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by: Joseph M.P. Zawisza, DO
Moving Mountains
This past weekend I traveled to one of the great cities of our state, Erie, for a meeting of the Board of Trustees and the POMA Foundation. We were graciously hosted by Silvia Ferretti, DO, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and I had the opportunity to see their impressive campus. Being a graduate of Mansfield University and living in the Coal Region, I took the opportunity to visit my alma mater and drive through the mountainous Northern Tier of Pennsylvania to reach my destination. As I made the journey there and back, I thought about the parallels of the trip and what our professional organization is doing.
POMA is going to have podcasts. I’ve written about this before and I’m excited to report that as a direct result of this board meeting, we have laid the framework for our podcast series. Within this membership year, I expect that we will be able to provide you with episodes about topics such as mental health issues as they affect physicians and the impressive work that we are doing through our legislative efforts in Harrisburg. The latter alone is no small feat! Through the efforts of our Government Affairs Committee, POMPAC, and our lobbying consultants (who act at the direction of POMA leadership), we have been able to orchestrate meetings with the Physician General in Pennsylvania and gain good standing with the legislature on the discussion of independent practice rights for non-physician clinicians. We’ve also had significant success in pushing back insurance companies on excessive and unnecessary prior authorization requirements that negatively affect patient care.
The various communities of POMA never took a rest during the pandemic, but I’m happy to report that they are now meeting in-person again! In fact, just last night I had the pleasure of attending a meeting in District 3 with our colleagues in the Lehigh Valley region. A few weeks ago, I was able to participate in District 4’s in-person meeting, and I anticipate meeting with many more of our members during the remainder of my term as president. Our student, intern, and resident communities are picking up too. While in Erie, I had the opportunity to spend some time with students from LECOM at a Seawolves baseball game. Their enthusiasm is catchy and was a delight after meeting with them the day before to talk about what POMA is doing for them. Now we’re working on plans to meet with the students of LECOM Seton Hill and PCOM. If you’ve wondered if we are guiding our profession to capable hands as we advance through our careers, I can unequivocally tell you the answer is yes! And today I am officially putting out the call for intern, resident, and fellow members to join the Professional Guidance for Young Physicians (PGYP) committee. Through the years this group has developed a leadership program for our newest physicians and helped us to resolve issues related to residency program accreditation. Click here to learn more about this committee or to sign up.
After an outstanding showing at the AOA House of Delegates last month, I am pleased to report that Pennsylvania is already working on a resolution to present to the House in 2022 to create an official policy on discrimination for the AOA. This will help to unify the profession and send a clear message that osteopathic physicians and their profession do not tolerate any form of discrimination. This week, we have done work on the district and membership structure of POMA in order to best serve our members and the patients they take care of. And after a well-deserved renovation of the first floor of our central office in Harrisburg, plans are being developed for renovations of the second floor. Our staff is freshly energized and able to do the good work of the organization that serves us.
POMA on the MOVE! has been my motto for this year as you know. The work that POMA is doing is as big as a mountain, but fortunately for our readers the confines of this column are much smaller than that. So, while the mountains of Pennsylvania aren’t moving, know that POMA is constantly moving mountains!
by: Diana Ewert
"Don't let the fear of falling keep you from climbing up."
- Constance Chuks Friday
There’s a lot of climbing going on out there. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it in the faces of our students as they climb the mountain of education. I’ve seen it in the faces of our members as they climb the mountain of patient care. And I’ve seen it in the faces of POMA leaders as they climb the mountain that is POMA’s strategic plan. You know what I don’t see? Fear.
The POMA Strategic Plan and its pillars are our mountain. We strive to reach the next foothold – enhancing resident communications through PGYP; and the next – reaching for consensus on vaccine communications; and the next – analyzing the survey on the Journal; and the next, next, next… Sometimes our foot slips. We miss a deadline. Something goes out later than we had hoped. Sometimes we just make a mistake. We’re human. It happens. But there’s no fear. We pull back, reassess, learn from the effort, gain stronger footing and we climb.
by: Andy Sandusky
POMA Readying for the Fall
Many rites of passage are associated with the approaching fall season. A fact of fall for POMA is the Pennsylvania General Assembly will be coming back into session next month. Kids are heading back to school, which means POMA is sharpening its pencils, ensuring its policies and positions are up to date. Football season around the corner which means POMA’s offense and defensive strategies are being tested and readied for the return of legislative session. Daylight hours are getting shorter which means POMA will be starting in the morning darkness and ending in the evening darkness, working on its members’ behalf. And finally, the hot days of summer will be in the rearview mirror, which means wearing suits and dress clothes won’t be so painfully hot! While we are certainly mindful of the resurgence of COVID-19 and its variant strains, we are also hopeful this will not prevent POMA’s ability to lobby face-to-face with legislators, policymakers and their respective staffs. This is also a good time for POMA members to communicate with their elected officials and let POMA know if they have any relationships with lawmakers. Finally, POMA’s political arm, POMPAC is also working to build its funds to help those elected officials who believe in Osteopathic medicine and the positive impact POMA members have on the lives of patients. This preparatory work will help ensure that POMA will be ready to face the challenges and take advantage of opportunities in addressing issues important to you and your patients during the upcoming legislative session!
POMA and POMA Foundation Boards Meet in Erie
For the first time in 17 months, the POMA Board of Trustees and the POMA Foundation Board of Directors held face-to-face meetings with virtual options on Saturday, August 14, 2021. And for the first time, the meetings were held in Erie on the LECOM campus. All in attendance adhered to LECOM’s COVID screening protocols and safety measures.
During the POMA Board of Trustees meeting, updates were provided on the work of each of the strategic pillars, action was taken on the reports of the Finance Committee, Government Affairs Committee and the Membership Committee, and the 2nd floor renovation plans for the central office were reviewed.
During the POMA Foundation Board of Directors meeting, the board met the team from GMA Foundation who will be implementing a grant program. The board also discussed the resident wellness grant program and funding of a new student benefit program.
In keeping with Dr. Zawisza’s presidential theme, the POMA Board of Trustees will hold its next meeting in November in State College.
POMA Meets with LECOM Students
POMA President Joseph Zawisza, DO, met with over 500 first- and second-year students at the LECOM Erie Campus on Friday, August 13. He shared information on POMA benefits and opportunities that students can take advantage of, including POMAF scholarships, the POMA annual clinical writing contest, educational and mentoring opportunities, and more. Dr. Zawisza also shared his own personal experience as a young POMA member. The students had plenty of questions for Dr. Zawisza which he openly addressed, including offering his personal email for the students to use to contact him after the event.
An exciting bonus for the students included a raffle where POMA provided 10 pairs of tickets to the Saturday night game of the SeaWolves, Erie’s minor league baseball team. The winners were able to spend additional time with POMA leaders networking, asking questions and relaxing with friends. It was a night to remember – spending quality time together as a POMA family with perfect weather and a gorgeous sunset.
A few days later, LECOM held its Student Club Fair in Erie. POMA Vice President John Kalata, DO represented POMA alongside Sara Bustard, Director of Member Engagement. The students who visited the POMA table walked away with a POMA laptop bag and a greater understanding of how POMA serves them as osteopathic students in Pennsylvania. This was a great time to engage with our students and we look forward to seeing them at future events across the state.
District Dish
District 10 & 14 Social
On Friday, August 6, Districts 10 and 14 held a joint social event at Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Newtown, Pennsylvania. The summer concert event featured the world’s longest-running Billy Joel tribute band, Danny V’s 52nd Street Band. Members were permitted to claim two free tickets and bring a friend or family member. Members enjoyed the music, dancing, and beverages on this summer evening. It was a great social event for the two districts, everyone had a good time.
District 3 Event
District 3 members held a business meeting on August 19 after an informational presentation on type 2 diabetes. The meeting was held at Kingfish American Bistro and Wine Bar in Bethlehem with a virtual option.
POMA President Joseph Zawisza, DO, opened the meeting by providing a brief update on each of POMA’s Strategic Pillars and fielded questions and comments.
Rehab Tabchi, DO, District 3 Chair, followed with an update on the District Competition. She explained the competition and how to earn points towards the competition, and asked for suggestions for future events.
The district also held elections for the alternate trustee position with Farah Mirza, DO being elected. Dr. Mirza will serve as the voice of the district if district trustee Rehab Tabchi, DO is unable to participate in governance events.
by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO
How DO You Grow?
I have always been fascinated with growing things, mostly vegetables, occasionally flowers and houseplants. I have had varied success with the flowers and the houseplants, but, for the most part, I have had some spectacular yields from my home garden.
I can remember having a garden as far back as being in the second grade. I would help Mom and Dad, and always have a small patch that was “just mine”. When I went away to college and medical school, I would always “dig in” when I visited home and often would have a few potted plants I would reap rewards from come harvest time.
All growing plants need the basics, good soil, a little fertilizer or compost, adequate water and drainage, sunlight and time. That is all part of the science behind gardening. The art of gardening comes into play when we consider weeding and thinning. Weeds really aren’t that much of an issue once you identify the weeds. When plants are little, it is sometimes hard to distinguish the viable plant from a weed, especially if the weeds are the same size and are in alignment with your neatly planted rows, (or, if you are like my husband was and just “threw things in” not necessarily concerned with alignment). As the plants grow, it is easy to discern what are viable plants and what are the nuisance, damaging weeds that choke out your crops. Removing the weeds without interrupting the plants can sometimes take effort, but, emotionally, is very easy to do. Even the occasional weed that has a pretty or interesting bloom on it is still a weed and damaging to the crops. Seeing a garden free of weeds is rewarding to any home gardener.
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POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding COVID-19. Visit www.poma.org/covid-19 for all of our updates, as well as resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time.
Table of Contents...
- President's Perspective
- Executive Opinion
- Policy Points
- POMA-ISMIE Affinity Program
- POMA and POMAF Boards Meet in Erie
- POMA Meets with LECOM Students
- District Dish
- SoFi
- How Are You DOing?
- COVID-19 New Update
- Membership Dues Renewal
- Upcoming District Events
- Upcoming PGYP Events
- Welcome New Members
- Podcast
- JPOMA Survey
- Classified Ads
- Under the DOme
- POMPAC
- Follow POMA on Social Media
- District Competition
Membership Dues Renewal
POMA's current membership year ended June 30 - renew today to remain an active member of your osteopathic community!
Click here to renew today! Your username is
Thank you for your continued commitment and keeping POMA On the Move!
Upcoming District Events
Business Meeting & Product Theater Event
Friday, Sept. 10
5:30 pm
Blue Bell Inn
Blue Bell, PA
Gout: New Data on an Old Disease
Monday, September 20
7:00 pm
Hosted by District 14
Tuesday, September 21
6:00 pm
Leeds Restaurant & Lounge
750 Eisenhower Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA
Thursday, September 23
Time: 6:30
Location TBD
Thursday, September 16
7:00 pm
Cadillac Ranch
1060 Settlers Ridge Center Drive
Pittsburgh, PA
Welcome New Members!
The following physicians have applied for membership in the POMA. According to Article VI, Section 2 of the POMA bylaws, if no written objection is received within 30 days after publication, the following will be accepted for membership.
Troy A. Moritz, DO
6250 Run Cross Lane
Enola, PA 17025-1295
Active Member – District 5
Jessica Souchet, DO
381 Holland Road
Holland, PA 18966-1811
Active Member – District 14
What do you want to hear on POMA's podcast?
Email your ideas to [email protected] with the Subject: Podcast
The Publications Committee wants to hear from you!
Click here to complete the JPOMA Readership Survey - we want to make sure your opinions and suggestions are considered as the Journal evolves to better serve you. Thanks for participating!
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
___________________
LEGAL AND COMPENSATION ANALYSIS OF PHYSICIAN AGREEMENTS.
Physician Agreements Health Law is a law firm that focuses exclusively on physician contracts, with a particular emphasis on physician employment agreements. Have your agreement reviewed by Dennis Hursh, author of the definitive book on physician employment agreements. https://pahealthlaw.com/
___________________
PRN Medical Space – ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. Call 215-669-4001.
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.
Under the DOme
Did you catch POMA's advocacy newsletter, Under the DOme?
Under the DOme is a member benefit providing you with an update of the advocacy work POMA is engaged and/or monitoring to ensure DOs and their patients have the best possible opportunity for strong physician-patient relationships and care. POMA is THE organization that represents you as a DO in the state in all areas of advocacy.
We hope you find Under the DOme to be a valuable advocacy tool. Send your feedback to [email protected].
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!
  
 
District Competition
Who likes a little friendly competition?
From April 1, 2021 – March 30, 2022 POMA will be hosting a District competition. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey and event participation; members writing in publications (POMA and external); membership retention; and various additional items. Click here for a complete list of challenges.
The winning District will receive a POMA sponsored dinner before POMA HOD 2022, a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and priority seating at the POMA House of Delegates and bragging rights. The leaderboard will be published in POMA’s monthly newsletter.
Contact your District Leadership to share ideas and for more details.
Current Standings as of August 18
- 1st Place - District 12
- 2nd Place - District 4
- 3rd Place - District 14
Want to help earn your district some points? Submit an article to the newsletter or participate in a POMA survey.
Find out additional ways by contacting you district leadership.
APOMA
APOMA has arranged with the AAOA to share in the proceeds from sales of Brooches on the AAOA Store. The very beautiful brooches are available in many colors.
Visit the store and in the checkout don't forget to put POMA2021 to get FREE SHIPPING and share proceeds with APOMA.
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