I have been asked to clarify the problem I had in California. Apparently there has been someone who has been suggesting that I had my license revoked when I practiced there. I failed to submit my application for an ankle certificate.

For those of you who don't practice in California, there is a one sided application that has to filled out along with a check for $60.00 to be able to do any ankle surgery. The California Board was looking into it and I had already made the decision to move to North Dakota. After I moved, it became obvious that since it was a "technical violation" both the Board and I wanted to save money and get it resolved as quickly as possible.

 I agreed to surrender my license not quite understanding that the word "surrender" would be something that I would have to answer "yes" to on some future applications. The agreement that I signed which I would be glad to make available to anyone who is interested in looking at it, said that I was not admitting to be guilty for anything and that the agreement/settlement could not be used in any future proceedings against me in any way.

Well guess what? I told Dr. X about it but I didn't officially write a letter to the North Dakota Board. Why? Because their application didn't ask if someone voluntarily surrendered their license and because of the wording of the agreement that I signed.

Why have I asked Alan Sherman to print this? Because I have to disclose everything I can to attempt to neutralize others from twisting the truth into something that is nothing.

 Another point I thought might be of some interest is that recently a Bismarck native came back home here to practice podiatry. She had an opportunity to practice with Dr. X. She spent some time with him and then spent some time with me. I couldn't offer her a salary because of my financial situation but I did offer to let her use everything in my practice and I offered to teach her everything that I can. In return I have asked that she just cover her overhead and that's it. It's a pleasure to have someone to talk to about patients and to teach a little bit.

 I have a lot to learn myself of course but I've been practicing longer than this other DPM. So far things have worked out great and if the ND Board decides to revoke my license at least I'll have someone to keep my clinic open.

Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS
Bgale9@home.com