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by: George D. Vermeire, DO
It’s been one wild ride as POMA’s president this past year and as an organization, we have accomplished so much more than I thought possible. We brought in a new CEO and bid farewell to our interim. Diana Ewert is bringing in fresh ideas, changing the way we do business and incorporating new technologies to better support our members. #TeamPOMA is reinvigorated, excited and rising up to the challenge before them to modernize our association. POMA has applied for ACCME recognition to compliment our standing as an AOA accredited CME sponsor. This will allow us to meet the needs of all of Pennsylvania’s osteopathic physicians. We have a new website that is clean, modern and searchable. We are developing new opportunities to engage members. We are looking at putting the excess land we own on the market to help fund future activities which includes creating space for web-based learning that we can broadcast from the Central Office in Harrisburg. We are delivering on the promise to support our districts through programming and education. And we are recognizing the stress that comes with being a physician by increasing resources to provide for more social interaction and including mental health and wellness opportunities in our programs.
We are raising the profile of POMA at the state legislature. I’m pleased to announce that Attorney General Josh Shapiro will open the 110th Annual Clinical Assembly in Valley Forge. He will be speaking on the opioid crisis – an area where we as osteopathic physicians should become more involved. After all, we were trained to provide a non-pharmacological treatment for pain through OMM/OMT. Speaking of the assembly, have you registered yet? Did you know you can now register on-line and pay your dues at the same time? Our new CME tracking system is now available! Active POMA members can access the system by clicking here. While POMA will track all of the education you receive through the organization, you will now be able to upload any courses you take outside of POMA and see where you stand with license renewal. Our POMA team is meeting with the state next week to discuss sharing data to make tracking easier for our members.
Nothing is done in a vacuum. I’d be remiss in not recognizing the leaders I’ve been privileged to work with the past year – my 3P’s – Immediate Past President, Anthony DiMarco; our President-elect, Joan Grzybowski; and our Vice President Pam Goldman. We meet regularly to talk about issues and what we are working on now and for our future. And our future has never been so bright.
by: Diana M. Ewert, MPA, CAE
Family. The word says so much… means so much… and was very much in evidence at the ACOFP annual meeting in Austin, Texas where we supported the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society or POFPS.
Like many osteopathic organizations, some conversations were allopathically focused. Allopathic medical students moving into osteopathically recognized residency programs. Allopathic residences striving for osteopathic recognition. Allopathic physicians interested in osteopathic board certification. Will they want to become members of osteopathic organizations such as ACOFP? Will they participate fully and if so, is there a future where allopathic physicians rise in the leadership to the presidential level? Many questions, much discussion, little resolution. Which brings me back to family. Family surrounds you, embraces you, welcomes you and gives you a sense of belonging. There are individuals my daughters refer to as their grandparents who are not related by blood, but by care and compassion and love. I’ve been introduced to brothers and sisters from another mother, extended families. I’m not a physician but I embrace the osteopathic family, believe in osteopathic principles and practices, support the way in which osteopathic physicians care for patients. I also have worked with allopathic physicians who embrace the osteopathic family, believe in osteopathic principles and practices, and appreciate the empathic approach to patient care offered in osteopathic medicine.
The issue wasn’t settled at this meeting. Dinner table discussions will continue and conclusions will be reached. I would not expect less from my osteopathic family.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Education Program Manager, Janice Reisinger. Jan will be supporting POMA’s educational programs and activities related to interprofessional continuing education. She will also develop and support new and innovative educational initiatives for POMA. Prior to POMA, Jan worked for 16 years at the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and most recently for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter.
Get to know Jan
What is your favorite football team? Penn State all the way. I bleed blue!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Time travel. I think it would be a lot of fun to experience different times and places in history.
What do you enjoy most, outside of work? Travel, reading, and umpiring NCAA and PIAA field hockey.
What about this job has you most excited? I’m really excited to be working with physicians again!
What do you want our members to know about you or what do you hope to be able to accomplish? I have a tenacious, outgoing personality and enjoy working to solve problems. I hope to be a strong asset to the POMA members in the Education/CME arena. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or ext.140.
The District Dish
A recap of recent District meetings
District 4
On Tuesday March 13, District 4 members met at Blu Wasabi restaurant in Clarks Summit, just outside of Scranton. The lecture on osteoporosis and new treatment options was engaging. The dialogue among the group was deep and thoughtful. Read More >>
Professional Guidance Recap
West Region
After a delayed start due to weather, the Professional Guidance-West Region meeting got started with introductions and sharing interesting facts about each other.
Information was shared with the group about both the POMA Resident Leadership Program at the 110th Annual Clinical Assembly this May and the POFPS Student/Resident Program this coming August.
Additional ways to get involved at the local, state and national level were discussed including an invitation for individuals to become writers for the “How Are You DOing?” column and a review of everyone’s districts everyone belonged. The group also explored the benefits of political action and how this can be accomplished. This led to a discussion regarding the legislation about CRNPs requesting to no longer require collaborative agreements to practice in Pennsylvania. Dr. McCray had wonderful insight since she was a PA prior to going to LECOM for the APAP.
Finally, we asked what individuals were looking from us. The main item the group brought up was about advocacy to address that several insurances are no longer covering -25 modifier.
Save Money – Register before April 1 for Early Bird Pricing!!
*You may register for POMA's 110th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar by clicking on the image above or by filling out the registration form attached to this email. If you have difficulty logging in, please refer to the email that was sent to all members on Thursday, March 8, 2018 that includes your login information.
by: Bruce Hironimus, Legislative Consultant
The State Senate unanimously passed seven bills providing stronger protections for crime victims and those individuals facing domestic violence. One measure goes to the Governor and the other six move to the House of Representatives for consideration. The House of Representative returns to session on April 9. Read More >>
Missed a legislative update? Find all our updates on the new Legislative Update page.
Experts Address the Opioid Epidemic During POMA Opening Session
We all know that the opioid crisis in the United States has become an epidemic but what is anyone doing to reverse the trends and solve the problem? We have assembled leaders from the local, state and federal levels to address this question. Plan to attend the POMA Clinical Assembly’s Opening Session on Wednesday morning, May 2 and be part of the discussion.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro will be joining us to discuss Pennsylvania’s plan to combat the prescription opioid and heroin crisis. “Overdosing is now the number one accidental killer in our Commonwealth. This scourge attacks every kind of community: urban, suburban and rural. We need a comprehensive, recovery-based approach that treats addiction as a disease, not a crime, paired with a smart-on-crime approach to reducing the availability of heroin and prescription opioids in our communities.”
David Pugach, Senior Vice President of AOA Public Policy, will discuss what actions are being taken on the federal level to combat the crisis. Colleges of osteopathic medicine have improved prescriber education in their curriculums and osteopathic manipulation is being promoted as an alternative treatment for pain management.
Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, professor and chair of the PCOM Geratrics Department, a practicing physician and national expert on pain and palliative medicine, will address the opioid epidemic from the practicing physician’s perspective. She will empower you, a local physician, to be part of the solution.
Everyone is affected by this national epidemic and everyone must be part of the solution. Be part of the conversation and join us Wednesday at 9:00 am!
by: Devyn I. Graham, DO
On my first day in the hospital as a new intern, I had the healthy amount of fear that most new DOs have. I anticipated that long hours and dedication to taking every opportunity to learn would leave very little time to spend with family, friends or for self-care. I thought I would be putting my personal life on pause during the next three years in order to focus on becoming the best clinician I could become. Starting a new hobby or interest didn’t even cross my mind. As a single person entering the rigorous life of residency, I also thought dating would be off the table for the foreseeable future.
Read more >>
POMA's annual clinical writing contest is open to all students attending a Pennsylvania college of osteopathic medicine and all osteopathic interns/residents training in Pennsylvania. Winners are announced and prizes awarded during the annual POMA Clinical Assembly and winning manuscripts will be published in the Journal of the POMA.
Winners will be announced during the 2018 POMA Clinical Assembly, May 2-5 in King of Prussia. See below for contest rules and regulations or click here to download the contest flyer. The deadline for submissions is March 30, 2018. Click here to access the online submission form.
View all information here, http://www.poma.org/clinical-writing-contest.
POMA Launches CME Module!
POMA members are now able to access their CME records on the POMA website. Once logged in, members will be able to view the credits that are on file with the POMA Central Office, as well as how those credits apply to Pennsylvania licensure requirements for the current CME cycle. Members are also able add CME and upload documentation into the system for coursework completed outside of POMA.
Please note, this is the first release of the CME module and bugs/kinks are still being worked on. Feel free to contact POMA with any questions.
Active members can access the system by clicking here. If you have not logged in to the website, your username is - If you have any questions, please contact membership at ext 170 or email [email protected].
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View the
newsletter online!
In This Issue...
- President's Perspective
- Executive Opinion
- Welcome to the POMA Family Jan!
- District Dish
- Professional Guidance Recap
- Government Affairs
- Experts Address the Opioid Epidemic During POMA Opening Session
- How Are You DOing?
- 44th Annual Clinical Writing Contest
- POMA Launches CME Module
- Upcoming District Meetings
- Upcoming PGYP Meetings
- Classified Advertisements
- Call for Presenters
- Facebook Group
- POMA's 3rd Annual Leadership Forum
- Licensure Renewals
Upcoming District Meetings
District 3
Wednesday, 3/28/18
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Blue Grillhouse
Bethlehem, PA
District 10
Friday, 3/23/18
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Blue Bell Inn
Blue Bell, PA
Upcoming PGYP Meetings
East Region
Wed. 3/28/18 at 6:30PM
Maggiano's
King of Prussia, PA
Central Region
Tues. 4/3/18 at 6:00PM
Location TBD
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.
PRACTICES WANTED:
Retiring physicians, part-time or full-time practices, call (215) 669-4001.
FOR SALE:
Ritter Power Procedure Chair – Excellent condition, teal. $1,000 plus shipping from Huntingdon Valley. Email inquiries to [email protected].
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!
  
Call for Presenters!
POFPS is looking for presenters for their August CME Symposium. Speakers should be willing to address topics that would attract dedicated osteopathic and allopathic professionals committed to enhancing patient care and medical practice management through the continuing education process.
More information can be found on the POMA website.
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.
PA DOc Talk - Facebook Group
The votes are in and the new name for POMA's Facebook Group is "PA DOc Talk."
This private group is a place to ask questions and receive answers from other POMA DOs across the state just like you. Additionally, it is a place to network and get to know other POMA DOs.
Join the group here.
POMA's 3rd Annual Leadership Forum
Attention Osteopathic Students, Interns and Residents
POMA has developed a program specifically for you! Designed by your peers, topics will include professional leadership opportunities, financial planning, work/life balance, reviewing contracts, and practice options. The speakers are leaders in their fields who will leave plenty of time to answer your questions!
The Forum will be held in conjunction with the POMA 110th Annual Clinical Assembly on May 5, 2018. For more information and to register, click here.
We are excited to bring you this opportunity and look forward to seeing you in May!!
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.
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