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by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO
"RESOLUTION"
Resolution (noun) res·o·lu·tion [ˌrezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n]: a firm decision to do or not to do something; the quality of being determined or resolute; the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.
Happy 2023! Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Have you broken them? According to a recent poll(1) nearly 40% of adults in the United States make New Year’s resolutions, with nearly 50% having to do with health and wellness. Sadly, less than 10% are successful in keeping their resolutions, and 23% quit within the first week!
When we consider what resolution means to the POMA, it is a directed statement of action on any one of a variety of healthcare topics impacting physicians and patients. Proposed policy statements only become official POMA policy statements after approval by the POMA House of Delegates (HOD). During the April 2022 House of Delegates of the POMA, a resolution (Res. No.3 - 2022) was passed directing the Board of Trustees, the officers, applicable POMA committees and POMA’s staff to work with the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and other interested individuals and groups to remove the requirement of the rotating internship or its recognized equivalent for licensure.
Certainly, with the abolition of osteopathic training programs under the ACGME merger, this requirement has been a concern of osteopathic physicians seeking licensure in our state. The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association is committed to working with the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine (SBOM) to obtain a sustainable solution to this dilemma. We have been in repeated contact with the legal representatives of the SBOM and have been assured they are working on the concern. My hope is that this will be resolved before I leave office, making Pennsylvania a welcoming state to practice for our newest osteopathic physicians.
If there are changes you would like to see made or concerns you have about POMA policy, consider submitting a resolution to be considered by the 2023 POMA House of Delegates. Districts wishing to submit resolutions should work with their district leadership and have their trustee present the resolution to the Board of Trustees at the February 11, 2023 meeting for consideration. Committees wishing to submit resolutions should have their trustee member present the resolution to Board of Trustees at the February meeting.
Concerning our personal resolutions: “The secret to becoming part of the 9% that succeed? Only set New Year’s resolutions that are highly relevant, timely, and specific to you.” There is no magic about “January 1” as your start date. If February 2 (it’s a great day!) works better for you, go with it! An accountability system (measuring your progress, checking in with a friend or partner) increases our success rate. And, if you repeatedly set the same resolution, and repeatedly not carry out your intent, it might be time to shake it up a bit. Albert Einstein defined insanity as: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Have you resolved to obtain the highest level of continuing medical education at the most affordable cost available in person at a family-friendly location or with a virtual participation option? (Yes! Me too!) POMA can help with that resolution! It is not too late to register for the POMA District 8 Winter Conference at Seven Springs. Registration for the 2023 Annual Clinical Assembly at Kalahari is also open. The conference will be offered live, in-person May 3-6 and on-demand viewing will mid-May. Register now for an amazing educational experience! And, plan to bring your family and take advantage of the great amenities at Kalahari with the great room rates we secured for you!
One last thought on the subject of resolution: In western tonal music theory, resolution is the move of a note or chord from dissonance (an unstable sound) to a consonance (a more final or stable sounding one). What a more rewarding life and a less chaotic world if we could all reach that perfect harmony — in our own lives and in our relationships with others. Here is to a more resolved 2023.
1. https://insideoutmastery.com/new-years-resolution-statistics
by: Diana Ewert
"525,600 minutes. 525,600 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes. How do we measure, measure a year?"
We all recognize the lyrics from Rent asking how we measure a year. How will we measure 2023?
525,600 minutes. Strategies, goals, and objectives. 525,600 minutes. Coalitions, influence, representing. 525,600 minutes. Committees, councils, workgroups. Leadership, boards, executive committees. 525,600 minutes. Education. Podcasts. Districts. 525,600 minutes and meetings, meetings, meetings. Taking one minute at a time, one breath at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time.
525,600 minutes. Admit it… you’re hearing the song in your head now, thinking about the year to come. You’re welcome.
2023 means reviewing, surveying, interviewing, and preparing for our POMA Strategic Plan – Phase 3. 2023 means the start of a complete governance review that will take more than the year but will be well worth the effort. 2023 is transition, in leadership and staff. Our programs and services are in transition as well. Kalahari and not Valley Forge. A slow return to in-person while maintaining virtual options.
We are still recovering from COVID. Our programs and services are refocusing and rebuilding. Our leadership is looking at inclusiveness for members across the spectrum – practice type, location, health systems, employed, solo practice, gender, and ethnicity – and actively seeks leaders that reflect the attributes of the profession. If you’ve ever thought POMA was something else, we urge you to get involved. Answer the call for volunteers, and get involved in committees, work groups and task forces. If you want to see yourself in POMA, get involved so others can see themselves in POMA. I hereby declare that 2023 is the year of the Osteopathic Profession in Pennsylvania. Let’s make it so.
by: Andy Sandusky
What to Expect in the New Year??!!
Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro was sworn into office this week. He has pledged bipartisanship and tapped several Republicans for major roles in the staffing of his administration. In addition to bipartisanship, the faces of his cabinet reflect different genders, colors and ages. Lt. Governor, Austin Davis was also sworn in as the first black President of the Senate of Pennsylvania and will preside over the body.
The Senate has been conducting business the last two weeks and POMA is pleased the Senate chose its Committee Chairs and Committee Members. The chamber is expected back in session the week of February 27. Many bills have been introduced in the Senate and POMA is keeping a close track of those that impact Osteopathic physicians and their patients. One notable of course, and just like in the past several sessions, is legislation the CRNPs are touting that ignores the deal they made on compromise legislation and essentially makes them the equivalent of physicians. Much more to come on this and many other issues shortly.
In the state House, however, all eyes are fixed on Feb 7, which is the date of the three special elections in vacated seats in Allegheny County. All three seats lean democratic and if they all go that way, the Democrats will have a true majority. There is no sign the House will attempt to meet before then and no session days have been published. The House went home in a stalemate on adopting the official rules of the body. Speaker Rozzi has established a task force of Republicans and Democrats to iron out the differences and agreement on the rules. Until then, no rules, no legislative business and the House remains in neutral.
Don't miss out on your chance to make a difference!
Sign up by January 31!
POMA is our professional organization in Pennsylvania that serves us as osteopathic physicians. Now is our opportunity to serve POMA, our members and colleagues, and our patients.
Our members are the motivation behind everything that POMA does. 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. Learn more about the volunteer experience by listening to our podcast episode, You DO Make a Difference!
Click here to go directly to the Volunteer Form and sign up by January 31, 2023.
District Dish
District 2
POMA District 2 gathered at Teca Newtown Square on January 18 for comradery and conversation. The evening held lively discussions on various topics including legislation happenings, community events, CME opportunities, student debt issues, and public perception of the osteopathic profession. District elections were also held that night. A list of the elected District 2 officers, and trustees follows.
There are still delegate and alternate delegate opportunities available for District 2 members. If you have questions regarding the responsibilities please email POMA.
District Elections Results:
District Chair: Donna Delfin, DO
District Vice-Chair: Glenn Ortley, DO
District Secretary/Treasurer: George Wolters, Jr., DO
District Trustee: Thomas Dardarian, DO
Alt-District Trustee: Ayanna Kersey-McMullen, DO
District 14
POMA District 14 members gathered at Harvest in Newtown on Thursday, January 19 for friends and fellowship. The group had a discussion on various topics ranging from community events, CME opportunities, and legislative issues. The district also elected officers, trustees, and delegates to the POMA House of Delegates. The evening finished with a lecture on diagnosing and treating wrist disorders.
There are still 5 alternate delegate opportunities available for district 14 members. If you are interested, please email POMA.
District Election Results:
District Chair: Richard Purse, DO
District Vice-Chair: Barry Getzoff, DO
District Secretary/Treasurer: Angelo Ratini, DO
District Trustee: Richard Purse, DO
Alt-District Trustee: Angelo Ratini, DO
District 14's next event will be on Thursday, February 16 at Bella Tori at the Mansion in Langhorne.
District Competition
Who likes a little friendly competition?
The second annual POMA District Competition is running from April 1, 2022 – March 30, 2023. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey participation; writing in publications (POMA and external); membership retention; and various additional items. Click here for a complete list of challenges.
The winning District will receive a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and bragging rights. Contact your District Leadership to share ideas and for more details.
Current Standings as of January 20:
1st Place - District 14
2nd Place - District 7
3rd Place - District 4, 6, 8
Want to help earn your district some points? Submit an article to the newsletter or Journal. Find out additional ways by contacting your district leadership.
DOH Seeking Public Comments
2023-2028 State Health Improvement Plan
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released its draft of the 2023-2028 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and is seeking public feedback. Comments and feedback are being accepted online through Friday, January 27.
JPOMA Writing Contest
Submit your research paper into the 2023 POMA Clinical Writing Contest! The competition is open to all osteopathic medical students attending a Pennsylvania COM and all interns/residents training in Pennsylvania are invited to submit their research papers 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 2023 POMA Clinical Assembly at Kalahari.
The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2023. Learn more here.
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Virtual Poster Session
All Pennsylvania osteopathic medical students and interns/residents training in Pennsylvania are invited to submit their research into this year's digital poster session! This opportunity is open to all osteopathic residents training in Pennsylvania.
Abstracts must be submitted no later than February 17, 2023 to Christine Wilkinson, PCOM GME. The PCOM MEDNet Research Committee will review each submission and first authors will be informed of the decision to present no later than March 13, 2023. Posters will be shared at the POMA Clinical Assembly, May 3-6, 2023 and made available for viewing on the POMA website beginning in May 2023.
Click here to learn more.
Written by Samuel J. Garloff DO
New Year's Resolution
Decades past I spoke with a gentleman whose opinion I valued. He startled me declaring that he no longer read newspapers, listened to the news or otherwise involved himself in any discussion or activity involving local, state or national politics. Additionally, he distanced himself from anything associated with past professional or charitable associations or activities. His reasoning was simple, if anything was of such great importance, eventually everything and everyone around him would change and he would become knowledgeable. If not, why should he worry?
Recently I had occasion to remember that conversation. For background, understand that I read five, yes five newspapers. They include both conservative and liberal underpinnings. Two are local, two are national and one is from my hometown. Worse, I read two national news magazines. I don’t listen to or watch cable news. I’m not interested in biased interpretations, just news.
READ MORE >>
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View the
newsletter online!
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this past Monday, we want to take a moment to thank all of our leaders and volunteers who dedicate their time, talent and energy to the osteopathic profession.
Table of Contents...
1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. POMA Clinical Assembly 2023 - Register Now
5. Call for Volunteers
6. District Dish
7. District Competition
8. DOH Seeking Public Comments
9. Calling All Researchers
10. Another Voice
11. LECOM Primary Care Conference
12. Upcoming District Events
13. National Wear Red Day
14. Welcome New Members
15. Classified Ads
16. Under the DOme
17. POMPAC
18. Follow POMA on Social Media
19. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
20. Facts on Vax
Upcoming District Events
District 3
CME Dinner and Business Meeting
Tuesday, February 21
6:30 pm
Location: TBD
District 4
3rd Annual Night of Hockey
Saturday, February 25
6:05 pm
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
District 5
Reorganization Event
Thursday, February 16
6:30 pm
POMA Headquarters
District 6
Business Meeting & Elections
Tuesday, February 21
6:30 pm
La Primavera Italiano Ristorante / Virtual Option Available
District 8
Business Meeting &
Elections
Saturday, January 28
1:40 pm
Seven Springs Mountain Resort /
Virtual Option Available
District 10
Business Meeting, Elections & Product Theater
Friday, January 27
5:30 pm
Blue Bell Inn
Virtual Option Available
District 10
CME Event
Wednesday, February 8
6:00 pm
Mirna's Cafe
District 14
Business Meeting and Product Theater
Thursday, February 16
6:30 pm
Bella Tori at the Mansion
Tea & Mindfulness Event
Thursday, February 9
7:00 pm
Virtual
National Wear Red Day®
On Friday, February 3rd, POMA will be going RED to help raise awareness of women's heart health. Please join us by wearing red and sending us a photo or posting it on social media and tagging us. We will share any photos you send us on our different social media channels.
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.
Rachael A. Cohen, DO
908 Heritage Drive
Norristown, PA 19403-3877
Active Member – District 10
Curtis R. Davenport, DO
3600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Active Member – District 8
Lori E. DelGaudio, DO
821 Homestead Drive
Dallas, PA 18612-7219
Active Member – District 4
Luke K. Doney, DO
532 W Pittsburgh Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Active Member – District 8
Aman I. Gebre-Egziabher, DO
2556 Cambridge Road
York, PA 17402-3930
Active Member – District 5
Si T. Lam, DO
2218 South 62nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Active Member – District 1
Rose McGeever, DO
2330 Route 33
Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Out-of-State Member
Zachary R. McLaughlin, DO
Community Medical Group
2607 Keiser Boulevard
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Active Member – District 11
John Metza, DO
Geisinger Medical Center
100 N Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822
Active Member – District 6
Edward R. O’Dell, DO
2601 Holme Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19152
Active Member – District 1
Scott Plasner, DO
10800 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Active Member – District 1
Scott G. Rainey, DO
1061 South Lake
Gibsonia, PA 15044
Active Member – District 8
Mesfin R. Shibeshi, DO
351 Valley Health West
Front Royal, VA 22630
Out-of-State Member
Seth M. Stallard, DO
1301 Carlisle Street
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Active Member – District 8
Thomas Tuyen, DO
1700 Old Gatesburg Road, Suite 310
State College, PA 16803
Active Member – District 6
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.
Under the DOme
Did you catch POMA's advocacy newsletter, Under the DOme?
Under the DOme is a 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].
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.
Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!
  
 
POMA DOes...Podcast
Have you tuned into POMA's podcast series, POMA DOes... Episodes 1-25 have been published and are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our January episodes focus on "Tips and Tricks for Winter Wellness" and "The POMA Volunteer Experience". Have an episode idea? Let us know!
New episodes for POMA DOes... are released on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode!
Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy with Your Patients
Osteopathic physicians and their practice teams play a key role in preventing COVID-19 infections among patients and communities. Check out the Facts on Vax website for a variety of educational materials, tools and resources that will help you discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention with your patients.
POMA also produced an episode for the POMA DOes podcast series which addressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This episode offers CME credit for POMA members.
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