by: William Swallow, DO

Greetings! Another month is rapidly coming to a close. So far, it has been a tough winter for most of us. Hopefully, by this time, you have submitted your committee volunteer survey and selected the committee(s) that you wish to serve on. If you haven't, please do so by March 15th!

The Clinical Assembly is just 75 days away and promises to be an excellent event! The education program is all but complete and has something for everyone. Be sure to register before April 1st to save with early-bird pricing. The room block at Kalahari is selling very quickly - reserve your room today. Plan to attend the presidential banquet on Friday evening and congratulate incoming president, George Wolters, DO, as he takes his oath of office.

On the local front, if your respective District elections have not been held yet, please plan to attend your District’s next meeting. Check our calendar of events and join us! Also, I ask that you consider becoming a delegate to the POMA House of Delegates and the AOA House of Delegates. POMA is the third largest affiliate in the AOA and it is incumbent upon ourselves to demonstrate our commitment to provide our membership with the representation that they deserve.

As always, support the POMA Foundation. And support POMPAC. POMPAC will also be hosting a reception on Thursday, May 8th at Kalahari  as they did last year. Take the opportunity to meet our new lobbyist, Tyler. Register for the event along with your Clinical Assembly registration form.

We can't wait to see you at Kalahari in May!

by: Andy Sandusky

POMA and its Foundation Are Boldy Paving the Way of Change for a Bright Future!

These are exciting times for POMA and its Foundation! We just came off a full day of governance meetings with both Boards. And both are diligently working to make sure that POMA is taking care of its members and the patients you serve.

Highlighting one of the decisions made by the POMA Board of Trustees will result in future Boards looking back on the current POMA Board and thanking them. This is because a spending policy was put into place with the strategic goal to keep POMA financially viable in perpetuity! You heard that correct. Your POMA Board adopted a spending policy that will limit the amount of money it can spend from its reserve funds, following an actuarily tested and proven model that prohibits spending above 7% of its reserves. The concept is called a board-directed quasi endowment policy. It is not new and is required by law for all endowments in Pennsylvania. The POMA Board of Trustees is demonstrating strategic foresight that is designed to keep POMA’s reserve funds healthy and viable in perpetuity!

The POMA Board of Trustees also realizes that it needs to increase membership and attract support from outside/non-dues revenue. To this end the Board made another decision to invest in a communications and marketing audit. This three-step process will occur throughout 2025 and will assess POMA’s capabilities, make recommendations, and help to facilitate recommendations. I challenge anyone to think about the following question: If you are doing great things, but if people (prospective members and others who can help POMA), did it really happen? POMA and its Foundation ARE DOING GREAT THINGS and its time we toot our own horn! Stay tuned for further developments!

Not to be outdone, the Foundation Board of Directors worked on multiple policy issues as well to continue its continued growth in its grant programs and other philanthropic initiatives. So much so that the decision has been made to hire a staff member dedicated to Foundation work exclusively. This will be funded by the POMA Foundation and will serve as a catalyst to promote the current programs and new ones as well. Definitely more to come on this front!

As I shared from the outset, these are indeed exciting times of growth and change for POMA and its Foundation. Every day, my staff colleagues and I work to bring you the best programs and services possible while working with two great Boards that provide guidance through their sometimes-difficult decision-making. Together, we are making Osteopathic medicine stronger in the Commonwealth.

by: Tyler Burke 

This week marks the beginning of the House and Senate budget hearings. This process grants the House and Senate the ability to question various agencies in Pennsylvania to gain a better understanding ahead of the budget season.

Both the House and Senate questioned the Department of Health this week. The Senate began its questioning on Wednesday, while the House had the opportunity to question the Secretary of Health on Friday. To read more about the House, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming edition of Under the Dome.

In the Senate, there was a strong focus on medical and recreational marijuana, along with significant concerns about rural healthcare and access to healthcare, as private equity continues to threaten communities across the Commonwealth. If you’d like to learn more about the questions asked, here is a full synopsis of the hearing.

POMA Board of Trustees Holds Quarterly Meeting

The POMA Board of Trustees held its first board meeting of 2025 at the POMA Central Office in Harrisburg. The board received updates from the officers and took action on strategic initiatives related to the organization’s four pillars: communications, community, education and influence. They also received updates from the committees and districts, as well as affiliated organizations and the POMA Foundation.

The board also received a presentation from Sketchy, that included user data of Pennsylvania osteopathic medical students. POMA and its Foundation supports scholarships for first- and second-year students for students enrolled in one of Pennsylvania’s colleges of osteopathic medicine.

Despite the impending winter weather, we had a full house and a productive day. The next meeting of the POMA Board of Trustees will be May 7 at Kalahari during the 2025 POMA Clinical Assembly.

Don't miss out on your chance to make a difference!
Sign up by February 28th!

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 28, 2025.

We Are Thinking Spring at Paint Night

Paint was flying on February 12th as POMA members used canvas to build a fence of collegiality. The POMA Wellness Committee organized the virtual paint night to give members and friends time unwind and release their creativity, and everyone left with a great springtime painting. POMA's Wellness Committee has move events coming up, including Steps 4 All 2025 and various activities at the POMA Clinical Assembly. Take care of you and join us!

Mentor Committee Hosts Financial Webinar

POMA's Mentor Committee kicked off February with "Help - Money Worries Me" - a financial webinar for medical students and residents. Experts from MSMF Wealth Management presented the basics of finance and financial planning and answered questions about budgeting, loan refinancing and loan forgiveness programs. The participants were highly engaged and plans are already in the works for our next event.

The POMA Foundation is now accepting applications for the Bright Ideas Grant Program. This grant seeks to support projects that improve community health, quality-improvement/education or scholarly activity. If you have a Bright Idea that needs funding, we encourage you to apply. The RFP is linked here.

The POMA Foundation is excited to engage directly with those supporting the osteopathic profession, its principles and its practices to support projects that impact the community.

Additional details about the grant, eligibility, application instructions, and contact information for questions is included in the RFP. 

Don't wait — applications are due Monday, March 10, 2025.

It may be cold outside, but the district competition is heating up! The POMA calendar is full of exciting social and CME events in your area. Don’t miss out – join in the fun!

Current Standings as of February 18th:
    1^st Place - District 8
    2^nd Place - District 7
    3^rd Place - District 12
    4^th Place - District 4

Make 2025 the year to get involved with POMA!  Earning points is easy - write for the JPOMA, participate in surveys, recruit your colleagues to join POMA, get involved in your community.  Talk to your local district leadership and share your ideas on how you can DO more with POMA!

District Dish

District 2

District 2 members met Tuesday, February 4, at Fava Ristorante Italiano in Glen Mills. The members conducted district business which included district elections. George Wolters, Jr., DO, POMA President-Elect, provided updates on POMA events and presided over elections. 

Election Results:
  District Chair: Glenn Ortley, DO
  District Vice Chair: Christopher Davis, DO
  District Secretary/Treasurer: George Wolters, Jr., DO
  District Trustee: Glenn Ortley, DO
  Alt-District Trustee: Thomas Dardarian, DO

District 8

POMA District 8 members gathered on January 25th 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 leadership and the deans of the new and proposed colleges of osteopathic medicine in the district. They concluded with the election of their district leadership.

Election Results:
  District Chair: Gene Battistella, DO
  District Vice Chair: Thomas DeGregory, DO
  District Secretary: Amber Fedin, DO
  District Treasurer: Jessica Masser, DO
  District Trustee: Cathleen McGonigle, DO

District 11

District 11 members traded their white coats and stethoscopes for flames and chopsticks as they enjoyed an action-packed hibachi dinner together! Before the fun began, members took care of district business, including district elections.

District 11 Election Results:
  District Chair: Jeffrey Gold, DO
  District Trustee: Leif Christiansen, DO

District 12

The blustery, snowy day did not keep POMA District 12 members from attending Saturday morning's "Brunch, Browse, Barista and BRRRRRR!" CME event at Brookville's Fusion Atelier Cafe and Gallery. Attendees enjoyed a brunch made by D12 leadership, outstanding coffee and tea beverages from the barista, a delightful gallery of local art and CME presentations by Clarion family medicine resident Waleed Chaudry, DO and Penn Highlands DuBois psychiatry resident Antony DiNunzio, DO on winter-related topics. District chair Katie Graham, DO conducted the business meeting. A spring family event is in the works so watch for more information to come!

District Election Results:
  District Chair: Kathryn G. Graham, DO, DuBois
  District Vice Chair: Janice M. Kenneson, DO, Clarion
  District Secretary/Treasurer: Lisa A. Witherite-Rieg, DO, Corsica
  District Trustee: Pending Confirmation

APOMA is preparing for the 2025 POMA Annual Clinical Assembly and our silent auction. We're looking forward to the districts providing fantastic baskets to raffle. All donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to the APOMA scholarship fund.

On June 1st, applications will be available for Special Projects grants to support osteopathic family mission. Watch for more information!

Finally, AAOA President and APOMA Past President Krissy Eisenhardt recently attended the AOA board of trustees mid-year meeting in February, and is attending the AMOPS conference this week to support military spouses. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you're in Texas!

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. Join Us at the 2025 POMA Clinical Assembly!
5. POMA Board of Trustees Holds Quarterly Meeting
6. Call for Committee Volunteers
7. Virtual Paint Night a Success
8. Mentor Committee Hosts Financial Webinar
9. POMA Foundation Opens Bright Ideas Grant Cycle
10. District Competition Update
11. District Dish
12. APOMA Updates
13. Upcoming District Events
14. Welcome New Members!
15. Help Us Spread the News - POMA is Here for You!
16. Attention Students/Residents - Scholarships Available
17. Military Appreciation
18. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast Series
19. Contribute to POMPAC
20. Classified Ads

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.

Bryon L. Berge, DO
2027 Lebanon Church Road
West Mifflin, PA 15122
Active Member – District 8

Denise C. DiCicco, DO
Anesthesia Specialists of Bethlehem
P.O. Box 5520
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Active Member – District 3

William M. Ensor, DO
Geisinger Health System
100 North Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822
Active Member – District 6

Jamie A. Flynn, DO
100 K Johnson Boulevard North, Suite 101
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Active Out-of-State Member

Nicholas M. Kitsopoulos, DO
88 Crestwood Drive
Watchung, NJ 07069
Active Out-of-State Member

Melodie F. Miller-Chludzinski, DO
LECOM
1858 West Grandview Boulevard
Erie, PA 16508
Active Member – District 7

Susan C. Mullooly, DO
206 Timber Drive
Trafford, PA 15085
Active Member – District 8

Chaminie A. Wheeler, DO
15530 Kutztown Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
Active Member – District 11

Anita D. Yang, DO
910 Century Drive, Suite 150
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Active Member – District 5

Spread the News -
POMA is Here for You!

The new membership year has begun, but it's not too late to join!

Talk to your friends, colleagues, new graduates, and students about POMA. Share why you are a member and urge them to join, today!

Together, we can DO more!

Attention Students and Residents!

All osteopathic students enrolled in a Pennsylvania COM, osteopathic students enrolled in out-of-state COMs that maintain a permanent address in Pennsylvania, and osteopathic residents enrolled in residency training programs in Pennsylvania are encouraged to apply for one of the following scholarship opportunities:

• Merit Scholarship
• Promoting Health through Original Projects
• Western PA Scholarship

• Spirit of Volunteerism
• Outstanding Advocacy
• Osteopathic Skills and Knowledge
• Diversity in Health Outreach

Click here for descriptions of each scholarship, qualification criteria and applications.

The submission deadline is February 28, 2025.

POMA supports and honors our military members!

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

POMA DOes...Podcast

Be sure to tune into the POMA DOes... podcast series on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Recent episodes focus on "POMA's Committee Volunteer Experience" and "DOcs in Love."

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!

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.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

PRN Medical Space — Ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. Call 215-669-4001 or visit prnmedical.space.

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.

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