Why Moral Injury in Medicine Isn’t a Personal Failing
—By Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM, MBA
When we started medical school, the deal seemed pretty simple: learn the science, take care of people, and build a career you could be proud of. The path felt straight, the incentives felt clean, and most of us believed that if we worked hard and did the right thing, the system would more or less support us.
Nobody stood at the podium and said, “By mid-career, you’ll be judged by RVUs, quality scores, and how well you fit into a corporate health care business plan.” We heard a lot of “do study, do care, don’t cut corners.” We didn’t hear much “don’t assume the system will always share your priorities” or “don’t ignore how money and metrics will eventually shape your day.”
Then residency hits.
Source: Kevin MD
Medicare DMEPOS Crackdown Continues
—By Paul Kesselman, DPM
As I have been posting here and everywhere, CMS has taken great pains to crack down on DME fraud.
Today’s Becker ASC Review (9/10/26—see below) has done an amazing job of summarizing most if not all of the crackdown efforts. And just yesterday, so you don’t think, “how come the same fraud does not occur with Medicare Part C?” well, think again. There are two actionable items only involving suppliers and Medicare Part C (AKA Advantage). Kudos to Becker’s for posting this story on their website.
Here are the highlights on the Medicare Part C crackdown:
Preview: September ‘26 Podiatry Management
The Orthotic Management of Athletes
A functional foot orthosis is theoretically designed to influence the function of the foot. This differs from an accommodative orthotic, which would be used to accommodate rather than change the functional movement pattern of the foot, and by extension, the body.
Social Media Post of the Day
APMA leadership continues to advocate for podiatric physicians at the highest levels of government. APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM, was at the White House meeting with administration officials and congressional staff to oppose CMS’s proposed Modifier 25 payment cuts. Watch Dr. DeHeer’s brief address from Washington, DC, and add your voice to the campaign at apma.org/eAdvocacy.
What portion of your business does biomechanics comprise?
CMS Cracking Down on DME Fraud
As part of the White House Anti-Fraud Task Force’s ongoing efforts to crush fraud in the healthcare system and protect taxpayer dollars, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has identified and is barring 11 medical supply companies with more than $3.4 billion in suspected fraudulent billing practices in 2025 and 2026 from receiving future Medicare Advantage (MA) Part C and Part D payments.
Source: CMS
U of Michigan Podiatry Fellowship
Interested parties should complete and provide the information requested in the Podiatry Fellowship Training Program Application. Your application will not be processed or considered unless all information requested is received. Please refer to the application for how to submit once complete.
Application Deadline for 2027-28: 10.1.26 | Start Date: 7.7.27
Source: U of Michigan
The Power of Documentation: Why and How
In this lecture, Roya Mirmiran, DPM, FACFAS explores the critical role of thorough and accurate documentation in clinical practice. This session will discuss the importance of documentation not only as a tool for ensuring quality patient care but also as a key factor in professional accountability and legal protection. Attendees will examine risk management considerations and analyze lessons learned from real malpractice cases to understand how documentation practices can directly impact patient outcomes. Practical tips and strategies will be shared to help clinicians strengthen their documentation skills and reduce vulnerability to legal and professional risks. (CME credit: 0.5)
Source: Present Podiatry
—^—PM Pulse Check—^—
Want to add your thoughts to the discussion? Email [email protected]. All emails should adhere to our standards of professionalism and decorum and may be edited for length and clarity.
New AI Tool Predicts Diabetes-Related Complications
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed and validated a new risk tool that can estimate the likelihood of a diabetes patient developing complications and update those estimates as new clinical information becomes available.
Source: Managed Healthcare Executive
PAs’ Pay Tops $150K in 2026
Physician assistants averaged a salary of $155,000 in 2026, continuing a run of steady raises since 2022, according to a report from Medscape.
The top line number hides a more complicated picture: pay growth varies widely by specialty setting, state and gender, and base salary itself grew more slowly than the bonus and incentive pay layered on top of it.
Source: Becker’s ASC
Get the Conversations Started!
PM Pulse wants to hear from you! Submit your questions, concerns, and opinions to [email protected] to share and receive feedback from your colleagues and peers about all aspects of the podiatry sector. All submissions must meet our standards for professionalism and decorum, and submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Still have questions? Send us an email.
U of Wisconsin Welcomes 4 DPMs
The University of Wisconsin Medical School’s Division of Vascular Surgery recently introduced four new podiatrists to its lineup of physicians. Joining the department’s staff were DPMs John Finnell, Jill Migon, Elizabeth Plovanich, and Audra Smith. Read more about each of them at the link below.
Source: U of Wisconsin
PM Pulse Classified Ads
Full-Time Chair—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). For more information or to apply, visit this link.
Associate Wanted
Practice seeks associate in Connecticut. Owner will stay for transition. Full privileges available. Fax resume to 203-729-9046.
Hospital-Based Podiatrist, Trauma, Surgery & Wound Care — North Carolina
Established podiatry practice in North Carolina is seeking a full-time, board-certified or board-eligible podiatrist for a hospital-based role with a strong emphasis on foot and ankle trauma, wound care, and surgery. Fellowship training is preferred. Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and an established referral base. Submit your CV to [email protected].
For more information about submitting a classified ad, click the button below, or email [email protected].
Before You Go:
We want to get your thoughts on our exciting new direction, and we’d love to hear your ideas about the topics, programs, content, and people you’d like to see more of on this page and in Podiatry Management Magazine.