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by: George Wolters, DO
Spring is a time of rebirth, and the spring Clinical Assembly marked the election of a new POMA Board and leadership, nurturing our continued growth.
The recently concluded 2025 POMA Annual Clinical Assembly at Kalahari offered affordable CME in a comfortable resort atmosphere. Excellent, engaging lectures, an expanded vendor area, and a massive family-friendly waterpark complemented networking opportunities and the renewal of friendships throughout the osteopathic community. The POMA House of Delegates and Board of Trustees met and continued a tradition of innovation and support for Pennsylvania’s osteopathic physicians. A special thank you to the Clinical Assembly Committee, the POMA staff, and President William Swallow, DO – your hard work made us proud.
As I remarked during the installation reception, in the upcoming year I hope to focus on our members. These volunteers sacrifice their time, talent, and funds to attend POMA’s committees, work groups, councils, task forces, the Board, and the House. We will work to encourage the spirit of volunteerism and ensure their efforts are painless and worthwhile.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, POMA has seen the growth of virtual meetings, podcasts, and social media presence; increased political influence; the appointment of a new CEO; new accounting systems; a revitalized POMA Foundation; and significant staff changes. Throughout the upcoming 2025–2026 POMA term, we will review and hopefully enhance these changes, continuing our growth as a strong voice for all Pennsylvania osteopathic physicians.
And a personal thank you for the opportunity to serve. It is an honor. Your interest and financial support make POMA – your statewide voice – possible.
by: Andy Sandusky
A Great Week of Fellowship, Education, and Governance
The Annual Clinical Assembly, by most metrics, was a success. There was plenty of good food, and the coffee never stopped flowing. And of course, top-notch continuing medical education and a slew of governance meetings, including: the POMA House of Delegates, two POMA Board meetings, and a meeting of the POMA Foundation. Additionally, POMA and its Foundation installed new Boards for the 2025-2026 year, with George Wolters, DO, taking the reins as President of POMA and John Kalata, DO, stepping up as the new Chair of the Foundation. Congrats to all physician board members, delegates, and award winners!
There are way too many people to thank for all their individual and collective great work, but I do want to single out my staff colleague, Margaret Clanagan, who stepped up and administered the Clinical Assembly like a pro! There was a lot of pressure on her, and she came through with flying colors. And of course, I would like to thank all my staff colleagues who pulled together as a great team to fill in any gaps on all fronts. But we also recognize that nothing gets done without the strong support from our physician leaders. The next phase of this journey takes the show online for the virtual offering. It’s the educational gift that keeps on giving!
The POMA House of Delegates covered a lot of ground last week, including enacting an omnibus set of changes to POMA’s bylaws that modernized the committee structures to match current practices and provided elected officers with voting rights. Additionally, the House of Delegates approved a membership dues increase proposal to begin the process of bringing the dues structure up to par with the membership benefits, like advocacy/lobbying and education. Finally, a new 2025-2026 budget was adopted.
I thank all the physician delegates of the POMA House for volunteering their time and once again making the House of Delegates meeting a success. Another huge thanks to all the physicians who came to Kalahari and those who will participate virtually in the education offerings. And a final thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors who represent POMA’s strategic partners and who have helped keep the costs down. Cannot wait until 2026!
by: Tyler Burke
POMA Reviews CRNP Pilot Proposal to Protect Patients – Your Voice is Needed
The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA) is currently reviewing proposed legislative language requested by staff of the House Professional Licensure Committee regarding a potential Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) pilot program. The proposal, as presented, represents a significant departure from the compromise agreed to in 2019 between physician and nurse practitioner stakeholders.
POMA is committed to protecting Pennsylvania patients and ensuring that any legislative changes continue to support physician-led, team-based care. We are carefully evaluating the language to ensure that patient safety, access to care, and quality standards remain at the forefront of any pilot or policy development. As always, POMA will advocate for clear guardrails, appropriate oversight, and evidence-based reforms—not broad expansions that could compromise care.
This is a pivotal moment for our profession and our patients. The CRNP scope of practice debate is heating up again, and we must act now.
Join the Grassroots Campaign
We need your help. Legislators must hear directly from osteopathic physicians and supporters of physician-led care. Our spring grassroots campaign is underway, and your participation is critical.
Take just a few minutes to contact your state representative and senator to let them know that any changes to CRNP scope must protect patients and preserve the physician-patient relationship.
Together, we can ensure that the health and safety of Pennsylvanians remain the top priority in any scope of practice discussion. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to review the pilot language and prepare our formal response.
POMA25 On-Demand Now Available
All of the education sessions from the live, in-person conference have been converted into an on-demand format and are now available for viewing. The virtual platform will be open from May 15 - June 15, 2025.
If you haven't yet registered for POMA25, you can do so here.
Congratulations to POMA's 2025-2026 Leadership!
POMA 2025-2026 Officers
President: George Wolters, DO
President-Elect: Angela Zawisza, DO
Vice President: Valeri Roth, DO
Secretary/Treasurer: Mark A. Monaco, DO
Immediate Past President: William Swallow, DO
POMA House of Delegates Officers
Speaker of the House: Jeffery Dunkelberger, DO
Vice Speaker of the House: Jessica Masser, DO
2025-2026 Student, Resident & New Physician in Practice Trustees
Student Trustee: Muhammad Jan, OMS-I
Resident Trustee: Karanveer S. Johal, DO
New Physician in Practice Trustee: James Latronica, DO
That's a Wrap!
POMA's 117th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar at Kalahari a Success!
The live, in-person events for POMA's 117th Annual Clinical Assembly and Scientific Seminar were a huge success! Held at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos, the four day event included education sessions, governance meetings, networking functions, wellness walks, social events and time to enjoy the indoor waterpark and arcade. A special presentation of challenge coins was made to our military members in attendance.
On-demand viewing of POMA25 is available until June 15, 2025. The program offers 34 AOA Category 1-A Credits and 34 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Earn the credits you need for PA licensure now! Registration will remain open until June 8th.
Save the date and join us for POMA’s 118th Annual Clinical Assembly – May 13-16, 2026. The planning committees will begin developing next year's event this summer. We can’t wait to see you there!
POMA House of Delegates Holds Annual Meeting
The POMA House of Delegates held its annual meeting May 7-8, 2025, in conjunction with the 2025 POMA Clinical Assembly at Kalahari Resorts. The meeting included the election of officers and trustees, reports from various bureaus and committees, review and approval of the 2025-26 operating budget, approval of life member applications, and discussion of resolutions.
William Swallow, DO, ‘24-25 President, presented the Distinguished Service Award to Joseph Zawisza, DO. He also presented Presidential Citations to Richard Purse, DO, District 14 Chair, Karen Arscott, DO, District 4 Trustee, and Mohit Chhatpar, DO, POMA Resident Trustee, and Tia Pattillo, OMS-II Student Trustee, for their extraordinary volunteer service. POMA staff members Deb Cargill-Roan and Susan DePue were also recognized for their years of service.
The House also received greetings from AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, and AOA CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA, as well as Krissy Eisenhardt, AAOA President, and Caryn Tabby, APOMA President.
Two resolutions were reviewed and discussed during the meeting. Resolution 1-2024 regarding POMA bylaw changes and Resolution 2-2024 regarding dues increases were presented for a second read. The resolutions were accepted and approved.
A resolution was also approved that updated POMA’s Public Policy regarding Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners.
We have a winner!
Congratulations to POMA District 7 for winning the 4th Annual POMA District Competition!
Their outstanding achievement is a result of hosting local business meetings, organizing fun and engaging social events like baseball and hockey outings, and making a meaningful difference in their community through a winter clothing drive. Way to go, District 7!
District 7 is rewarded with a POMA-sponsored event in their district and the coveted District Champions trophy.
There's no rest for the weary! The 2025-2026 competition has already begun! Renew your dues, submit articles, participate in events, volunteer in your community - it all adds up to points that will help your district be victorious next year!
Current standings as of May 16, 2025:
1st Place – District 4
2nd Place – District 12
3rd Place – District 14
District Dish
District 4
District 4 members and guests gathered at Rikasa Restaurant in Pittston on April 23. Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking and camaraderie. District Chair Darlene Dunay, DO, updated attendees on future district events and encouraged everyone to register for POMA's 117th Annual Clinical Assembly. The evening concluded with a presentation on esophagitis and GERD. Special thanks to all who attended - look out for upcoming district events!
District 11
District 11 members gathered at Roma Pizzeria in Pottsville on April 24 for an evening of camaraderie and networking. District Chair Jeffrey Gold, DO, provided updates on current legislation, POMA's Annual Clinical Assembly, and upcoming district events. The evening concluded with a presentation on acute asthma. Thank you to everyone who attended!
District 12
On April 26, 17 physicians and their family members from District 12 enjoyed a live theater production of Charlotte's Web at Clarion-Limestone High School in Strattanville, PA. After the show, the group enjoyed dinner at Pizza Pub in Clarion, where they discussed upcoming events, including POMA's 117th Annual Clinical Assembly! The group also shared suggestions for future district activities. It was a wonderful evening that supported the local community. Special thanks to district leadership for organizing the event and to all who were able to attend. Keep an eye out for upcoming district events!
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View the
newsletter online!
Table of Contents...
1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. POMA25 On-Demand Now Available
5. Congratulations to POMA's 2025-2026 Leadership
6. That's a Wrap! POMA's 117th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar at Kalahari a Success!
7. POMA House of Delegates Holds Annual Meeting
8. District Competition Update
9. District Dish
11. Upcoming District Events
12. Membership Renewal Now Open
14. Welcome New Members!
15. Help Us Spread the News - POMA is Here for You!
16. Military Appreciation
17. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast Series
18. Contribute to POMPAC
19. Classified Ads
20. APOMA Updates
21. POMA Steps 4 All Virtual Charity Event
Upcoming Events
District 4 & 6
Member Appreciation Day at Knoebels
Sunday, June 8, 2025
12:30 PM
Elysburg, PA
District 1-2-10-14
Saturday Night with the Phillies
Saturday, June 21, 2025
7:15 PM First Pitch
Philadelphia, PA
Membership Renewal Now Open
Check your inbox for your POMA membership renewal materials - our current membership year ends June 30th!
Renew today to remain an active member of your osteopathic community!
Thank you for your continued commitment to POMA. Together, we can DO more!
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.
Andrew J. Blank, DO
Sunset Road Medical Associates
911 Sunset Road
Burlington, NJ 08016
Active Out-of-State Member
Anthony Corrado, DO
Corrado Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
1919 Greentree Road, Suite C
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Active Out-of-State Member
Kunal U. Desai, DO
4100 Crossings Boulevard
Lancaster, PA 17601
Active Member –– District 5
Chinyere B. Ebo, DO
602 Parkview Boulevard
Yeadon, PA 19023
Active Member –– District 2
Joshua Friedman, DO
Conemaugh Memorial Hospital
1086 Franklin Street
Johnstown, PA 15905
Active Member –– District 8
Darryl K. Guistwite, DO
56 Ashton Street
Carlisle, PA 17015
Active Member –– District 5
William C. Heppenstall, DO
1535 Limekiln Pike
Glenside, PA 19038
Active Member –– District 10
Peter A. Lore, DO
1364 Clifton Road NE, Suite EG45
Atlanta, GA 30322
Active Out-of-State Member
Hussam Mahmood, DO
270 Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive, Suite 300
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Active Member –– District 6
Kim-Huong T. Nguyen, DO
3401 Market Street, Suite 105B
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Active Member –– District 1
Jennifer Sears, DO
Health New Zealand
50 Rushine Street Roslyn
Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Active Out-of-State Member
Rachel A. Sternberg, DO
835 Springbank Lane
Wayne, PA 19087
Active Member –– District 2
Spread the News -
POMA is Here for You!
The new membership year has begun, but it's not too late to join!
Talk to your friends, colleagues, new graduates, and students about POMA. Share why you are a member and urge them to join, today!
Together, we can DO more!
POMA supports and honors our military members!
Whether you are active duty, reservist or retired; Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines or Coast Guard; POMA wants to hear from you! Click here to share your military history with us or email [email protected].
POMA DOes...Podcast
Be sure to tune into the POMA DOes... podcast series on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Recent episodes focus on "When Hospitals Fail: A DO's Perspective" and "Addiction Recovery: Part 2."
Have an episode idea? Let us know! New episodes for POMA DOes... are released on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Part-Time/Full-Time Physician Needed – in Philadelphia area; excellent benefits and compensation. 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.
APOMA Updates
APOMA is excited to report that the POMA Districts and individual Doctors were very generous with raffle basket donations, along with LECOM and APOMA. As a result, we raised $2,500 toward our student scholarships. We thank those who donated and those who bid on the wonderful assortment of items. If I didn't thank you personally, know that I wanted to. As a way of bragging, District 8 had the most sought-after basket this year. Great job, everyone! We will do it again next year. APOMA also held our annual meeting with POMA President William Swallow, DO, and President Elect (at the time) George Wolters, DO. Our collaboration was a great addition to the overall successful event. If you aren't a member of APOMA, please consider joining for only $25 so we can continue to do our work supporting YOU, our Osteopathic Family. Caryn Tabby, APOMA President 2024-2026, [email protected]
POMA Steps 4 All
Virtual Charity Event
POMA's Wellness Committee is hosting STEPS 4 ALL 2025 to get you outside and moving! Every step you take will raise money for a charity of your choice, without even opening your wallet!
This is a FREE virtual event for all POMA members and their families, friends, and colleagues which will run the entire month of May.
Get inspired to welcome spring by getting out to walk, run, bike or hike and break free from the winter blues. Help us hit our goal of over 6,500 miles! Click here for information on how to join POMA's Team!
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