by: John Kalata, DO

Join Together... at Kalahari!

In less than three months, POMA will bring our family together again at the 116th Annual Clinical Assembly, May 1-4, at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos. Offering 34 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and AMA PRA Category 1 credits, attendees will have the opportunity to connect, engage and transform at a family-friendly resort in the heart of the Poconos. As a bonus this year, live participants get free access to the on-demand platform.

POMA is once again offering CME in ways that best suit our members’ needs, live and on-demand. On-demand attendees will have access from May 10 through June 10. Check out the tentative schedule! Early registration is open now. Click here to register online!

Our Clinical Assembly Convention and Education Committees have been working diligently to produce a program that is relevant, evidence-driven, and engaging. Look for lectures that are shorter but still applicable to daily practice, more case presentations, and immersive experiences to keep things interesting. Events that benefit the community, and wellness events to include our now-traditional morning walks (set your alarm clocks!) will add to our week.

Coffee and lunch breaks will give us time to visit with exhibitors, and most importantly, to reconnect with our fellow DOs!

Activities include a Welcome Reception on Wednesday night. The social highlight of the week will be Friday night’s President’s Reception, celebrating the installation of POMA’s 113th President, William Swallow, DO. Again this year, a childcare service will be available on Friday for attendees to enjoy an adult night out.

For those of you new to Kalahari, the resort offers well-appointed rooms, comfortable meeting spaces, an outstanding spa, and an array of dining options. Kalahari’s water park was selected as “Best Indoor Water Park” in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and offers multiple slides, children’s areas, and a wave pool (and a lazy river and swim-up bars for those of us who’ve lost our flexibility…!) Water park passes are included in room rates! Make your reservation now - rooms are going fast!

In the song “Join Together,” The Who encourages people to come together, in a spirit of unity and inclusivity. Great advice, for society and for our Association…

I’m looking forward to joining old and new friends, getting great CME on site and later from my home office, and stepping away from my laptop. High quality osteopathic CME, at a high class venue, is what POMA does best.

Let’s join together…..at Kalahari!!

by: Diana Ewert

“Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.” 
- Friday Night Lights

How many of you anticipated a quote that was football related given that the Kansas Chiefs ran it back for a third Super Bowl win? I debated whether to go for football or Valentine's Day and football won. Not that I don’t appreciate Valentine's Day. I have distinct memories – nightmares really – of my years in floral design over the three weeks leading up to the day. Then, as I played the Kansas City Super Bowl parade online, I was pulled back to earth by another mass shooting. The thread running through these disparate issues is red. Red symbolizes passion, heart, and love. Red symbolizes my hometown team. Red is the rosy symbol of Valentine's Day. Red is the color of violence. My heart hurts for my hometown.

You may be asking what this has to do with the osteopathic profession. How it relates is how individuals in Kansas City responded to the chaos. Players were comforting children and providing safe spaces. People there were protecting each other and holding onto perpetrators. When you see a situation, you respond – thinking not of yourself but of the person needing support. Just as you did when we were in Bedford Springs when a cry for help was heard. Just as you did when a person was having problems at the Knob on Groundhog Day. Just as you did at the NY City Marathon. Just as you do, with each patient, every day. You don’t run from, you run to.

I realize this is a departure from my general tongue-in-cheek article that I usually write. I could have gone down the path of flaunting the KC win to the staunch Eagles and Steelers fans that I work with every day (which could still happen… just saying), but I couldn’t. Not right now. So, thank you for indulging me this month. And thank you for all that you DO!

by: Andy Sandusky

PA House Majority Back to the Democrats

The PA House has put on the breaks and is not holding legislative session days until Tuesday’s Special Election in Bucks County was decided. At the beginning of last week, the House was deadlocked at 101-101, with one vacancy. On Friday of last week, Republican Representative Joe Adams from Pike and Wayne Counties, abruptly announced his retirement to spend more time with family. The official tally on Friday was 101-100 with the Dems in control of the House.

On Tuesday of this week, Democrat Jim Prokopiak in Fairless Hills, Bucks County, won the special election, favoring Democrats 102-100. The special election for the Adams seat is likely to go Republican, and most likely leading back to a 102-101, one-vote majority for the Democrats.

This is important to POMA members because without a clear majority for either party in the House, the legislative process grinds to a halt. In theory, one could argue this shouldn’t be the case, and the two sides should compromise. But in the volatile political climate of the day, and all 203 members of the House up for reelection, it is hard to believe that much of anything would be accomplished. This is especially acute as the state government is well into the budget process which will drive the political and legislative processes until a final spending plan is agreed upon, and enacted. Look for more details on the budget and potential impact on POMA in the next Under the DOme newsletter.

POMA has the credits you need for license renewal!
Get ahead of the game and register today!

- View the tentative schedule!
- Register and save with early-bird pricing!
- Book your room at Kalahari before the block fills up!

POMA Board of Trustees Holds Quarterly Meeting

The POMA Board of Trustees held its quarterly board meeting at the POMA Central Office last weekend.

A large portion of the meeting was dedicated to finalizing the 2024-2026 strategic plan. The officers, each of whom assume leadership of one of the pillars, shared the goals, objectives and priorities that were developed with their committee input. After refinement, the board approved the plan, setting the direction of POMA for the next three years. It will be shared with the membership next month.

The board also received reports from committees, task forces, districts and the POMA Foundation.

The next meeting of the board of trustees will be held in May at Kalahari during POMA's Annual Clinical Assembly.

Don't miss out on your chance to make a difference!
Sign up by February 29th!

POMA is our professional organization in Pennsylvania that serves us as osteopathic physicians. Every committee, task force, and work group within the organization is led by and driven by POMA members like you. And we need our members to continue that tradition by volunteering their time, talent, and expertise to these groups.

Please look through the opportunities to serve. These range from technology to political advocacy, writing articles to presenting CME, mentoring to finance, and everything in between. We all have unique talents and this is our chance to share them with the organization that serves us.

Click here to go directly to the Volunteer Form and sign up by February 29, 2024.

POMA is only POMA because of you. Everything we do is led, driven, and achieved through the guidance of the osteopathic community. All events, benefits, policies, initiatives and more originate from the physicians serving on POMA committees. Here's what your colleagues shared about their committee experiences:

"I have really enjoyed volunteering for our POMA committees, because the committees address issues that ensure that Osteopathic Medicine thrives and flourishes across Pennsylvania. The volunteers are passionate about graduate and undergraduate education, and the clinical care of patients, and we have a blast while serving! The camaraderie brings me right back to our medical school days, and the best thing is that you have direct access to the leadership of POMA, who also attend committee meetings."
   - Charmaine Chan, DO, Philadelphia
     Postgraduate Engagement & Public Policy Committees

"Serving on a committee in POMA is an honor and blessing to me. I love connecting with other POMA members, building relationships with staff and speakers, and creating opportunities for osteopathic physicians in PA to gather for meaningful conversations and learning."
   - Amber Fedin, DO, Pittsburgh
     Clinical Assembly & Resident Wellness Grant Review Committees

"I have enjoyed collaborating with other DOs and DOs in training to find ways to better balance work and life. It has truly been a rewarding experience being a part of the POMA community. I look forward to serving on POMA committees to discover how to further support my colleagues."
   - Angela Jenny, DO, Butler
     Physician Wellness Committee & Military Task Force

"I find my service as a member of the Digital Engagement Committee to be immensely meaningful as I get to reach thousands of people through our electronic communications. By contributing to the POMA DOes... podcast series, I'm actively involved in increasing access to quality information. I have also found that involvement with POMA affords unique opportunities to serve my fellow students and community, sometimes by simply providing an audience capable of effecting change. The value of this cannot be overstated!"
   - Vartan Matossian, OMS-IV, Greensburg
     Digital Engagement Committee

"I really enjoy collaborating with other physicians and hearing about their experiences and ideas. Everyone on the committee is motivated and positive and excited to promote our profession! I will continue to support POMA as a way to give back to future members."
   - Janice Kenneson, DO, Clarion
     Mentor Committee

"I enjoy committee work because I love hearing and participating in the great discussions that go into our decisions and outcomes. That collaboration with others helps me think more broadly about issues and I often take that knowledge with me back to my own office and organization. I value these discussions and hope to continue having them."
   - Cynthia Meyer, DO, Troy
     Curriculum, Finance & Membership Committees

Don’t miss out on a great chance to get involved and make a difference! You have ideas and knowledge, share them to continue to strengthen POMA and keep us moving forward together. Sign up today!

District Dish

District 1

District 1 members and guests gathered at Zorba's Tavern on February 1st to connect, discuss POMA business and learn. J. Steven Blake, DO, District Chair, kicked off the meeting by welcoming the attendees, highlighting the importance of becoming active POMA members, sharing opportunities for committee involvement, and encouraging attendance at POMA's 116th Annual Clinical Assembly. He also provided a lecture on the new guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome.

Plans are in the works for the next District 1 meeting so watch your email for details!

District 4

On January 27th, District 4 members, friends and family gathered at the Mohegan Sun Arena to socialize and root on the Baby Pens at their 5th Annual Hockey Night! The Hershey Bears took home the win with a 3-2 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. District 4 leadership thanks all who were able to attend, including POMA President, John Kalata, DO!

The next District 4 event is a pizza party dinner and game night with elections on Friday, February 16 at Arcaro & Genell in Old Forge, PA.  All are invited to this family fun event!

District 6

District 6 members and guests gathered at the unique John Ryan Brewery on January 26th to discuss POMA business and elect delegates. District Chair, Kathleen Lewis, DO, kicked off the meeting by welcoming all 18 in attendance and highlighted upcoming events, including POMA24. POMA President John Kalata, DO, provided updates on topics ranging from government affairs and POMA's strategic plan, to volunteer opportunities and the POMA Does Podcast.

Our next event is a family-friendly CME event at Reptiland on March 23. Registration is open. We can't wait to see you there!

District 8

POMA District 8 members gathered on January 20th both virtually and in person at Seven Springs Mountain Resort for the district's annual business meeting. Members received updates from district leadership regarding district finances, the CME conference and future plans. Attendees also heard from POMA President John Kalata, DO; Diana Ewert, POMA Chief Staff Officer; Andy Sandusky, POMA EVP of Public Policy; and John Kauffman, DO, Dean of the Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine. The district also elected delegates to the POMA House of Delegates and the AOA House of Delegates.

The next event is a family-friendly hockey night social on March 26 as the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Carolina Hurricanes. RSVP today!

District 9

Taking a break from CME and the slopes, District 9 members and guests met over lunch at the Slopeside Restaurant at Seven Springs Mountain Resort on January 19th.  Members bonded over the buffet and discussed local district dynamics. District Chair, Valeri Roth, DO, highlighted upcoming events, including POMA's 116th Annual Clinical Assembly. John Kalata, DO, POMA President, provided updates on topics ranging from recruiting and retaining members, to volunteer opportunities and the POMA Does Podcast, which has released 51 episodes to date!

District 14

POMA District 14 members gathered in Newtown, PA on January 18th for dinner and fellowship. Jonathan Oline, DO, POMA Trustee-at-large, provided updates from POMA leadership including district elections, development of the strategic plan, and activities of POMA’s new Military Affairs Task Force. POMA Past President, Pamela Goldman, DO, shared updates on recent activities of the POMA Foundation. Richard Purse, DO, District 14 Chair and POMA Trustee, provided further updates on local activities. The evening concluded with a product theater presentation.

The next event will be held on February 21st in Newtown. Don't miss a great CME lecture and elections for delegates to the POMA House. See you there!

All Pennsylvania medical students and residents training in Pennsylvania are invited to submit their research into the 2024 POMA Clinical Assembly Digital Poster Session!

Abstracts must be submitted no later than February 16, 2024 to Melanie LaPenta, PCOM GME. Submissions will be reviewed in February and first authors will be informed of the decision to present no later than March 11, 2024. Posters will be shared at the POMA Clinical Assembly, May 1-4, 2024 and made available for viewing on the POMA website beginning in May 2024. 

Click here to learn more.

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View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. Register Today for the 2024 POMA Clinical Assembly
5. POMA Board of Trustees Holds Quarterly Meeting
6. Call for Volunteers
7. Community Collaborative
8. District Dish
9. Digital Research Session
10. POMA Foundation Opens Bright Ideas Grant Program
11. Peek'n Peak
12. Upcoming District Events
13. POMA Service Award
14. Member Appreciation Giveaway
15. Welcome New Members
16. Military Appreciation
17. District Competition
18. Classified Ads
19. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
20. APOMA Call for Baskets
21. POMPAC
22. Protect Yourself from RSV & Influenza!

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.

Brian M. Corbally, DO
4725 Rockledge Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Active Member – District 5

Samuel T. Detwiler, DO
7126 Fairway Drive
Butler, PA 16001
Active Member – District 9

Connor J. Dougherty, DO
1298 Old Trail Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Active Member – District 4

Jennifer L. Hammers, DO
1414 8th Avenue
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Active Member – District 8

David R. Kalodner, DO
409 North 4th Street
Sunbury, PA 17801
Active Member – District 6

David C. Lesseski, DO
2501 West 12th Street, Suite C10
Erie, PA 16505
Active Member – District 7

Tara L. McGraw, DO
21 Wyndham Road
South Abington Township, PA 18411
Active Member – District 4

Mihir G. Modi, DO
2704 Augusta Circle
York, PA 17402
Active Member – District 5

Matthew C. Nelson, DO
16 Woodbine Lane
Danville, PA 17822
Active Member – District 6

Arpan Patel, DO
The Heart Group of LG Health
217 Harrisburg Avenue
Lancaster, PA 16505
Active Member – District 5

Anujit B. Singh, DO
761 Johnsburg Road, Suite 220
St. Marys, PA 15857
Active Member – District 12

Paul A. Tomcykoski, DO
1355 Veterans Memorial Drive
Jessup, PA 18434
Active Member – District 4

Scott D. Witzeling, DO
5501 Old York Road
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Active Member – District 1

Kimberly Zawistoski, DO
1108 Meadow Drive
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Active Member – District 10  

POMA wants to support and honor our military members!

Whether you are active duty, reservist or retired; Army, Navy, Air Force; POMA wants to hear from you! Click here to share your military history with us or email [email protected]. 

District Competition

The third annual POMA District Competition is running from April 1, 2023 – March 30, 2024. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey participation; writing in publications (POMA and external); membership retention; and more.  Click here for a complete list of challenges.

The winning District receives a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and bragging rights.  Contact your District Leadership for more details.

Current Standings as of February 16th:
   1^st Place – District 8   
2^nd Place – District 1
3^rd Place – District 4

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 your district leadership.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

PRACTICES WANTED, SELL OR LEASE. Retiring physician, fully furnished 3600 sq ft with procedure rooms. Hanover/York 717-476-9055

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.

POMA DOes...Podcast

Have you tuned into the POMA DOes... podcast series? We have released 51 episodes, which are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our most recent episodes focus on "RSV and Influenza in Adults & Immunocompromised Patients" and "Empowering Change."

Have an episode idea? Let us know! New episodes for POMA DOes... are released on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

APOMA Call for Silent Auction Baskets

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. 

RSV and Influenza continue to be prevalent in February. It's important to take steps to protect yourself and your family to stay healthy. Be sure to share these tips with your patients:
  - A flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, per the CDC.
  - The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant patients and adults 60 years and older, per the CDC.
  - Prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands frequently.
  - Don't get too run down; get 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
  - Eating fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated boosts your immune system to naturally fight off infection.

Get the latest information on RSV and Influenza by tuning into the latest episode of the POMA DOes... podcast series. Episode 51 focuses on adults and immunocompromised patients. Episode 53 will focus on pediatric patients and pregnant mothers. Both of these episodes offer Category 1B CME credit!

Need more resources? Check out the AOA's RSV Toolkit and Influenza Prevention Toolkit. 

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