist -- Growing private practice located on I-5 corridor in Western Washington. We are looking for a self motivated person who enjoys the challenge of building and maintaining an existing business. We offer our own in-house central fabrication department. We offer competitive salary, benefits, continuing education allowance. People management skills a must. Please call Althea Schlumpf, C. Ped. (425-345-9745), or email resume and questions to althea@geminico.com. 5/21

Seeking to Hire: Grand opening of Men's and Women's comfort show store in South Ocean County, N.J. . Looking for certified pedorthist with retail sales experience. Salary commensurate with experience, benefits available. Fax resume to 732-279-1987 or e-mail plevy317@comcast.net. 5/21

Seeking to Hire: Expanding O&P Facility has CPed/ Fitter Position Available

Dayton, Ohio. OrPro Prosthetics & Orthotics, a well-established, growing practice has an immediate opening for an experienced, certified Pedorthist. Experience fitting prefabricated orthotic devices a plus, but will train qualified candidates in this area. This is a patient care position with the fabrication being handled by two quality fabrication facilities. OrPro provides competitive salaries plus a performance-based profit sharing compensation plan and full benefits. Please contact Joe Antorietto at jantorietto@orpro.com or 800-423-5469. 5/7

Seeking to Hire: Small, private O&P practice with solid pedorthic business in West Chester, PA looking for a full time/or part time shoe fitter or C. Ped. Knowledgeable in fitting different types of footwear and willing to learn lower extremity orthotics. Will train with room for growth. Contact: Frank Caruso 610.696.5650. or fax resumes to 610.696.5652. 4/30

Seeking to Hire: Growing healthcare services company has immediate openings for experienced Certified Pedorthists in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Candidates must be able to work closely with Podiatrists and possess strong professional skills. Position includes travel to various long term care facilities. We offer a well established patient base and a competitive compensation package. If interested, please call Sean at (888) 964-6681 ext 166 or email your resume to caring2@healthdrive.com or fax it to 866-657-5400. Website: http://www.healthdrive.com/ 4/23

Seeking to Hire: Immediate opening for a Certified Pedorthist in Lincoln, NE. Requirements: extensive experience in care and fitting the diabetic foot; experience with shoe modifications; excellent interpersonal skills, high level of organization and self motivated. Fabrication skills necessary. Compensation: salary negotiable commensurate with experience, health insurance, paid holidays/vacation, and continuing education/professional licensure reimbursement. Performance bonuses are also available. Relocation expense reimbursement available. Send resume to kharmel_orthocare@yahoo.com 4/16

Classifieds will run for 90 days unless we are informed that the position has been filled. Thank you!

UPCOMING COURSES

Submit course listings to: editor@pedorthicnewswire.com

2008 COURSES AND EVENTS

MONTHLY

Riecken's Orthotic Labs - 800-331-8040; SAFIO Class, Second Friday of every month, at 5115 Oak Grove Rd., Evansville, IN. Four casting stands provided, limited to 8 students. Contact Darlene at the above number for more information.

JULY 2008

The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" is offering a one week "Advanced Functional Foot Orthosis Course" July 11 - Elwood, Indiana. This course awards 81.0 CME credits. Participant must have successfully completed the ABC C. Ped. Exam and have an advanced understanding of applied biomechanics. Cost $1500.00. Please contact pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or 765-557-7216.

AUGUST 2008

The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic pre-certification education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Dates: Level 1 & 3 performed online - Level 2 Dates: August 2 - 11 - Elwood, Indiana - Final Course For November Exam - Scholarships Available - Please contact pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or 765-557-7216.

Eneslow Pedorthic Institute, 470 Park Avenue South @ 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016-6819, Phone: 212-477-2300. EPI Pre-Certification Course: August 11th August 26thh 2008 $3,995
EPI Pre-Certification course is a two and a half week all inclusive course to prepare individuals to become a Board Certified Pedorthist. The EPI course is also designed to help health care professionals enhance their practices (ATC, CO, CPO, DC, DPM, MD, PT). Pedorthic treatment has proven to provide incremental patient benefits, particularly when added to other treatment protocols. The awarding of an ABC/BOC fitter certification provides the certified pedorthist with an appropriate and meaningful recognition of professional competence. Contact Sarah Goldberg at (212) 477-2300 ext 211 or sarah@eneslow.com.

SEPTEMBER 2008

The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic pre-certification education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Dates: Level 1 & 3 performed online - Level 2 Dates: Sept 13 - 22 - Elwood, Indiana - Scholarships Available - Please contact pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or 765-557-7216 or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

OCTOBER 2008

The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic pre-certification education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Dates: Level 1 & 3 performed online - Level 2 Dates: October 11 - 20 - Elwood, Indiana - Scholarships Available - Please contact pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or 765-557-7216 or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science: Pre-Certification Course in Pedorthics - will be held October 14-30, 2008. For more information on the Scholl College pedorthic pre-certification course, contact the Special Programs Office at 847-578-8410, email Ellie.Wydeven@rosalindfranklin.edu or click on http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/ for a Scholl College Special Programs listing.

NOVEMBER 2008

The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic pre-certification education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Dates: Level 1 & 3 performed online - Level 2 Dates: November 15 - 24th - Elwood, Indiana - Scholarships Available - Please contact pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or 765-557-7216 or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

DECEMBER 2008

The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic pre-certification education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Dates: Level 1 & 3 performed online - Level 2 Dates: December 6 - 15 - Elwood, Indiana - Scholarships Available - Please contact pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or 765-557-7216 or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

STAFF

Editor: Faye Rapoport DesPres, M.S.

ADVISORY BOARD

Robert Schwartz, C. Ped. John Mishasek, BOC Pedorthist, C. Ped.

Stephen F. Albert, D.P.M., C. Ped. Jerome S. Klein, C.O., C. Ped.

Edith James, C. Ped. Erick Janisse, C. Ped.

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