I almost bought it!

At first, I thought that this post about "podiatry is turning the corner" was written by a well intentioned, optimistic DPM. Now I can see that it's a joke and I had a good laugh.

But, being someone who loves a debate I'm going to assume that it was for real.

"Applicant inquiries are increasing again, and those who interested in podiatry from the most recent MCAT also is drastically increasing (up 654%)."

How do you gauge "applicant inquiries" and what does it mean, anyway? That MCAT statement is so bogus it doesn't even warrant comment. In fact, if I were going to pull a number out of my ass it would probably be something like 654%.

"In talking to a few school officials it appears that by 2005, we should be back at the 1980's stats of three qualified applicants to per available seat."

And monkeys will soon fly out of my butt.

"With the advent of the baby boomers and increasing physical activity, the podiatrist will not be able to keep up with demand for his/hers services."

You know how long I've been hearing this? By using this reasoning, DPM's will be the richest, most in demand doctors on the planet.

"Call any frigging podiatrist in town and you can't been seen for 4 months...WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?"

This is just flat out humor. I can call ANY of my colleagues in town and they'd see a fungal nail right away.

"I have friends in surgical residency who are already getting job feelers for mid 6 figures ($150,000 +)."

If you mean by "job feelers" some sort of illicit prostitution/chiropractor scam...maybe.

"The gov't will likely increase medicare reimbursement for podiatry while most all others specialties see a 5.4 % cut."

I almost fell off my chair when I read this one!

"I also hear that for all those graduates finsihing pod school in 2001 and after, they will be eligible for federal stafford loan forgiveness if they pratice at least 51% primary podiatry medicine."

Even though all of the preceding was clearly meant as a joke, this one is the prime tip off that this post is purely fictitious.

"We can still do the triples, etc.. but we do have to do at least half primary podiatry. I think podopediatrics would fit under that, and that is what I plan to do to fulfill my primary pod obligation."

How do you expect to get 51% children into your office? I see about 5-10 a year at best.

"It will be nice because I have $65,000 in chiropractic loans, and will have an additonal $180,000 after pod school. Wiping that debt away just for practicing primary podiatry seems like a great deal."

Ah Hah! I knew it was some sort of prostitution chiropractic scam!

"Look for news in the APMA News Journal. In general things are good."

Based on what rationale?

"Alot of the negativity stems from the old timer podiatrists who do not have sound biomechanical training along with surgical experience."

This statement is just crazy. The negativity stems from all sectors, but mostly from the NEW practitioners who can't get on plans, can't get loans to start a practice, have enormous debts, can't get surgical training and CAN'T FIND WORK! And, NEWS FLASH!!! Biomechanical training does not make you anymore money than nail trimming training! Wow! This statement is making me wonder if this post really is for real!

"I see podiatry being teh cash cow of the decade, I am telling you, trust me."

Forgive me if I no longer trust anything or anyone connected with podiatry.

"If/When the APMA can force all lower extremity surgical work our way, we will have made it."

Keep an eye out for the airborne monkeys.

"I think you are gonna see orhtopodic surgey cave when it comes to foot and ankle surgery."

This isn't why DPM's are suffering.

"we just plain do it better."

The only true statement thus far.

"DOn't think managed care orgs, etc.. don't see"

They don't care who does it better.