
Comment/Offer: My husband, Michael Soska, was a pedorthist who received his degree in NY. Unfortunately, he passed away last year at age 49 from cancer. I am in the process of dissolving his business, The Foot Support Center, and selling the building that it was in. I have several bookcases and a whole cabinet of pedorthic books and supplies. Would any of your readers be interested in any or all of these materials (for free)? I would hate to throw them away but I need to empty the building in a few weeks.
- Kathy Soska, sosrock@juno.com
Response: Great Question. Good example of the necessity if careful consistent charting. When a Pedorthist uses a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament it is an assessment tool for Pedorthics not a diagnostic tool. By using one, you enhance your assessment of the patient, giving the Pedorthist one more piece of information to enable the best assessment you can possibly do. If the patient fails the test you know they have loss of feeling, you don’t need the why. It DOES NOT mean you tell the patient why they have a loss of feeling. You can state to the patient the test was failed and recommend they consult with their doctor about the loss of feeling shown by or according to the test results. You then send a report to the doctor; stating the patient failed the monofilament test for protective sensation and how many points failed on the test. I.e.: 6 of 10 etc. If you are doing custom orthotics you have to contact their doctor anyway to get an Rx so it gives you an opportunity to advise the doctor of the failed test and they realize you are part of the team for that patient’s continuing plan of care. One more marketing point of contact.
All of this is in no way diagnosing. You know the test results. They either feel the prick or they do not, then charting wise: state Pt failed Monofilament test points ? of ?, recommended pt to speak with Doctor due to failed test. That is all you need to state.
I do a test every time a diabetic patient (any diabetic whether they state they have loss of feeling or not -- they do not always know) or a patient who has PVD or CHF comes in for either their initial assessment or their 3, 6 or 12 month check ups. The sensation situation can change at any time. I have actually had patients who after different treatments regain some or all of their feeling.
Things like the Semmes-Weinstein are assessment TOOLS for us. The more tools we use the better job we can do for our patients. More information is always better.
- Lee A. Hunter, C. Ped., Pedorthic Footcare Services, Orthotic Specialties & Fabrication Laboratory
Response: Thank you for bringing this letter to light. I recommend all Pedorthists copy the letter from the CMS and send it out to all Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, PA’s and nurses you work with and all you do not. The letter states clearly what is expected from the doctors for Pedorthists to do their job
Great Marketing
We have sent out over 300 letters this last three weeks. We are getting calls from many Doctors about their appreciation for the information about the requirements and our facility(especially our facility).
So far, the Doctors/nurses no longer complaint about our constantly requesting information.
- Lee A. Hunter, C. Ped., Pedorthic Footcare Services, Orthotic Specialties & Fabrication Laboratory
Aetrex introduces WORLD’S FIRST TRULY CUSTOMIZABLE SANDAL
Sandalistas, designed
by Susan Ryder, are the first footwear with built-in Lynco support that
incorporates the benefits of the world’s most successful foot orthotic
system.
The footbed is anatomically shaped and contoured to match the human foot and eliminate pressure and friction. As expected, patented Mozaic Customization Technology is built into the footbed to immediately customize each sandal so that it provides the ultimate in personalized comfort and performance. Instead of using firm materials, Sandalistas are made with IQ150 Memory Foam that conforms to your specific gait pattern and ensures an equal distribution of pressure while walking.
The sandals will be
available in four fashion-forward styles and in an attractive choice
of colors from conservative neutral to colors that
‘pop’.
To view the complete
line please click
here.
Payless ShoeSource and Christian Siriano Unveil Retailer's Latest Designer Label
New York Fashion Designer Christian Siriano, season four winner of Bravo's Project Runway reality fashion series, will debut his first-ever shoe collection with Payless ShoeSource on the runway today at his ready-to-wear show at New York Fashion Week. After presenting his first stand-alone collection for Spring 2009 at last September's shows to critical acclaim, Siriano will now expand his offerings with the Christian Siriano for Payless(TM) designer label -- his footwear and handbag collection designed to complement his RTW line. The new Payless collection will be exclusively available at Payless stores and Payless.com in September. Full Text
Source: PRNewswire

Higher Risks: Many Don't Realize Seriousness of Disease
by Janice Gaston
When the American Diabetes Association held a series of focus groups asking people to rank the severity of certain health problems, cancer and heart disease, predictably, ranked at the top of the list.
Diabetes fell to the middle of the pack. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use the hormone insulin. Insulin changes sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Although diabetes can create chaos in the body, many people don't realize how serious it can be. Full Text
Source: Winston-Salem
Journal
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
Board of Certification/Accreditation International
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.
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.
2009 FOOT SOLUTIONS PEDORTHIC
PRE-CERTIFICATION COURSE INFORMATION
Foot Solutions
is an accredited facility that holds classes three times per year. The company's
course will offer the certificate needed in all three levels to sit for the C.
Ped. Exam. The facility is located at 2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400,
Marietta, GA 30067
May 1 1 Day Cram Session
May 11 - May 22
July 6- July 17
July 24 1 Day Cram Session
October 30 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
Pro-Learn, LLC announces its new CAPE approved Pedorthic Pre-certification program
Pro-Learn’s program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Pedorthic Education (CAPE) to provide Levels 1, 2 and 3 of pedorthic pre-certification coursework required by ABC and BOC to become eligible to apply and sit for board examination. ProLearn utilizes the latest technology in Distance Learning and Virtual Classrooms. This is the same Distance Learning Program technology model used by advanced O & P schools used to deliver their curriculum. This allows maximum flexibility in our programs that gives the student choices that fit their busy lifestyle, level of experience and learning style. Programs vary from three-week, live classes to completing the coursework completely online (Experienced, advanced degree holding healthcare professionals only). Our staff and faculty is composed of degree holding healthcare professionals who are Pedorthists, Nurses, O & P, Professional Pedorthic Educators and Physicians.
Please visit www.pro-learn.com or email cmartin@pro-learn.com for more information to assist you or your staff in making a decision on the right option for you, your business, your family, and your lifestyle.
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
APRIL 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
AUGUST 2009
The
Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
SEPTEMBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
OCTOBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
NOVEMBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
DECEMBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
JANUARY 2010
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
BECOME AN ABC THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTER OR A BOC FOOTWEAR SPECIALIST
For information on the Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses, please contact the Aetrex Marketing Department at: marketing@aetrex.com.
FEBRUARY 2009
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: June 9 (Teaneck, NJ), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: June 11 (Chicago, IL), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: June 23 (Memphis, TN), $195.
AUGUST 2009
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: August 18 (Oakland, CA), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist
Course: August 20 (Portland, OR), $195.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: September 15 (Montgomery, AL), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: September 17 (Louisville, KY), $195.
OCTOBER 2009
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: October 6 (Cleveland, OH), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: October 12 (Atlanta, GA), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: October 22 (ALbuquerque, NM), $195.
NOVEMBER 2009
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: November 3 (Spokane, WA), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: November 5 (Pasadena, CA), $195.
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: November 9 (Oakland, CA), $195.
DECEMBER 2009
Aetrex Therapeutic Shoe Fitter / Footwear Specialist Course: December 8 (Teaneck, NJ), $195.
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.
OTHER COURSES
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
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
APRIL 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) Policy Forum, Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Arlington, VA. April 22-23. $75 per-person registration fee. To attend contact Erin Kennedy at 571/431-0834 or email ekennedy@AOPAnet.org.
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
JULY 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
AUGUST 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
SEPTEMBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
American
Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National
Assembly, September 20-23; Seattle. Washington State Convention & Trade
Center. Four days of education, exhibits and networking. Contact Kelly O’Neill,
571/431-0852, or koneill@AOPAnet.org. Visit
http://www.apoanet.org/ for details.
OCTOBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
NOVEMBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
DECEMBER 2009
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
JANUARY 2010
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
The Robert M. Palmer M.D.,
Editor: Faye Rapoport DesPres, M.S.
| 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. |
Our goal at Pedorthic Newswire is to generate an active online exchange of ideas among those interested in pedorthics. Please send articles, questions, responses and courses listings to editor@pedorthicnewswire.com.
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