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by: Joan M. Grzybowski, DO
Dear Physicians, Staff and Friends,
As of this February, we have now had three major events occur in Pennsylvania. The EAGLES won the Super Bowl, Ground Hog day came around again and POMA had its February Board meeting in Harrisburg. Although the first two events have great meaning and interest to some, including me, I will concentrate on the POMA meeting update and not the amazing Nick Foles touchdown. Below is a brief synopsis of the meeting.
We reviewed and discussed several topics that are on are current horizon. The Mental Health Task Force, although only a little over a year in its genesis, has proven to be a positive and needed addition to our goals and function. This program was formed to address the mental health needs of our residents. It functions by funding projects that allow team building and socializing as a group without the stressors of work. Hats off to the many Board members that are involved in this project.
Our Legislative Committee, led by Dr. Kuprevich gave their update. They have been dealing with some recent issues concerning scope of practice of nurse practitioners. Dr. Tony DiMarco participated in a panel at our State Capitol regarding this issue. I am told he was very integral to that discussion.
The Property Committee, led by Dr. Knapp presented their recommendations to the Board regarding the POMA office building on Eisenhower Boulevard. The decided plan is to keep the building and bring it up to code and modern standards. Excess land not being used at that site will be sold to help defray the cost.
Diana Ewert organized a presentation of our member survey so that we can now begin a Strategic Planning process. She has been working successfully on expansion of CME projects and a wider acceptance of a multitude of CME credits...more to come on this topic.
The District Chairs, which are our wheel house, presented the various activities of their regions. By the way congratulations to District 8 for your very successful CME event at Nemacolin. Well done!
A representative from the AOA delivered a helpful presentation on how to deal with the media in a professional, responsive and accurate manner.
Thanks to all of POMA's staff for being the vehicle that organized this event and helps us function more efficiently.
by: Diana M. Ewert, MPA, CAE
Left is Right and Right is Left
I’ve always been a bit directionally impaired. The left/right sometimes goes right/wrong. I had such an experience last night on my way to the District 11 meeting. Things were going well. I was following the voice coming over the console right up until I heard turn left. You know when you hear “stay to the right” something went wrong… like perhaps you went the wrong way. My left was a right and my right was suddenly wrong. But in the end, I made it and made it on time. Sometimes it’s not how you get there, it’s that you get there. It’s about the destination. I was welcomed by district chair Dr. Robert DeColli and met a great group of physicians who are interested in improving patient care in the Commonwealth.
District relations is a principal area of investment for POMA. Districts have the ability to deliver programs and services with support. As we move into strategic planning, district planning becomes an integral component for the future. We look at district programming as an event. The event may take many different forms – medical education, community or social interaction. It’s exciting that we have five district events just this week, including the District 11 meeting. This particular meeting offered education, dinner and fellowship. The program was a great preview to the cardiology track being planned for the 110th Annual Clinical Assembly. Craig Frankil, DO, a cardiologist in Philadelphia, is spearheading this effort and presented at the District 11 event on New Anticoagulant Medications: Real World Experience. It was my second district meeting and I intend to get to them all. District 11 will be offering a morning of CME on March 3 in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Health Network. Also on March 3, District 4 will be holding a full day of CME in Scranton. Look for more information on our calendar.
POMA districts are stepping up to provide education in a way that makes it easier for members to ensure they have the credits needed to maintain your state license. POMA is supporting them whether they are going right or left.
The District Dish
A recap of recent District meetings
District 1
POMA district 1 members met on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Randi’s Restaurant on the northeast side of Philadelphia. The group enjoyed a very interactive lecture highlighting new anticoagulant medications by Michael Attanasio, DO.
Following the lecture, the members discussed the various upcoming POMA events, as well as other potential event opportunities. The group is looking into using a local hospital’s education facility for an event, as well as teaming up with another district in Southeast Pennsylvania for a larger group function to help network within the DO community.
Jason Leeper, POMA Program Manager, discussed the technology and infrastructure changes within POMA and took feedback on likes/dislikes and gathered ideas of items to look into moving forward. The next meeting is not yet officially scheduled, but the leadership anticipates planning their traditional lunch on Wednesday during the clinical assembly.
District 3
POMA members gathered at MELT Restaurant in Center Valley on February 21,2018. Dr. Rehab Tabchi opened the meeting by discussing the happenings in other districts around social based events and CME opportunities. She emphasized the TWO FREE LOCAL POMA sponsored CME conferences coming up on March 3 in Scranton and Pottsville. These are great events to get free 1A CME in their neighborhood.
Dr. Tabchi introduced Jason Leeper, Program Manager for POMA, to discuss the improvements within POMA. Mr. Leeper discussed the new POMA website, the various media platforms being implemented to hear from members and upcoming rollout of POMA's online CME module. Jason also emphasized a statewide interest for more social/family friendly events to help build up the greater DO community.
The evening also featured a lecture on signs of psoriatic arthritis. District 3 will meet again at the end of March and hopes to continue the member conversations using the various POMA communication platforms in between meetings.
District 5
POMA District 5 met on February 15, 2018 at the First Post Restaurant in York. Robert Polinsky, MD, a cardiologist at Berks Cardiology in Wyomissing, led an interesting discussion on the unmet needs in statin therapy.
POMA Program Manager, Jason Leeper, reported that online CME is coming this spring. He also reported on the LA Times editorial response the AOA submitted regarding the Larry Nassir case. A link to the response was included in the February 9th issue of the POMA Newsletter. There was also discussion about an article published on February 12 in Forbes regarding OMT vs. chiropractic philosophy and treatment.
District chair, Dr. Carol St. George, discussed the recent POMA Board of Directors meeting where the results of the member survey where shared and an AOA representative shared tips on developing a crisis management strategy. The leadership is looking forward to upcoming programs POMA is implementing to better serve the membership and improve patient care through education and member engagement.
Additionally, members discussed current legislation, specifically medical marijuana prescribing and collaborative agreements with nurses. Discussion was held regarding having a future District outing with families at one of the local ballparks in late May or early June.
by: Randy Litman, DO, Board Chair
The Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine convened on February 14, 2018 at 9:30 am. Due to legislative delay, Dr. Christopher Poggi (Somerset, Pa.), was unable to be seated for the meeting. Dr. Randy Litman (Lansdale, Pa.), Board Chair, presided. DO attendees included Dr. William Swallow (Lewistown, Pa.), Board Vice Chair; Dr. Burton Mark (West Chester, Pa.), Board Secretary; Dr. John Bulger (Danville, Pa.); and Dr. Frank Tursi (Erie, Pa).
The first order of business honored Dr. Frank Tursi whom took the oath of office to serve as a member of the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine through 2022.
Board Counsel reviewed updated “Recusal Guidelines” for public members of the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and “Transparency” requirements for the “Sunshine Act” in Pennsylvania, as it applies to board activities.
Ian Harlow, Commissioner of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, reviewed the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and reported it is nearly 85% operational. Additionally, he noted an updated Pennsylvania licensure requirements webpage is currently undergoing revision, and will soon be posted and accessible, online, to licensees and applicants for initial licensure.
In all, eight cases appeared for consideration by the board. All emphasized the importance for accurate reporting and documentation, as well as maintenance of professional and ethical activities.
!! In Search of Writers !!
POMA's Mental Health Task Force's blog "How Are You DOing" is up and running! You can check out our current posts by visiting the blog under the POMA menu on our website.
Now that the blog is live, we are looking for guest bloggers. Each piece should discuss physician, student, intern or residident mental health. Topic ideas are:
Managing stress • Relaxation techniques • Exercise tips • Juggling family responsibilities • Proper nutrition • Music and the arts • Sleep deprivation • Money management • Volunteerism • Comedic relief • Religion/spirituality • Annual health screenings • Avoiding self medicating • Technology & stress
We are also open to topic ideas if you have something in mind. If you are interested in writing a post or have something you can adapt for the blog, please contact us at [email protected].
by: Richard A. Tumminello, OMS-III
Finding Your "Happiness"
The pre-clinical years of medical education leave students unfulfilled. It's a relentless obstacle course full of memorization, stress, and student loans; ignoring our higher calling to treat and connect with patients. The things that light us up and made us want to become physicians in the first place are traded for limited patient interaction, multiple choice exams, and spending hours sitting, reading and repeating until we all have upper-cross syndrome. We learn scores of physiology, pathology and clinical pearls, unsure of clinical correlations due to a lack of experience. In the meantime the things we love about medicine are put on pause and we are told to wait for it, all while the student loan interest accrues. It’s easy to see how students have become bogged down and frustrated before their careers even begin.
Read the full blog>>
Department of Health Discusses Medical Marijuana
Dr. Rachel Levine, Department of Health Acting Secretary and Pennsylvania Physician General, recently held a press conference to discuss the state’s medical marijuana program. Comments focused on the beginning of dispensary sales to the public at six locations which started opening the week of February 12, 2018.
“This is a very important week in Pennsylvania because we are fulfilling the governor’s promise and the legislative mandate to have medical marijuana available within two years of the legislation being signed in Pennsylvania,” Dr. Levine said., adding it would provide critical medicine to people suffering from serious medical conditions. She indicated “we have no concerns and there are no snags” with rollout and currently one grower/processor has product being distributed to six dispensaries opening throughout the week. Dr. Levine emphasized “this is a continuing process,” with more grower/processors and dispensaries expected to come to fruition throughout the state.
Questions regarding cost have continually been raised and Dr. Levine explained the program is medically focused but is not covered by Medicaid or any private insurance companies and will subsequently be paid for out of pocket. She declined to reference a price point due to varying costs for different forms and amounts of the medicine, but indicated the department expects market forces to keep prices reasonable but could theoretically set a price cap if costs become prohibitive. At this time there is no requirement for dispensaries to post their prices but it is possible for them to do so. Dr. Levine highlighted the point that patients can go to any dispensary in the state with their medical marijuana card.
There are 376 participating physicians who are able to certify that patients have serious medical conditions and allow them to apply for the medical marijuana card. She added the patient then goes to the pharmacist or physician at the dispensary to determine treatment methods.
In response to questions about business concerns with employees who deal with machinery, Dr. Levine responded “each business will have to come to and determine their own policies and procedures in terms of individuals on medical marijuana” and “it is no different than other medications people might take for serious medical conditions.” More information regarding Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program can be found at www.pa.gov/guides/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program/.
*You may register for POMA's 110th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar by clicking on the image above or by filling out the registration form attached to this email. If you have difficulty logging in, please refer to the email that was sent to all members on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 that includes your login information.
NEW Facebook Group
There have been a lot of great discussions happening at our various meetings and we want to make sure those discussions continue outside of monthly or quarterly events. So, we have started a Facebook group but we need your help naming it.
This private group will be a place to ask questions and receive answers from other POMA DOs across the state just like you. Additionally, it will be a place to network and discuss important things happening in our profession. If you have an idea for a group name, click here to join the group under its temporary name and then leave us a comment with your group name idea. Next week we will hold a vote on the final options. Thanks for your help!
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In This Issue...
- President-elect's Perspective
- Executive Opinion
- District Dish
- SBOM Report
- In Search of Writers
- How Are You DOing?
- Department of Health Discusses Medical Marijuana
- New Facebook Group
- Upcoming District Meetings
- Upcoming PGYP Meetings
- MIPS Reporting Deadlines
- Register for DO Day
- Classified Ads
- Call for Presenters
- POMPAC
Upcoming District Meetings
District 4
FREE CME Opportunity
Mid-Winter Symposium
Sat. 3/3/18
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Courtyard Scranton Wilkes-Barre
Scranton, PA
District 6
Wed. 2/28/18 at 7:00PM
Lewisburg Hotel
136 Market Street
Lewisburg, PA
District 10
Fri. 2/23/18 at 5:30PM
Blue Bell Inn
601 Skippack Pike
Blue Bell, PA
District 11
FREE CME Opportunity
Sat. 3/3/18
7:00AM - 12:00PM
Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill
Wall Auditorium
420 S. Jackson Street
Pottsville, PA
District 14
Thurs. 3/1/18 at 6:30PM
Bonefish Grill
500 Oxford Valley Rd.
Langhorne, PA
Watch for Your Local District Meetings
The beginning of a new year means it’s time for POMA districts to hold their annual elections. This year, districts are electing delegates and alternate delegates to the POMA House. Your attendance and participation is critical so make plans to attend your local meeting! Check your email, www.poma.org and POMA’s social media channels for meeting alerts. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Upcoming PGYP Meetings
West Region
Thurs. 3/8/18 at 6:00PM
Chovy's
Meadville, PA
Central Region
Tues. 3/20/18 at 6:00PM
Gilligan's Restaurant
Harrisburg, PA
East Region
Wed. 3/28/18 at 6:30PM
Maggiano's
King of Prussia, PA
MIPS Reporting Deadlines
Data submission deadlines are fast-approaching for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance period. Instead of waiting until the last minute, submit early.
Two key deadlines:
Be sure to check with your registry to obtain your specific due date.
Register Now for DO Day on Capitol Hill
DO Day on Capitol Hill will be held this year on March 7, 2018. This day is a chance to educate your elected representatives in congress on the importance of DOs and osteopathic medicine. Those in attendance will engage with lawmakers and staff to communicate positions on important health policy issues and foster legislation supporting the practice and principles of osteopathic medicine.
Click here to register.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Please address all correspondence for POMA Box Letters to: Box __, c/o POMA, 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111-2395.
PHYSICIANS WANTED:
CORRECT CARE SOLUTIONS: HIRING MEDICAL DIRECTORS in these cities: Cambridge Springs, Mercer, Huntingdon, Somerset, Waymart. For details call Robert Cross at 717-216-2055 or 570-954-0479.
OPPORTUNITY — PHYSICIAN POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Kennett Square, King of Prussia, Lansdale and Media. 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:
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!
  
Call for Presenters!
TOMA & TxACOFP is now accepting presentation proposals for the TOMA/TxACOFP 11th Annual Convention and Scientific Symposium (June 13-17, 2018) in San Antonio, TX. Presenters willing and interested in sharing their expertise and enhancing professional growth in the osteopathic medical field should view the details and requested topics.
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.
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