by: Pamela S.N. Goldman, DO

We DO...Wellness

The holidays are upon us as we look forward to saying goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020. While there is much to look forward to, this time of year brings stress, anxiety, and sadness for many of us. All year, the POMA Physician Wellness Committee and the “How Are You DO-ing” column offer helpful ideas and sharing by colleagues of ways to combat life stressors. Here are strategies to mitigate difficult holiday situations to help you make it through to the new year. 

Work Stress
The stress of work can be overwhelming. The coverage schedule does allow for much down time with colleagues on vacation. Consider planning some time away in early January. It is stressful to travel during the holidays so why not wait until others return to work?  Plus, it will give you something to look forward to after the holidays. 

Body Stress
Sometimes you walk into the kitchenette or break room at work and find the only sustenance available are cookies and sweets, sure to create a sugar crash in the middle of the afternoon. Consider packing a healthy snack with a low glycemic index to consume throughout the day for long term energy to make it through those add-on patients at the end of the day. 

Family Anxiety
The holidays bring anxiety to the table as well. For some of us, there is a desire to have the brightest, most lit up home in the neighborhood. For others, it’s about preparing the best food while opening your home to celebrate with family members and friends. And don’t forget about the social calendar. Nearly every weekend in December is filled with some holiday-related obligation.

Sometimes it pays to go for the minimalist approach. Consider varying your decorations by scaling back and focus your decorating on the main living area of your home. This could be the one year you take a break from competing with the “the Griswold family” to light up the neighborhood. Try a potluck dinner where every guest brings a part of the meal. This way, you can focus on your specialty dish that is a crowd pleaser. Pick some of the parties to attend, especially those gatherings of close friends or family and graciously decline the rest. Quality time spent with important people to us is better than quantity of time.

Gift Anxiety 
This is also the time of year for gift giving. Not only is shopping at the local retail store or mall filled with anxiety from the moment you pull into the parking spot, try to find a cart, and run around the store filling your basket with gifts for everyone on your list, the fear of not getting what someone will like, or fear of missing someone on the list, can be an anxiety-producing experience. Consider a pollyanna exchange rather than trying to get things for everyone. It will allow you to find that special gift and focus on presentation or make it personalized. It is much more difficult to try to do that for the entire list. 

Sadness and Loss
The end of the year produces sadness for some people. It may trigger a sense of disappointment that another year has passed by and a particular goal may not have been met. It may mark the end of a difficult year, in particular if you have lost a loved one through death or broken relationship. The holidays can remind us of the void left by them.

You are not alone. While it seems that everyone around you is joyous and busy, it may be how they appear on the surface, but not what they are experiencing in the depths of their being. Be courageous to look around you for people who are sad or showing depressive symptoms. Reach out and ask people how they are doing. Offer to listen to what they are feeling. Be in the moment and let tomorrow take care of itself. 

May your new year be filled with joy in the big and small things, blessings to you and your loved ones, and perhaps, a vacation or two. And may you have overall wellness in your body, mind, and spirit.

Thank you for all you DO!

by: Diana Ewert

“You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else.”
― John Irving, The World According to Garp

As we move into December, we recognize the beginning of the end. December marks the end of the year as well as the end of the decade. We’ve had many in our POMA family experience loss – family, friends, mentors, beloved pets – and POMA itself as a long-time team member, Yvonne Hersh, ended her POMA employment to begin a new chapter in her life. We recognize Yvonne for her dedication to the osteopathic profession, POMA members and POMA leadership over the years. This ending is also the start of a new beginning. This allows us to look at the administration of POMA and begin with something to better serve POMA, whether it be new staff or new relationships.

We are reaching the end of the decade with 2020 serving as the beginning of a brand new world for osteopathic graduate medical education. 2020 marks the beginning of the single accreditation system. All post graduate education will be under the purview of the ACGME. It’s the beginning of a shift in governance for the ACGME as Karen J. Nichols, DO, moves from chair-elect to chair – the first time an osteopathic physician has filled this position. There are five other osteopathic physicians serving on the ACGME board representing the osteopathic profession.

POMA reached the end of the application process of ACCME accreditation and recognition. On December 5, POMA was awarded provisional accreditation. This is a new beginning for POMA creating new opportunities to increase the value of our membership. Integrating ACCME accreditation with current programs will be done carefully. It has taken POMA just under two years to achieve this milestone in our strategic plan and I want to personally thank Brenda Dill, Director of Education and Communications, for her singularly focused efforts and exhibiting the patience of Job.

2019 is ending. 2020 is beginning. May we end this year with grace and joyfully reach for the new beginning. Have a blessed holiday and wonderful New Year.

IMPORTANT PRACTICE ALERT!

New Requirements For Prescribing Opioids Now In Effect!

Immediate Action Is Required By Physicians Who Prescribe Opioids!

Click here to read POMA's analysis!

Act 112 of 2019 (Act 112) imposes significant, specific requirements on physicians before a first prescription for opioids may be issued. Mandated conduct was effective November 27, 2019 (the date Act 112 was signed into law).

POMA is aware that many osteopathic physicians already use some type of patient agreement, thus, the idea will not be new. However, the specific conduct required of prescribers and the detailed content requirements for patient agreements under Act 112 likely will require physicians to adjust their conduct and documents to comply with this statute.

Regulations are being drafted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and POMA is working with that agency to assist their development. Hopefully, these temporary regulations will clarify at least some of the ambiguities and other practice issues resulting from the enactment of Act 112.

In the interim, POMA members should read the requirements of Act 112 and use POMA's analysis to ensure that each of you is following the law and documenting your process to the best of your ability when prescribing opioids for chronic pain.

by: Randy Litman, DO, Board Chair

The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine convened on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Physician board members present included Frank Tursi, DO; Christopher Poggi, DO; John Bulger, DO; William Swallow, DO; Burton Mark, DO; Randy Litman, DO; and Arlene Seid, MD. Key messages to POMA members include:

1. Act 41, an initiative to expedite professional licensure for applicants “by endorsement” to Pennsylvania, includes defined criteria for consideration. Major criteria include successful completion of the NBOME, COMLEX examination series (Levels 1, 2 and 3), and clinical practice experience for at least two of the most immediate five years prior to application.
2. Applications for initial Pennsylvania licensure can be accepted after successful completion of an approved one year of post-graduate training, successful completion of the NBOME, COMLEX examination series  (Levels 1, 2 and 3), and successful completion of the OMT requirement (COMLEX Level 2PE or Pennsylvania OMT examination).
3. The Opioid Treatment Act (Act 112 of 2019) includes requirements for management of affected patients with the use of Urine Drug Screening. Criteria are in the process to be defined. Osteopathic physicians that treat patients with controlled medication should be aware the guidelines are under review.
4. The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine will convene again on February 12, 2020. POMA representation is always present. Inquiries should be addressed to POMA leadership for communication to the board.

 District Dish

District 3

Holiday season was in the air in downtown Allentown on Thursday December 5^th, as several members of District 3 gathered at the Allentown Brew Works. Scott Naftulin, DO, POMA District 3 member spoke to the group about various regenerative medicine treatments. Dr. Naftulin discussed the benefits, costs, and treatment differences between platelet-rich plasma, stem cell treatments and steroid treatments. The group discussed the various studies and evidence. The attendees received CME credit for attending.

READ MORE >>

District 4

What’s better than a nice dinner with fantastic colleagues?

POMA District 4 came together Wednesday December 4^th at Isabella’s Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre.  The group networked then partook in a discussion on a new therapy for diabetic nephropathy.

Following the product theater, Darlene Dunay, DO, District Chair, updated the group on the various happenings around the state. Members were engaged and gave feedback on the various news and regulations that came out the recent legislative session. That information will be reported to the POMA leadership. 

READ MORE >>

District 5

On December 5, POMA District 5 held a reception for two state elected officials in York, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Pennsylvania State Representative Keith Gillespie (R-York) mingled with the physicians in attendance, provided a legislative update and answered physician questions. The event was not a political fundraiser and POMPAC was not involved. It was a successful educational event for POMA members, providing them with the opportunity to meet with their locally elected state legislators in the effort to build on POMA's grassroots advocacy! 

READ MORE >> 

District 7

A holiday gathering of comradery and conversations took place as 18 members of POMA District 7 met at the Fox and Hound Restaurant in Erie.  District Chair John Kalata, DO led the discussion with updates on POMA’s advocacy and education work, and he highlighted POMA Foundation scholarship opportunities for the residents in attendance.  There was also discussion on possible resolutions to bring before the POMA House of Delegates in April.  State Board member Frank Tursi, DO was in attendance and provided an update on recent SBOM activities.

READ MORE >>

District 10

POMA District 10 gathered on Friday, November 15, 2019 for their monthly event at the Blue Bell Inn in Blue Bell, PA. The group enjoyed a lecture How to Talk to Patients About Obesity by Tatyan M. Clarke, MD, FACS, Bariatric Surgeon from Temple.

Notes:
-Obesity: BMI greater than or equal to 30
-Most states in the US have an obesity rate of greater than 30%
-In the US over 39% of adults and 18% of youths are considered obese
-In Philadelphia 41% of youths (ages 4-17) and 67.9% of adults are obese

READ MORE >> 

POMA PGYP Meeting Recaps

West Region

An enthusiastic group of residents and attendings/POMA leaders came together at Cadillac Ranch in Pittsburgh on December 4 for the winter meeting of the Professional Guidance Committee – West Region. An icebreaker activity started the meeting with the group describing the profession they would have if not an osteopathic physician and then describing their dream job.  They found many similarities throughout the group in healthcare professions and education for their alternative profession, and dream jobs that included food and travel.

READ MORE >>

East Region

The Eastern Region of the Professional Guidance Committee held its winter meeting with 11 enthusiastic residents and interns on December 12, 2019 at the Radisson Valley Forge in King of Prussia.  After brief introductions, attendees were provided information for scholarly activity opportunities through POMA, POMA Foundation scholarship opportunities, and updates on osteopathic board certification.

READ MORE >>

Central Region

The Central Region of the Professional Guidance committee held its winter meeting of the year on December 17, 2019 at the POMA Central Office in Harrisburg.  Seven residents/interns, four attendings, and two POMA staff were in attendance.

After a round of introductions, the attendees were encouraged to apply for the POMA Foundation’s scholarships and were informed about POMA’s scholarly activity opportunities available for residents/interns.  The scientific poster day, clinical writing contest, and presentations at local district meetings were all met with enthusiasm.  In addition, a few of the residency programs who were awarded grant money from the Physician Wellness Committee provided overviews of their upcoming projects.

READ MORE >>

by: Alexis L. Cates, DO - Albert Einstein Medical Center, Medical Toxicology Fellow and Alanna J. O’Connell, DO - Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Medical Education Fellow

"Find Your Soul"

Postdoctoral training is rigorous and time-consuming. The emotional and physical implications of residency and fellowship call for trainees to take what little time they do have to participate in enjoyable activities that keep them going. As co-residents at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, we found the popular indoor cycling class, SoulCycle, to be our go-to wellness activity. Since our intern year, we have been arranging meet-ups at the music-blaring, sweat-dripping, lights-flashing dark room that is SoulCycle. Now, carrying on into our separate fellowships, we still find time to enjoy a 45-minute jam and cycle “sesh.”

READ MORE >>

View the
newsletter online!

Happy Holidays from POMA!

We wish you happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. POMA ISMIE Affinity Program
5. SBOM Report
6. District Dish
7. POMA PGYP Meetings Recaps
8. How Are You DOing?
9. Upcoming District Events
10. Upcoming Young Professionals Meetings
11. POMA Urges Toomey/Casey to Support THCGME
12. Welcome New Members
13. Classified Advertisements
14. Follow POMA on Social Media
15. POMPAC
16. Save the Date - Upcoming CME Conferences
17. Online CME Available
18. Under the DOme
19. POMAF Scholarships
20. Call for Poster Abstracts
21. POMA's 46th Annual Clinical Writing Contest is NOW OPEN!

Upcoming District Events 

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

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: 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!

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

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

PAC contributions are not tax-deductible.

SAVE THE DATE - Upcoming CME Conferences

POMA District 8 33rd Annual Educational Winter Seminar
Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2020
Nemacolin Woodlands, Farmington, PA
Register Today!

POMA 112th Annual Clinical Assembly
Apr. 29 – May 2, 2020
Radisson Valley Forge, King of Prussia, PA
Registration Now Open!

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 soon! 

Looking for Online CME?

On-demand programs, webinars and live educational opportunities that address a wide variety of topics are available on DO-CME.

DO-CME is an online collaborative education center with the osteopathic state societies and AOSED.

Visit DO-CME.org to start earning credits today!

Under the DOme

Did you catch POMA's new advocacy newsletter, Under the DOme?

Under the DOme is a new 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]. 

The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation (POMAF) is pleased to announce several scholarships are now open for application. Pennsylvania students who are enrolled as an OMS II, OMS III or OMS IV and residents are eligible to apply as long as they meet the criteria. The scholarships and applications are accessible online.  Applications can also be downloaded and mailed to the POMA Foundation. Scholarship amounts will be determined by the Foundation board. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2020. The Foundation board will review all applications and awards will be made late February/early March.

We would greatly appreciate your help in circulating this among your student and resident contacts. Feel free to share the information and link in social media, newsletters, etc. Make sure to use the hashtag #POMAF20 and tag us on Twitter, @POMA_DOs and Facebook, @POMADOs. 

Call for Poster Abstracts!

Deadline is January 9, 2020.

Share your research with your osteopathic colleagues! Every spring, POMA provides an opportunity for osteopathic residents to showcase their own research to hundreds of physicians during the association's Annual Clinical Assembly. Coordinated by PCOM's OPTI, PCOM MEDNet, this opportunity is open to all osteopathic residents training in Pennsylvania.

Poster abstracts may be emailed to Melanie LaPenta, PCOM GME Manager, at melani[email protected].

Click here for more info. 

POMA's 46th Annual Clinical Writing Contest is NOW OPEN!

All Pennsylvania osteopathic medical students and interns/residents training in Pennsylvania are invited to submit their research paper into this year's contest!

Judging will be conducted in March and finalists will be notified in April. All contest winners will be announced during the Opening Session of the 2020 POMA Clinical Assembly on April 29 in King of Prussia.

The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2020.

View all the details here.

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