| Journal of the POMA - Vol 69, No 1 - Feb 2025 |
From the Editorial Board
"POMA Tense"
Written by Joseph Zawisza, DO, PCOM '05
Chair, Publications Committee
In grade school (or perhaps you called it grammar school, which is appropriate for this editorial), one of the things we learned about was the tenses of a verb: past, present, and future. As we set out to develop a theme for this issue of the JPOMA, our theme was to be “POMA Past, Present and Future.” While we continued to refer to this issue by that theme at our committee meetings, trying to fit the content of the issue to that theme specifically became cumbersome and challenging at times. And so, after discussion, we decided to abandon the idea of rigorously trying to squeeze broad content into a potentially narrow theme. This made things a lot less tense.
However, as I reviewed submissions for publication in this issue, it became apparent that the JPOMA represents the past, present and future of POMA. I’m sure you’ll see this too. Dr. Barry Marks has shared thoughts and insight about a part of the future of medicine that probably intimidates most of us – AI. Several submissions, including case reports and reflections, come from the doctors of tomorrow, osteopathic medical students. Meanwhile, Dr. Samuel Garloff reminds us of the origins of medicine and how seemingly foolish thoughts of the past might not be so foolish today. Student Doctor Yasmine Saikali has suggested ways that we can advocate for our patients who experience procedural delays. I could cite all of the authors that have contributed to this issue and identify how they represent the past, present and future of POMA, but I’m sure you’ll see that as you read on.
You might be thinking, why is he naming specific authors and don’t these articles represent MEDICINE rather than POMA? That answer is simple. The authors of the JPOMA are the members of POMA. This journal is, and always has been, for you and by you, our members. The content has represented, and always will represent, the past, present and future of POMA.
With that thought in mind, I’d like to introduce you to some new content in the journal. The Vignettes section will include short stories from our readers on a specific topic. Not so coincidentally, in the first installment of this section authors talk about some of their first experiences with osteopathic medicine. Sticking with that idea, the June issue will feature your memories of your first clinical rotation.
Taking a look further in our past, in the Pages In Time section, you’ll see a page republished directly from the first issue of The Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association in 1959. I hope you enjoy seeing what was on the minds of Pennsylvania’s osteopathic physicians of that time. Similarly, in the Everything Old Is New Again section, we’ve looked at a specific piece from the same issue and related it to an issue we face today. Lastly, for some fun, our Guess Who section will feature an osteopathic physician from Pennsylvania who we ask readers to identify. I believe our first subject embodies the past, present and future of POMA.
I’m sure all of you are familiar with the idea that history repeats itself. The familiar quote by philosopher George Santayana in 1905, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” is one of the first expressions of this that I am aware of, although I’m willing to bet that Santayana would have admitted that this was not a new idea based on his own words. As a child, since I wanted to be a physician when I grew up and therefore preferring science over history, I didn’t really appreciate this sentiment. But as each birthday passes by, I realize more and more just how true this statement is.
Enjoy the past, present and future of POMA!
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Elemental My Dear Physician
Written by Samuel Garloff, DO
This issue of the JPOMA highlights the history of the profession, as we have just experienced the 150th anniversary of the AOA. Our association, POMA, originated in 1903 and remains a vibrant division of the AOA. PCOM, the oldest of the DO schools in Pennsylvania, began as the Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy in 1899. Today, in addition to the Philadelphia campus it offers the DO degree in Georgia. In my hometown of Erie, LECOM is a major force in medical care offering multiple career choices at campuses in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. Osteopathic education is now available at Duquesne and soon at IUP.
“The times they are a changin” - Bob Dylan… or are they?
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Retired DO Gets Real About AI
Written by Barry Marks, DO
In 1978, I opened an office in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. I was board-certified in family medicine, with a focus on internal medicine. I took care of the people in the neighborhood – policeman, fireman, reporters and more. Everyone was welcome; and when cell phones were invented, they all got my cell number.
I got permission to sit with the geriatric medicine fellows for their board exam, and I received a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine.
I was a hospitalist before there were hospitalists. I took care of my own hospital patients during my career, and other physicians referred their patients to me. I had a hospital census of about 20 patients at a time from 1978-2007.
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Ensuring Patients Are Fed During Procedural Delays: Reflecting on the Past, Addressing the Present, and Building a Better Future
Written by Yasmine Saikali, LECOM OMS-III
In hospital settings, it’s all too easy for small oversights to snowball into major issues. One area where this happens far too often is with patient nutrition, particularly when patients are put on “nothing by mouth” (NPO) orders while waiting to see if a procedure, like an endoscopy, will happen that day. If the procedure gets delayed or rescheduled, and no one revisits the diet order, patients can go an entire day – or longer – without being fed. This is not just an inconvenience; it can have serious, even deadly, consequences.
A tragic example of this happened at Poole Hospital in the UK. A 56-year-old man with Down’s syndrome and dementia died after going without food for nine days during his hospital stay. The lack of proper nutrition weakened him to the point that he succumbed to pneumonia. This heartbreaking outcome was entirely preventable and highlights the critical need for better systems to ensure patients don’t fall through the cracks when it comes to basic care like meals.
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Advancing Surgical Education: Insights from the 2023-2024 Wisely Surgical Association Annual Surgical Conference at PCOM
Written by Shrijal Desai, PCOM OMS-II
The 2023-2024 Wisely Surgical Association Annual Surgical Conference, hosted at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), represents a pivotal event in the realm of medical education, particularly in surgical training. This conference aims to enhance the educational experiences of medical students, residents, and practicing surgeons by providing hands-on training in various surgical techniques and simulations. The integration of advanced simulation technologies and practical workshops is crucial for developing surgical skills, which are essential for effective patient care and safety in the operating room.
One of the key components of the conference is the laparoscopic training module, which emphasizes the importance of familiarizing participants with the structure and utility of laparoscopic instruments. The ability to manipulate these tools effectively is fundamental for performing basic tasks in a controlled training environment, often referred to as the laparoscopic box. Studies have shown that structured training in laparoscopic techniques significantly enhances the confidence and competence of medical students during their surgical clerkships, thereby improving their overall educational experience.1,2 The "Fundamentals in Laparoscopic Surgery" (FLS) program, developed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery, serves as a benchmark for such training, highlighting the necessity of a standardized approach to laparoscopic education.3
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Vertical Relief
Written by Richard Donze, DO
Every time I hear the
in-coming chopper
after wondering who
might be going out
what head bleed ven-
tricle fail blasting mar-
row slashed viscus ARDS
needing ECMO I recall
that township hearing
when the Hilltop Estates
Homeowners’ Associa-
tion contingent lined up
at the mike then unfurled
the developer’s original
drawings on the long
table in front of the
commissioners faded
but still clearly showing
the vertical relief lines
and argued that their
elevation brought them
closer to the hospital’s
roof and that much
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Shortage
Written by Aloki Mehta,
LECOM OMS-III
Drip drip drip
The patient has E.coli
Symptomatic for 10 agonizing days
Severely dehydrated
With a potassium of 2.6
Drip drip drip
Only one bag, they reluctantly decide
They have to ration
The IV fluid supply
dwindling by the hour
Drip drip drip
Severe pain shoots through
Potassium chloride
Setting the veins ablaze
No buffer, no cushion
It burns
Drip drip drip
Helpless, I hold my mother
Pleading for her to keep
The IV in
It burns, it’s too much
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A Medical Student’s Understanding of Anatomy Through Variation and Perseverance
Written by Lauren Raziano,
PCOM OMS-I
The experience of the anatomy lab is a rite of passage in medical school, a humbling, extraordinary journey into the intricacies of life itself.
The lab was overwhelming. The clinical smell of formaldehyde, the stark lighting, and the responsibility to care for a cadaver. As I looked around at other students who are also experiencing this environment for the first time, I realized that the lab is more than a classroom; it’s a space where the boundaries of science and humanity blur. I remember standing with my table mates, asking myself the question, How do you approach a person who has selflessly given their body for your education? But as I began, layer by layer, the fear gave way to focus, and with each lab, I uncovered both anatomical structures and parts of myself I had yet to understand.
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February Theme: Short reflections on first experiences of osteopathic medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment.
June Theme: Short reflections from your first rotation. Email to [email protected].
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My First OMT Manipulation
Ted Eisenberg, DO
PCOM '76
In OMT class, Dr. Nick Nicholas was showing us an A-A cervical manipulation and said, “Go ahead, do this on your partner.” I was scared to death that I was going to do it wrong and would paralyze my buddy from the neck down. I timidly called over to Dr. Nick when he asked if anybody needed help. He positioned my hands on the student’s head, placed his hands on top of mine, and did the correction. His hands instantly translated the procedure through my hands to my brain and gave me everlasting confidence in my OMT ability. Thanks, Dr. Nicholas.
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Osteopathic Tenets and Trauma Surgery
Shrijal Desai, PCOM '26
As a future trauma surgeon, I’m drawn to the complexity of saving lives, yet I find profound clarity in osteopathic principles. Even in a field as specialized as trauma surgery, the holistic philosophy of osteopathy guides me to care for patients beyond their injuries. At PCOM, I’ve learned that every intervention — whether advanced surgical techniques or bedside care — can integrate the tenets of osteopathy, promoting healing of the mind, body, and spirit. This lens transforms trauma surgery into more than technical expertise; it becomes comprehensive care, ensuring patients leave not just alive but on a path to true health.
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The Lasting Impact of OMT
Anthony Frost,
LECOM '25
As a child, I always answered “happy” when asked what I wanted to be. Over time, I realized my happiness came from helping others, which led me to medicine. Shadowing my mentor, an osteopathic physician, I learned to treat the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. A patient of mine suffered from chronic migraines and muscle spasms. Using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and lifestyle adjustments I was able to ease his tension and improve his migraines. This experience deepened my commitment to a holistic approach that not only heals but cultivates meaningful, lasting relationships with my patients.
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Paving a Path Forward
Kirsten Mendez,
LECOM '25
My journey to becoming an osteopathic doctor has been life changing. I will be the first person in my family to earn a medical degree, and entering the workforce as a DO will allow me to break new ground in my family's legacy. This milestone has required lots of perseverance, and I look forward to inspiring future generations of osteopathic physicians. As a medical student, I have had the opportunity to interact with and touch the lives of many individuals. The most important thing I have learned is to focus not only on a patient’s medical health but also on their overall wellness.
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Curious what about what was on the minds of osteopathic physicians during the early years of The Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association? Check out the News Flashes column from the first issue that was published in 1959!
Remember when everyone had a telephone book and Bell Telephone was the only phone company?
Remember when phone books and medical directors first included DOs in their medical listings?
Remember when POMA's annual conference was only two days?
Remember when the Central office created one calendar for all of the organization's meetings and functions throughout the state?
Click on the image to enlarge and read more.
JPOA, Vol. 1, No. 1 (Jan-March 1959), pg 2.
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Just about all professional organizations in the last five years have struggled with membership, and POMA is no exception. While it’s easy to blame this problem on COVID, which undeniably played a role, it’s just as easy to forget that membership has been an issue plaguing professional organizations since they started. This article from 1959 (JPOA, Vol. 1, No.1) shows that the association had only a fraction of the osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania as members of its (at that time) nine districts and the efforts taken to try to increase that number. Interestingly, one of the ways POA tried to increase membership was to reach out to interns and residents through their hospitals. This is one strategy POMA uses today, though it has been more challenging with the loss of osteopathic hospitals and the merger of the AOA and ACGME that began a decade ago. Today, POMA’s mission is to promote the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine for our patients, our members, and the communities we serve (just as it was in 1959, albeit stated differently). The strength of POMA is our members. Click here to invite a colleague to join POMA today.
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This past president of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Association (as it was known at the time) served as the president or chair of 12 other national or regional associations and is one of the AOA’s first 40 Great Pioneers in Osteopathic Medicine. A distinguished writer and speaker, his name is synonymous with the newsletter of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, The Pulse, as he was a long-time editor for the publication. After serving on the faculty of three medical schools and as the chair of Pediatrics at two hospitals in Pennsylvania, he became the founding dean of a new osteopathic medical school in a much warmer climate.
Click here if you can identify this trailblazing osteopathic physician.
The answer will be revealed in JPOMA's June 2025 issue.
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Members of our osteopathic community are the best and brightest. We honor the passing of these POMA members. We recognize their contributions and legacies to the profession and to POMA. To friends and families, we offer sympathies.
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Publication Notes
Disclaimer
Views expressed in The Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial board, The JPOMA, or POMA unless specified.
About the JPOMA
Frequency
The Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association will be published three times a year: February, June, October.
Submission Information
The Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association is a safe space for all DOs to have a voice and be heard. Opportunities to contribute in all content areas are open to all osteopathic medical students, residents and physicians. Share your thoughts, ideas and submissions via email to [email protected].
Submission Deadlines
The Publications Committee will review submissions two months prior to publication. The rolling submission deadlines are as follows:
- January 15th for the February issue
- May 15th for the June issue
- September 15th for the October issue
Editorial Board
The POMA Publications Committee serves as the editorial board for the Journal of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. It is currently chaired by Joseph Zawisza, DO and includes Rosh Bharthi, LECOM OMS-IV, Theodore Eisenberg, DO, Katherine Galluzzi, DO, Samuel Garloff, DO, Jacob Khuri, LECOM Seton Hill OMS-IV, and Zachary Mendola, LECOM OMS-II. Managing editor and layout design by Brenda Dill, Senior Director of Communications and Education. Angela Zawisza, DO, POMA Vice President is champion of POMA's Communications Activities.
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Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association
1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17111
www.poma.org | [email protected]
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