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by: George D. Vermeire, DO
POMA is the preeminent purveyor of…Education. Advocacy. Practice Viability. On March 2 and 3 in the POMA Central Office, a group of physicians (employed, group practice, educators), residents and students discussed POMA’s future. What we should, as an association, focus on over the next three years. Using the research conducted in November and December along with some focused comments from individuals involved in the districts, board members, and others, we engaged in thoughtful, deliberative conversation about several areas. Threaded throughout the day was how to convey the distinctiveness of our profession. We discussed impacts of the single accreditation system on residencies and board certification. We discussed creating a compelling community to support osteopathic physicians throughout their careers. We discussed how POMA can engage with payors, employers and legislators to ensure practice viability. And we discussed quality of life for students, residents and physicians in light of the significant stress in our field.
We will be engaging you as we move forward in the process. Leadership are bringing ideas, goals and objectives to the districts for your feedback. We will set up discussion forums for our constituencies. We want and need your input. “Sound strategy starts with the right goal.” We can with your help.
by: Joan M. Grzybowski, DO
Working to End Domestic Violence
In the last few months the media has placed a spotlight on Domestic Violence. It is a topic that we, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA), would also like to spotlight. Our input is meant to help protect the lives and educate the citizens of Pennsylvania.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in three women will experience domestic abuse and one in four men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. In the period 2006-2015, 1,496 Pennsylvanians died in domestic violence related incidents.
It is our duty as medical professionals to be able to identify victims and to be their advocates. We can begin to accomplish this by providing resource information that can help protect them.
The problem will not go away overnight, but we can work together in the battle to end Domestic Violence through awareness of the problem and promotion of available resources.
by: Diana M. Ewert, MPA, CAE
It’s been a busy couple of weeks. There have been multiple District programs, the AOA Mid-year meeting, and POMA's first strategic planning retreat since I came on board last July. More individuals are becoming involved with their Districts and we are starting to realize our goal of better supporting POMA’s districts. Attendance at the free CME events held in District 4 and 11 was great especially given the weather. Districts will become integral in providing AOA category 1-A CME to POMA members.
There were 18 resolutions presented at the AOA Mid-year meeting along with reports offered on the AOA’s strategic plan in areas of board certification, the single accreditation system, COCA, governance alignment and affiliate alignment. Resolutions of interest included more specificity on the data shared between AOA and affiliated organizations and affiliate staff appointments to AOA bureaus, councils and committees. Being #POMAProud, it was great to see our members in action – John Becher, DO; John Gimpel, DO; and Frank Tursi, DO.
This brings us to the strategic planning retreat. Dr. Vermeire gave a great overview. POMA has invested multiple resources to reach a point where we can ensure what we offer to DOs in the state is worthwhile, valuable, valued and raises the ROI on your dues. The drafted strategic plan will be circulated widely to solicit your feedback. When the plan is finalized, staff will move into strategic based budgeting to appropriately implement, support and fund the programs, products and services osteopathic physicians want and need. We look forward to your input.
Ahead of us is the 110th Annual Clinical Assembly. Staff has been working on the 110th the moment the 109th concluded and the program is shaping up to be one of our best. Be sure you register before April 1. Spring is right around the corner of the next nor’easter… really.
The District Dish
A recap of recent District meetings
District 4 - Mid-Winter Symposium
District 4’s 2nd Annual Mid-Winter Symposium was another success. More than 40 DO’s from District 4 and the surrounding area gathered on March 3 at the Courtyard Scranton Wilkes-Barre in Scranton, PA to earn 8 AOA 1A credits. Local DOs presented lectures on opioids, OMT for respiratory illness, and robotic surgery. The group learned, networked, and earned those much needed 1A credits, all while Mother Nature dumped 4-12 inches of snow across the area. It was a great day and the district is looking forward to the 3rd annual symposium next year.
District 6 - Historic Lewisburg Inn
Members of POMA District 6 met at the Historic Lewisburg Inn on Wednesday, March 1, 2018. After a dynamic lecture on how to reduce the risk of a cardio vascular event in type 2 diabetes patients, the group delved into POMA related topics. Dr. Brad Miller, District 6 Trustee, gave an update on the happenings with the board of trustees and the upcoming strategic planning session on the weekend of March 3. Dr. Christopher Olson, co-chair of the POMA Legislative Committee, discussed current legislative issues and dynamics. Jason Leeper, POMA Program Manager, gave an recap of changes within POMA including communications, infrastructure, and the upcoming 110th Annual Clinical Assembly in May. Dr. Kathleen Horne, POMA District 6 Chair, provided updates on various districts events and made a push for more social/family-based events to build the DO community.
In attendance was Dr. Jennifer Rager-Kay, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for PA House District 85. She discussed changes she would like to see at the state level and the need for more physicians, especially DOs, to run for office. She feels government bodies need more physicians who have first-hand knowledge of our healthcare systems leading legislative and regulatory discussions concerning the medical profession.
After a night full of robust discussion, the group is looking forward to continuing their discussion through POMA's various media platforms and at their next local meeting.
District 10 - Blue Bell Inn
On Friday, February 23, 2018 District 10 met at the Blue Bell Inn in Blue Bell, PA. The night’s discussion was led by Dr. Norden who spoke about spondyloarthropathies, which are inflammatory diseases of the spine. They tend to be seronegative, produce stiffness, cause patients to awake with pain, have flu-like fatigue, and occurs in younger patient populations.
The group received updates from Dr. George Vermeire (POMA president), Dr. Joan Grzybowski (POMA president-elect), and POMA Program Manager Jason Leeper. They led discussions about the past, present, and future of POMA.
It was also announced that an educational grant was awarded to the district to host a CO*RE REMS course, which is currently scheduled for September 2018. Stay tuned for more information.
District 11 - CME Event
District 11 members gathered on Saturday, March 3, 2018 for a free CME event, which was co-sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pottsville, PA. The inaugural event offered 4 Category 1A credits and was strongly attended with lively and engaging discussions. The group was excited for those coveted 1A credits available in their neighborhood.
Discussions have begun to hold another free 4-hour CME event in the fall ahead of the license renewal deadline. Stay tuned for more details.
District 14 - Bonefish Grill
Technology was the centerpiece of the POMA District 14 members meeting at the Bonefish Grill in Langhorne, PA. Pamela Goldman, DO, District Chair, presented a one-hour CME qualified lecture on changes in technology and how it is affecting the patient-physician relationship. She discussed how patients have more information at the finger tips that can be both helpful and an obstacle in the diagnosis process.
The lecture led into a presentation by Jason Leeper, POMA Program Manager, about POMA's infrastructure and technology changes. He also demonstrated new features of the POMA website and discussed future functionalities around CME and communications. The discussion was lively, and the group is looking forward to continuing the conversation through the various new technology mediums POMA has available.
by: Bruce Hironimus, Legislative Consultant
The House Professional Licensure Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1344, sponsored by minority chairman Harry Readshaw which creates professional licensure requirements and a separate medical licensing board for medical physicists. The underlying premise of disagreement is the potential redundancy of an additional regulatory layer.
The House Professional Licensure Committee also held a public hearing on House Bill 1545 sponsored by House Majority Whip Brian Cutler, which creates licensing standards for radiologic technicians. It is noteworthy that Rep. Cutler was a radiologic technician prior to his election to the House of Representatives. The Committee will be evaluating this subject over the next few months.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro testified before the House Appropriations Committee to discuss his office's efforts to combat the opioid crisis. POMA will hear firsthand from the Attorney General as he will be the keynote speaker on May 2, 2018 at the upcoming Annual Clinical Assembly in Valley Forge.
Governor Wolf's executive order to review all state boards and commissions resulted in the creation of an advisory board. Their activities will result in a July report offering recommendations for administrative, regulatory and statutory action. St. Francis University is developing comparative research to support the effort. Meetings with relevant advisory group members and state officials will be ongoing to ensure positive outcomes.
by: Samuel J. Garloff, DO
Recent events in this country have motivated me to write this column. Obviously, everyone is aware of the school shooting that took place in Parkland, Florida. This is not an article about gun control, gun ownership or the second amendment of the United States.
Unfortunately, in the aftermath of this tragedy, several columnists and politicians have written or stated their opinions of this tragedy. They range from blaming Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives, libertarians versus constitutionalists and to my utter amazement pro-life and pro-abortion factions. What nonsense.
I would like to briefly recall an event that happened in January of this year at El Rancho High School in California. A history teacher by the name of Gregory Salcido, who also is a City Councilman in Pico Rivera, California, observed a student wearing a sweatshirt with the U.S. Marine logo. Speaking of service members in Iraq and Afghanistan he stated "we have a bunch of dumb s___s over there. Think about the people that you know over there, you're freaking stupid Uncle Louie, or whatever, they're dumb s___s. They are not like high level thinkers, they are not academic people, they're not intellectual people. They are the fricken lowest of our low."
Fast-forward to Parkland, Florida. On February 14, a 19-year-old male allegedly opened fire upon and killed 17 unarmed people; 14 of the fatalities were students. I beg your indulgence to briefly discuss three of the students who died that day. They are Peter Wang aged 15 years, Martin Duque aged 14 years and Alaina Petty aged 14 years.
Why discuss these three students? All were members of the JROTC at their school. Peter wished to join the U.S. Military Academy upon graduation. After they died, the U.S. Army presented all three cadets with the Medal of Heroism for the danger and extraordinary responsibility they took on during the shooting. Peter remained at his post holding open a door to allow students to escape the building, until he was killed. The U.S. Military Academy posthumously admitted Peter to their institution on the day of his funeral.
The lowest of the low? No Mr. Salcido, they represented the best of our youth. We each are entitled to our opinion. In forming accurate opinions, facts are of benefit. In 2010, 82.8% of military officers had at least a bachelor’s degree while 29.9% of the general population did.1 In addition, 93.6% of enlisted soldiers had at least a high school diploma while 59.5% of the general population did.1
We all enjoy the benefits of living in this society. The least any of us can do is to respect the men and women who protect our freedoms and work with our politicians to assure the safety of our children.
Enjoy your First and Second Amendment freedoms.
1. The American Legion Online Update, February 23, 2018, https://www.legion.org/news
Governor Wolf Announces End to Policy that Delays Access to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
At a press conference at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland on March 1, 2018, Governor Tom Wolf announced an initiative to remove barriers to people receiving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The governor followed the announcement with a tour of the Crozer-Keystone Health System’s First Steps Treatment Center. The Center is one year into operation and provides holistic residential treatment for substance use disorder.
FDA-approved treatments, known as medication-assisted treatment, or MATs, when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, are proven strategies for reducing addiction relapse and improving the chance for recovery. Prior authorization rules could delay MAT, sometimes for up to 24 hours, when people need treatment the most.
This initiative is part of the state’s larger efforts to fight the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic. In January, Governor Wolf declared a public health emergency via a 90-day disaster declaration in Pennsylvania to bring together resources and focus efforts.
In the declaration, Governor Wolf directed state agencies to focus on 13 initiatives that are the culmination of a collaboration between all state agencies, to enhance coordination and data collection to bolster state and local response, improve tools for families, first responders and others to save lives, and to speed up and expand access to treatment.
The Unified Command Group, housed at PEMA as part of the disaster declaration, recently announced progress halfway into the 90-day declaration:
- Monitoring weekly naloxone use by EMS providers;
- Ensuring that EMS providers have access to naloxone made available from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency;
- Working with emergency medical services to ensure naloxone is left behind for patients who are at risk of overdosing;
- Receiving more than 100 reports of neonatal abstinence syndrome cases under diagnostic criteria created by the Department of Health as part of the declaration;
- Waiving application fees for more than 30 birth certificate applicants who need a birth certificate to get treatment for a substance use disorder;
- Reducing overdoses and increasing facility safety through the use of a piloted body scanner at Wernersville Community Correctional Facility;
- Granting exemptions for annual licensing requirements to more than 60 high-performing treatment providers.
For more information on fighting the opioid crisis is Pennsylvania, visit www.pa.gov/opioids.
*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.
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In This Issue...
- President's Perspective
- President-elect's Perspective
- Executive Opinion
- District Dish
- Government Affairs
- Another Voice
- From the Governor's Desk
- Upcoming District Meetings
- Upcoming PGYP Meetings
- Applications for Membership
- MIPS Reporting Deadlines
- ACGME Common Program Requirements
- Classified Ads
- Call for Presenters
- POMPAC
- New Facebook Group
- POMA's Leadership Forum
- Physician Licensure Renewal
Upcoming District Meetings
District 3
Wednesday, 3/28/18
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Blue Grillhouse
Bethlehem, PA
District 4
Tuesday, 3/13/18
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Blu Wasabi
Clarks Summit, PA
District 10
Friday, 3/23/18
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Blue Bell Inn
Blue Bell, PA
Upcoming PGYP Meetings
Central Region
Tues. 3/20/18 at 6:00PM
Gilligan's Restaurant
Harrisburg, PA
East Region
Wed. 3/28/18 at 6:30PM
Maggiano's
King of Prussia, PA
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.
Jennifer Rager-Kay, DO
330 North 12th Street
Sunbury, PA 17801 - A
Eric Tesoriero, DO
Anesthesia Specialists of Bethlehem
P.O. Box 5520
Bethlehem, PA 18015 - A
Julie E. DeVore, DO
532 West Pittsburgh Street
Greensburg, PA 15601 - A
Hilary S. Haack, DO
30265 Commercer Drive
Millsboro, DE 19966 - A
A = Active O = Out-of-State Member
MIPS Reporting Deadlines
Data submission deadlines are fast-approaching for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance period. Instead of waiting until the last minute, submit early.
Two key deadlines:
Be sure to check with your registry to obtain your specific due date.
ACGME Common Program Requirements
The proposed revisions to the ACGME common program requirements are available for comment. There are numerous proposed changes, including the formal recognition of American Osteopathic Board Certification as an appropriate credential for program directors and faculty. Other notable revisions include:
- A requirement for program directors to give residents information on relevant specialty board examination(s), and
- Acceptance of AOA training for entry into fellowship training
Comments on the proposed changes need to be submitted by March 22, 2018.
Please share your comments with the AOA by sending a copy to [email protected].
You may also contact Jim Swartwout, Sr. Vice President, AOA Education Department, (312) 202-8007 if you have questions.
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: Kennett Square, King of Prussia, Lansdale and Media. 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.
NEW Facebook Group
There have been a lot of great discussions happening at our various events and we want to make sure those discussions continue outside of monthly or quarterly events.
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 will be available for members in March 2018 - stay tuned for more information!
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