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by: John Kalata, DO
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
"When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, hurrah!
The men will cheer, the boys will shout,
The ladies, they will all turn out,
And we'll all feel great when Johnny comes marching home."
This song, originally from the Civil War, expresses people's longing for the safe return of their friends and relatives who were fighting in the war. In that most divisive time in our history, the song was used by both the Union and Confederate sides, to express a common desire: for families to be together and to live in peace.
Last weekend, we celebrated Veterans Day. We honored the men and women whose selfless sacrifice in times of war and peace help to secure our freedom. From Pearl Harbor, to Midway Island, to Normandy, the Bulge, Incheon, Khe Sanh, New York, and Fallujah, stateside and across the globe, our servicewomen and men "wrote a blank check" to our country to defend our liberty and our values. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice. Others "marched home," some intact, many scarred, but all forever changed. Their families, too, sacrificed in support of their service member. Our debt of gratitude can never be fully repaid.
Your Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association has these heroes within our membership. Military veterans serve as Trustees, in leadership, as physicians-in-training, as students, and as active members. On behalf of POMA, I would like to personally thank those members for all they have done, and continue to do, for our country. Their legacy of service continues every day.
In recognition of their service, our Task Force on Military and Veteran Engagement is working to identify and implement ways to further engage with our veterans. In a special way this month, I ask any member with a history of military service (Active, Retired, Guard or Reserve), or with a history of service to veterans with the Veterans' Administration, to email us at [email protected], with your service history and military branch, or complete this form. We are working to build our database to better support you.
Our most recent POMA DOes podcast, "A Call to Service – To Country and To Patient," features our President-Elect Dr. William Swallow, Dr. Regan Shabloski, Dr. Angela Jenny, and student doctor Daniel Rabe. It's a great episode. Please tune in.
Please take a minute to read this month's "How Are You DOing?" column, written by our Vice President, Dr. George Wolters. Your board members' quick action to help a fellow human (and a veteran!) in need makes us exceedingly proud!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! May God bless our Veterans.
by: Diana Ewert
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It's about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers.” - Robin S. Sharma
As the year and my career is winding down, I often wonder if what I did made a difference. My professional goal is to always, always, leave an organization better than when I came in the door. This hasn’t always been the case. While the saying goes, “never burn a bridge”, I’ve left situations where I wanted to go screaming over the bridge with a torch in one hand and a gas can in the other and watch it burn. (I wonder what Dr. Garloff would make of this, LOL.) And I still looked for ways to leave something behind – a program, product, service, relationship – that could be picked up by the next person who applies their experience, education and expertise for an even greater impact. Still I wonder, if an impact was made, or results achieved, or someone inspired. I will likely never know.
This is why I love working with osteopathic physicians. Every day, you make a difference. Even when the outcome is not optimal or ends with you helping a patient to cross over and their family to accept the pathway, you make a difference. You impact the lives of everyone you cross paths with. You influence patients to change behavior for the better. You inspire colleagues, residents and students. You simply live each day as an example of what an osteopathic physician should be. Impact. Influence. Inspiration.
I tell my team I have a story to cover just about everything. My story here starts at another physician organization and a goal to influence, impact, and inspire. Sixteen years ago, I collaborated with the Illinois chapter of this organization. While I worked on the resolution, that chapter found a champion in the legislature to take the resolution forward to the Council of State Governments (CSG). The resolution encouraged state legislators to implement pilot programs implementing the Patient-Centered Medical Home model to improve healthcare. Over the years, I’ve watched state legislatures implement these programs and how far the PCMH model has come. I’d like to think I played some role in broadening awareness of the model and how it can impact health in the states.
I’d like to think that I’ve done good work in Pennsylvania. Our influence and our influencer program is growing. Our impact can be measured in those reaching out to POMA for collaboration. POMA inspires at every level of engagement. It hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t been smooth. With the next 3-year Strategic Plan on the horizon, I can’t wait to see where we go.
by: Andy Sandusky
General Assembly Sends Informed Consent Bill to the Governor
The General Assembly broke for the holiday yesterday, but before it left, passed House Bill 507, which amends the Mcare Act by requiring informed consent from a patient before training examinations are performed on the pelvic, rectal and prostate areas of the body. POMA supports this legislation. The bill is now in the hands of the Governor to sign or veto.
The teaching physician or provider is responsible for obtaining the informed consent in written and verbal forms before a patient can be examined in those areas of the body while the patient is anesthetized or unconscious. The physician or healthcare provider may delegate the task of obtaining informed consent to another qualified healthcare provider as long as it is not the student(s) performing the exam. The exceptions to this rule include when the examination is needed for emergency treatment of the patient, or the examination is within the scope of the procedure to which the patient is being treated.
A teaching physician or provider not following the informed consent rule under the conditions covered will open his or herself up to liability. In addition, the facility where a violation takes place is required to pay a $1,000 fine, not including the recovery of damages sought by a patient in civil court. POMA will monitor the signature of the Governor and share it. Physicians will have 60 days before the law takes effect upon the Governors signature.
POMA Board of Trustees Holds Strategic Planning Retreat and Quarterly Meeting
At the beginning of November, the POMA Board of Trustees gathered for its annual retreat to conduct strategic planning and convene its quarterly meeting.
During the strategic planning session, the board explored the issues impacting the professional and organizational environment to develop strategic goals and corresponding strategies that will serve as a roadmap to guide POMA for the next three years. A draft plan will be shared with key stakeholders in December, with the final plan being presented to the Board for approval in February 2024.
The board meeting began with a generative discussion on the future of POMA continuing medical education. They explored topic areas, new delivery models, learning theories, and came to consensus that it's imperative to continue the discussion beyond the board room. The Board continued their meeting and took action on motions from the membership and audit committees, and approved recommendations from the governance review task force and the government affairs, public policy and publications committees.
The board enjoyed the retreat, getting out of their normal environment to think about big issues affecting the osteopathic profession, opportunities for growth, and the impact DOs have on their patients.
POMA and our Military Task Force are here to support osteopathic physicians who presently serve, or have served, in the military. Please let us know if you, or someone you know, is serving or is a veteran so we can build a stronger network and provide resources to our colleagues. Complete this form or send an email to [email protected].
A major goal of the task force is to build a network that young physicians can use to support them throughout their career and transitions. It begins early on by providing advice on personal and professional challenges, as well advice on military bases and locations where others have served. These connections will continue through deployments and other stressful environments as a support system from people who have experienced it. POMA wants to be beacon when service members separate from the military to assist in the transition to civilian life and responsibilities. We will be here for our osteopathic military professionals throughout their entire journey.
In honor of Veterans Day, check the latest episode of the POMA DOes... podcast series, "A Call to Service – To Country and To Patients," which features four military DOs who responded to the call to serve others.
District Dish
District 1
Philadelphia area members gathered on November 8th at Zorba's in downtown Philadelphia. All the new members were warmly welcomed and enjoyed networking with colleagues in their area. The district is actively planning events for the new year, including more community events and the annual business meeting with elections. Watch your email and social media for announcements!
District 4
POMA District 4 hosted two events over the last month. During their four-hour CME event in Old Forge, attendees learned about food dignity, chronic pain treatments, breast carcinoma and metabolic syndrome. The variety of topics kept attendees engaged and on their toes, and the even wrapped up in time for the college football games.
They gathered again on November 16th to network, discuss movements in the legislative arena, and receive updates on everything going on with POMA. Watch your email for information about the District's annual hockey game and the annual business meeting with elections!
District 11
POMA District 11 members gathered at Willoughby's on Park in Wyomissing on November 8th. The POMA business meeting included a discussion on local and legislative happenings and a look ahead to upcoming gathering opportunities, including social and CME events. The evening concluded with a product theater discussing the treatment of COPD. Watch your email for our next local event!
District 14
POMA members gathered in Newtown earlier this month for networking and dinner. Physicians young and old discussed local developments, legislative developments including scope of practice issues, and updates from POMA. The evening concluded with POMA member Scott Rosenthal, DO, discussing new technologies in pain management.
The next District 14 event is Thursday, November 30 at Harvest - we look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday Morning
by: George Wolters, Jr., DO
Sunday morning started with a cup of coffee and sharing stories before continuing to work on POMA’s new Strategic Plan. In the conference room, 30 osteopathic physicians were volunteering their weekend to strengthen Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania.
Outside the room we heard “man down”. An elderly man, in a chair, without pulse or respirations, was assessed, rapidly brought inside, CPR begun, and the hotel’s AED brought into play. After a rapid ambulance/paramedic response, the physicians turned over care and returned to their meeting.
In a society obsessed with identity, no one asked if our patient was conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, or which personal pronouns he used. Just a quick medical history and trying to comfort the man’s family.
This is what we do.
READ MORE >>
 Written by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO
After a 22-year career as an interventional osteopathic cardiologist, Colonel Jonathan Oline, DO made the decision to leave private practice and dedicate his professional career to serving the United States of America as a Deputy Command Surgeon at the 99th Readiness Division of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.
Dr. Oline is a 1983 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completing his post-graduate education at PCOM (Internal Medicine), Deborah Heart-Lung Center in NJ (Cardiology Fellowship) and Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia (Interventional Cardiology training). After years of practicing interventional cardiology along with general internal medicine, Dr. Oline had a chance meeting with US Army Special Forces members, and in 2006, he felt called to serve. For five years he continued with his private practice while serving in the Army Reserve. After his Iraqi deployment, he left private practice to serve the United States full-time.
READ MORE >>
Written by Samuel J. Garloff, DO
ProtecT What?
I invite you to join me today as I wander effortlessly through my preconscious. I’m simply going to explain existence. It should be easy to follow along. Life, at least as we comprehend it, is physics in action. Physics is dependent on mathematics. Take a deep breath, I can feel the heat from here. Douse your torches and put your pitchforks away. Remember, Fibonacci only recorded the presence of the Golden Spiral. He didn’t design it and utilize it. There is no need to create “CHO-CHO-CHON” to protest placards or chant “Ontogeny Recapitulates Phylogeny” as a mantra. I am not saying that you are wrong, I’m just pointing out that you are not right!
As physicians, we like to think of ourselves as scientists. Why exactly, I don’t know. Seldom do we actually rely on our understanding of science as we treat our patients. We typically accept and use the findings of others as they research and publish them. Based on the reports of others we diagnose, prescribe medications, refer for laboratory analysis, imaging, surgery and postoperative care. We utilize a virtual cornucopia of additional ancillary services.
READ MORE >>
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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. POMA Board of Trustees Holds Quarterly Meeting
5. Community Collaborative
6. District Dish
7. How Are You DOing?
8. DOs DOing More
9. Another Voice
10. Giving Tuesday
11. Upcoming District Events
12. Member Appreciation Giveaway
13. Welcome New Members
14. Military Appreciation
15. District Competition
16. Classified Ads
17. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
18. Under the DOme
19. POMPAC
20. Follow POMA on Social Media
This Giving Tuesday, support the POMA Foundation to promote the osteopathic profession in Pennsylvania.
Early giving is open. Thank you for your support and generosity!
Upcoming District Events
District 14
Business Meeting &
Product Theater
Thursday, November 30
6:30 pm
Harvest Seasonal Grill
Newtown, PA
Thank you for being a POMA member! We are stronger, louder and better with you!
Each month, POMA is holding a drawing to show our appreciation for YOU! Congratulations to Lorinda Berger, DO - winner of the October giveaway!
Click here to enter this month's drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Thank you for all you DO!
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.
Franklin J. Berkey, DO
Mount Nittany Medical Center
1850 East Park Ave., Suite 207
State College, PA 16803
Active Member – District 6
William G. Callahan, DO
500 Old York Road, Suite 108
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Active Member – District 10
Linda K. Goldenberg, DO
3000 St. Luke's Drive
Quakertown, PA 18951
Active Member – District 3
Brian K. Lang, DO
2501 West 12th Street
Erie, PA 16505
Active Member – District 7
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
The third annual POMA District Competition is running from April 1, 2023 – March 30, 2024. Districts receive points based on holding events; survey participation; writing in publications (POMA and external); membership retention; and more. Click here for a complete list of challenges.
The winning District receives a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and bragging rights. Contact your District Leadership for more details.
Current Standings as of November 15th:
1st Place – District 1
2nd Place – District 4
3rd Place – District 6, 11, 12
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
Board Certified Family Practice or Internal Medicine Physician in Mechanicsburg, PA. Full-Time. Concierge/ Multispecialty Group.
Join our established and thriving practice in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, as a Board Certified Family Practice or Internal Medicine Physician. For 15 years, our privately owned and independent medical practice has provided exceptional and personalized healthcare. Positioned just minutes from the vibrant Downtown Harrisburg — the state capital — our practice combines comprehensive care with a concierge service model, enhanced with functional and integrative therapies for a more profound approach to health and wellness.
Competitive salary reflective of experience. Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, CME allowance, retirement planning, health insurance, and malpractice insurance with tail coverage. Performance-based quarterly bonuses and potential for practice ownership after two years.
Candidates interested in being part of a growing, dynamic team should submit a resume, a personalized cover letter, and references to Dr. Adam Burick at [email protected].
DOCTORS WANTED — DOs
Full-time or part-time. MD at HOME is expanding appointments to patients by telehealth/Zoom and home visits to elderly and disabled home bound. Full-time. Annual income $130,000 plus. Will discuss all details in interview. MD at Home, Inc. 717-840-4646. Fax CVs to 717-840-8086 or email [email protected].
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.
POMA DOes...Podcast
Have you tuned into the POMA DOes... podcast series? We have released 45 episodes, which are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our most recent episodes focus on “Meet the Deans" and "A Call to Service.”
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!
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!
  
 
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