by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO

"GOVERNANCE"

There are several definitions for governance, but how it pertains to the POMA is best defined by Merriam-Webster as: gov·​er·​nance | \ ˈgə-vər-nən(t)s (noun) the act or process of governing or overseeing the control and direction of something (such as a country or organization). 

All good organizations have a governance structure in place that allows for representation of its members, selection of leaders from qualified individuals, a succession of leadership, and growth of the organization through strategic planning. As an affiliate organization of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), POMA assumes a major role in the governance of the AOA. During last month's annual AOA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, POMA was represented on all reference committees that deliberated resolutions. POMA leaders served as chair or vice chair on three of those committees. Ernest Gelb, DO was installed as the 126th president of the AOA. Dr. Gelb is a past POMA president with a long history of service to our state organization. In addition to the highest office in the AOA, Pennsylvania is represented on the AOA Board of Trustees by Drs. Frank Tursi and Rob Dolansky. We DO have a voice on a national level!

During the 2022 AOA HOD meeting, discussion occurred regarding the value and utility of COMLEX-USA for licensure, the need for a comprehensive resolution on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, and proposed changes to the bylaws. Click here for more information about the work of this year’s AOA HOD meeting.

Though POMA works to play an active role in the national osteopathic arena, we continue to concentrate our efforts to promote the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, for our members and their patients. The POMA Board of Trustees (BOT) meets quarterly, with representatives from each of the 13 districts, each in-state college of osteopathic medicine, one student, one resident, one new physician in practice and 7 trustees-at-large. The 5 elected officers and the trustees, with the support of our outstanding Team POMA staff, continually assess our effectiveness in implementing our strategic plan. The work of our strategic plan is accomplished through our 4 pillars. A strong committee structure with dedicated volunteers is the backbone of our success in accomplishing our goals.

During the August 13, 2022 BOT meeting, trustees reviewed the progress of our strategic plan, the preliminary recommendations of the Postgraduate Engagement Task Force and the updates on our POMA DOes podcast and Substance Use Disorder series, both of which will offer free CME credit to POMA members in the weeks ahead. To continue to be good stewards of our members’ resources, the board will be examining the expenses involved in participating in the AOA HOD and how we can best maximize the POMA’s investment in this activity. The trustees and staff members who participated in-person engaged in some team-building and leadership activities during Friday evening’s dinner. I want to personally thank all who attended.

After a complete re-writing of our bylaws in 2021, we found our Manual of Procedures was in need of an overhaul. The Bylaws Committee along with our Team POMA staff and legal counsel is diligently working on this to produce a useful tool to direct our operation. With trustees relocating, there will be a vacancy for the District 5 trustee position. If you are from D5 and have interest in serving on the board, or have questions regarding what is involved in the position, please contact one of the officers or your district chairperson. The more involvement from our members, the stronger an association we become!

While we work to become a stronger association, we look outside of our association for education and guidance. This fall your POMA Board of Trustees will work with association management expert, Mark Engle, to assess the functioning of our board and look for ways to improve our effectiveness and relevance. We are ALWAYS learning!

Speaking of always learning, early registration for the 2023 District 8 Winter Seminar at Seven Springs and the POMA Annual Clinical Assembly at Kalahari is open! And if you need credits for licensure, we have re-opened registration for the 2022 POMA Clinical Assembly and 2021 POMA Clinical Assembly. POMA is here for you!

by: Diana Ewert

"Leadership is not an affair of the head. Leadership is an affair of the heart." J. Carla Nortcutt

If you wonder why I have such passion for the osteopathic profession, you shouldn’t. I see you. I see what you do. I see how you do it and what you give and how you make things better. Yes, you take care of a person and their health… but you take care of the person. An extra five minutes to listen while not tip-tapping on a keyboard. An ask about the kids or parents or extended family or even the dog. A hug. A true osteopathic hug.

I see you. I see your pride in being osteopathic. I see the pain when the outcomes are not optimal. And sometimes, I see the doubt. The questions you have as the challenges you face come towards you at the speed of light. Single accreditation. Board certification. Health of the profession. State mandates. Nonphysicians wanting to practice medicine.

I see the leaders of POMA and recognize their engagement and involvement is truly an affair of the heart. They make decisions based on what is best for the osteopathic profession and those individuals who are educated, trained and practice in the Commonwealth. The commitment I see is awesome, inspiring, and how can anyone on our team be any less engaged?  

POMA leaders practice what, in my profession, we call servant leadership. Their leadership qualities are people-centric, modeling servant leadership behavior and valuing service to others. They are humble – allowing their behavior to communicate their values and their appreciation for people. They are vigilant to model the attitudes and belief systems that encourage others to succeed – their peers and the team. POMA leaders serve the osteopathic profession first. They are so gracious at recognizing the team, I want to recognize their significant efforts – the conference calls, the meetings, the conversations, the direction, the advice. Without the thoughtful discussion, the desire to improve, the ability to adapt, the willingness to listen, and the osteopathic distinctiveness they innately bring to every conversation and decision made, POMA would be a much different organization.

“How do I get to be you?” was a question asked of our current president by a PCOM student who had just received their first stethoscope, a gift of the POMA Foundation. My response? Lead by the heart.

by: Andy Sandusky

POMA Readies for the Fall Session, General Election and Beyond

Unfortunately for this author, the crisp fall air of the mornings has already begun. (I’m a summer kind of person…even named my daughter Summer!) But, as summer winds down, POMA is busy working behind the scenes on multiple legislative issues that still have the chance of becoming law. One of those is the prior authorization and step therapy reform legislation, Senate Bill 225. The Senate passed the bill unanimously in June with the support of all the outside stakeholders including patient groups, physicians, hospitals and even insurers. However, the Insurance Department held its support until the bill went to the House. Now it is time to iron out what was agreed to by the stakeholders and ensure the language will permit the Department to adequately regulate health insurer practices. This is no small feat, but POMA remains committed to the process to address this important issue for both Osteopathic physicians and their patients. There are other smaller bills POMA is watching, but none bigger than SB 225.

Additionally, POMPAC Chair Gene Battistella, DO, has called a meeting for next week to discuss what campaign committees POMPAC should invest in to advance its strategic goals. This again, is no small task. But POMA’s strategic pillar of influence has guided its actions and will continue to shine the light on a pathway for POMPAC’s investment strategy.

Even though the fall is extremely busy, POMA will also be forecasting and planning for the new legislative session that begins in January 2023. The PA General Assembly operates a 2-year legislative cycle, or session. All bills that did not get enacted, will have to be refiled in the new year/ beginning of the new session.

Recap: it's crunch time, time to invest wisely, and new year/session planning is around the corner. And oh yeah…I’m still not happy summer is ending. 

 CME for License Renewal

2022 is a license renewal year for Pennsylvania osteopathic physicians.  The cycle ends October 31, 2022. The State Board plans to open the renewal period by early September.

Licensees are responsible for maintaining and tracking their own CME credit hours. POMA is here to help track credits for the licensure cycle and provide sources to earn credits if needed.

CME Tracking
POMA members have access to the POMA CME Module which helps track credits earned within the state licensure cycle. This includes the total credit hours earned, 1-A AOA credits and the required credits for patient safety, opioid and child abuse education. All POMA-sponsored credits are automatically uploaded into the module. Credits earned outside of POMA can be manually entered into the module by the member or TeamPOMA. Take advantage of this member benefit and see what is in your CME record - your username is

Need CME?
POMA is leveraging technology to extend access to 2021 and 2022 programming. We are also launching a virtual education series on Substance Use Disorder in early September and publishing an accredited CME podcast episode on August 26.

• The 2022 POMA Clinical Assembly offered 34 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and includes 7.5 patient safety credits, 1 opioid credit and 2 child abuse credits. Register for POMA22.
• The 2021 POMA Clinical Assembly offered 34 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and includes 8 patient safety credits and 1 opioid credit. Register for POMA21.
• The Substance Use Disorder Education Series – launching September 2022 - watch your email for free registration
• Episode 16 of the POMA DOes podcast series – available August 26, 2022

Reminder of CME Requirements for License Renewal
Osteopathic physicians must earn at least 100 CME credits for the 2020-2022 licensure cycle, which ends October 31, 2022. As part of the 100 credits, physicians must earn at least 20 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and at least 12 patient safety credits, at least 2 hours of opioid education and 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting education. The requireds can be Category 1 or Category 2. For more information, click here or visit the SBOM website.

POMA and POMAF Boards Hold Quarterly Meetings

Last weekend, the POMA Board of Trustees held their quarterly meeting in-person in State College with a virtual option.  They received updates from committees, task forces, and work groups and reports detailing work on POMA's strategic initiatives.  The Board took action to approve life members, who are now forwarded to the House of Delegates.  They also approved policy recommendations from the Government Affairs Committee.  Friday evening, the in-person participants were involved in leadership and team-building activities.

The POMA Foundation also met last weekend and approved their 2022-2023 budget, reviewed submissions for the Bright Ideas Grant program and received an update on the Sketchy scholarship program. The Foundation board is also creating a development task force to increase fundraising efforts. 

PCOM Holds Stethoscope Ceremony for Class of 2026

On Thursday, August 11th, Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO, POMA president and chair of the POMA Foundation, addressed the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine DO Class of 2026 at their Annual Stethoscope Ceremony. The stethoscopes, which were provided by the POMA Foundation, represent the students’ entrance into the osteopathic profession.

During the ceremony, Dr. Witherite-Rieg shared some helpful tips and pointers to the students about using their stethoscopes, and together, they all listened to their own hearts for the first time. She also shared the memory of her first stethoscope which was given to her by someone who believed in her, her mother.

POMA and the POMA Foundation believe in these students as they journey toward becoming osteopathic physicians and wish them the best of luck in their future careers.

Resident Wellness Grant Program Now Open!

Applications Due October 1, 2022

POMA is committed to creating and providing opportunities for open dialogue around health and personal well-being across the osteopathic profession. Specifically for residents, we promote well-being through focused activities sponsored by POMA and financially supported by the POMA Foundation.

Over the last five years, $32,500 has been awarded to 66 residency programs in Pennsylvania. Residents have planned paint nights, escape rooms, garden projects, obstacle courses, cultural celebrations and arcade fun. Click here for pictures and recaps of recent activities to get some ideas.

The next round of funding is now open and we invite you to apply. Talk with your fellow residents to dream up how you would like to spend the money. Put your ideas into the application and submit. It's really that easy! We look forward to hearing from you!

APOMA had a successful trip in Hershey at the POFPS Symposium. We had a great silent auction, raising almost $1,200 for student scholarships! Thanks to Lorna Tabby for her generous donations and to POMA District 4 and District 8 for their baskets.

We also want to thank Jessica Masser, DO for her support, leadership, and invitation to the conference. What a great President she was for POFPS! We also want to congratulate Dr. Peter Bidey on his installation as the next president of POFPS.

“Call for Ideas"
Physician Health and Wellness

In May 2022, POMA created the Committee for Physician Health and Wellness. The purpose of the committee is to “enhance the health and well-being of medical students, residents and practicing physicians in the areas of work-life balance, managing stress and strategies for overall health and fitness.”  We have been busy discussing outreach programs for our Osteopathic students and physicians to achieve this goal.

We are planning activities in person at some of our conferences, virtual events (January 2023 will couple a special tea sampling with meditation exercises), resources that will be shared with the members, and contributing short articles to our publications which discuss health and well-being.

This opportunity is open to everyone! Email your contributions (pictures encouraged) to [email protected].

Written by Samuel J. Garloff DO

Hats off to HIPPA!

Recently, I contacted a former physician colleague about one of their patients who happens to be a friend of mine. Prior to emailing, I informed the family that I was going to do so. My concern was holistic, inquiring about both physical and mental health. Why both? Gee, I have had some experience with the latter during my previous iteration as a psychiatrist. Not long after sending my inquiry, I received an email explaining that my request was inappropriate due to HIPPA. Stunned, it took some time but I realized what a wonderful gift I’d been given. HIPPA, the answer to future dilemmas!

Read More >>

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. CME for License Renewal
5. POMA & POMAF Boards Hold Quarterly Meetings
6. PCOM Holds Stethoscope Ceremony for Class of 2026
7. Resident Wellness Grant Program Now Open
8. APOMA Updates
9. How Are You DOing - Call for Articles
10. Another Voice
11. Membership Dues Renewal
12. Upcoming District Events
13. COVID-19 News Update
14. Welcome New Members
15. Classified Ads
16. Under the DOme
17. POMPAC
18. Follow POMA on Social Media
19. District Competition
20. Be a Mentor
21. POMA DOes... Podcast
22. Facts on Vax

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!

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