by: John Kalata, DO

Making a Difference — The POMA Foundation

"Who got the power to make a difference? Who got the power to make a change?" The Grammy Award-winning band Beastie Boys asked those questions in 2004. The POMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of POMA, makes a difference for our members and our communities, every day. As another of our foundation's granting cycle concludes, I want to share a few thoughts about the POMA Foundation.

Engaged, intentional, and touching all aspects of osteopathic medicine in the Commonwealth, the Foundation has grown in scope and influence since its inception in 1973. The Foundation was initially funded by POMA and is now further supported by individual donations and gifts from other foundations. Under the leadership of POMA Past President Pamela Goldman, DO, our Foundation continues to thrive. In the 2022-2023 year, the foundation has awarded $40,000 in scholarships, $15,000 in residency program wellness grants, and $400,000 in support of osteopathic medical students across Pennsylvania's three campuses of osteopathic medicine. These are only a few of the activities of the POMA Foundation over the past year.

White coats and stethoscopes donated by the Foundation to our first year osteopathic medical students, provides them with their introduction to POMA. Our scholarship program, focusing initially on medical students, has expanded to include osteopathic residents in training. Our Wellness Grant Program last year granted 17 residency programs a total of $34,000, funding programs as diverse as snow tubing, escape rooms, healthy gardens, and resident painting activities. In partnership with the ACOFP Foundation, the POMA Foundation has contributed $100,000 toward the ACOFP's Forging Our Future Campaign, which helps to defray the cost of initial osteopathic board certification for Family Medicine residents in Pennsylvania. These programs serve to make a substantive difference in the lives of our young physicians!

For those of us already in practice, the POMA Foundation supports funding for POMA to maintain its accreditation to provide both AOA and ACCME accreditation for our educational programs. This allows physicians holding AOA or ABMS certification to take full advantage of POMA's exceptional CME programs to get the credits we need for licensure and certification.

One of the most exciting initiatives of the Foundation include expansion of our granting program to support more community based projects involving our members and our patients. Since 2021, over $150,000 has been granted to projects across the state. Bright Idea Grants, awarded in the Spring, support projects that improve community health, quality-improvement, education or scholarly activity, and are funded in the range of $1,000 to $5,000. Larger grants in the Community Enhancing Grant program, awarded in the fall, help to make a lasting impact in the community, address a pressing need, or employ a unique approach to an ongoing challenge, and are in the $25,000 range. Information on grant applications can be found by clicking here.

This June, the POMA Foundation entered a three-year partnership with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. We are now the exclusive Healthy Lifestyle physician organization of the PIAA. Look for public service announcements, healthy lifestyle initiatives, and messages supporting POMA and osteopathic medicine at high school athletic events over the next three years!

Touching all aspects of osteopathic medicine, our Foundation is making that difference in Pennsylvania. As a 501c3 organization, contributions to the POMA Foundation are tax-deductible, and we welcome your donations. Click here to help make the difference.

See you in November!!

by: Diana Ewert

“At first, dreams seem impossible, then improbable, and eventually inevitable.”  - Christopher Reeve

In a couple of weeks, the POMA Board of Trustees will be gathering to go through the strategic planning process at the November retreat. We will be talking about the profession and big dreams we have for the future of osteopathic medicine in the Commonwealth. Moving the dreams into goals and objectives that may seem improbable, then enacting the strategies to achieve the objects that will eventually become inevitable is the goal of having a strategic plan.

POMA has been very successful the past six years. When I look back at what we started in 2017, I am amazed. POMA has benefited from strong, dedicated servant leaders. You always look at the impact our efforts will have on our members, our state, our profession and always your patients. When I applied for the position of your chief staff officer, I was immediately drawn to POMA’s potential. Not so much what was being represented then, but what I could see POMA becoming. What has been achieved over the past seven years is so much more than a dream.

Between POMA, and the philanthropic arm of the Foundation, POMA as an organization is rising. Rising in recognition in the legislature, rising in education by providing some of the best across the country. Rising in member value by offering opportunities at the district level. Rising in the communities you serve by becoming involved and engaged locally.

You keep dreaming and we'll keep rising.

by: Andy Sandusky

CRNPs Again Hold Rally in Harrisburg

CRNPs held yet another rally in Harrisburg, claiming they want to practice medicine independent of a physician. In their legislation, Senate Bill 25 on page 5, the definition of, “Practice of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing” provides that without physician oversight, they can, “perform acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures.” Their reasoning is they will address physician shortages in the rural and underserved areas of the state.

POMA believes in the team care approach, led by a physician and together with other clinicians each working to collectively to provide the best care for the patient. In this model, the physician is seen as the quarterback using football parlance. And just like football, the entirety of the team is needed to be successful providing care for the patient. When a CRNP is practicing in an expanded role, above the practice of nursing, a collaborative agreement is in place, developed by each physician and the individual CRNP. Far from being outdated, this solidifies the patient safety aspect of care and the best educated and trained professional who went through the education and training to become a physician.

The facts tell a story of strength of Osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania.

• PA has the third largest number of practicing Osteopathic physicians.
• 68% of Osteopathic physicians in active practice are under the age of 45.
• 44% of Osteopathic physicians in active practice are female.
• 57% of Osteopathic physicians practice in primary medical care.

Osteopathic medicine is doing its share of producing physicians in Pennsylvania and continuing to fill access to care gaps with the highest and best trained in the healthcare workforce. POMA believes that giving CRNPs the right to practice medicine without the oversight of a physician and without the education and residency training of a physician, is not the answer Pennsylvania patients need.

PCOM Holds White Coat Ceremony

William Swallow, DO, POMA president-elect, addressed the PCOM DO Class of 2027 at the annual White Coat Ceremony in Philadelphia earlier this month. He reflected on the white coat and how it signifies the first step toward becoming competent, caring physicians. The white coat is a symbol of trust between doctor and patient, and marks the transition from didactic to clinical training.

The white coats were provided by the POMA Foundation, POMA's philanthropic arm. The POMA logo is incorporated into the white coat to serve as a reminder that POMA is here to support our students and physicians throughout their entire professional career.

Best of luck PCOM Class of 2027!  

To support and promote health and well-being for osteopathic residents and their programs, we encourage you to apply for POMA's Resident Wellness Grant Program. These funds are used to support activities, projects and events that builds support and encourages open dialogue for wellness. Applications are being accepted thru November 15, 2023.

Over the last five years, $32,500 has been awarded to 66 residency programs in Pennsylvania. Residents have planned paint nights, escape rooms, garden projects, obstacle courses, cultural celebrations and arcade fun. Talk with the residents in your program and dream up how you would like to spend $500 to improve your wellness then apply - it's really that easy!

District Dish

Osteopathic Day at Knoebels

It was wet and wild but the Osteopathic community was out in force at Knoebel's on Saturday, September 22. The weather may have dissuaded some, but a hardy crew ventured through the park enjoying the rides and attractions. Physicians and their families gathered at the pavilion to refuel with for food and drinks. Thanks to everyone who attended, it was a wet blast.  

Local leadership is planning to host this event again in late spring/early summer 2024 and a family event at Clyde Pell's Reptiland is in the works for March. Stay tuned for more information.

POMA at the Pirates

District 3

Laughter and conversation filled the room as local DOs gathered at Grill 3501 in Allentown to reconnect after a long summer break. The group received updates from local leadership and gave feedback ahead of the POMA Board of Trustees strategic planning retreat. They also learned about the new RSV vaccine for seniors.

View the
newsletter online!

POMA’s social media is going pink October 20-31st. We will be posting photos of us in our pink and ask you to join us!

Snap a photo of you, your staff, your family or your pets wearing pink and either tag us in the photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or email your photo to [email protected] and we will post it for you.

Thank you in advance for participating and helping us raise awareness! 

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. PCOM Holds White Coat Ceremony
5. Resident Wellness Grant Program Open!
6. District Dish
7. Upcoming District Events
8. Member Appreciation Giveaway
9. Welcome New Members
10. Military Appreciation
11. District Competition
12. Classified Ads
13. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
14. Under the DOme
15. POMPAC
16. Follow POMA on Social Media

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.

Garrett W. Britton, DO
34359 Center Road
Townville, PA 16360
Active Member – District 7

Eric M. Chang, DO
175 Progress Drive
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Active Member – District 8

Shane R. Specht, DO
UPMC - Harrisburg Hospital
111 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
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

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 October 19th:
   1^st Place – District 1
   2^nd Place – District 4
   3^rd Place – District 6

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

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 43 episodes, which are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our most recent episodes focus on “Exploring the Direct Primary Care Model" and "The Role of a Program Director.”

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.

Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!

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