by: John Kalata, DO

Chicago in July

Our CEO, Diana Ewert, completed her term as President of the Association of Osteopathic State Executive Directors (AOSED) and delivered presentations to various constituencies, including the AOA Board of Trustees. Her commitment and love for our profession continue to make Pennsylvania proud!

Every July, a myriad of resolutions get debated, chewed up, reworked, and ratified. Many of them are common sense statements that are reaffirmed or reworded. Several resolutions each year, though, have particular importance for the future of our profession. We passed resolutions that directed the AOA to actively study and report back to the house about the impact and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) on the practice of osteopathic medicine. With Pennsylvania's leadership, the House considered and rejected (and referred back to the authors) a resolution that would have given the AOA Board the authority to suspend an affiliate's charter without due process. In another resolution, after much debate, the House directed the AOA to work at every level to eliminate discrimination experienced by our osteopathic students as they pursue surgical and other competitive residencies. It was gratifying to see that the profession is fighting some of the unintended consequences of the Single Accreditation System.

I would like to recognize two outstanding colleagues who received special recognition at this year's House. Dr. Kieren Knapp, leader, educator, and tireless champion for the profession was awarded an AOA Presidential Citation. And Dr. Ken Veit, professor and Provost of PCOM, delivered an engaging and forward-thinking lecture as the A.T. Still Memorial Award winner this year. With pride and gratitude, we extend our congratulations to Drs. Knapp and Veit!!

It was great to interact with our fellow osteopathic physicians from across the country in Chicago. The most fun, though, was spending time with my friends from Pennsylvania. Their engagement in our profession, their concern for their patients, and their love for POMA (and each other) make all the work worthwhile.

I hope each of you is enjoying the summer! See you next month......

by: Diana Ewert

I presented a report to the AOA Board of Trustees at the AOA Annual Business Meeting this past weekend in Chicago. I was writing on behalf of the Association of State Osteopathic Executive Directors where I served as President the past two years. You may sometimes believe that we are alone in this world of state osteopathic associations, but we are not. My colleagues and I recognize you, the work you do, and the osteopathic care you provide your patients. I look forward to your feedback.

This will be my last presentation to the AOA Board of Trustees as President of AOSED. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as the AOSED president for the past two years. Rather than look back, let’s look ahead. AOSED is forward-focused, and I want you to understand that we are a critical partner in AOA’s future.

I am a fan of Ted Lasso. For many reasons. I love the many references about the greater Kansas City metro area, the fact that Ted bakes biscuits for his lady boss; the fact that Ted lets you know how he feels with simple language, calling it like it is. But most of all, Ted Lasso shows us the strength of the word Believe.

AOSED members believe. We believe in the osteopathic profession, and we believe in you - our members. This is what drives AOSED. This is why we get up and go into the office - at home, in a building, or like this week, in a hotel room. We believe.

We believe the osteopathic profession deserves respect and recognition. That is why you find us in the halls of the state legislature, in the rooms of representatives and senators and at hearings. Our goal is to ensure you can get and retain your license, and that non-physician clinicians do not get to practice medicine because they are neither as good as nor just like you. You are unique and distinct. Respect and recognition.

We believe in lifelong learning. Our ability to provide you with relevant, current, high-quality, evidence-based continuing medical education is engrained in everything we do. From topic consideration to CME certificate completion, we want to exceed your expectations. We want you to walk away from a program with a few more tools that will help you provide quality healthcare and benefit your patients. Lifelong learning. 

We believe in member-driven. My colleagues and I can and do many things for our associations. We can budget, staff the many committees we all have, we can write about the profession and talk about osteopathic tenets. But we are not physicians, we are not you. The importance of having volunteers representing the osteopathic career path is critical to both of us remaining relevant. You drive the development of the programs, products and services that keep you engaged. Member-driven.

We believe in the future of the osteopathic profession. The past two years have been tough, really tough. We struggled. The future became that day as we moved live to remote, shifted to virtual meetings, and created our own leadership and team Zombies through Zoom multiple times a week, and often multiple times each day. Fortunately, the AOSED learning management system was in place to support states to transition to online learning communities. Income continued during the uncertainty of the pandemic through the CME Center. We must carry this mindset into the future. We need to plan to adjust our lifelong learning programs to the way osteopathic medical students have learned and how residents are being taught. We are talking about podcasts, compressed learning, gamification, and the impacts of artificial intelligence.

The future of this profession is in your hands. And I must say, your selection of Kathleen Creason as your chief executive officer is a bold investment in the future. I mentioned the career path of a physician – student, resident, practice with some educational and research options thrown in along the way. Ms. Creason demonstrates the career path of an association professional, from state service to national service. But more importantly, she understands and believes in the osteopathic profession and the work you do. Believe in the Future. 

I have learned in the past two years that people come and go. Sometimes with regularity, sometimes with surprise. It is natural but uncomfortable. I want to assure you that AOSED leadership and membership remain strong.

AOSED respects and recognizes the challenges we face as individual associations and as the osteopathic profession.

AOSED will continue to offer lifelong learning to our members as a standalone organization and in partnership with the AOA to ensure that affiliated associations have strong, dedicated teams to serve you, our members.

AOSED can partner with the AOA on osteopathic board certification and federal legislation. AOSED provides that boots-on-the-ground experience… that life in the trenches perspective to support member-driven decision-making that is so needed today.

AOSED faces the future with the certainty of a strong osteopathic profession. AOSED are strong state associations that add to AOA’s leadership bench strength; protect the osteopathic profession in the state at the executive, legislative and regulatory arenas; and can provide expertise to support member-driven decision-making across the board.

Respect and recognition.
Lifelong learning.
Member-driven.
A strong profession with a stronger future.
Believe… just believe.

And thank you for all that you DO.

by: Andy Sandusky

PA House Majority in Limbo Again...But likely, Not for Long

It is well documented that the majority in the state House of Representatives is one vote, (102-101) with Democrats holding a one-vote majority.  On Wednesday, July 19^th the quiet resignation of State Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Allegheny) from the 21^st District occurred. The now-former Representative Innamorato resigned to campaign full-time as the Democratic nominee for Allegheny County Executive. 

Soon thereafter, House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) announced a September 19 date for the Special Election to fill the 21^st district seat.  Not so coincidentally, the House is expected back in legislative session the week after the special election, September 26. The 21^st district is heavily Democratic and will be hard for a Republican to win.  Therefore, it is very likely the House will gavel in on September 26 at (101-101) seats, but soon thereafter, hold the ceremony to swear in the new state representative and with it, handing the 1 vote majority back to the Democrats.  This also makes it almost a non-issue that the House will come back into session before September 24 to finish the budget.  As we witnessed earlier in the year, the tie vote of 101-101 ground the House of Representatives to a halt so that no legislative business got done. The pressure would be much higher to try and negotiate a final budget.

At any point over the two-year legislative session that ends in 2024, scenarios, where house members resign, could bring the majority back into play. POMA must continue to calibrate its advocacy effort using political analysis to determine likely outcomes of special elections in order to anticipate any disruption in the legislative process.

Dear Fellow POMA Members,

I hope everyone across our great state is having a great and joyful summer.  I hope everyone is able to spend plenty of time with friends and family.  While you enjoy the great summer weather, I have something to ask of YOU.  I want to ask every POMA member out there to engage with a non-POMA member or prospect member.  As chair of the membership committee, I have challenged all of the officers and district leaders to do this in the past, I now bring this challenge to all members. 

Please engage with a non-member and find out why they do not belong to our organization.  Many of the providers I engage are unsure how POMA helps all of us.  There may be misconceptions around what POMA is and what we do.  It may be that they do not realize everything that POMA does and all of the benefits for all osteopathic physicians.  They may not appreciate the amount of advocacy that occurs in Harrisburg and around the state.  They may not realize that they can get all of their state-required credits through POMA, including opioid and all AOA-required credits.  They may not know about the scholarships and didactics provided for interns and residents of all specialties.  Or they may have forgotten that POMA provides stethoscopes and white coats for all Pennsylvania osteopathic medical students.  They also may not realize the amount of camaraderie and support that being a POMA member provides. 

Whatever the reason, I would like to know.

Even if only 1% of members are successful with the engagement of prospective members, I would consider this a successful endeavor.  If you want to share your experience of engagement or any feedback, please feel free to let me know.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Benjamin Park DO, DABA, FASA

District Dish

District 1

Inspired by Rocky Balboa, District 1 knocked it out on Thursday night with a great event at Zorba's Tavern in downtown Philadelphia. Fortified with some great food;  physicians, residents and students mingled and socialized. 

Steven Blake, DO, District 1 Chair, updated the membership on local osteopathic happenings and future plans for the district. POMA President, John Kalata, DO, attended in-person and shared insight on all the work POMA is doing for the membership.  David Kuo, DO, District 1 member concluded with a great presentation on his trip to China in 2018 to educate physicians on family medicine. The conversations lasted long into the evening.

District leadership is already planning their next event, and they look forward to seeing you there.

District 4 Celebration

Rain couldn't halt this celebration. POMA District 4 gathered at the Wilkes Barre Railriders baseball game on Friday, June 23 to celebrate District 4 being 2022-2023 POMA District Champion!!! Over 40 members and their families were on hand for the celebration. Rain and the Railriders losing 5-3 didn't damper any spirits.

District 4 Business Meeting

POMA District 4 members gathered at Isabella's in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, July 11th. The members discussed local happenings, the upcoming AOA House of Delegates, and legislative developments. The award-winning district enjoyed a nice meal and heard a lecture on ways to treat treatment-resistant depression. 

The award-winning District 4 is already planning its next events, including the annual Penn State tailgate party. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to get more involved, contact Darlene Dunay, District 4 Chair, at [email protected].

District 7

POMA members filled UPMC Park in Erie on Saturday night, July 1st, to watch the Erie Seawolves devour the Akron Rubber Ducks 6-3.  The active physicians, retired physicians, residents and students enjoyed great seats, food and friendship with their DO colleagues and families.  The members left with happy faces and feeling a stronger connection to their osteopathic community. 

The next great District 7 event is in the works and more details will be shared soon.

District 11

POMA District 11 members gathered at the oldest active brewery in America for social time, history and some samples. The Yuengling brewery tour lasted about 40 minutes and was very informative about the history of the area, the brewery, and the catholic church next door. The members walked history through the man-carved caves in the mountain that were used for fermentation and storage, and the natural mountain springs that live in the mountain. Your POMA colleagues thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

District leadership is currently working on their next great experience. More details will be available soon. See you next time. We hope you will join us for another great experience.

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. Community Collaborative
5. District Dish
6. Upcoming District Events
7. Membership Dues Renewal
8. Welcome New Members
9. Classified Ads
10. District Competition
11. Under the DOme
12. POMPAC
13. Follow POMA on Social Media
14. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
15. APOMA News

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.

Tanya C. Allawh, DO
100 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 137
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Active Member – District 10 

Yisrael M. Bauer, DO
403 Pembroke Road
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Active Member – District 10

Brian C. Cronin, DO
2101 Embassy Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
Active Member – District 5 

Stacey M. Curran, DO
212 Great Belt Road
Butler, PA 16002-9046
Active Member – District 9

Evan R. Gooberman, DO
Delaware Valley Community Health
401 West Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Active Member – District 1

Laura C. Reese, DO
700 St. Christopher Drive
MOB 3, Suite 200
Ashland, KY 41101
Out-of-State Member

Anum K. Siddiqui, DO
10800 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Active Member – District 1

Anne M. Vassallo, DO
4050 North George Street Extended
Manchester, PA 17345
Active Member – District 5

Abigail E. Walters, DO
805 South Cedar Street
Lititz, PA 17543
Active Member – District 5 

Brianne L. Wehner, DO
Duquesne College of Osteopathic Medicine
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Active Member – District 8

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Family Medicine/Internal Medicine Berks County Practice seeking Full-Time Provider for independently managed medical practice that is part of a Multi-County Specialty Group and a profitable Multi-State ACO, PCMH certified. Email [email protected].

Large Solo Family Practice for sale in PRIME location of Montgomery County. 

• Existing Practice for 50+ years
• Large patient base
• Opportunity for Employment or Practice Purchase
• Option of purchase of existing building (office +2 rental condos)

Turnkey practice, built for success. Please email [email protected] or call 215-815-8122.

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.

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 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 July 24:

1^st Place – Districts 4 & 12
3^rd Place - District 11
4^th Place – District 7
5^th Place – District 1

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.

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!

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