by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO

"HUMILITY"

humility, noun — hu· mil· i· ty hyü-ˈmi-lə-tē yü-: freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being: accepted the honor with humility; the ordeal taught her humility.

This definition came from Merriam-Webster. Generally, I don’t leave the examples in my introductory definition, but these just seemed to fit well. This past year has been one of learning and growth for me. When I accepted the responsibility of the office of the president of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, like each of the 110 who came before me, I had an agenda — a list of things I wanted to see accomplished during “my year.” I soon learned that things didn’t necessarily work that way — not in association leadership, anyway.

When I addressed the POMA House of Delegates in April 2022, I outlined my agenda to collaborate within our districts to increase membership, with our colleges of osteopathic medicine to better engage our students, and with postgraduate training programs to ensure our residents are aware that we are here to support them. My vision of collaborating with our legislators regarding scope of practice concerns, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine to ensure osteopathic physicians — especially our newest graduates who train under the unified ACGME system — are welcomed into the commonwealth, and the Department of Health to serve as a resource and consultant for policy creation seemed like very noble feats.

Knowing there would be obstacles, I didn’t anticipate all the other things that would occur along that journey. Within weeks of taking office, a landmark piece of legislation that directly affects the practice of medicine was overturned and I was called upon for comment. Pharmacists continued their push for expanded scope of practice for the purpose of immunizing, COVID continued to be an issue with constantly changing protocols and I was contacted by osteopathic physicians having difficulty obtaining an unrestricted license to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As the year progressed, sorting out what hybrid learning experiences meant for the POMA, working with the POMA Foundation to increase our granting process while maintaining the integrity of the intended purpose while complying with laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations, and working to coordinate POMA’s participation in the AOA House of Delegates — complete with the installation of the 124th AOA President — took priority. To say I was humbled, particularly by what I did not know and had to learn (and depend on the wisdom of others) is an understatement! Oftentimes it is the case that we don’t know what we don’t know.

For me, humility is not thinking less of yourself. It means considering others more. Sometimes that means assessing a situation, acknowledging one’s own understanding and limitations, seeking advice from others, and reordering the importance of tasks at hand. I feel that religious leader and author Gordon Hinckley summed it up eloquently: “Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.” Wow. What a charge.

However, the POMA has always risen and continues to rise to that charge. Sure, it was an honor to receive the AOA Outstanding Affiliate Award for our accomplishments in our service to our members and the osteopathic profession. The very things we are recognized for are things we do, and continue to do — not to win awards, but because they are the right things to do. Providing outstanding education, communications, outreach to medical learners, funding for community services — all of these things — support our mission to promote the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine for our patients, our members, and the communities we serve.

As I prepare for the POMA Annual Clinical Assembly at Kalahari (there’s still time to register), write my address to the POMA House of Delegates, review the agendas for the governance meetings, finalize my comments for the Fireside Chat, and choose my dress for the Presidential Installation Banquet, I reflect on what a humbling experience it has been to be the 111th president of the award-winning Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.

Humility. Sometimes one must swallow their pride.

by: Diana Ewert

"Here comes the sun. Here comes the sun and I say, it's alright..."
― The Beatles

It's been a long winter and colder longer this year than any other since I’ve been in Pennsylvania. But today, the sun is bright, warm, and giving me all the spring feels. The redbud trees on the back of the POMA property are blooming along with the dogwood tree in front. There’s a feeling of renewed purpose and rebirth. The Annual Clinical Assembly will soon be here (you can still register). Watch – no join us – as we spring forward!

The ACA signals the end of one president and the start of another. It feels like the year is shorter although I know it’s only a few days difference one way or the other. It feels like we have just geared up and onboarded, when we start to reflect, offboard and wind down. It must be me. The older I get the faster time flies. Though, I have to say, my time has been flying with the exceptional people I have the privilege to work with. Our board, our districts, our delegates, our officers, our team. You are all exceptional and unique in your own ways and I’m so proud that POMA is distinctively osteopathic in healthcare, advocacy, and leadership. I look forward to the coming year under the leadership of our QB1, John Kalata, DO. Join us at Kalahari when we spring forward at Dr. Kalata’s installation.

Join us as we spring forward with our committee, work group and task force chairs and vice chairs to develop goals and objectives for the coming year. Join us as we spring forward to frame Phase III of our strategic plan this summer. Join us as we spring forward with new initiatives and relevant programs as we serve our communities. Join us as we spring forward to make this Commonwealth THE state for osteopathic physicians to receive their education, complete their residency, and practice osteopathically their entire career.

“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes.”

by: Andy Sandusky

POMA Government Affairs Update

As you will read in greater detail below, POMA achieved a relief effort for new Osteopathic physicians and those coming into the state as the PA State Board of Osteopathic Medicine will no longer require the 1-year AOA internship as a condition for licensure. This should be a relief to Osteopathic physicians, residents, students and program directors! The full regulations change still needs to take place and POMA will lead the charge in rallying the healthcare community in support once they are introduced. But the relief we are reporting is immediate and does not require a change in the current regulations.

Next week, both the Senate and the House will be in Harrisburg for legislative session. Both chambers are chalked full of committee meetings to move legislation forward and to hold hearings on various topics. Legislative session days are also an opportune time for POMAs lobbying efforts as both legislators and their staffs will be present and at the Capitol building.

The House Professional Licensure Committee will have a briefing from the Bureau of Professional Occupational Affairs sharing how they conduct their oversight responsibilities with the many state boards overseeing licensed and credentialed constituents. Governor Josh Shapiro is honing in on application processing times across the entire system, all the way from business licensing and environmental permitting, to of course, healthcare professionals. This is why the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee is holding public hearing on “professional licensing delays in health care.” Both should be educational for both legislators and interest groups like POMA.

The House Health Committee plans to hold an informational meeting next week on “intoxicants in substances.” This is likely to consider substances like Kratom and other substances to inventory what regulating needs to be considered by the General Assembly to protect the public. The House Insurance Committee plans to take up several bills, one of them dealing with healthcare insurance that would remove out-of-pocket costs associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer as well as supplemental breast screenings for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Next week will be fast moving and lots of communication will be had in all facets of state government. But rest assured, POMA is well represented on the Hill and has your back! We'll provide updates on these matters in next month's Under the DOme.

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine Creates Clear Pathways to Recruit and Retain Osteopathic Physicians

The Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine (SBOM) recently used its discretionary authority to forgo the need to obtain an AOA-approved internship for obtaining an unrestricted license in Pennsylvania. 

The current regulations served as an impediment for new physicians in Pennsylvania and those coming into the state to practice who did not obtain a 1-year AOA-rotating internship. Why, might some ask? Because there aren’t any available since the merger to a single GME accreditation system.

The SBOM determined this was an “exigent circumstance” and exercised its authority to instead, accept completion of graduate education training programs to satisfy the requirement. Specifically, the SBOM will accept completion of ACGME-accrediting training programs with ACGME osteopathic recognition and ACGME-accredited training programs with 24 months of rotations. 

Additionally, if the SBOM issued a graduate medical training (GMT) license for participation in an ACGME internship, the issuance of the license by the SBOM will serve as the approval needed to obtain an unrestricted license.

The SBOM will still need to officially amend its regulations, but the actions taken already by the SBOM will immediately provide relief to new Osteopathic physicians and those coming into the state to practice in the Commonwealth.

Proposed Dues Increase – Out of State, Associate Member

The POMA House of Delegates approved a resolution calling for an increase in dues for the Out-of-State and Associate membership categories. The recommended increases will be a second read at the May 2023 POMA House of Delegates meeting. Per the POMA Bylaws, any dues increase must be posted for a minimum of 30 days in advance of the next meeting of the House. This notice was originally posted in the February 17, 2023 issue of the POMA Newsletter.

Proposed dues for Out-of-State membership are $150 annually. The current rate is $50. The difference in benefits between Out-of-State members and Active members is the ability to serve in leadership positions within POMA and to participate on POMA committees, workgroups, and task forces. Out-of-State members can participate in all educational programs at the member rate. POMA tracks CME for Pennsylvania State Licensure. Further, Out-of-State members receive The Journal of POMA, receive electronic copies of the monthly POMA Newsletter, Under the DOme and the bi-weekly COVID Update; and access to the Members-Only portion of the POMA website.

To comment on the Out-of-State Member dues increase, click here.

Proposed dues for Associate membership are $225 annually. The current rate is $100. The benefits of Associate membership have been expanded beyond member rates for educational programs to include CME tracking for Pennsylvania State Licensure; receiving The Journal of POMA, electronic copies of the monthly POMA Newsletter, Under the DOme and the bi-weekly COVID Update; and access to the Members-Only portion of the POMA website.

To comment on the Associate Member dues increase, click here. 

NOM Week
April 17-23, 2023

Happy National Osteopathic Medicine Week! This week, we celebrate YOU and that work you do every day to provide superb osteopathic care to patients across the Commonwealth. As a national leader of osteopathic medicine, did you know  these facts about Pennsylvania:

• The number of active DOs licensed in PA: 12,300
• The current number of POMA members: 3,294
• The number of osteopathic medical students in PA: 2,592
• Pennsylvania is home to three colleges of osteopathic medicine, with one more planned to open in 2024.

This week, the AOA also hosted its annual DO Day on the Hill in our nation's capital. POMA and AOA past president John Becher, DO and POMA Trustee Valeri Roth, DO made visits to Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey, Jr. and John Fetterman. Dr. Roth also visited with her local representative, Rep. Mike Kelly.

NOM Week aims to bring members of the osteopathic family together in pursuit of one common goal: raising awareness of osteopathic medicine and DOs in communities big and small throughout the country. POMA is distinctively osteopathic in healthcare, advocacy, and leadership. We are #POMAProud #DOProud!

District Dish

District 12

Members from District 12 gathered at C&A Trees in Clarion on April 16 for a unique opportunity just in time for Earth Day. Each family built a living wreath with flowers, grasses and moss that will bloom just in time for Mother’s Day. Following the project, the members enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by district leadership and played some trivia for prizes. Everyone had a great time showcasing their creativity and green thumbs!

District 14

District 14 held their monthly meeting at Bella Tori at the Mansion in Langhorne on April 20. District secretary/treasurer Angelo Ratini, DO provided an update on POMA activities, including a review of our advocacy efforts in Harrisburg, the POMA Podcast series, and upcoming education events including the Clinical Assembly. The next meeting is scheduled for May 18 - watch your email for additional details.

We Have a Winner!
District Competition 2022-2023

Congratulations to POMA District 4 on winning the 2nd Annual POMA District Competition!

District 4 achieved this feat by organizing CME, social and volunteer events, such as their annual CME symposium, a hockey game with the Baby Pens, and working at a local soup kitchen.

District members will be rewarded with a POMA sponsored event in their district, recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly and House of Delegates, priority seating and the oversized District Champions trophy. 

POMA Districts 8 and 10 tied for second place honors and District 7 earned 4th place.

There is no time to rest on their laurels though as the 2023-2024 competition has already begun! Renew your dues, submit articles, participate in events, volunteer in your community - it all adds up to points that will help your district be victorious next year!

DOs DOing More

Written by: Lisa A. Witherite-Rieg, DO

“A ’67 VW beetle,” was the answer to my question “What brought you here?” after I learned Kieren Knapp, DO was not a Pennsylvania native. POMA’s 87th president (1996-1997) shared that he was raised on a dairy farm in Iowa with over 500 head of cows. He, his wife, Jane, and their unborn child made their way from Iowa to York County in 1978 for a medical school rotation. When their son arrived nearly 3 months earlier than anticipated, and needed a prolonged hospitalization in one of the area's first neonatal units, the young family laid down roots in York County and never left.

When I learned that the Knapp Farm had just welcomed some baby goats while I was visiting south central Pennsylvania, I couldn’t resist a (literal) field trip to visit the tribe of kids and see what Doc does when he is not caring for his patients, as he has done for the past 44 years.

READ MORE >>

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. POMA Clinical Assembly 2023 - Register Now
5. SBOM Creates Pathways to Obtain Unrestricted License
6. Proposed Dues Increase Notification
7. NOM Week Celebration
8. District Dish
9. District Competition Results
10. DOs DOing More
11. Upcoming District Events
12 Welcome New Members
13. Classified Ads
14.POMA Steps 4 All
15. Retirement Series Webinar
16. Under the DOme
17. POMPAC
18. Follow POMA on Social Media
19. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
20. APOMA Silent Auction Baskets
21. PCOM OMM Conference
22. Facts on Vax

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

HIRING - LEAD PHYSICIAN/ GROUP TO ASSUME OFFICE SPACE LEASE. Retired physician in northeast Philadelphia looking for lead physician/group to assume the lease of one of the largest family medicine/immediate care practices in Philadelphia. Some financial assistance available to resume the practice. Lease available from 3,000-17,000 SF of modern medical space in Northeast Philadelphia with portions approved for urgent care use. Perfect for a specialty group, surgical center, or dialysis center. Plenty of free parking in a high-density neighborhood. Contact Keith Kiner, 215-496-9675 x 15, [email protected] or Matthew Frederick, 215-496-9675 x 14, [email protected].

DOCTORS WANTED - DO’s
Full-time or part-time.
MD at HOME is expanding appointments to patients by telehealth/zoom and home visits to elderly and disabled home bound.
MD at Home, Inc.
717-840-4646
Fax CV’s to 717-840-8686 or email [email protected]

PRN Medical Space - ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. Call 215-669-4001 or visit PRNmedical.space.

PRACTICES WANTED - 
Retiring physicians, part-time or full-time practices, call 215-669-4001.

CLASSIFIED AD
RATES
— Per insertion —

Member Ads*: $10 for the first 20 words, $.25 for each additional word. $2 each for special services: all caps or all bold type.

Non-member Ads: (Payment must be received in advance.) $50 for the first 20 words, .50 each additional word. $5 for each special service (listed above).

*Please Note: Member ad rate to be used only by POMA members and only for their medicine- or practice-related ads. Charges for other types of members’ ads will be calculated using the non-member ad rate.

POMA does not take a position of endorsing any organizations, individuals or services whose classified advertisements appear in this publication. The POMA Newsletter reserves the right to select and edit all advertisements submitted. 

POMA Districts from across the state are hosting STEPS 4 ALL 2023 throughout the month of April to get you outside and moving! This is a FREE virtual event for all POMA members, families and friends. Every step you take will raise money to a charity of your choice, without even opening your wallet!

Over the last three weeks, POMA members have logged over 3,300 miles and raised over $825 for various charities!

Get ready to join us for the month of April by prepping your Charity Miles account and joining this year's POMA team.  Be sure to register with POMA, too - every participant will receive a free gift for stepping up!

• Click here to register with POMA
• Download the Charity Miles app on your iPhone or Android device
• Pick a charity you want to donate to using the Charity Miles list
• Join the POMA Steps 4 All - 2023 team
• Log your steps every time you get outside

Want to make it even easier?  The Charity Miles app can sync with your phone’s pedometer so you don’t even have to log in.  Click here to find out how.

We hope you join us for Steps 4 All 2023 and helping many worthy causes!  Thanks for your support!

Join us for our
Retirement Series Webinar

Retirement can be an exciting and scary phase of life. Are you thinking about retirement? Wondering how other people have done it? POMA's Mentor Committee is hosting a 2-part virtual event discussing aspects of retirement.

Part 1 will be held Thursday, April 27.  We'll focus on planning and preparation for retirement.  What questions should you be thinking about? What plans and adjustments do you need to make in preparation for financial, mental and social interactions?

The panel discussion will feature five retired physicians from different specialties and backgrounds from across the state.  They will share their experiences and be available to answer questions or comments.

Register for this free event today and SAVE THE DATE for Part 2 on May 18, 2023.

POMPAC is the collective
voice of the osteopathic profession in Pennsylvania.

Send your personal check to POMPAC c/o POMA, 1330 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17111, or charge your contribution to your credit card!

PAC contributions are not tax-deductible.

Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!

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POMA DOes...Podcast

 

Have you tuned into POMA's podcast series, POMA DOes... Episodes 1-31 have been published and are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our April episodes features "Nutrition Tips, Tricks and Reminders". Have an episode idea? Let us know!

New episodes for POMA DOes... are released on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Subscribe today and never miss an episode! 

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APOMA Looks Forward to Seeing You at Kalahari!

APOMA is getting in on the fun at the 2023 POMA Clinical Assembly! Stop by our booth in the exhibit hall Wednesday to Friday, bring the family to play mini golf on Thursday, and join us at our annual meeting on Friday morning. Keep reading for more details!

We are holding a basket contest and raffle in the Exhibit Hall Wednesday through Friday! All districts are encouraged to organize a basket that represents your region for the raffle. Your chance to win only increases with the number of tickets you put in so be sure to get in on the fun. We’ll also hold a 50/50 raffle at our booth. Be sure to stop by and check out everything we have available! All proceeds from the baskets and raffle go to our student scholarship fund.

Interested in playing mini golf? Join us from 3:00 – 4:30 pm on Thursday, May 4 in the arcade! All are invited so bring the whole family!

Join us on Friday from 9-11am for our annual meeting. We’ll be presenting our student scholarships to this year’s recipients!

Have questions? Reach out to Krissy Eisenhardt, APOMA President, at [email protected].

APOMA looks forward to seeing y’all at this new exciting location next month!!

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Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy with Your Patients

Osteopathic physicians and their practice teams play a key role in preventing COVID-19 infections among patients and communities. Check out the Facts on Vax website for a variety of educational materials, tools and resources that will help you discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention with your patients.

POMA also produced an episode for the POMA DOes podcast series which addressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This episode offers CME credit for POMA members.

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association | 1330 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 939-9318 | www.poma.org