by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO

"GRADUATE"

grad·u·a·tion [ˌɡrajəˈwāSH(ə)n] NOUN: the receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma; the ceremony at which degrees are conferred.

Last month, I had the absolute honor and pleasure to spend time with our newest osteopathic physicians. On what was undoubtedly the biggest day of their medical career thus far, I witnessed the 254 members of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine process into the Mann Center and walk across the amphitheater stage to receive their diploma and be hooded by their beloved dean or a proud family member. The atmosphere was that of excitement. The commencement address was uplifting and inspiring. The sun couldn’t have been brighter, and there was no chance that the thousands of attendees would “hold their applause until the end.” The most impacting moment for me was when these young men and women recited their personal vision statements they wrote when they started their course of study four years prior. Their commitment to their PCOM community, their peers and themselves is profound. There is much to be learned from the wisdom of these physicians.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the 256 members of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Erie Campus and 101 members of the Seton Hill campus joined together in the Erie Insurance Arena on an absolutely beautiful, bright, blue-skied day to receive their diplomas and charge from (president) John Ferretti, DO, to serve their patients and their profession well. The LECOM Orchestra provided exceptional music as the LECOM Board of Trustees and faculty processed and recessed. Following the ceremony, the newest osteopathic physicians celebrated with their families outside the arena. The smiles, hugs and tears of pride and happiness were more radiant than the beams the sun cast.

As I witness the conferring of degrees, with the accompanying pomp and circumstance (an ostentatious display of ceremonial grandeur — description accredited to William Shakespeare in Othello), I must reflect to my own medical school graduation 30 years ago this month. My family was in the top balcony of Ohio University’s huge, round Convocation Center — watching me with binoculars. My OMT instructor, David Patriquin, DO, hooded me. After two intense years in the classroom and two even more intense years of clinical training (where I learned more than I ever thought I was capable of learning), I realized this would be the last time the members of the OUCOM Class of 1992 would be together. I don’t recall many of the details of that day. I couldn’t tell you the name of the person who gave our commencement address. I can tell you, however, the last line of his speech: “Never forget the profession that has allowed you to become a physician.” As I listened to the young physicians repeat the Osteopathic Oath, I did notice the words used at the schools are a bit different from the oath I took. The sentiment is the same. Be the best physician you can be, advocate for your patients, don’t intentionally hurt people, be loyal to your profession, and practice lifeline learning.

Turning back to the lexicon, there is another definition for graduation. As an intransitive verb, “graduation” means to change gradually, to prepare gradually; to arrange, temper, or modify by degrees. How appropriate that during this season we celebrate the accomplishment of attaining the distinction of “Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine" do we recall our own graduations, how we measure our contributions, and how we continue to change gradually with our commitment to lifelong learning.

Speaking of lifelong learning, POMA is committed to providing its members with ongoing educational resources to facilitate that continual growth. By producing over 100 credit-hours annually, including AOA category 1A credits, ACCME accredited programs, patient safety, child abuse education and opioid education, you need to look no further to fulfill your Pennsylvania licensure requirements. Early registration is open for the 2023 District 8 Annual Winter Seminar at the family-friendly Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and the POMA Annual Clinical Assembly at Kalahari Resort in Mount Pocono.

by: Diana Ewert

"The only thing you can do in this life is pursue your passions, celebrate your bloopers and never stop following your fear." - Grace Helbing

One of the best “aha” moments I’ve experienced in working with osteopathic physicians – longer than you graduates are old – is the passion you have for the profession and your patients. I am blessed to support individuals whose passion is all encompassing and never ending. Even with the worst that has been thrown at you the past two years, your passion never diminished. Your “actions, word and deeds” were focused on patient care. Not only this, but on the care you have for each other. I often write about our osteopathic family. I often talk about our osteopathic hug. I often see the care and compassion you extend to each other. We’ve had some dark times within our association lately. Members have lost spouses, parents and grandchildren, survived crashes, experienced life threating illness. Through this, our osteopathic family has, is, and always will be there for you. It really isn’t some platitude that we say and not mean. We say it and mean it.

A second “aha” moment is your ability to find the humor. I’ve gut laughed and laughed until I cried at more meetings than I can count or remember. You put people at ease with your humor. And what I’ve noticed is the humor is self-directed. It is always in a sense of “would you believe I…” or “well that was unexpected…” It is never at one, about one or malicious. It is a reaction to the spirit of life and the situations you sometimes find yourself in and then turns into a who can top who. In person or online, doesn’t matter.

And the latest "aha" moment I've had is that you follow your fear every day. You know that once you overcome the fear, your life and the lives of your patients will change for the better. Not many can do this. Not many willingly try. Yet you do, every day, and come out the other side a stronger physician and a stronger person.

May all of our student doctors now osteopathic physicians always pursue your passion, celebrate your bloopers, and never stop following your fears!

by: Andy Sandusky

Government Affairs Update

June is one of the most volatile times in a legislative session with a deadline looming for the state budget to be enacted. This is the time all interests are trying to get their bills moving to beat the clock. POMA is no different. POMA is working with a coalition of patients, physicians and hospitals supporting reforms to the insurance practices of prior authorization and step therapy and has been since 2018 attempting to obtain a compromise with insurers. It has been an arduous pathway, but we are very close to achieving that goal and we have been informed the Senate is going to move the bill in the upcoming week. You will be receiving an action alert in your email leading up to Monday. Please take the time to communicate with your Senator to express your support for Senate Bill 225!

Additionally, POMA is working to support legislation House Bill 2660 that would ensure the state constitution will require all medical liability actions be brought in the county where the alleged action took place. This is the current set of Rules established by the PA Supreme Court. However, the Court is being pressured by the plaintiffs’ bar to eliminate it. As we have witnessed, this sole jurisdiction of the PA Supreme Court and can be changed at any time with limited public involvement. A constitutional amendment will change this paradigm and make it a constitutional obligation. POMA is preparing to send an action alert to all POMA members who reside in the legislative districts of House Judiciary Committee members, as soon as we know the bill is scheduled for a vote. Please stay tuned and respond if you receive an action alert!

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.

Facts on Vax is a partnership of osteopathic organizations committed to lowering the rates of COVID-19 through prevention, of which POMA is a member.  We are collaborating in partnership to prepare osteopathic physicians to discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention, including vaccinations with patients.  Learn more today!

District Competition
Year 2 has Begun!

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 June 17
1^st Place - District 14
2^nd Place - District 12
3^rd Place - District 11

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.

District Dish

District 4

District 4 members gathered in Pittston last night, Thursday, June 16 to discuss diabetes treatments. The members received an update from district leadership and POMA staff regarding important legislative happenings, and donating to the APOMA silent auction in August. The group also discussed social events for the fall and winter including the District 4 annual hockey night.  

District 4's next meeting will be in August 2022. Watch your email for more details.

On Sunday, June 5th, members from Districts 1 and 10 gathered socially at Citizens Bank Park to watch the Philadelphia Phillies battle the L.A. Angels of Anaheim. Despite being down 5 runs, the Phillies battled back in the late innings to win 9-7. It was a beautiful day for baseball, family, and osteopathic comradery.

District 6

It was a perfect day for baseball, family, and osteopathic comradery. Members enjoyed wonderful seats and complimentary food and drink. More District 6 social events are in development so stay tuned. 

District 10

On Friday, June 3rd, District 10 members gathered at the Blue Bell Inn to discuss long-term pulmonary complications of COVID-19 infections, which was followed by a business meeting with a conversation regarding  POMA happenings and the upcoming AOA House of Delegates.

District 10's next event will be an evening of CME on Wednesday, June 29th at Mirna's Cafe in Blue Bell.  Join us!

District 14

District 14 members gathered at La Stalla Restaurant in Newtown, PA on June 15th for a CME event entitled “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo,” presented by Seth Kaufmann, PT, DPT. 

POMA Past President Pamela Goldman, DO, provided an overview of current osteopathic happenings, shared details about upcoming POMA events, and presented Richard Purse, DO, District Chair & Trustee with his official presidential citation award from Immediate Past President Dr. Joseph Zawisza.

The group enjoyed the comradery and delicious food. Future events are in the works - watch your email for more details.

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. Facts on Vax
5. District Competition
6. District Dish
7. LECOM Summer CME Conference
8. Membership Dues Renewal
9. COVID-19 News Update
10. Upcoming District Events
11. Welcome New Members
12. Classified Ads
13. Under the DOme
14. POMPAC
15. Follow POMA on Social Media
16. Be a Mentor
17. POMA DOes... Podcast

Upcoming District Events

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