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by: Joseph M.P. Zawisza, DO
(Not) Time for a Vacation
I’m sure we all feel that it is hard to believe it’s June already. Even with 2021 being the year it has been (and in my opinion, only a mild improvement of its predecessor), we’re about half way through. School years have come to a close, Memorial Day has come and gone, and the Fourth of July is just two weeks away. Before we know it, we’ll be putting kids back on the bus, starting the holiday season, and getting the winter clothes back out.
But before I waste away the summer in my head, and especially for all you sun worshippers, let’s enjoy summertime. Go on a vacation! After the last nearly 18 months since COVID-19 entered our lexicon and changed medicine (not to mention everything else it’s changed), we’ve worked differently (and most likely harder) than we ever have before. For some, you may not have traveled or taken time off since March of 2020. Unquestionably, healthcare professionals have earned a vacation. Enjoy it!
While you’re enjoying time away from the office, hospital, or whatever your workplace setting is, know that your POMA leadership and staff continues to work hard for you – our osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania (and even some beyond our borders!) and the patients we serve. Yes, individually we’re taking some time off, but the organization is not resting. Already many of the committees that work for the betterment of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania have had an initial meeting, and some have even met two or three times. I have met numerous times with the leadership of the organization to identify issues that we continue to face that affect us as osteopathic physicians, along with new ones that seem to crop up every day.
Since I last wrote, several members have met with various legislators in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, and even the Physician General. POMA’s positions on issues related to healthcare and physician wellness are well-known to them. We have joined the AOA to support legislation to help physicians avoid burdensome tax penalties from relief fund distributions in 2020, raising awareness of physician suicide and legislating meaningful change to help lower these dreadful statistics, and opposing the misleading name change of Physician Assistant to Physician Associate while supporting truth-in-advertising of the qualifications of each member of the healthcare team. The POMA Foundation has partnered with a grant-writing consultant which will allow us to maintain sound financial practices along with supporting members of our communities with programs and medical advances that promote good health. And these are just a few of the achievements of YOUR professional organization in the last month. (BTW, membership in POMA expires on June 30, so if you haven’t yet renewed your membership, please click here to continue these and many more benefits on July 1.)
So, go ahead and enjoy a nice summer vacation. We’ve earned this! Even as you read this, I’m hiking in Acadia National Park in Maine, surrounded by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. And I have no worries that POMA is still On the Move for all of us!
by: Diana Ewert
"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking..."
- Earl Wilson, a very wise person
I love my job, our #TeamPOMA and our physicians, but it has been one loooooooooooooooong hellish year. We’ve experienced loss in our families and haven’t been able to properly grieve and be comforted by those we love. We’ve seen the worst in people at a time when we need the best. Some of us have experienced an isolation that we would never choose for ourselves.
I write this article from my home town of Kansas City, Missouri/ah… I have enjoyed some exceptional BBQ; watched the grands play in two softball and two baseball games; spent a Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium for a Royals game with the whole family; and most important of all, wrap my arms around my girls, their spouses and my grands. Throw a few sister family gatherings in for good measure and it’s been a great time. It’s been a wonderful time. Actually, it’s been needed time. Stepping back and unplugging is more important for our personal health than ever before. That goes for everyone… you, our team and me. Make sure you unplug in the coming weeks of summer. Take that time for yourself and family. Your patients need you. The Commonwealth needs you. POMA needs you ready to catch the train and keep us on the move!
I may be out of the office, but I’ve been following the shenanigans of our legislature knowing that Andy has things well in hand. I know that Brenda, Sara, Jason and Margaret are doing spectacular jobs for the Community, Communications and Education Pillars. I know that the doors are open, payments are processed, and bills are being paid because Deb, Tammy and Susan continue to do exemplary work as always. I’m not sweating about what is going on because of these folks – #TeamPOMA – we take care of each other. I’m grateful for all that THEY do including the occasional light thump for responding to email when I’m out of the office.
I’m feeling refreshed, recharged, and reenergized with a bit more color thanks to time spent taking care of myself at the ballgames, at the pool, and at play. And yes, I am using a high SPF sunscreen because a crispy critter does not make for a happy camper.
What are you doing for your Summer Vacay? Send me your vacation pictures (like the one used for this column) and don’t be surprised if it pops up on our social media.
by: Andy Sandusky
POMA is in the Fight!
The POMA government affairs team has been working hard and is on high alert in the remaining days of the legislative session. The budget is likely to take center stage next week and with it, a drive towards the summer break of legislative session. Many bills have been moved via the legislative process, including many healthcare bills, some important to POMA and others that will not survive the political process and will die of their own weight…that and a promise of Gubernatorial vetoes. POMA has been involved with many of these bills and will continue until the session breaks.
One of those bills is Senate Bill 25, the CRNPs legislation for independent practice, i.e., giving CRNPs the legal right to make medical diagnoses, treat and prescribe to patients without any oversight of a physician. The CRNPs made a deal in the House a few months ago for a 6-year pilot program to serve in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) that would measure patient quality data and report back to the General Assembly. However, the CRNPs decided they did not want to keep their word and instead, lobbied the Senate to move complete independent practice legislation, SB 25. The bill was voted from committee in the Senate this week, with Senator John Gordner (R-Columbia) and Senator Mike Regan (R-Cumberland) voting NO. The next moves for the bill are not known at this time. POMA will continue its opposition and reinforce that any bills on this topic should include the 6-year pilot program.
On the positive side of the ledger, POMA supports Senate Bill 225 introduced by Senator Kristin Phillips Hill (R-York) and is expected to be voted on in the Senate committee next week. SB 225 would streamline and make the preauthorization and step therapy insurance cost control processes more transparent for patients and physicians. These reforms are overdue and needed so that patients and physicians know what is covered and what insurance benefit design the patient has, so that they can work within those parameters to develop a treatment plan that will be most beneficial.
POMA will be on the Hill for Osteopathic physicians and their patients until the last gavel sounds.
Congratulations 2021 Graduates!
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) recently conferred Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees to the class of 2021 during recent commencement ceremonies in Pennsylvania and beyond.
On May 24, 2021, PCOM held its 130th commencement ceremony at the Mann Center in Philadelphia, graduating 270 DOs. On May 27, PCOM Georgia celebrated its 13th class of 130 DOs at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia.
On May 30, 2021, LECOM held its 25th commencement ceremony at Erie Insurance Arena, and LECOM Bradenton (Fla.) graduated its 14th class on June 6 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The Class of 2021 includes 550 doctors of osteopathic medicine across the campuses in Erie, Bradenton and Seton Hill.
POMA’s Outstanding Student of the Year Awards were presented during commencement week. Congratulations to Timothy J. Kolosionek, DO, LECOM Erie; Michael R. Dougherty, DO, LECOM Seton Hill and Brooke Saffren, DO, PCOM.
POMA congratulates all the new DOs and welcome you them into our osteopathic family!
Ready to Return to
In-person Events?
As you are aware, a majority of the gathering restrictions for indoor and outdoor events in Pennsylvania have been lifted. For POMA, this means possibly resuming in-person district events. How comfortable are you returning to in-person indoor or outdoor events? What kind of events are you interested in attending - social events, CME events, community and volunteer events? What ideas do you have?
POMA's District Leadership wants to know your opinion so they can develop events for the coming months.
Click here to complete the short survey by July 15th.
Remember, completed surveys earn your district points in the district competition!
District Competition
Who likes a little friendly competition?
From April 1, 2021 – March 30, 2022 POMA is hosting a District competition. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey and event participation; members 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 POMA sponsored dinner before POMA HOD 2022, a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and priority seating at the POMA House of Delegates and bragging rights. The leaderboard will be published in POMA's monthly newsletter.
Contact your District Leadership to share ideas and to learn more.
Current Standings as of June 17
- 1st Place: District 12
- 2nd Place: District 4
- 3rd Place: District 14
Scam Alert - Health-Related Licensing Boards
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) received reports that persons pretending to be from one of the health-related boards are contacting licensees by phone and mail about the status of their licenses. The scammers are spoofing their caller ID on their phones and have forged Department of State letterhead.
As a reminder to all licensees and applicants:
- BPOA will NOT contact you by phone to request credit card payment, wire transfer or a money order.
- BPOA will NEVER request payment of fines, fees or penalties to be paid using gift cards.
- BPOA will NEVER request payment be wired or otherwise transferred to a foreign country.
- Do NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone, text message or fax, including your zip code.
- BPOA will NOT threaten you. DOS initiates disciplinary action through an administrative process and you will receive notice by certified mail and/or personal service.
- BPOA WILL provide you with a contact name and phone number if you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action.
- CONTACT local police or the PA State Police if you believe you have been the victim of a scam.
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View the
newsletter online!
POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding COVID-19. Visit www.poma.org/covid-19 for all of our updates, as well as resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time.
Table of Contents...
- President's Perspective
- Executive Opinion
- Policy Points
- POMA-ISMIE Affinity Program
- Congratulations 2021 Graduates
- Ready to Return to In-person Events?
- District Competition
- SoFi
- Scam Alert – Health-Related Licensing Boards
- COVID-19 New Update
- Membership Dues Renewal
- Upcoming District Events
- Upcoming PGYP Events
- Welcome New Members
- Podcast
- JPOMA Survey
- Classified Ads
- Under the DOme
- POMPAC
- Follow POMA on Social Media
Membership Dues Renewal
POMA's current membership year ends June 30 - renew today to remain an active member of your osteopathic community!
Click here to renew today! Your username is
Thank you for your continued commitment and keeping POMA On the Move!
Upcoming District Events
District 4
Special Election &
Business Meeting
Thursday, June 24
7:30 pm
Virtual
Special Election/Business Meeting & Product Theater Event
Friday, June 25
5:30 pm
Blue Bell Inn
Blue Bell, PA
Upcoming PGYP Events
Tuesday, September 21
6:00 pm
Thursday, September 23
Time: TBD
Thursday, September 16th
7:00 pm
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.
Sara A. Abbruzzi, DO
975 Mayberry Road
Gulph Mills, PA 19428
Active Member – District 10
Erin L. Bastidas, DO
146 South Reading Avenue
Boyertown, PA 19512
Active Member – District 11
Erin M. Bowser, DO
3778 Dayton Road
New Bethlehem, PA 16242-7826
Active Member – District 12
Jennifer T. Bradford, DO
Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland
555 West Newton Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Active Member – District 8
Zachri W.M. Buzzinotti, DO
96 Memory Lane
Indiana, PA 15701
Active Member – District 8
Molly M. Herring, DO
106 Longmeadow Lane
State College, PA 16803-2957
Active Member – District 8
James A. Holencik, DO
232 Oak Grove Lane
Brookville, PA 15825-5594
Active Member – District 12
Seaoh McConville, DO
HVHS Beaver Family Medicine Clinic
1125 7th Avenue
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Active Member – District 8
Quynh H. Nguyen, DO
Tri County Pediatrics
205 Newtown Road, Suite 210
Warminster, PA 18974-5207
Active Member – District 14
Interested in helping POMA develop its own podcast? Send an email to [email protected] with the Subject: Podcast and let us know why you are interested!
The Publications Committee wants to hear from you!
Click here to complete the JPOMA Readership Survey - we want to make sure your opinions and suggestions are considered as the Journal evolves to better serve you. Thanks for participating!
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
___________________
LEGAL AND COMPENSATION ANALYSIS OF PHYSICIAN AGREEMENTS.
Physician Agreements Health Law is a law firm that focuses exclusively on physician contracts, with a particular emphasis on physician employment agreements. Have your agreement reviewed by Dennis Hursh, author of the definitive book on physician employment agreements. https://pahealthlaw.com/
___________________
PRN Medical Space – ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. Call 215-669-4001.
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!
  
 
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