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by: Joseph M.P. Zawisza, DO
Whoa, We're Halfway There
There are many ways to define a year: a calendar year from January to December, a fiscal year from July to June, a school year which for many of us growing up was from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The POMA year, from one House of Delegates to the next, is from May to April. And so, besides the earworm that you are undoubtedly still singing in your head, I’d like to briefly reflect on where POMA is now that we have hit the midway point of the year.
If you’ve been reading my newsletter articles and other communications, you know that my motto this year is POMA On the Move! In fact, you might even be sick of reading it. But on the move, we have been. Two weeks ago, the Board of Trustees held their quarterly meeting in State College; how appropriate to have the midpoint of the year meeting near the midpoint of the state. There, following skills that I, along with other POMA leadership and staff, learned at a recent meeting on making boards more effective, we utilized a new format that allowed us to increase the value of the discussions we had so that we could best drive the organization in the right direction. This was a tremendous success! We also had the opportunity to have a very meaningful retreat with the board of the POFPS and discuss ways that we can move our boards forward in our parallel purposes without dampening the work that the other is doing. Both organizations have a lot to offer and I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities.
One of the president’s tasks is to designate the committee and task force assignments each spring in preparation for the upcoming year. Much like growing a garden, you put them together, review the charge of the group, provide the right staff and materials for the group to flourish, and then wait to see what comes out of your work. Last week, I met with all of the chairs and vice-chairs of these groups for an update on what kind of crop we’re getting and where we need to focus our energies and resources. I’m pleased to say that I’m getting the crop that I hoped to get! These assignments have produced meaningful discussions and actions that have helped put the organization in a great position in accordance with our strategic plan. We are a strong force in Harrisburg and have positioned ourselves to place members on Pennsylvania Department of Health’s State Health Assessment committees. We are going to have another top-notch educational program in April at the annual convention in addition to developing educational programs about substance misuse disorders throughout the year. Our membership has many great forums to gather in and ways to communicate and this is only improving. One great success story is an osteopathic medical student who is interested in Neurosurgery and reached out to POMA for help in making connections in the field. He now is involved in three papers including one which he will be leading. Another is a student who was elected to be a trustee to SOMA due in part to her involvement with POMA; we’ve got a great reputation! I encourage you all to let a fellow DO know what POMA has done for you.
A few months ago, I wrote about being grateful for the stressors and headaches of being an osteopathic physician; I doubt any of us physicians could honestly disagree with the fact that we have so much to be thankful for. Perhaps that article was premature and would have been better received this month. As we come to the end of the calendar year, with Labor Day and Halloween well behind us and we are embedded in the holiday season, we think about what we are thankful for, we become a little more cheerful and generous, and we start to think about our resolutions for the next year. But POMA is only halfway through our year and we are not livin’ on a prayer. We are following a carefully crafted strategic plan designed by our board at the direction of our members. Things are only going to keep getting better from here!
by: Diana Ewert
"For it is in giving that we receive."
- Saint Francis of Assisi
Giving. I see it every day in the osteopathic profession. You give to your patients. You give to your families. You give to your institutions, your colleges, and your association. When we talk about what it takes to be involved with POMA – at any level – we present a realistic expectation of the time that this giving requires. Want to give to a district? That’s a few hours annually. Want to give as a district leader? Then we are talking a few hours per month. Want to give more and be a committee or task force or workgroup member? Alternate District Trustee? District Trustee or Trustee-at-Large? Vice President?
What do you receive? I will put that question to our leadership when they start their podcasts early next year and share their experience with you, but let me share what I see. What I see is the leadership talking about issues and making decisions that directly impact their profession and their patients. What I see is the joy of a student board member who used their POMA experience to vault into a national position with SOMA. What I see is the satisfaction and pride of making a difference for their patients and their communities. What I see is a stronger commitment to the osteopathic profession.
It’s hard to put a label on the intrinsic value of giving. In fact, giving of yourself, of your time, of your talents is invaluable to those who receive. Without you, without your giving, Pennsylvania would be bereft of all that that osteopathic medicine represents. Care. Community. Family.
Thanksgiving! We are so grateful you DO...
by: Andy Sandusky
POMPAC... What is it? Why is it Important to Osteopathic Physicians?
The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Political Action Committee (POMPAC) was created to give Osteopathic physicians and their patients a political voice in the Pennsylvania state government. In simple academic terms, it is a bank account that takes monetary donations in and makes monetary contributions out. The donations are used for “political action” for POMPAC to invest in state legislative campaigns of individuals who support the ideals of Osteopathic medicine. The simple fact remains that in order to get elected and stay elected, campaigns need money to get their message out to the voters.
You might be asking yourself, don’t my dues dollars already go towards political activity? Great question! The short answer is no. Political actions committees (PACs) have been set up by governments to prohibit corporate donations. As a non-profit corporation, POMA is prohibited by law from using corporate funds (your dues dollars and any other funds in POMA accounts) to make any political donation to a political campaign or candidate.
To be clear, a large portion of your dues dollars does go towards lobbying and advocacy efforts. POMA has lobbyists (in-house and contracted) that are in constant contact with both the legislative and administrative bodies of Pennsylvania government. POMA also tracks its lobbying in all forms and reports this to the state as required by state law. POMA communicates and reports back to its membership, updates on its advocacy efforts. These efforts are highlighted in the Under the DOme publication shared with POMA members on the first Friday of every month.
But going back to a statement made earlier, state legislators who are friends of POMA need to raise money to get their political message to their voters. While there are some valuable and inexpensive ways for POMA members to individually get involved with political activity (go to local rallies, phone banking, literature drops, sign postings, etc.) one quick way is to donate to POMPAC. POMPAC takes every dollar that is donated to it and uses it for political action. There are no administration costs taken out of the POMPAC account, just money in (from POMA members like you) and money out (to worthy candidates that want to ensure that you have the best landscape to practice Osteopathic medicine in the Commonwealth on behalf of your patients!)
POMPAC augments the good advocacy work that perpetually transpires at the state Capital on behalf of Osteopathic medicine. POMPAC is YOUR political voice in Harrisburg! POMPAC has a five-member committee that makes the decisions on what candidates to support. To learn more about POMPAC, or to make a donation, please visit the POMPAC website today! And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email, call or text me at: [email protected] or 717.727.3668 (cell).
District Dish
District 11 Recap
POMA is on the Move! District 11 members took their monthly meeting on the road and visited Wyomissing last night. The members, both virtually and in person, made new friends, learned from one another, and received updates on the latest POMA initiatives. They also participated in presentations on migraine treatments.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event. If you have any ideas for events, please contact Jeffrey Gold, DO, district 11 chair, at [email protected].
District 12 - Bring Your Own Bird Event
Earlier this week POMA District 12 member Nicole Carroll, DO and her sons donated a turkey to their local food bank as part of District 12's bring your own bird program. The program encourages members to donate a whole chicken or turkey to their local food bank during the months of November and December. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated at this time of year. Please email District 12 leadership to let them know your donation was made and to share pictures. Thank you for making a difference in our communities!
Today is Veterans Day
by Samuel J. Garloff, DO
When I was quite young, I asked my father what he and his fellow soldiers during WW II thought of the men who didn’t serve. I will never forget his response. “We thought they were lucky”. Knowing this was the feeling of a wartime veteran, sent home at the end of the war with shrapnel embedded in his left tibia as well as a case of untreated malaria, his words had a profound effect. “We thought they were lucky”. After that exchange, I never thought twice about military service. You got drafted or you were “lucky”.
I was “lucky”. Then I did the unimaginable. I volunteered to serve in the Army. It made sense. I would serve and they would put me through medical school. I felt “lucky”. During my eight years of active duty service, I had experiences practicing medicine I never would have had as a civilian. I was exposed to illnesses and traumas I could have never imagined. The air-evac plane would land at Andrews Air Force Base and patients from the world over arrived at Walter Reed and be assigned to me at random. The maladies we were taught would be seen once in a lifetime or less, were routine. I ordered tests that I had never heard of and honestly now are impossible for me to remember.
Later, I had positions of responsibility thrust at me that I never requested. I had to do it and be evaluated in the process. No excuses, no backup, just responsibilities. Failure, as they say, was never an option. I had to direct and manage medical facilities, both as a psychiatrist and as a general medical officer, interface with Post Command, negotiate with unions, evaluate military and civilian personnel, respond to congressional inquiries, meet with local politicians, answer questions to the press, work with the Secret Service, CIA and FBI depending on the whims of political necessity. All this before, during, and after taking care of active duty personnel and their dependents, retirees, and civilian emergencies.
When a new doc was assigned to the clinic, the only thing you questioned was if they were any good. If not, your work was harder. No one cared if you were a DO or MD. Nobody cared where you went to school. No one cared about your test scores, class rank, or where you did your internship or residency. The pressing issue was, were you any good. Also, could you keep up? If not, patients suffered, and the facility suffered.
Read more>>
DOs DOing More
"Dare To" Award Recipient
Being a young professional in a new town in rural western Pennsylvania has its challenges. Being one of only three women physicians (and the only osteopathic female physician) practicing inpatient medicine with the hospitalist group has another set of challenges. With a work schedule of seven days on, seven days off, teaching responsibilities with the family medicine residency, serving on the POMA Board of Trustees as representative for the young physicians in practice, caring for fur babies, and renovating a home, one would think there is little to no time to meet people and contribute to the community. Enter the DuBois Jaycees.
The DuBois Jaycees is one of sixteen Pennsylvania chapters of an international organization made up of young professionals whose mission is “To empower young active citizens to create positive change through community service initiatives”. The DuBois Jaycees has supported blood drives, academic scholarships, community improvement projects, children’s programs, to name a few.
Kathryn (Katie) Graham, DO joined the DuBois Jaycees when she moved to DuBois after completing her Internal Medicine residency and began working as a hospitalist at Penn Highlands Healthcare in 2018. She joined the Jaycees to “meet people and continue community involvement” which has been part of her life even before medical school. Katie sees the Jaycee’s biggest impact is “giving back to people in need”, particularly with scholarship awards and support of people with food insecurity and increased financial need around the holidays.
Dr. Graham has been particularly active in raising money for scholarships given to two local high school seniors based on financial need and merit as well as commitment to return to the DuBois community. She serves on a committee to review the applications and interview the candidates. An avid golfer, she participates in the fund-raising golf scrambles sponsored by both the Jaycees and the DuBois Chamber of Commerce.
Earlier this year, DuBois Jaycees president, Sheri Price was presented one of three Jaycee’s “Dare To” awards in Pennsylvania, given in recognition of chapters who continued to move forward despite adversity, in particular, in light of limitations of the pandemic. The “Dare To” award locally was awarded to Dr. Kathryn Graham for her willingness and diligence in serving the community despite personal health risks during the pandemic.
Congratulations, Katie Graham, DO, and thank you for DOing more!
APOMA News
AAOA Holds Annual HOD Meeting
In October the APOMA members attended the annual AAOA HOD meeting virtually, at which time APOMA Treasurer Caryn Tabby completed her year as AAOA President. APOMA President Lori Hildebrand was sworn in as AAOA President-Elect. APOMA President-Elect Krissy Eisenhardt will continue her second year as an AAOA Director. APOMA Immediate Past President Sally Ann Rex DO was elected to the AAOA Nominating committee.
In September the APOMA board set out on a retreat in Ocean City, Maryland to review our goals, celebrate Caryn's presidency, and plan for the future. POMA President Joseph Zawisza, DO joined us remotely to discuss cooperative efforts to jointly benefit our organizations and the osteopathic community.
Read more>>
Brooches
APOMA has arranged with the AAOA to share in the proceeds from sales of Brooches on the AAOA Store. The very beautiful brooches are available in many colors.
Visit the store and in the checkout don't forget to put POMA2021 to get FREE SHIPPING and share proceeds with APOMA.
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View the
newsletter online!
From your POMA family, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving.
Table of Contents...
- President's Perspective
- Executive Opinion
- Policy Points
- POMA-ISMIE Affinity Program
- District Dish
- SoFi
- Another Voice
- DOs DOing More
- APOMA News
- COVID-19 News Update
- Upcoming District Events
- Upcoming PGYP Events
- Welcome New Members
- Podcast
- JPOMA Survey
- District Competition
- Classified Ads
- Under the DOme
- POMPAC
- POMAF Scholarships
- Follow POMA on Social Media
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.
Upcoming District Events
District 2
Business Meeting & Product Theater
Tuesday, December 7
Teca West Chester
West Chester, PA
District 5
Business Meeting & Product Theater
Thursday, December 9
Viking Club
York, PA
District 10
Business Meeting & Product Theater
Friday, December 17
Sullivan's Steakhouse
King of Prussia, PA
West Region
Tuesday, December 77:00 pmClarion River BrewingClarion, PA
Tuesday, December 21
6:00 pm
3rd & Spruce Café
Reading, PA
Thursday, December 23
6:30 pm
Joseph Ambler Inn
North Wales, PA
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 C. Allison, DO
401 East Murphy Avenue
Connellsville, PA 15425
Active Member — District 8
Amber L. Fedin, DO
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Active Member — District 8
Nupur Gupta, DO
3601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5B
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Active Member — District 8
Chioma L. Iheagwara, DO
8527 Cratin Place
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Active Member — District 1
Rajiv K. Jana, DO
4341 Nothern Pike
Monroeville, PA 15146
Active Member — District 8
Julia Quinlan, DO
131 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07103
Out of State Member
Casey Savage, DO
Delaware Anesthesia Associates
424 Savannah Road
Lewes, DE 19958
Out of State Member
Gregory P. Wheeler, DO
8946 Colebrook Road
Breinigsville, PA 18031
Active Member — District 3
 What do you want to hear on POMA's podcast?
Email your ideas to [email protected].
The Publications Committee wants to hear from you!
Click here to complete the JPOMA Readership Survey - we want to make sure your opinions and suggestions are considered as the Journal evolves to better serve you. Thanks for participating!
District Competition
Who likes a little friendly competition?
From April 1, 2021 – March 30, 2022 POMA will be hosting a District competition. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey and event participation; members 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 POMA sponsored dinner before POMA HOD 2022, a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and priority seating at the POMA House of Delegates, and bragging rights. The leaderboard will be published in POMA’s monthly newsletter.
Contact your District Leadership to share ideas and for more details.
Current Standings as of October 15:
- 1st Place - District 12
- 2nd Place - District 4
- 3rd Place - District 7
Want to help earn your district some points? Submit an article to the newsletter or participate in a POMA survey.
Find out additional ways by contacting your district leadership.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
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LEGAL AND COMPENSATION ANALYSIS OF PHYSICIAN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.
Looking at a new position, or to renegotiate your current employment agreement? Physician Agreements Health Law is a law firm that focuses on physician employment agreements in all 50 states. Ge our comprehensive, fixed fee legal review and compensation analysis so you can get a fair deal and peace of mind. https://pahealthlaw.com/
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Philadelphia Physician Wanted!
Dr. John Trzesniowski LLC is a well-established, deep-rooted, 40+ year independently owned family practice located in the immensely desirable Philadelphia neighborhood of Fishtown/Port Richmond who is seeking a full-time Family Physician/Internal Medicine Physician to join our rapidly growing team. This unique employment opportunity provides the applicant with tremendous overall career and life freedom and flexibility.
Competitive salary, bonuses, EMR, and outpatient only. No weekend hours. A wonderful, friendly staff in a relaxed environment, and a state-of-the-art facility opening in January 2022. Rare opportunity for physicians looking into possible partnership track in the primary care practice, if interested. Ready to interview and hire immediately.
Qualifications: MD/DO. BC/BE in Family Medicine. Licensed, or eligible, to practice medicine in the state of Pennsylvania.
Contact Dr. John and Matthew Trzesniowski at either [email protected] or [email protected] with CV.
PRN Medical Space – ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. 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.
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.
The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation (POMAF) is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 Resident/Student Scholarships are now open.
Pennsylvania students who are enrolled as an OMS II, OMS III or OMS IV and residents are eligible to apply as long as they meet the criteria. You can apply online, or applications can be downloaded and mailed to the POMA Foundation. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2022. The Foundation Board will review all applications and awards will be made in March.
We would greatly appreciate your help in circulating this among your student and resident contacts. Feel free to share the information and link on social media and in newsletters, etc. Make sure to use #POMAF22 and tag us on Twitter, @POMA_DOs and Facebook, @POMADOs.
Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!
  
 
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