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by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO
"GRATITUDE"
Grat·i·tude [ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od] NOUN - the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
From a very early age, we are taught to “say please and thank you”. Perhaps you were required to write a formal acknowledgment for a gift before you were permitted to enjoy that present. And of course, any award recipient starts her acceptance remarks by expressing gratitude for the honor as well as to those who made it possible for the achievement. Perhaps the ultimate sense of gratefulness, though, is when something is received that cannot be reciprocated. The homeless woman who receives a hot meal and a warm place to sleep, the young couple unable to conceive — getting the call from the adoption agency there is a child to complete their family, the man struggling for each breath receiving the ultimate gift of new lungs — their sense of gratitude achieves a level most of us will never experience or appreciate.
The practice of recognizing and acknowledging kindnesses and considerations has been shown to improve happiness and overall well-being (www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier). I started my gratitude practice many years ago. After reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, I began a more formal habit of starting each day with an intention and ending each day with a reflection on my fortunes experienced throughout the day. As I pass the midway point of my tenure as POMA president, I want to reflect back on the wonderful gifts that we have shared and the outstanding work we have accomplished.
Our presence in Harrisburg is profound and positive. I am thrilled that the Department of Health has reached out to us for collaboration on the commonwealth’s Crisis Standards Document and even more thankful for the knowledge and experience of Drs. Oline, Shabloski and Blake for their input. The passing of Senate Bill 225 was a huge win for our patients and all of our office support personnel. The Substance Use Disorder specialty education series has exceeded all expectations and to date over 400 FREE credit hours have been awarded to participants. This is your membership at work!
It is rewarding to be recognized for the work we have accomplished. Last month the AWARD WINNING Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association was recognized as a recipient of the AOA Outstanding Affiliate Award. This achievement is only possible because of the dedicated physician volunteers supported by the commitment and talent of our outstanding Team POMA. Because of our collaborative efforts, we create exceptional educational programs, publish newsletters whose open rates are double of industry averages, and produce podcasts to allow for open discussion of contemporary and relevant topics.
I am grateful for the resources of our association and foundation. By continuing to be good stewards of those resources, we have been able to increase our granting and scholarship programs to advance our profession. We continue to look ahead and pursue measures to promote the distinctiveness of osteopathic medicine for our members and their patients.
After spending two years in isolation of some form, I am most grateful for in-person gatherings. Board meetings, CME programs, work sessions and social events are so much more satisfying when experienced communally. With the change in the hospitality industry and the trend for our familiar places to move away from hosting conventions and conferences, I am particularly grateful that we were able to relocate our two main CME programs to different venues. When our contract with the Valley Forge Convention Center (VFCC) expired, we extended a request for proposal to all major venues in Pennsylvania (including VFCC). Few locations submitted proposals that would be able to accommodate our educational, social and governance functions. Some locations (including VFCC) didn’t even respond to our request. Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Poconos enthusiastically replied with a most favorable proposal for our Annual Clinical Assembly. Though the POMA has proven excellence in virtual education, the benefit of in-person interaction and networking cannot be underestimated.
After being held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA for 17 years, the District VIII Winter Seminar planning committee was unable to negotiate acceptable accommodation rates for attendees. Fortunately, many of our previous industry contacts from Nemacolin are now working at our 2023 venue, Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This much larger facility will allow greater exposure of our Osteopathic Community to the public — what an opportunity to show who we are and what we DO!
Not all venue change is bad. We're excited for 2023 and can't wait to see you! Registration and room blocks for both conferences are open! Click on each conference link to register – District 8 Winter Seminar and Annual Clinical Assembly.
Back to the highest level of gratitude — when you receive something you couldn’t possibly reciprocate — the blessings and benefits I receive from serving as a volunteer leader of this association far exceeds any efforts I have extended. For this opportunity, I will forever be grateful.
by: Diana Ewert
"Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire
I realized today that I hadn’t changed my calendar to November. November! When did that happen? And with November comes Thanksgiving. And with the holiday where you give thanks for those in your life, you also take stock of what has happened over the past 11 months, ponder, learn, and appreciate your experiences and your people.
In January, we were already starting to build our Gelebration. We also supported the District 8 Annual Seminar. It was bittersweet having our last meeting at Nemacolin but we look forward to the family atmosphere of Seven Springs along with some members of their team that worked with us at Nemacolin.
Keeping POMA on the Move, Dr. Joe Zawisza (JZ to us) took the board meeting to Philadelphia. Dr. Ken Veit and PCOM were wonderful hosts! We quickly moved into spring and the Annual Clinical Assembly – our first all-state in-person meeting since the pandemic. Those that participated really enjoyed seeing their colleagues up close. I must say, I never appreciated an osteopathic hug as much as I did that weekend. It was a family reunited under the incoming leadership of the magnificent Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO.
May and June were comprised of meetings, team vacations, meetings, and district socials. Then July. The AOA House of Delegates and the installation of Dr. Gelb as AOA President. Today, Dr. Gelb nationally represents the osteopathic profession still calling Pennsylvania his home. We put together a wonderful representation of POMA in July at the AOA House of Delegates and Mummers was the word. August let us inhale and reopen the Sketchy Scholarships, participate in White Coat and Stethoscope ceremonies, and prepare our physicians to renew their license. The time spent working with members on the phone, helping with credits while getting the Substance Use Disorder program going to ensure the required opioid credit was available was extensive. I believe we are still inhaling and plan to do a collective exhale at the end of this month, thankful that although bruised, battered, and exhausted, the team can rest until licensure rolls around again in 2024.
I am grateful for our leaders. The time they spend supporting the profession, being available, consulting, and serving… takes my breath away. Drs. Witherite-Rieg, John Kalata, Bill Swallow, Eric Milie and JZ – thank you! This is followed by an equally dedicated team of individuals that make sure I can do my job, so you can do yours. Susan, Deb, Tammy, Margaret, Jason, Brenda, Andy… YOU ARE #TeamPOMA. Thank you!
Lastly, thank you to each of our members for your continued investment in the osteopathic profession. Have a wonderful holiday.
by: Andy Sandusky
Governor Wolf Signs Insurance Reform Measures into Law; Election Results
Act 146 of 2022, represents a few years of hard work to empower patients and Osteopathic physicians with standardized information and timelines on prior authorization and step therapy so patients could receive coverage for medically necessary treatments. Governor Wolf had a bill signing ceremony for Act 146 this week and Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO, POMA President, met with Governor Wolf and stood for a picture with other supporters during the signing. Governor Wolf was flanked at the table beside the prime sponsor of the bill, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and House Insurance Committee Chair, Representative Tina Pickett (R-Bradford).
The other big news surrounding the Capitol, is party control of the House of Representatives. There are 203 members of the House of Representatives. At the time of this article, the one of the two remaining seats outstanding, has flipped to the Democrats, giving them a 101-100 majority. There remains one very close race in the southeast that is still being scrutinized by both parties looking to seek court remedies. If you are doing the math, there is one seat remaining, which is Allegheny County where the late-State Representative Tony DeLuca passed away after the ballots had already been set. The Speaker will announce a special election to be held in 2023 to determine who will fill the seat.
If all stays as it is being reported, come January, it is highly likely Pennsylvania will have its first female President Pro Tempore, Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), and first female and black Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware).
On a final point, Pennsylvania finally has a “Doctor in the House!” State Representative-Elect Arvind Venkat, MD (D-Allegheny) won his election in the 30th district located in northern Allegheny County. Dr. Venkat is an emergency medicine physician and will be looked to for his opinions on healthcare policy in the General Assembly. POMA welcomes Dr. Venkat to Harrisburg!
POMA Board of Trustees Holds Annual Retreat and Quarterly Meeting
On November 5th, the POMA Board of Trustees held their annual retreat at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. The leadership and trustees used inspiration from their environment to connect, build trust and strategize to further the mission of POMA.
Following the retreat, POMA President Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO presided over the board's quarterly meeting. The board received updates from leadership, committees, work groups and task forces. The board also acted on several motions and recommendations from these entities.
The next meeting of the board will be in February at the newly renovated Central Office in Harrisburg.
District Dish
District 3
On November 1st, District 3 members gathered at Blue Grill House in Bethlehem for food, fun, and comradery. Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO, POMA President, William Swallow, DO, POMA Vice President, and Robert Dolansky, DO, AOA Trustee, were all on hand to provide updates and answer questions about everything going on in the osteopathic community. Members discussed recent legislative developments, state licensure requirements, and upcoming district social and CME events. They also held a product theater discussing treatments for prostate issues. Watch your email and social media for upcoming events in early 2023.
District 4
District 4 members gathered at Cusamano in Old Forge, PA for food, fun, and comradery on Wednesday, October 26th. Members discussed recent legislative developments, state licensure requirements, and upcoming district social and CME events. They held a product theater discussing injectable iron. Watch your email and social media for upcoming events in the new year!
District 5
York was the place to be on Thursday, November 17th, with District 5 members gathering at the Viking Club. District Chair Carol St. George, DO discussed POMA's legislative victories and upcoming battles. They also discussed the upcoming luncheon honoring local State Rep. Dave Hickernell who is retiring. Members also discussed the upcoming leadership opportunities and elections, as well as the 2023 POMA Clinical Assembly which will be held at Kalahari. The next district meeting will be in February 2023 - watch your email for more information in the new year!
District 6
POMA members gathered in Lewisburg at Bull Run Tap House on Wednesday, November 9th for conversation and comradery. The members discussed local happenings and future event ideas such as trivia nights, nature hikes and a district members-only virtual CME event. POMA leadership was present to provide feedback and support to the local membership. Be on the lookout for more upcoming district social and dinner events!
District 11
District 11 gathered in West Reading on Wednesday, October 26th for a night of fun and food. After receiving an update from district leadership, which was supported by lively discussion and debate, the group enjoyed a product theater on the impacts of exacerbations on patients with COPD. Be on the lookout for the next events and district elections in early 2023!
District 14
District 14 members gathered in Newtown on Thursday, November 11th. The large group enjoyed conversation and comradery. Angelo Ratini, DO, District 14 Alternate Trustee lead a discussion about the osteopathic happenings in Pennsylvania. The group discussed practice issues, and legislative developments. The evening concluded with a discussion regarding new treatments for type 2 diabetes. District 14 has more events in the works for the coming months - watch your email for details!
by: Allyson Distler, LECOM OMS-3
De-Stress the Holiday Mess
With the month of November halfway gone, it’s easy to begin to stress about the holiday season. Where am I going to get my Thanksgiving turkey? How long do they need to defrost again? Do I have enough time and money for Christmas gifts? How will I balance seeing my family and my in-laws? All these questions need answering. It’s overwhelming and anxiety-provoking just thinking about it.
What can we do to help de-stress the holiday mess? First, plan as best you can. While it sounds simple, creating a flexible schedule over the next few weeks can help you feel more prepared and organized. Try to discuss plans with family early and discern who you’re visiting on what day. Setting attainable and realistic goals to accomplish each week like “buy stocking stuffers the week of 12/12,” or “wrap 5 presents every day the week leading to Christmas.”
READ MORE >>
APOMA board members just returned from OMED in Boston, MA. What an exciting time we all had! This is the annual meeting for all delegates where business is discussed and officers are elected.
The Advocates for the AOA held their House of Delegates meeting and APOMA was very well represented. APOMA is proud to have three members on the AAOA board: Lori Hildebrand, current APOMA Past President, was elected President; Krissy Eisenhardt, current APOMA President, was elected Vice President; and Caryn Tabby, current APOMA Treasurer, was appointed IRAA Liaison. We couldn’t be more proud of you!
APOMA also was presented a special projects award to help with scholarships and increase membership. We are so excited to be able to help more students and the osteopathic community. At the SAA/IRAA event Sunday, Lorna Tabby, current APOMA Director and previous APOMA President, was on a panel talking to student spouses and significant others about her experience as a doctor’s wife and how she didn’t lose her identity. What interesting stories she has!
APOMA just put out its first newsletter to its members. It tells its members about all the exciting things they are up to and how to support us. An easy way to do that is to check the box on your membership invoice. Membership isn’t just for spouses. It’s also for doctors, nurses, office staff, family members, friends, and anyone else in the community who supports osteopathic medicine. Membership dues plus our auction tables at the Clinical Assembly and Hershey are how we are able to give scholarships to the students at PCOM and LECOM. We have given out 6 scholarships this past year and are looking to give out 10 this year.
We appreciate all the support POMA gives us! We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families and friends.
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View the
newsletter online!
Your POMA family wishes you a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving.
Table of Contents...
1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. POMA23 - Register Now
5. POMA Board Holds Annual Retreat and Quarterly Meeting
6. District Dish
7. POMA Dist 8 Winter Seminar
8. How Are You DOing?
9. APOMA Updates
10. 2022 Osteopathic License Renewal Period Extended
11. POMA Receives Outstanding Affiliate Award
12. Upcoming District Events
13. Upcoming SUD CME
14. COVID-19 News Update
15. Welcome New Members
16. Classified Ads
17. Under the DOme
18. POMPAC
19. Follow POMA on Social Media
20. District Competition
21. POMA DOes... Podcast
22. Facts on Vax
23. Life After Retirement?
2022 OSTEOPATHIC LICENSE RENEWAL PERIOD ENDS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30!
Time is running out for osteopathic license renewal! Due to ongoing issues with the PALS system in September, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs extended the renewal period for licenses under the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine from October 31 to November 30, 2022. Note, CMEs must still be earned by October 31, 2022.
Visit www.pals.pa.gov to renew your license or check the status of your renewal.
POMA is honored to receive one of the AOA's 2022 Outstanding Affiliate Awards in recognition of our innovation, creativity, resourcefulness and flexibility to advance the osteopathic profession. Thanks to all our members for your efforts in working to advance the mission of POMA!
Upcoming District Events
District 10
Business Meeting &
Product Theater
Friday, November 18
5:30 pm
Blue Bell Inn
Blue Bell, PA
POMA @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, November 27
1:00 pm
First Energy Stadium
Cleveland, OH
Join us for Session 5 of
POMA's Substance Use Disorder Webinar Series
December 1 at 8:00 pm
Cat. 1-A AOA CME Available
Free for POMA Members
Click Here to Register!
POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding COVID-19.
Visit www.poma.org/covid-19 for all of our updates, as well as resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time.
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.
Eugene L. Camerino, DO
832 Ballstown Road
Lititz, PA 17543
Active Member – District 5
John G. Cremin, DO
408 Potomac Court
Wexford, PA 15090
Active Member – District 8
Scott F. Enderby, DO
898 North Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 600
El Segundo, CA 90245
Out-of-State Member
Candace M. Fraser, DO
3811 O’Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2561
Active Member – District 8
Mark E. Levenberg, DO
760 Stockton Drive
Souderton, PA 18964
Active Member – District 10
Katelyn M. Macik, DO
Premier Medical Associates
4044 PA-130, Suite 200
Irwin, PA 15642
Active Member – District 8
David M. Medunick, DO
11058 East Raintree Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255-1809
Out-of-State Member
Salvatore E. Mignano, DO
200 1st Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Out-of-State Member
Brooke H. Nelson, DO
1040 Chestnut Street
Emmaus, PA 18049
Active Member – District 3
Maritsa M. Scoulos-Hanson, DO
13385 Highlands Place
San Diego, CA 92130
Out-of-State Member
David J. Seastone, DO
2500 West 12th Street
Erie, PA 16505
Active Member – District 7
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
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.
Under the DOme
Did you catch POMA's advocacy newsletter, Under the DOme?
Under the DOme is a member benefit providing you with an update of the advocacy work POMA is engaged and/or monitoring to ensure DOs and their patients have the best possible opportunity for strong physician-patient relationships and care. POMA is THE organization that represents you as a DO in the state in all areas of advocacy.
We hope you find Under the DOme to be a valuable advocacy tool. Send your feedback to [email protected].
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.
Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!
  
 
District Competition
Who likes a little friendly competition?
The second annual POMA District Competition is running from April 1, 2022 – March 30, 2023. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey participation; writing in publications (POMA and external); membership retention; and various additional items. Click here for a complete list of challenges.
The winning District will receive a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and bragging rights. Contact your District Leadership to share ideas and for more details.
Current Standings - Nov. 18
1st Place – District 14
2nd Place – District 8
3rd Place – District 4 and 6
Want to help earn your district some points? Submit an article to the newsletter or Journal. Find out additional ways by contacting your district leadership.
POMA DOes...Podcast
Have you tuned into POMA's podcast series, POMA DOes... Episodes 1-21 have been published and are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our November episodes focus on "Advocacy and Organizing: Exploring Resident Unions" and "Local Engagement". Have an episode idea? Let us know!
New episodes for POMA DOes... are released on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode!
Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy with Your Patients
Osteopathic physicians and their practice teams play a key role in preventing COVID-19 infections among patients and communities. Check out the Facts on Vax website for a variety of educational materials, tools and resources that will help you discuss the importance of COVID-19 prevention with your patients.
POMA also produced an episode for the POMA DOes podcast series which addressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This episode offers CME credit for POMA members.
Life After Retirement?
Are you retired or looking to retire in the coming years? The POMA Mentor committee is looking to connect retired physicians with physicians approaching retirement. The purpose is to share knowledge about life after retirement. Retirement is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful. Let the POMA wellness committee help you navigate these waters.
CLICK HERE to complete a short survey discussing your interest as a retired physician or soon-to-be retired physician. Both are very important in supporting this program and the greater osteopathic community as a whole.
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