by: Pamela S.N. Goldman, DO

"We DO"

As physicians practicing in Pennsylvania:

• We practice in many different professional situations;
• We serve diverse patient populations and speak many languages;
• We manage and administer in healthcare systems;
• We care for multiple generations of families;
• We educate with our osteopathic philosophy;
• We lead in our communities.

No matter the situation, we shape the practice of medicine to treat the whole person and their families. This year, POMA will focus on who we are and what it looks like to practice patient-centered, osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania.

There are many changes within our osteopathic profession and the practice of medicine. As change is inevitable, POMA is on the front line, not only to inform our members of the changes and to provide ways to make the process less painful, but to have a voice in the process.

The Board of Trustees developed a four-pillar strategy to support the osteopathic physicians of Pennsylvania. Let me tell you about the pillars.

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by: Joan M. Grzybowski, DO

As I rifle through my old notes, memories and events of this past year are bubbling to the top. I am realizing that this is the last time I will be writing a Presidents report to you. This will be the role of the newly installed POMA President, Dr. Pamela S.N. Goldman.

I thought writing every two weeks would be a difficult task, but I found it just the opposite. Telling you all, the POMA members about what was happening, what we were doing, or what we were discussing was like talking to an old friend. POMA has a new leader that will guide our organization using your member input, Board advice and Executive Committee council. I have no doubt that POMA will continue to grow, adapt and represent you all as you need and want us to. Your support inspires us to try and be our best selves.

I thank you all for letting me serve you this past year. I enjoyed it with every step I walked. Thank you for the many memories.

"A leader's lasting value is measured by succession."
John C. Maxwell

Succession planning is critical to the health of an organization. Members move in and out of leadership positions with regularity, sometimes transitions are planned, sometimes not so much. POMA experienced a planned change in leadership at the Annual Clinical Assembly last week. Joan Grzybowski, DO turned the gavel over to Pamela Goldman, DO on May 3. I have observed these two exceptional women for two years, sharing knowledge and opinions; each wanting to do right by the membership; finishing and implementing the strategic plan. They talked regularly as colleagues and as leaders along with George Vermeire, DO (Immediate Past President) and Gene Battistella, DO (Vice President). This is the meaning of succession. When a person steps into the role of vice president (welcome Joseph M.P. Zawisza, DO!), succession planning begins. Over the course of the next year, Dr. Zawisza will be oriented to POMA’s operations and get to know the staff team better. Drs. Goldman, Battistella and Grzybowski will share experience and expertise. The strategic plan provides the direction and frames the future. Succession means POMA leadership has a clear understanding of where we have been, how far we have come, and where we are going.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge three individuals who are now POMA Past Presidents. They remain actively involved in education and influence. These physicians supported the direction of POMA, developed the strategic plan, ensure member value, and continue to serve as my mentors – Michael Zawisza, DO; Anthony DiMarco, DO and George Vermeire, DO. Dr. DiMarco serves as the general chair of the Clinical Assembly Planning Committee. Dr. Vermeire serves as the chair of our political action committee – POMPAC. Both indicated that the real succession efforts started under Michael Zawisza, DO, when Dr. Zawisza started meeting regularly with the 4Ps (president, president-elect, vice president and immediate past president). This continues today. So, thank you Drs. Michael Zawisza, DiMarco, Vermeire, Grzybowski, Goldman, Battistella for the lasting value you’ve delivered to POMA over the years. And welcome Dr. Joseph Zawisza. Here’s to the added value you are bringing.

POMPAC Legislative Reception a Success!

During last week’s 2019 Clinical Assembly, POMPAC held a fundraiser event for the PA House Majority Whip, State Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre). It was the first of its kind for POMA and POMPAC and by all measures, was a great success! Over 30 people attended the event to support Rep. Benninghoff and POMPAC.

Rep. Benninghoff took time to meet with every guest and left contact cards for anyone who wanted to follow-up with him. He was very complimentary of osteopathic physicians and was truly empathetic to how difficult it is to become, and be, a DO in today’s healthcare environment. He shared his experience working in a hospital and being his county’s coroner. Equally important, Rep. Benninghoff provided keen insight into his current position as the Majority Whip. It is his job to listen to legislators in his caucus, use and share his experience, and ultimately count votes on specific issues facing the state legislature.

It was an honor to receive Rep. Benninghoff so he could share time with DOs and engage in meaningful discussion on issues important to DOs and their patients. POMA and POMPAC wish him well in the current 2-year legislative session.        

That's a Wrap!

POMA's 111th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar a success.

On behalf of all of us at POMA, we want to say congratulations for CHOOSING KNOWLEDGE by attending POMA’s 111th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar!

We have always found knowledge to be an interesting concept.  The basic definition of knowledge is “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.” On one hand, once you have acquired knowledge of something, you have it and it can’t be taken from you. On the other hand, knowledge is fluid. New information may be discovered, new experiences may add a level of understanding, and new training may enhance skills previously acquired. As physicians, we must be open to this fluidity in knowledge, so we are able to continue offering the best care possible to our patients.

One of our main goals with each Clinical Assembly is to make sure our DOs have access to this ever-changing field of knowledge. What better way to do that than to learn from your peers? This year was no exception. Our educational sessions featured updates in cardiology, endocrinology, pediatrics, general medicine and regulatory requirements, including patient safety, risk management, opioids, and child abuse recognition and prevention courses.

Our exhibit hall was filled again this year with over 55 companies who provided updates on new products, therapeutics, technologies, services and resources aimed to Enhance Knowledge!

Something new this year was an entire day devoted to student and resident events. On Thursday, the future of our profession presented their own cutting-edge research during two sessions of scientific poster presentations. The 4th Annual Resident Leadership Forum was also held on Thursday and was our most successful to date! The residents and students were provided tools and resources which were meant to Supplement Knowledge gained through traditional training programs. Topics included leadership, finding the right practice, work-life balance, licensure updates, patient communication, and self-care. Participants also had the chance to network with forum speakers and POMA leadership. We look forward to seeing what next year’s forum brings.

Along the topic of research, POMA19 also included POMA's Clinical Writing Contest. On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Mark B. Abraham, DO, JD presented the awards to this year's winners. With over 30 submissions, the judges had their work cut out for them. With so many great submissions, this year saw a tie for both second and third place winners. Congratulations goes out to Dr. Zackary M. Birchard and Dr. James Nemunaitis, third place winners; Dr. Chrisalbeth Jimenez Guillermo and Dr. Kenny S. Hirschi, second place winners; and Dr. Roger E. Gregush, Golden Quill Winner.

We wouldn’t be able to provide this robust and informative conference without the hard work and dedication of our Clinical Assembly Committee and members of our affiliated organizations. A huge thank you also goes out to the exhibitors and companies who support our program. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to our Central Office staff team who each year, works tirelessly to make the conference appear effortless.

When you decided to attend #POMA19, you accepted that knowledge is constantly changing, and you placed an importance in making sure you add to your knowledge. So again, we say, congratulations for Choosing Knowledge!

 Congratulations to the 2019-2020 POMA Leadership!

POMA is excited to introduce our newly installed leaders, who will keep POMA on the move for the coming year…

New Officers
Pamela S.N. Goldman, DO – President
Gene M. Battistella, DO – President-elect
Joseph M.P. Zawisza, DO – Vice President
Eric J. Milie, DO – Secretary/Treasurer
Joan M. Grzybowski, DO – Immediate Past President

New Trustees
Herbert M. Schecter, DO – District 1
Thomas S. Dardarian, DO – District 2
Sally Ann Rex, DO – District 3
Karen E. Arscott, DO – District 4
William B. Swallow, DO – District 5
Steven Kramm, DO – District 6
John J. Kalata, DO – District 7
Kathryn G. Graham, DO – Young Physician Trustee
Nancy Y. Xia, DO – Resident Trustee
Alicia M. Williams, OMS-I – Student Trustee

New House Officers
Jeffery J. Dunkelberger, DO – Speaker of the House
Richard E. Johnson, DO – Vice Speaker of the House

Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the AOA House

House of Delegates Recap

The POMA House of Delegates held its two-day meeting during POMA19.  The meeting included the election of officers and trustees, bureau and committee reports, approval of the 2019-2020 budget and discussion on three resolutions.

The House of Delegates also received greetings from AOA President William Mayo, DO and AOA President-elect Ronald Burns, DO and AAOA President Lauren Stremers.

The following resolutions were presented and discussed during the meeting:

Resolution 2019-1
Physician Awareness of Firearm Safety in Older Persons

RESOLVED, that the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) develop materials to ensure physicians are made fully aware of the staggering statistics of the gun crisis in American as related to the population of older individuals; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that AOA develop educational programs to ensure that physicians are taught about the importance of asking questions about firearm safety as part of clinical responsibility; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that AOA develop or partner with appropriate groups to provide appropriate screening tools regarding firearm safety; and, be it further

RESOLVED, AOA encourage discussion regarding gun safety so that it is viewed by physicians as a routine part of health care for older adults and vulnerable persons.
(Passed; forwarded to AOA)

Resolution 2019-2
Ensuring Full Representation to the AOA House of Delegates

RESOLVED, that the POMA House of Delegates select delegates from districts to fill any seats vacated by the inactive district; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the POMA House of Delegates determine, at its annual meeting, as to the apportionment of such delegates from other districts; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that selecting representatives to fill the otherwise vacant seats will occur only in years when a district is inactive and unable to send representative delegates to the AOA House of Delegates.
(Passed)

Resolution 2019-3
Anti-Intimidation Standards Among Physicians

RESOLVED, that the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) support the implementation of anti-intimidation standards within healthcare training programs and workplaces.
(Passed; forwarded to AOA)

Download the NEW POMA App Today!

For those of you who attended last week's POMA19 Clinical Assembly, you may have noticed that POMA has a new app! 

We are excited to that this app was not JUST an app for the Clinical Assembly, rather it is an app that can be used all year long to find information on advocacy, education, association events and more!

• Be in the know 
• Get engaged
• Stay connected
• Access conference tools
• And many more valuable resources

Free Download

Search POMA in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to download our free app today!

POMA's 4^th Annual Resident & Student Leadership Program

POMA19 brought about a significant change for our residents and students. This year, POMA dedicated an entire day to resident/student events including the scientific poster sessions and the 4th Annual Resident & Student Leadership Program. A group of residents gathered for TED-style presentations focusing on topics chosen by current residents. Each presentation discussed something about life after residency typically not taught or presented to you elsewhere.

Physician mentors, POMA leadership, and the AOA President and President-elect facilitated discussion on topics such as getting involved with professional organizations, practice outlook, resident CME, saying no, delivering bad news, and finding happiness.

The program continues to grow in popularity and is open to all osteopathic students and residents.  Save the date for our 5th annual leadership program – April 30, 2020! 

APOMA Fundraisers and Annual Meet & Greet

APOMA held an open meeting on May 3, 2019 during the Annual Clinical Assembly. Lauren Stemers, AAOA President, joined the members and spoke to them about AAOA programs, including The Fun Run and The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program.

The meeting included a presentation by Officer Christopher Dolga from the Upper Merion Township Police Department. He spoke to members about personal safety and what you should do to protect yourself in the case of an attack. His presentation offered many real-life examples and attendees joined in with questions and shared stories of their own. Officer Dolga was extremely helpful and members were grateful to receive his tips and information.

APOMA meeting attendees also enjoyed a cooking demonstration with Chef Tony Cheaphyrum from the Radisson. Chef Tony prepared a delicious quinoa salad.

Incoming POMA President. Dr. Pamela S.N. Goldman addressed the group concerning her upcoming presidential year. She even brought along her first stethoscope which she received as a LECOM student from APOMA’s fundraising efforts. After her presentation she enjoyed our quinoa salad with APOMA members.

The silent auction and 50/50 drawing combined raised approximately $4,100.00 with the proceeds benefiting the Pennsylvania medical students.  During the silent auction we had a make it and take it painting party which we hope to continue in the future.

APOMA would like to thank all who donated and participated in our endeavors. Our next meeting will be held in August 2019 in Hershey PA and we will hold our 50/50 drawing and another make it and take it painting party.  

District Dish

Sharing is a way of leading.

District chairs from across the state gathered during POMA19 to discuss best practices, issues affecting members at the local level, and ways for POMA to lend support at the district level. There was strong support for the continuation of district social funding. Several districts have already planned trips to sporting events, shows or social dinners. The chairs will also look to use the funds to help bring more localized CME opportunities.

During the Clinical Assembly, five districts hosted events at various venues in King of Prussia. The events were strongly attended throughout the week. Looking ahead to next year, many districts are considering social functions on-site.

The districts have been challenged to bring forth resolutions to the POMA House of Delegates and to contribute items to APOMA’s silent auction. Both the POMA House and APOMA play pivotal roles in POMA efforts across all the pillars.

The district leaders are working on behalf of you. Get involved by attending local events and contact your district leadership with any issues or concerns you would like POMA to address in the coming year.  The District Leadership looks forward to continuing to work and support your patients, your practice, and especially you.

Stay tuned to the POMA newsletter, app, social media, webpage and email communication for upcoming district events. 

View the
newsletter online!

CME Certificate Update

The POMA CME team is working feverishly to process CME credits for the 1,200 attendees of last week’s Clinical Assembly. We ask for patience as we work to complete this as soon as possible. Updates will be forthcoming. Thank you.

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Thank You for the Memories
3. Executive Opinion
4. POMA ISMIE Affinity Program
5. Policy Points
6. That's a Wrap!
7. Congratulations to the 2019-2020 POMA Leadership
8. House of Delegates Recap
9. Download the New POMA App
10. POMA's 4th Annual Resident & Student Leadership Program
11. APOMA's Fundraisers and Annual Meet & Greet
12. District Dish
13. CME Certificates Update
14. Survey Reminder
15. Thank You to Our Exhibitors and Sponsors
16. Upcoming District Events
17. Classified Advertisements
18. POMPAC
19. Tag Yourself - Clinical Assembly Photos
20. What Do You DO?
21. Call for Presenters
22. POMA on Instagram
23. Save the Date - POFPS 44th Annual CME Symposium and 60th Anniversary Celebration

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Survey Reminder
Your input is invaluable to us!

Thank you to everyone who took time to fill out the session surveys during the Clinical Assembly last week!

If you did not have the opportunity to complete the questionnaires yet, you can still do so by completing the surveys here.

Surveys will be available until May 31, 2019. We look forward to hearing from everyone so we can continue to improve our educational seminars for you.

Thank you in advance!

Thank You Exhibitors/Sponsors!

We would like to thank all of our exhibitors and program supporters for their contributions to a fantastic 111th Clinical Assembly. POMA would especially like to show our appreciation to Akcea Therapeutics, Inc. and AbbVie, Inc. for sponsoring the product theater luncheons on May 1 and May 2, respectively, and to ISMIE for sponsoring the registration bags. We would also like to thank the S. Lawrence Koplovitz, DO Foundation and Valeritas, Inc. for their support of the education program.

Upcoming District Events 

Please address all correspondence for POMA Box Letters to: c/o POMA, 1330 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA  17111-2395.

PHYSICIANS WANTED:

ATTENTION DOs! MD AT HOME, Inc., is in need of a part-time doctor (great for retired doctors) one to two days a week making home visits to the elderly and the disabled that are homebound.  Chauffeured by a medical assistant in a company vehicle to scheduled appointments. Email [email protected] for more information.

Family Medicine Residency Core Faculty Position — Crozer-Keystone Health System, in suburban Philadelphia, is seeking a Family Medicine Physician for a Core Faculty position in our nationally recognized Residency Program. Must have broad-based inpatient and outpatient clinical skills and strong interest in teaching residents and medical students. Excellent benefits, generous CME allowance and malpractice insurance with tail coverage. For more info, visit  http://bit.ly/CrozerFamMed or send CV to [email protected]

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

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: 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!

             

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.

Tag Yourself - Clinical Assembly Photos

Photo albums of #POMA19 have been added to Facebook and Instagram. Make sure you visit the POMA Facebook and Instagram pages to check out all the photos and make sure you tag yourself and your friends/colleagues in any photos we may have caught you in.

Have photos to share with POMA? Email them to [email protected]! 

 What Do You DO?

The POMA Newsletter is adding a new feature section. In the second edition of each monthly newsletter, we will be featuring a Pennsylvania DO, student, or resident and highlighting what they do outside the profession. So, if you or someone you know is doing something extraordinary, out of the box, or just straight up awesome outside of their professional work, we want to know about it. 

You can contact Jason Leeper at [email protected] to give him details. We look forward to hearing about what else you all DO! 

CALL FOR PRESENTERS!

The POFPS is looking for presenters willing to share their expertise and enhance professional growth in the osteopathic medical field. We are searching for presentations to address topics/discussion that would attract dedicated osteopathic and allopathic professionals committed to enhancing patient care and medical practice management through the continuing education process.

If you're interested, check out the link for more information and to apply.

POMA is Now on Instagram! 

Make sure you follow us, @pomados to stay up-to-date on all of POMA's happenings. 

We'll be featuring a lot of the conference updates on Instagram. Follow us today so you don't miss anything. 

SAVE THE DATE - POFPS 44th Annual CME Symposium & 60th Anniversary Celebration

POFPS annual CME Symposium will be held August 9-11 2019 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA

The POFPS CME Symposium Committee has been hard at work planning the 2019 event!  Our three-day conference is complete with educational sessions, workshops, exhibits, business meetings and social functions. In total, 20 AOA CME credits are anticipated.

Registration and hotel information will be available the week of May 20th, 2019. 

60th Anniversary Celebration!

This year the POFPS is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with a celebration on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. The 50's/60s theme party will include live music from the Fabulous Hubcaps, dancing, games and more!!! Get your poodle skirts and corduroy pants ready, it's going to be a nifty shindig in Coolsville. 

The celebration is FREE to POFPS members and their families.

Stay tuned for more information!

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