POMA Newsletter header

Vol. XLIV, Issue 14

July 27, 2018

President's Perspective
by: Joan M. Grzybowski, DO

This July 2018 a delegation of Pennsylvania Osteopathic Physicians traveled to Chicago to participate in the AOA House of Delegates. They represented POMA's views on state and national issues. They served as Committee Chairs and members, debated resolutions and rendered opinions. They did their best to be your voice on a multitude of issues from practice rights, public health issues, education, administrative protocols and CME.

Their vote made a difference. They were professional, articulate, and impressive and worked long hours. I thank them for their time, help and talents. The hundreds of resolutions that were passed will soon be on the AOA website for your review.

For those of you that enjoy history, turn back a page in time to the 1919 AOA House of Delegates held in Chicago. An article from the AOA Journal of August 1919 gives us a glimpse from that era. The author describes the meeting as a celebration of Osteopathic rebirth. The nation had been through a horrible war (WWI) which did not allow Osteopathic Physicians to serve as physicians in the army. At that 1919 post war meeting, we had just proven to the nation how Osteopathic techniques saved thousands of lives by manual techniques used to treat a terrible epidemic of flu and pneumonia.

The public was developing a knowledge and respect for our profession. We were becoming a force and the people sought us out. Dues at that meeting were raised from 5 to 10 dollars. Speeches were known to be long winded but were shortened by "bad air" from a long day in a hotel auditorium without windows (a natural solution). Approximately 1,500 people attended that meeting. One of the most talked about exhibits was a dissected spine that was treated to allow full mobility.

They accomplished a lot at that meeting. They created a working constitution and bylaws and charged the physicians to live and establish osteopathy in the nation, states and local districts. The Chicago 1919 meeting by all accounts was a great event.

We the Pa. Delegation of 2018, also accomplished our goals, revived our Osteopathic spirits and put forth new ideas for the nation, and our state that will also be remembered years from now.

To our delegation, our State thanks you for your work and time.


Executive Opinion

by: Diana M. Ewert, MPA, CAE 

What can happen in one year - over 365 days, within 8,760 hours, down to 525,600 minutes?  You assess. You develop. You bring a team together and together you plan. You learn that everyone looks at a plan differently, much the way they do a map – we are all going to the same place but you understand that each team member makes their own choice about how best to get there. My first choice with POMA was easy. Infrastructure. We needed to be able to ensure osteopathic physicians have what they need when they need on whatever issue is pressing. Yvonne looked at financial infrastructure. Brenda looked at educational infrastructure. Deb’s area was membership. Susan and Tammy looked at varying levels of administration. I looked at operations and governance. We purchased, installed and activated information technology with speed and intent. This applied across POMA services.  

While this was happening, we were assessing the needs of osteopathic physicians in the Commonwealth. We worked with Association Laboratory to conduct research. What is it you want and when do you want it and where do you see yourself in the future? The strategic portion of planning is still in process. Yes, it is taking time because we continue to test assumptions against what was said and what is happening. We will continue to seek the input of the osteopathic physician community as we move forward and start attaching resources to needs and desires.

Much has changed over these past 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes. Much of which you probably won’t ever see. The upside is that technology does have its advantages for you.

Have you downloaded the free application CME-PRN? Available for all mobile devices, it contains data on every affiliate CME program in the US. You never know, there could be a program held in your Hershey Park Back Yard.

CME PRN APP*Screenshot from the CME-PRN App

How about DO CME – https://docme.inreache.com?  This online learning vehicle will soon house POMA education along with the multiple other osteopathic state and specialty groups. We’d like to see all you download the app.

You will be receiving an email from Joan Grzybowski, DO, POMA President announcing our new POMA-ISMIE Affiliate Program. POMA is providing current members the opportunity to obtain medical malpractice (professional liability or MPL) insurance through a physician run and led insurance provider. ISMIE joins The Glatfelter Agency (TGA) as our partner in this program. We look forward to their participation at our meetings and working with you all to deliver a superb product that is first and foremost, a benefit of membership in POMA. 

And we are already 27 days, 648 hours, 38,880 minutes into the next year. There’s so much more to come.


 Only 1 Week Until #POFPS43!
Pre-Registration Ends Tuesday, July 31st!! 

POFPS Registration ad

*You may register for POFPS 43rd Annual CME Symposium by clicking on the image above or by filling out the registration form attached to this email. 


POFPS 3rd Annual Student/Resident Program

Attention Osteopathic Students, Interns,
Residents & Fellows

The deadline for pre-registration of the POFPS Student/Resident Program is Tuesday, July 31, 2018. If you’re interested in learning about finding a job, contracts and malpractice, making a life as a physician, networking, writing a CV, interviewing and more, then make sure you register today. This program is held concurrent with the 43rd POFPS Clinical Assembly and will be on Saturday, August 4th in Hershey, PA. The seminar is free to all osteopathic medical students, interns, residents and fellows.

Register today!  Attendees are responsible for cost of their own transportation and lodging.

POFPS Student Resident Program


APOMA LOGO
T
he Advocates of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (APOMA) will hold a meeting on Saturday, August 4, 2018, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Wild Rose A room on the Confection Hall Level at the Hershey Lodge. The meeting will be held concurrently with the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society’s 43rd Annual CME Symposium. Topics of discussion will include reviewing the prior year including activities and treasury, plans for OMED and the AAOA House of Delegates along with any new business.

Make sure you also stop by the APOMA booth in the Chocolate Lobby and check out the mini-silent auction on Friday, August 3, 2018.


AOA House of Delegates 2018 Meeting Wrap

POMA at the AOA HOD

The POMA Delegates and alternates to the AOA House of Delegates returned Sunday, July 22 after three and a half days of policy and budget considerations.  Several members of the delegation served on various House Reference Committees:

  • Joan M. Grzybowski, DO –  Chair of the Public Affairs Committee;
  • Pamela S.N. Goldman, DO – Co-Chair of the Professional Affairs Committee;
  • John J. Kalata, DO – Committee on Educational Affairs;
  • Gene M. Battistella, DO – Ad Hoc Committee;
  • Jeffery J. Dunkelberger, DO – Committee on Rules and Order of Business;  
  • Richard E. Johnson, DO – Committee on Constitution and Bylaws;
  • Carol Bowes-Lawlor, DO – Credentials Committee. 

POMA at the 2018 AOA HOD

POMA submitted a resolution that required the AOA retain control over the accreditation of continuing medical education sponsors which was supported by multiple states. Should the AOA ever divest itself of these responsibilities, they can only do so to another osteopathically affiliated organization. Although the AOA Board of Trustees recommended the Resolution H-618 be disapproved, it was clear members of the House agreed as the resolution was passed with an additional explanatory note that read, “The [Reference] Committee supports this resolution to strengthen the collegiality between the AOA and its affiliates and to ensure that the affiliates continue to have the ability to provide quality CME programs to the osteopathic physicians they serve.”

POMA again took center stage when our own Robert S. Dolansky, Jr., DO was elected by the House to serve as AOA First Vice President. Frank Tursi, DO, was re-elected to a three year term and Ernie Gelb, DO has one year left on his current term. This gives Pennsylvania three outstanding leaders serving on the AOA Board of Trustees.

AOA HOD elections

William S. Mayo, DO, from Mississippi was elected as the 2018-19 President of the AOA with Ronald S. Burns, DO of Florida moving into the position of President-elect. Both physicians are long-standing supporters of the osteopathic profession and the role of affiliated organizations in supporting the practice and principles of osteopathic medicine. Dr. Mayo has committed to participate in the POMA Annual Clinical Assembly next year. We look forward to hosting him.

For more information about the 2018 AOA Annual Business Meeting and House of Delegates, this link will take you to resolutions, speeches and more -https://osteopathic.org/about/aoa-events/annual-business-meeting/


Robert S. Dolansky, Jr., DO Elected First Vice President to the AOA

Robert Dolansky Jr DO

We are excited to announce that POMA past president, Robert S. Dolansky, Jr., DO was elected First Vice President to the AOA Board of Trustees during the annual AOA House of Delegates meeting held in Chicago, Illinois, July 16-22, 2018.

"I wish to thank all of my Pennsylvania colleagues fo their trust in me as I represent them, and the nearly 150,000 Osteopathic physicians and medical students across the country," said Dr. Dolansky.

Dr. Dolansky is board-certified in family medicine, he opened the St. Luke’s Care Now in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and went on to become the Network Medical Director for Urgent Care Services where he helps open new Care Now walk-in centers across the region.

He is past president of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association and a past OMED conference chair for the AOA.

Dr. Dolansky earned his osteopathic medical degree from the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship at the former Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center and his residency training at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Congratulations Dr. Dolansky! We are #POMAProud!


Dr. Frank Tursi Re-Elected to AOA Board of Trustees

Frank Tursi DO

POMA past president Frank M. Tursi, DO, was elected to a second three-year term as a member of the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) board of trustees during the AOA’s Annual House of Delegates meeting, which was held July 16-22, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois.

Board certified in family medicine with a certificate of added qualifications in geriatrics, and is certified by the American Medical Directors Association.  A Federal Aviation Administration medical examiner, Dr. Tursi is a professor of family medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and geriatrics at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. An active staff member and resident trainer at Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie, he is also a staff member at Presque Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Golden Living — Walnut Creek. 

A graduate of Widener College and a 1981 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Tursi completed postgraduate training at Millcreek Community Hospital. 

Past president of POMA, he serves as chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and is a member of the AOA Board of Trustees.  He is also a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society and the Association of Osteopathic Directors of Medical Education.

Congratulations Dr. Tursi! #POMAProud


Mental Health Task Force Grant Program Updates

The 2017-2018 Mental Health Task Force Grant recipient evaluations continue to roll in. Participants are sharing what they learned from the experience and how it impacted the participant individually and the residency collectively. This week's update is from the Suburban Community Hospital. 

Suburban Community Hospital Resident Wellness Garden 

wellness garden 

Public health studies have shown that community gardens have improved outcomes in patients and families. Using evidence-grounded design theory, gardens serve to increase individuals’ engagement in nature which can lead to stress reduction. Although this phenomenon has been documented, its effect on medical residents and medical professionals in general has been understudied. Suburban Community Hospital Intern class decided to study it first-hand.

Over a weekend this past May, residents and attending physicians were invited to help in building the wellness garden. An area behind the hospital was designated as the area suitable for the garden. Funds from the grant were used to purchase soil, plants, and other materials to build the garden. 

Read more>>


Did Your Membership Expire?

Active – marked by present movement or use. 
Grace – an act of kindness, courtesy or clemency.

Do you know which you are?

Active members can access their CME records on-line at their convenience. Active members can print out the CME certificate to the Annual Clinical Assembly with a simple button click. Active members can upload programs they’ve attended accredited by other organizations very soon and have a complete picture of their professional development over the two-year cycle. But if you are ”Graced” it means your access ends on September 30.

We’ve made it easy for you to renew online through the POMA website. Log into www.poma.org, update your profile, and renew. It’s as simple as that! It’s easier than ever to remain a part of our osteopathic community.

Questions? Contact [email protected].


 

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 In This Issue...

  1. President's Perspective
  2. Executive Opinion
  3. 1 Week Until #POFPS43
  4. POFPS 3rd Annual Student/Resident Program
  5. APOMA Meeting in Hershey
  6. AOA HOD 2018 Meeting Wrap
  7. Robert Dolansky, Jr. DO Elected First Vice President
  8. Frank Tursi, DO Re-elected to AOA Board of Trustees
  9. MHTF Grant Updates
  10. Did Your Membership Expire?
  11. Survey Reminder
  12. Upcoming PGYP Meetings
  13. CO*RE REMS Event
  14. Applications for Membership
  15. Classified Ads
  16. POMA on YouTube
  17. Physician Licensure Renewal Reminder
  18. POMPAC

Survey Reminder!

survey

The deadline for completion of the outcomes survey for the 110th Annual Clinical Assembly is August 3, 2018. This survey will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. Physicians who complete the survey in its entirety can earn up to 3 Category 1-A AOA CME credits. You can complete the online survey here.


Save the Date for Upcoming PGYP Meetings

Central Region
Tues. 9/18/18 at 6:00PM 
Location TBD

East Region
Wed. 9/12/18 at 6:30PM
Location TBD 

West Region
Thurs. 9/27/18 at 6:00PM
Location TBD


CO*RE REMS Event

Sat., 9/22/18 at 10:00AM
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
4170 City Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19131

POMA District 10 is hosting a 2-hour CO*RE REMS event this September. The event is FREE and is open to any medical professional. You do not need to be a POMA member to participate and get your credits.


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.

Corey R. Troxell, DO
19 Apple Hill Drive
Lititz, PA 17543 - A

Maggie R. Biebel, DO
450 Erie Street
Edinboro, PA 16412 - A

Michelle E. Horn, DO
Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists
800 West State Street
Suite 201
Doylestown, PA 18901 - A

Joelle R Lauchner, DO
957 Ben Franklin Highway
Douglassville, PA 19518 - A

Laura Rohrbaugh, DO
1055 Andrew Drive
West Chester, PA 19380 - A

Peter A. Kouvatsos, DO
1777 5th Avenue
York, PA 17403 - A

David Young, DO
2608 Keiser Boulevard
Wyomissing, PA 19610 - A

Diep H. Dinh-Nguyen, DO
3100 Emrick Boulevard
Bethlehem, PA 18020 - A

Amber H. Iqbal, DO
164 Robert Drive
Allentown, PA 18104 - A

Sean F. Weldon, DO
Pittsburgh Mercy
315 S. 9th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203 - A

Chelsea E. Marks, DO
75 Heritage Drive
Gettysbug, PA 17325 - A

A = Active   O = Out-of-State Member


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: Media and Lancaster. 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

Seeking family physician or internist, board certified MD or DO, for independent multi-specialty Johnstown, PA group established in 1984. Currently comprised of twelve physicians and physician assistants practicing family practice, podiatry, gynecology, medical psychology and non-narcotic pain management. Imaging, clinical trials, lab and numerous other on-site ancillary services available. Offering a four ten-hour day work week with no hospital work. Submit CV to [email protected] or call 814-288-1418 extension 7.

Looking for a part time Physician in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine in Philadelphia. Please contact me @ 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!

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POMA on YouTube!

POMA now has a YouTube channel! We will be posting informational videos as well as other videos important to the osteopathic community. Please make sure you click on the link below and subscribe to our channel so that you can be notified each time we post a new video. 

Subscribe here>>


Physician Licensure Renewal Reminder

Osteopathic physicians are reminded that the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine requires 100 CME credits for the 2016-2018 licensure cycle, which ends October 31, 2018. 

As part of the 100 credits, physicians must earn at least 20 Category 1A AOA CME credits, at least 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting (Category1 or Category 2), at least 2 hours of opioid education (Category1 or Category 2), and at least 12 patient safety credits (Category 1 or Category 2). The credits for child abuse recognition/reporting and opioid education are counted into the sum of 100 credits and/or sum of 20 Category 1A credits but do not overlap into patient safety.

Additionally, the child abuse recognition/reporting course must be documented and reported to the Pa. Department of State by an approved course provider. Topics that qualify for opioid education include pain management, identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. The credits for opioid education and patient safety credits must also be documented by an AOA, ACCME, AMA or AAFP accredited sponsor (institution, health system, professional association, etc.)

Please note: If you are a POMA member, we can affirm how many credits you have earned for all POMA-sponsored programs. However, if you have not completed your CME reporting forms and returned them to the Central Office, you will not receive credit. Any credits earned outside of the POMA must be sent to the Central Office in order for us to record them. POMA's new and improved CME module is now available!  Active members can access the system by clicking here.


POMPAC Logo

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