by: George D. Vermeire, DO

It is a time in life when I will be able to say, “Yes, I was there.” I was there when the Eagles won Super Bowl 52. I shared in this moment with my daughter and it was amazing. There were lessons to be learned from the game. And I want to share these lessons as the POMA board, residents and students prepare for a strategic planning retreat the first weekend in March.

1. What works for one group, may not work for another. Example: The Brady Play. The quarterback became a receiver. It would have been a game changer had the ball been caught. This play didn’t work for the Patriots… but it sure worked for the Eagles and it was a game changer. From a strategic planning perspective, if a program isn’t working well for us but works well for another organization should we be allocating the resources to duplicate it or consider something that fits better with our osteopathic culture.
2. Adapting to the Environment. The Patriots clearly adapted to the way the Eagles were playing the game over half-time. Adjustments were made. Our practice environment is changing at a staggering rate. We need to build into our plan the ability to adjust based on our environment.
3. Define success. Defining success is easy in sports. You win. The coach, players, fans know what they want, and they want a ring. We need to ensure an outcome of our strategic planning retreat is defining what our success looks like. Is it increased membership? Greater engagement? More educational programs? We must define success.
4. Aha! That moment when Brady was stripped of the football in the closing minutes of the game. That moment when discussion becomes action and action becomes success. I’ll be looking for that “Aha” moment during the planning process where we identify a new audience or develop a new program based on member needs. I’m certain they’ll come.

Sunday was a great day for Philadelphia. March 2-3 will be a great day for POMA.

by: Diana M. Ewert, MPA, CAE

Team Work

I was glued to the screen. I was sending texts to my colleagues in the office. The highs and lows and final stripping of the football. WIN! The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! We will have the parade on in the lunch room, enjoy Philly Cheesesteaks for lunch and take a collective breath before moving forward. You’ve probably noticed that I use sports analogies… a lot. I do so because there’s much that parallels association work. Like sports, it’s about a team. It’s about having the right people in the right places at the right times. It’s about planning and precision and execution. It’s about bench strength and having well prepared team members to step in to pick up when something happens. It’s about pulling together to move towards one common goal. Everyone leads. Everyone contributes.

The POMA board met on Saturday, February 3 and engaged in strategy. Those who could not be in Harrisburg joined by web. We received the final member value report, looked at our markets, the value POMA provides, and our competition. We looked at the wants and needs of osteopathic physicians, new physicians in practice, employed physicians, solo and small group practice physicians, POMA members and nonmembers as they exist today and as they see them existing in the next three years. Now we move into a strategic planning retreat that will align our resources to meet your expectations for programs, products and services. What you need to embrace the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine to improve patient care. Every. Single. Day.

We will plan. We will allocate capital – both human and financial – to achieve our goals doing so as a team. #TeamPOMA

The District Dish 
A recap of recent District meetings

District VIII 31st Annual Educational Winter Seminar
Another seminar is in the books. The 2018 31st Annual Winter Seminar had a record 322 attendees!

District VIII had a well-attended business meeting at this year's Winter Seminar. They voted Gene Battistella, DO the new District VIII chair. A big thank you goes out to Les Pallone, DO for all his years of service in that role. District VIII wouldn’t be what it is without the leadership of Dr. Pallone. 

Additionally, Diana Ewert, POMA CEO, provided the group with updates on POMA. Nominations for delegates to the POMA House of Delegates in May were taken. If you're interested in representing District VIII and serving as a delegate, please reach out to Dr. Battistella.

District 12
District 12 had a productive meeting while attending the District VIII Winter Seminar. The meeting was held at the Tavern at Nemacolin Woodlands. We voted on our delegates to the POMA House of Delegates. We still have a few slots, so if interested, reach out to Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO.  POMA program manager, Jason Leeper, gave us an update on the changes and new programs that POMA is developing.

District 12 is in the beginning stages of planning an exciting CME opportunity for the upcoming months. Stay tuned from more details.

PCOM Celebrates Founders' Day

Founders’ Day celebrates the birth of PCOM in 1899 by O.J. Snyder and the Mason W. Pressly, who sought to bring the osteopathic philosophy to Philadelphia. In honor of its founding, PCOM recently hosted celebrations on both campuses, and a luncheon to honor the winners of the founders’ namesake awards: the O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal and the Mason W. Pressly Memorial Medal.

Each medal is presented to an alumnus or student who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to the osteopathic profession, the College and the community. The Snyder Memorial Medal was presented to Francis P. Sutter, DO ('76) and the Pressly Memorial Medal was presented to Andrew G. Canakis (PCOM '18) and Danielle Ward (GAPCOM '18).

Robert Cuzzolino, EdD, vice president for Graduate Programs and Planning, was also honored. He received the PCOM Alumni Association Certificate of Honor—the association’s highest award—for his four-plus decades of service to the College.

You can read more here about the ceremony and this year's Founders' Day honorees.

by: Bruce Hironimus, Legislative Consultant

Governor Wolf delivered his budget address on Tuesday, and his fourth state budget proposal differs a bit from his first three in that proposed discretionary spending increases are restrained, as are the number of potential tax hikes.  The budget proposal drew criticism from Republican legislative leaders who questioned the level of spending and continuing pursuit of a Marcellus Shale tax.  The merger of the Departments of Human Services and Health is incorporated into the budget proposal.  All principals do remain hopeful of a timely budget passage in this election year. Download the 30 page budget in brief.

The General Assembly will be engaged in a month long process of Appropriations Committee hearings to review the details of the Governor’s proposed budget and the House will return to floor session on March 12, while the Senate returns on March 19.

Senate Bill 780 - The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee unanimously reported the subject bill with the amendment POMA reviewed and supported.  There remain outstanding issues with the "insurance components” which are planned to be discussed at a meeting in the coming weeks.

Senate Bill 936 - A controversial Workers' Compensation drug formulary bill failed to win approval from a majority of the state House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon, on a 98-98 vote, but the measure could be revisited by the chamber at a later date. Opponents of the bill contend the legislation is an attack on the rights of injured workers to seek healthcare and treatment. Supporters of the bill say it will help combat the opioid crisis, arguing opioids have been prescribed to injured Pennsylvania workers far more than in other states, and with higher dosage amounts, making it all the more likely workers fall prey to addiction and overdose.

LA Times Op-Ed Response from the AOA

How should POMA handle the media in times of a “crisis?” This was the question that guest speaker, Sheridan Chaney, AOA Communications, aimed to answer for POMA. She discussed a few recent scenarios that have been in the news in Pennsylvania where there was the potential for POMA to be contacted by the media but focused at length on the recent case of Larry Nassar. The AOA has been diligently working to protect the osteopathic practice in the media from the time the news first broke about the abuse Nassar was accused, and recently, convicted of. There was one LA Times Op-Ed that incorrectly described the osteopathic practices Nassar claimed to be performing and this week the AOA’s response to that piece was published. 

You can click on the following link to read the AOA response to the LA Times Op-Ed.

*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 7th, 2018 that includes your login information.

In This Issue...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. District Dish
4. PCOM Celebrates Founders' Day
5. Legislative Update
6. LA Times Op-Ed Response from the AOA
7. Upcoming District Meetings
8. Upcoming PGYP Meetings
9. Applications for Membership
10. Classified Ads

Upcoming District Meetings

District 5
Thurs. 2/15/18 at 6:30PM
The First Post Restaurant
3691 E. Market St.
York, 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
Wed. 2/21/18 at 6:00PM
Oak Hill Inn
655 Route 61
Orwigsburg, 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
Location TBD 

Applications for Membership

The following 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.

Michael Alterman, DO
Bethlehem Eye Associates
800 Eaton Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18018 - A

Rupen G. Modi, DO
Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital
John R. Dietz Emergency Center
503 North 21st Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011 - A

Aaron Orlosky, DO
3151 Johnson Road, Suite 2
Steubenville, OH 43952 - O

Julie L. Orlosky, DO
Cornerstone Care
1227 South Township State Road
Burgettstown, PA 15021 - A

Stefanie L. Puher, DO
5 Greenbriar Lane
Danville, PA 17821 - A

Lynn M. Wilson, DO
Lehigh Valley Health Network
1730 Chew Street
Allentown, PA 18104 - A

A = Active   O = Out-of-State Member

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!

  

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.

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