by: William Swallow, DO

The Spirit of Osteopathic Medicine

NEWS FLASH! After over a year of virtual meetings and two interview sessions, one virtual and one in person, the search committee reached a unanimous decision of who would be our next CEO of POMA. The next CEO of POMA is none other than Mr. Andy Sandusky. His selection was presented to the Board of Trustees while at Kalahari and approved by them. He will begin his new role as CEO on July 1, 2024. If you can, take a moment to contact Andy and congratulate him and extend well wishes. He will begin the on-boarding procedure in the very near future.

However, on a more solemn note, we bid farewell to our current CEO/CSO, Ms. Diana Ewert. She will be retiring at the end of June. POMA has been blessed to have Diana serve POMA for seven years. She has kept us financially stable, enabled us to become the premier source of continuing medical education, and developed a staff of very talented and highly skillful persons that have worked with our membership in professional and collegial fashion. I encourage you to contact Diana and personally thank her for her years of service to POMA and also send her your well wishes as she enters her retirement years. And, by the way, last week Diana received notice that she is the recipient of the prestigious Bob E. Jones, CAE Award from AOA. She will receive this award at the AOA House of Delegates meeting in Chicago in July. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Diana!

Hopefully, you were able to attend the POMA Clinical Assembly at Kalahari earlier this month. The lectures were diverse in content and very well presented. The Mummers were at the President’s Banquet and were enjoyed by all. And the band that followed provided hours of music to dance by. If you were not able to attend the Assembly, please register for the virtual component. It will be available until June 10th. Please give consideration to attend the Assembly next year. It will again be held at Kalahari from May 7-10, 2025.

Now, it is time for our leadership, committees, and staff to move forward and implement the third phase of the strategic plan. It was developed by the Board and leadership in November 2023 and passed by the Board in February 2024. In addition, I have a few ideas that will benefit the entire organization, including the members, residents, and our osteopathic students. If you have not heard, Duquesne University, in Western Pennsylvania, will enroll their first year class in July 2024. One of POMA’s biggest challenges is to GROW. I will be discussing with the Membership Committee some thoughts about growing the organization. Be sure to tune in to the May 31st podcast episode where we will further discuss the direction of POMA.

My theme for the 2024-2025 year is “POMA – The Spirit of Osteopathic Medicine.” I encourage you to get involved. Participate in your District meetings and activities. Attend our high-quality CMEs. Support the POMA Foundation and POMPAC. Bring a prospective new member to your District meeting. Show the AOA, our communities, and the nation that POMA has that Spirit!

by: Diana Ewert

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” 
- H.W. Longfellow

That was a week to remember at Kalahari. The POMA Board of Trustees met twice, once to wind up the year and again to pass the gavel and kick off the year for our 113th president, Bill Swallow, DO, whose theme for the year is POMA – The Spirit of Osteopathic Medicine. The POMA Foundation Board met to discuss their future and how both POMA and the POMA Foundation can lean-in to each other. The Foundation also held its first (and only?) Running of the PPP – POMA Past Presidents. It was amazing and raised a few thousand dollars.

The POMA House of Delegates met over two days to look at issues impacting the profession, hear reports of activities over the year and approve requests for life membership. The House reviewed, considered, and approved the FY 2024-2025 Proposed Budget, approved a resolution as a first read that would increase dues and, if passed in 2025, would be implemented in the 2025-2026 membership year. The POMA House elected officers with George Wolters, Jr., DO, as President-elect; Angela Zawisza, DO, as incoming Vice President. Eric Milie, DO, continues as our Secretary/Treasurer and our executive committee is rounded out by three outstanding physicians, Donna Delfin, DO; Cynthia Meyer, DO; and Valeri Roth, DO; representing the East, Central and West regions, respectively.

The gavel was passed from Immediate Past President Kalata to President Swallow. He has made his committee assignments which were accepted by the 2024-2025 POMA Board of Trustees. Information about committee assignments was sent within the past week. The website is being updated and POMA continues.

While my journey with POMA is ending, my Osteopathic medical spirit will continue. My start here was great, right? Squirrels ate the phone lines and took the internet down. No one was manufacturing the replacement bulbs needed for the light fixtures and it was getting a bit dark at the central office. The team was using IBM-electric typewriters with correction tape to type checks and envelopes. When I talked about docking stations and laptops and multiple screens and the Cloud, I believe they thought me a bit crazed. But everyone stayed. Deb no longer had to change an address in 4 different databases. When we closed the office during COVID, they took both monitors with them because they didn’t know how to work otherwise and from the outside, the team carried on as if it was no big deal. PODCAST! If greater is the art of ending, I pray this ending leaves everyone prepared for the next beginning.

by: Andy Sandusky

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine Moves Needed Regulatory Change

The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine (SBOM) introduced an omnibus regulatory change package to modernize the osteopathic physician licensure process. One major change will permit the SBOM to accept the passing of a national board examination, as developed by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). The current regulations are more prescriptive and break out the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) into different parts. This became problematic when COVID forced an alternative option for the Level 2-Performance Evaluation (Level 2-PE) due to curtailed face-to-face contact. The licensure process was further challenged when the Level 2-PE was formally discontinued in June 2022. The alternative standard from NBOME required candidates to be verified of skill proficiency via attestation from the dean. The SBOM has established a workaround which helped but is confusing and difficult to navigate using the online application. The new regulation would still require the passage of the rigorous COMLEX testing but allow for testing format changes.

The second main issue the proposed regulations would address is the requirement of the AOA-approved internship by adding to the list of program prerequisites. The list would include ACGME-accredited training programs that achieved Osteopathic recognition, and ACGME-accredited training program, that includes rotations in IM, general surgery, pediatrics, FM, EM, and OB/GYN. This would bring Pennsylvania in-step with national standards.

POMA is preparing a letter of support for the official 30-day public comment period. The SBOM will review and answer all comments in a follow-up publication with changes. The process can take a long time (up to two years), but the hope is there will be little opposition to the proposed regulations and the process can be expedited as a result. POMA will share each step of the process with you until final approval. Please direct any questions or concerns to [email protected].

POMA24 is Available On-Demand!
34 Category 1A AOA credits available

Congratulations to POMA's 2024-2025 Leadership!

POMA 2024-2025 Officers
President: William Swallow, DO
President-elect: George Wolters, Jr., DO
Vice President: Angela Zawisza, DO
Secretary/Treasurer: Eric Milie, DO
Immediate Past President: John Kalata, DO

POMA House of Delegates Officers
Speaker of the House: Jeffery Dunkelberger, DO
Vice Speaker of the House: Jessica Masser, DO

2024-2026 Trustees-at-Large
Donna Delfin, DO
Kathryn Graham, DO
Jessica Masser, DO
Farah Mirza, DO
Jonathan Oline, DO
Meera Shah, DO
Hans Zuckerman, DO

2024-2025 Student, Resident & New Physician in Practice Trustees
Student Trustee: Tia Pattillo, OMS-I
Resident Trustee: Mohit Chhatpar, DO
New Physician in Practice Trustee: James Latronica, DO

POMA House of Delegates Holds Annual Meeting

The POMA House of Delegates held its annual meeting May 1-2, 2024 in conjunction with the 2024 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 2024-25 operating budget, approval of life member applications, and discussion of resolutions.

John Kalata, DO, 2023-24 President, presented the Distinguished Service Award to Mark Monaco, DO. He also presented Presidential Citations to members of the Task Force on Military and Veteran Physician Engagement, to Immediate Past President Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO, and to POMA Chief Staff Officer Diana Ewert.

The House also received greetings from AOA President Ira Monka, DO and Krissy Eisenhardt, APOMA President and AAOA President-elect.

Three resolutions were reviewed and discussed during the meeting. Resolution 1-2024 was a first read of recommended changes to the POMA Bylaws. The resolution was accepted and will receive a second read at the May 2025 POMA House of Delegates. Resolution 2-2024 was a first read of a recommended membership dues increase. The resolution was deferred until the 2025 meeting. Resolution 1-2023 received a second read and passed to remove references to awards from the POMA Bylaws.

A request for a resolution to be presented to the AOA House of Delegates was also accepted. The resolution - Osteopathic Undergraduate Education Core Competencies - was approved as policy for the association and forwarded to the AOA House of Delegates. The resolved clause reads as follows:

RESOLVED, that the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) affirms, and advocates for, the seven core educational competencies which are the foundation of Osteopathic education and works to identify and eradicate the continued creep of marginalization of osteopathic physicians and students by the ACGME, AAMC, AACOM and any other relevant stakeholders.

Proposed Dues Increase
Active Members

The POMA House of Delegates approved Resolution 2-2024 calling for an increase in dues for the Active membership category. The recommended increases will receive a second read at the May 2025 POMA House of Delegates meeting. Per the POMA Bylaws, any dues increase must be posted for a minimum of 30 days in advance of the next meeting of the House. This newsletter publication serves as notice.

The proposed dues increase for Active membership is an incremental increase of $25 annually through 2028. The current rate is $375. Dues revenue remains a primary source of revenue for the Association and the Active dues rate has remained the same since 2009. POMA has increased services including multiple opportunities for members to receive continuing medical education credit through district program at no cost; opportunities to attend social and other functions offered through the district at no cost. Active members also have the ability to serve in leadership positions within POMA and to participate on POMA committees, workgroups, and task forces. POMA also tracks CME for Pennsylvania State Licensure, provides monthly publications, and access to the Members-Only portion of the POMA website.

To comment on the Active Member dues increase, click here.

That's a Wrap!
POMA's 116th Annual Clinical Assembly & Scientific Seminar at Kalahari a Success! 

The live, in-person events for POMA's 116th 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.

On-demand viewing of POMA24 is available until June 10, 2024.  The program offers 34 hours of Category 1-A AOA CME credit and includes 7.5 patient safety credits, 1.75 opioid credits and 2 hours of CPSL credit.  Earn the credits you need for PA licensure now!  Registration will remain open until June 7th. 

Save the date and join us for POMA’s 117^th Annual Clinical Assembly – May 7-10, 2025, at Kalahari.  The planning committees will begin developing next year's event this summer.  We can’t wait to see you there!  

District Dish

Districts 1,2,10,14

POMA's Philadelphia area Districts 1, 2, 10 and 14 came together to cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies as they battled the Washington Nationals at Citizen's Bank Park on May 18th. More than 80 POMA members and their families rallied with the Phillies through 10 innings to celebrate a 4-3 victory over the Nationals! Even with a slight weather delay, it turned out to be a great evening of baseball. Attendees enjoyed unwinding, catching up with friends and family, and savoring another Phillies win. District leadership thanks all who were able to attend and looks forward to coordinating another Phillies game next year.

District 9

Brezeln, spaetzle and schnitzel, oh my! District 9 members enjoyed a delicious German-style dinner at The Harmony Inn in Harmony, PA on Tuesday, May 21st. POMA Trustee and District 9 Chair, Valeri Roth, DO, updated attendees on all things POMA and thanked them for coming out for a fun evening. It was a great time for friends and colleagues to reconnect and make new friendships.

District 11

District 11 members gathered on Wednesday, May 15th, at Willoughby's on Park. District Chair, Jeffrey Gold, DO, welcomed attendees, thanked them for a great turnout, and provided an update on POMA. Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking and great conversation with colleagues, including POMA President-elect George Wolters, Jr., DO and Vice President Angela Zawisza, DO. The business meeting was followed by a product theater on RSV. Special thanks to all who were able to attend - keep an eye out for future district events!

District 14

District 14 members gathered on Thursday, May 16th at Bella Tori at the Mansion in Langhorne, PA. District Chair, Richard Purse, DO, moderated a business meeting which included a legislative update provided by Andy Sandusky, POMA’s Executive Vice President of Public Policy. District Secretary/Treasurer, Angelo Ratini, DO, and POMA Trustee at Large, Jonathan Oline, DO, provided attendees with a variety of updates on POMA. The business meeting was followed by a product theater on thyroid nodules and cancer management. The district’s next event will be a free CME dinner event on Wednesday, June 19 at Harvest Grill in Newtown, PA. The lecture will be, "Melanoma: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” presented by POMA member, David Kasper, DO. Register and plan to join us!

View the
newsletter online!

"May we never forget freedom isn't free"
– Unknown

We honor and remember the brave men and women who served and paid the ultimate price for our country and our freedoms.

Please note that the POMA Central Office will be closed on Monday, May 27th for Memorial Day.

We will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28.

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. POMA24 is Available On-Demand - Register Today!
5. POMA's 2024-2025 Leadership Installed
6. POMA House of Delegates Holds Annual Meeting
7. Notice: Proposed Dues Increase
8. Wrap-up of the POMA24 Live Event
9. District Dish
10. Upcoming District Events
11. Member Appreciation Giveaway
12. Membership Renewal Cycle Open
13. Welcome New Members
14. Military Appreciation
15. District Competition Results
16. Classified Ads
17. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
18. APOMA Update from POMA24
19. POMPAC

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.

Adnan Ahmad, DO
Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology
423 North 21st Street, Suite 100
Camp Hill, PA 17010
Active Member – District 5

Jeffrey S. Berger, DO
Premier Orthopedics
1204 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100
Chadds Ford, PA 19087
Active Member – District 2

Amanda L. Bowman, DO
1610 South Queen Street
York, PA 17403
Active Member – District 5

Amanda G. Carl, DO
150 North New Castle Street
New Wilmington, PA 16142
Active Member – District 9

Scott D. Fell, DO
200 Stevens Drive, Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19113
Active Member – District 1

Cynthia D. Groff, DO
565 Coal Valley Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Active Member – District 8

Joseph M. Knapp, DO
1400 Peoples Plaza, Suite 301
Newark, DE 19702
Out-of-State Member

Dorine Lantimo-Vetter, DO
4229 Oregon Pike
Ephrata, PA 17552
Active Member – District 5

Daniel J. Makowski, DO
3550 North Concord Drive
Center Valley, PA 18034
Active Member – District 3

Yaena Park, DO
2701 Blair Mill Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Active Member – District 10

Hilary M. Sales, DO
351 North Sumneytown Pike
North Wales, PA 19454
Active Member – District 10

Joseph F. Thomas, DO
655 South Hershey Road
Hummelstown, PA 17036
Active Member – District 5

POMA wants to support and honor our military members!

Whether you are active duty, reservist or retired; Army, Navy, Air Force; POMA wants to hear from you! Click here to share your military history with us or email [email protected]. 

District Competition
We have a winner!

Congratulations to POMA District 8 for winning the 3rd Annual POMA District Competition!  They achieved this feat by organizing CME, social and volunteer events, such as their annual Winter CME Seminar, social events with the Penguins and Pirates, and giving back to their community with district-wide food drives.

District 8 is rewarded with a POMA-sponsored event in their district and the coveted District Champions trophy.

There's no rest for the weary!  The 2024-2025 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 15, 2024:
   1st Place – District 4
   2nd Place – District 12
   3rd Place – District 8

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

MEDICAL PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES. Well established independent, osteopathic family medicine practice located in Western Pennsylvania in a college based community and accessible to good schools, adventurous outdoor activities, and major US cities. Fantastic growth potential for a new physician to take over for soon to be retiring physicians. Current physicians are willing to stay on for a period of time. Contact John Brooks, DO or Timothy Brooks, DO at (814) 226-7651 or (814) 744-8525.

PRN Medical Space — Ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. Call 215-669-4001 or visit prnmedical.space.

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.

POMA DOes...Podcast

Have you tuned into the POMA DOes... podcast series? We have released 57 episodes, which are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our most recent episodes focus on "Empathy" and "Advocating for the Osteopathic Profession."

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!

APOMA Update from POMA24

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.

Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association | 1330 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17111
www.poma.org | [email protected] | (717) 939-9318