by: Joan M. Grzybowski, DO

The last few weeks of March has not been a shining example of what Spring has traditionally meant, new life and a time of renewal. Unfortunately, this March we had a rough start and because of that, I would like to revisit two topics we discussed before ..suicide and human trafficking.

A few weeks ago, our nation lost two young people who had survived the Parkland School shootings last year. They made it through the madness of that trauma but not through what was to follow. People experiencing such tragedies develop a survivor’s guilt. Young people’s minds are not fully developed until their early twenties which makes them particularly vulnerable to this. The post-trauma period can happen at any time and can be triggered by an event, a birthday or the constant wondering of why they did survive, and others did not. Parents and friends need to be vigilant and watch for signs such as decreased socializing, changes in eating or drinking habits, sleep pattern changes or lack of attention to their general appearance. Counseling needs to be encouraged and parents should ask questions of their children even if they are not showing signs of stress or depression. A father of one of the victims from the Sandy Hook shootings also is believed to have committed suicide. The arm of death can be long and non-discriminating, as physicians we need to be aware, probe, and advocate for our patients to address their mental health as well as their physical health.

The Disaster Distress line is a 24/7 Help-Line that is dedicated to aspects of post-traumatic stress. The number is 800-985-5990. It is an offshoot of the Suicide Prevention Help Line.

The second issue I would like to revisit is Human Trafficking. About two weeks ago a motel on City Ave was found to be a site of Human Trafficking. This motel is close to so many of our offices. Young people, teenagers are the usual victims. They are usually homeless and hopeless making them easy targets of recruitment by handlers that get them addicted to drugs to control them. They may come to your office for STD's or complications of their addiction. They usually have had little to no routine health care and do not follow up for chronic conditions.

The Human Trafficking Hotline is 888-373-7888. Post it in your office if you can. It may give someone their life back.

We Need You!

DO Volunteer — All Member Call!

In just under one month, I will be sworn in as POMA's president. I'm excited to share this experience with each of you by asking you to volunteer for one of POMA's committees or task forces which are aligned with our four strategic pillars:

Communications - Publications Committee, Public Relations Committee, Technology Work Group

Community - Membership Committee, Committee on Professional Guidance/Young Physicians, Committee on Physician Wellness, Foundation Scholars Work Group, Mentor Database

Education - Clinical Assembly and Convention Planning Committee, Task Force on Continuing Medical Education Programs, Speaker's Bureau

Influence - Committee on Legislation, Task Force on Public Policy, Committee on Geriatrics, Public Service Positions, POMPAC

For more details on any of the committees or task forces listed above, please click here.

Signing up is easy - click here to volunteer online. Commitments are needed by April 19!

DO get involved! The investment of your time pays it forward to the next generation of osteopathic physicians.

 Register Today for POMA's 2019 CME Conference!

POMA Annual Clinical Assembly · May 1-4 · Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia

Registration is OPEN! 

Click here for more information, including a schedule of events.

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Cargill-Roan at (717) 939-9318 ext 170 or email [email protected].  We look forward to seeing you there!

Senate Committee Moves CRNP Independent Practice Bill

The Pennsylvania Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure approved Senate Bill 25 with two no votes. SB 25 provides CRNPs with independent practice by removing the collaborative agreement requirement with a physician when a CRNP is making acts of medical diagnosis and prescribing.

POMA officially thanked the two Senators voting no of whom included Senator John Gordner (R-Columbia) and Senator Mike Regan (R-Cumberland).  POMA also thanks those DOs that answered the call to action that was sent to them using our new advocacy software, VoterVOICE! We targeted only those DOs who live in the districts of targeted Senators. Over 300 DOs answered this call! 

POMA is continuing to work daily against further consideration of SB 25 by the full Senate.  If POMA believes a Senate vote is imminent, we will send a new action alert for POMA members to contact their Senators. Please stay tuned… 

 District Dish

District 10

POMA District 10 gathered on Friday, March 29, 2019, for their monthly event at the Blue Bell Inn in Blue Bell, PA. The group enjoyed a lecture about Modern Treatment of Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency by Mehul Shah, MD.

READ MORE>>

District 11 - Spring Schuylkill CME Event

FREE CREDITS!!!! This is always an opportunity that’s hard to pass up. Several POMA members didn’t turn down the chance. From cardiology to the GI tract, the attendees learned about a wide range of topics.

POMA District 11 leadership held the annual Schuylkill CME day in Pottsville on Saturday, March 30^th, 2019. The free half-day event featured 4 hours of medical education. The event occurs twice a year and attendance continues to grow with each event. DO’s traveled from multiple districts to attend the event. Lehigh Valley Health Systems co-hosted the event and provided breakfast for the attendees.

PGYP Meeting Recaps

PGYP Central Region

The Central Region of the POMA Committee on Professional Guidance met March 26 in Harrisburg.  Many residents and interns from the area met to discuss issues important to them, both within their programs as well as at a state and national level. 

Because of the success of an OMT demonstration at our last meeting, and at the request of attendees, another OMT presentation was given for respiratory issues in pediatric patients.  Techniques were selected for their ability to be done in a timely fashion during the busy day of residents, interns, and practicing physicians.  There was a lively discussion of other techniques that can be done and the unique way that we can help patients as DOs.  

READ MORE>>

Pennsylvania Represents at the ACOFP Convention

Pennsylvania was on display at ACOFP 2019 in Chicago on March 19-March 24. The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society (POFPS), the largest state chapter of the ACOFP, had four doctors become fellows, passed three Pennsylvania authored resolutions through the Congress of Delegates, was a lead contributor to an ACOFP residency fund, and witnessed Sean Perrine, DO, based in Lancaster, awarded ACOFP Young Physician of the year. Several members of the Pennsylvania delegation were proctors, lectures, and event organizers. The Pennsylvania delegation, led by the POFPS, proudly represented Pennsylvania.

POFPS leadership additionally secured ACOFP president, Robert Deluca Jr., DO and the new ACOFP executive director, Bob Moore to attend their CME Symposium and 60^th anniversary celebration at the Hershey Lodge August 9-11. Save the Date, registrations will open in early May.

APOMA Fundraisers

Hula Hoops, Painting, and Silent Auction...

APOMA is planning a slew of fun activities at this year's Annual Clinical Assembly and Scientific Seminar. Make sure you stop by their booth at this year's Annual Clinical Assembly and Scientific Seminar.

Can You HULA?

The Advocates for POMA (APOMA) will hold a hula hoop contest during their silent auction on Wednesday, May 1st and Thursday, May 2nd.  For a $5.00 donation, you can compete for the title of Champion Hula Hooper.  A new winner will be crowned each day.

Please try your luck at our 50/50 drawing.  Purchase 1 ticket for $5.00 or 3 tickets for $10.00.  Drawings will be held each day.  Must be present to win.

Make It, Take It Wood Painting Workshop

Attention Physicians and fellow convention attendees:  Please support the MAKE IT AND TAKE IT Painting Party sponsored by the POMA Advocates on Thursday May 2 in the convention hall by the Silent Auction table from 10 am to 2 pm where you can express yourself through the art of paint. For $45.00 you will have all the supplies needed to create a lovely and colorful name design on wood with whimsical nature motifs, Native American or African motifs or your very own design which will be suitable for hanging.  Organized, created and demonstrated by Artist Linda Schecter.

Interested? Contact Tammy Keller at [email protected] to RSVP.

Volunteers Needed!

APOMA is in need of volunteers on Wednesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 2 to assist with the silent auction.  Anyone (such as spouses, friends, significant others) who may have some free time to sit at the silent auction table from approximately 10 am to 2 pm, or any part of that time is welcome. Please contact Sally Ann Rex, APOMA President, at [email protected] if you’re interested in helping.

APOMA's Annual
Meet & Greet 

APOMA invites anyone interested in promoting the osteopathic profession to join us at an open meeting starting at 9:00 am on May 3, 2019, during the POMA Clinical Assembly and Scientific Seminar in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Officer Christopher Dolga, Community Oriented Policing Division, Upper Merion Police Department will speak about Personal Safety and Defense; this audience-driven interaction is intended to relate practical ways to recognize suspicious or dangerous behavior along with basic principles for attack prevention and survival. This program is for teenagers and adults.

There will be other events planned throughout the conference. Visit the APOMA page for more information. 

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Call for Volunteers
3. Register for #POMA19
4. POMA ISMIE Affinity Program
5. Policy Points
6. District Dish
7. PGYP Meeting Recaps
8. PA Represents at ACOFP Convention
9. APOMA Fundraisers
10. APOMA's Annual Meet & Greet and Silent Auction
11. Former Nurses Needed
12. Request for Information
13. Upcoming District Events
14. Classified Advertisements
15. POMPAC
16. What Do You DO?
17. PCOM Alumni Weekend
18. Call for Presenters
19. Donate an Auction Item

Former Nurses Needed!

Were you a nurse or nurse practitioner before you became a physician? If so, we need you!

Click here to send us an email and let us know. 

Request for Information!

Do you have a relationship with a State Representative or Senator?  We want to hear from you! 

Contact Andy Sandusky at [email protected].

Upcoming District Events 

Please address all correspondence for POMA Box Letters to: c/o POMA, 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA  17111-2395.

PHYSICIANS WANTED:

ATTENTION DOs! MD AT HOME, Inc., is in need of a part-time doctor (great for retired doctors) one to two days a week making home visits to the elderly and the disabled that are homebound.  Chauffeured by a medical assistant in a company vehicle to scheduled appointments. Email [email protected] for more information.

Family Medicine Residency Core Faculty Position — Crozer-Keystone Health System, in suburban Philadelphia, is seeking a Family Medicine Physician for a Core Faculty position in our nationally recognized Residency Program. Must have broad-based inpatient and outpatient clinical skills and strong interest in teaching residents and medical students. Excellent benefits, generous CME allowance and malpractice insurance with tail coverage. For more info, visit  http://bit.ly/CrozerFamMed or send CV to [email protected]

OPPORTUNITY — PHYSICIAN POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Media and Lancaster. Flexible hours, private practice, 3-4 hour shifts, no on-call, malpractice insurance needed. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call 610-566-8885

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: box letter, all caps or all bold type, boxing an ad in.

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.

Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!

   

IS 
The Collective Voice of the Osteopathic Profession

 Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Political Action Committee

Send your personal check today to POMPAC in care of the Central Office, 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111-2395, or charge your contribution to your VISA or MasterCard! 
PAC contributions are not tax-deductible.

 What Do You DO?

The POMA Newsletter is adding a new feature section. In the second edition of each monthly newsletter, we will be featuring a Pennsylvania DO, student, or resident and highlighting what they do outside the profession. So, if you or someone you know is doing something extraordinary, out of the box, or just straight up awesome outside of their professional work, we want to know about it. 

You can contact Jason Leeper at [email protected] to give him details. We look forward to hearing about what else you all DO! 

PCOM Alumni Weekend 2019!

NEW DATE!

Extend your stay at POMA and join PCOM for Alumni Weekend on May 3-4, 2019! We're offering new activities for alumni in addition to annual favorites. Make the most of your trip and come to alumni weekend! Click here for the schedule of events and registration info.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS!

POMA and the POFPS are looking for presenters willing to share their expertise and enhance professional growth in the osteopathic medical field. We are searching for presentations to address topics/discussion that would attract dedicated osteopathic and allopathic professionals committed to enhancing patient care and medical practice management through the continuing education process.

If you're interested, check out the link for more information and to apply.

Donate an Auction Item! 

APOMA is gearing up for their annual silent auction at POMA's Annual Clinical Assembly and Scientific Seminar and they are looking for people willing to donate items.

Donate a basket or an item for the Silent Auction - APOMA needs YOUR help to make this event a success!

Contact Sally Ann Rex, APOMA President at [email protected].

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