by: William Swallow, DO

Greetings and salutations from the colorful mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania. The Poconos this year are in full display of vibrant colors from the many oaks and maples characteristic of these mountains. October seems to be a travel month for me. Recently, I attended both the District 3 and District 6 meetings. District 3 had 20 osteopathic physicians attend including five residents, one of which was already a member. The remaining four are sure to become members shortly. The lecture was excellent; the fellowship was outstanding. District 6 had an excellent lecture also; the fellowship was the same. Thank you to both District Chairs for a great time!

Last night I was at the District 1 networking event and, after an overnight stay in Philadelphia, I'm heading north to Blue Bell for the District 10 get together tonight. Later this month, I will be making my trip to PCOM to visit with the students. My thanks to our immediate past president, president-elect, and vice president for attending the white coat ceremonies at LECOM, LECOM Seton Hill, and Duquesne respectively. Last week, I attended the PCOM White Coat Ceremony at the Hilton City Avenue. The Class of 2028, numbering over 260 were provided their white coats in front of family and friends. The ballroom was packed with over 1,000 people attending. It was truly a grand event and I was honored to be there!

The committees and staff continue to carry on the work of POMA. This week the Clinical Assembly and Education committees met and began planning the 2025 Assembly. Mark you calendars for May 7-10 and plan to join us at Kalahari. President-elect George Wolters, Jr., D.O. promises to WOW the attendees with his very unique wardrobe. The keynote speaker has already been identified and will be one that you cannot miss attending.

Osteopathic medicine is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. A.T. Still, D.O. introduced Osteopathic medicine on June 22, 1874. In honor of this auspicious time, please consider supporting the POMA Foundation and POMPAC. There are several “painless” ways to do so. Please contact the POMA Office with any questions. And, please don’t forget to register for the POMA District 8 Winter Conference from January 23-26 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

Stay the course. Remember, WE are the Spirit of Osteopathic Medicine.

by: Andy Sandusky

POMA is Moving Forward

Energy, drive, momentum. These action words are exactly what can be used to demonstrate what POMA has done and continues to develop, in helping Pennsylvania osteopathic students and resident physicians. The future lies with these two segments of the Pennsylvania osteopathic community and POMA strives to do its best to support and nurture their development.

Energy
POMA and its Foundation pays for white coats for all first-year students at Pennsylvania’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). This month witnessed two COMs students receiving their white coats in separate school ceremonies. POMA President, William Swallow, DO, spoke at the PCOM ceremony and among hundreds of students, their family and friends, celebrated with them on their new journey towards becoming osteopathic physicians. On the same day in the other part of the state, Duquesne COM (DUQCOM) held its inaugural white coat presentation for its first class of students. Angie Zawisza, DO, POMA’s Vice President provided words of encouragement to the students and shared the stage with dignitaries from across the country celebrating this milestone.

Drive
Don’t forget the stethoscopes! Yes, POMA and its Foundation also fund stethoscopes for all first-year students matriculating in COMs. And last, but not least is the Sketchy Program that I referenced in detail in last month’s column. POMA and its Foundation invest over $200,000 in a partnership to provide Pennsylvania COM students with full access to Sketchy Medical, which helps with their training and testing during the first two years of their educational journey. New for this year for our Pennsylvania COM third- and fourth-year students, we were able to receive a 30% discount with Sketchy that was secured exclusively by POMA. These older students use Sketchy to prepare for their boards.

Momentum
But what about the Resident physicians? POMA has been asking that same question, what can we do, how can we help, and how can we better engage with our resident physicians? This is in part why POMA developed the Postgraduate Engagement Committee. This committee has pushed through extraordinary groundwork in opening communications with Osteopathic program directors and those programs achieving osteopathic recognition through the ACGME. The POMA Foundation has provided osteopathic treatment tables to programs achieving osteopathic recognition at no cost to the programs. Additionally, the Committee has established baseline communications with osteopathic program directors and directors of osteopathic education in the effort for POMA to help in creating collaboration pathways for residency programs.

The POMA Foundation also supports residents through its Resident Wellness Grant Program, which is currently taking applications until Nov. 15th. This grant program provides $500 for wellness activities for residents to engage in fun activities outside of the daily rigors of their work. However, POMA wants to do more and is open to hearing from you on how we can develop programs and support to help our resident physicians throughout the state. Please drop me a line if you have ideas! [email protected]

POMA invests in its future by supporting students and residents in Pennsylvania. Together, we are feeding from their collective energy, driving existing programs, and gaining momentum to do more. The future of Osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania is vibrant and well!

Pennsylvania's two-year licensure cycle is coming to a close! All licensees under the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine are required to renew their license by October 31, 2024. An email was sent at the beginning of September indicating the renewal application is open on the PALS website. On average, the SBOM reports renewal licenses are issued within three calendar days.

Licensees are responsible for earning and tracking their own CME credit hours within the cycle. POMA is proud to offer programs and services to maintain an osteopathic license.

CME Tracking
POMA members have access to the POMA CME Module which provides a record of credits earned within the state licensure cycle. This includes the total credit hours earned, 1-A AOA credits, and the required credits for patient safety, opioid and mandated reporter education. All POMA-sponsored credits are automatically uploaded into the module. Credits earned outside of POMA can be manually entered or sent to POMA to be entered on behalf of the member. Take advantage of this valuable member benefit and see what is in your CME record - your username is 

Need CME?
POMA is leveraging technology to extend access to the 2023 and 2024  Clinical Assembly programming. We have several podcast episodes that are accredited for AOA CME credit! Check out all that POMA has to offer!

• The 2023 POMA Clinical Assembly offers 34 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and includes 6.5 patient safety credits, 2.5 opioid credits and 2 mandated reporter credits.
• The 2024 POMA Clinical Assembly offers 34 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and includes 7.5 patient safety credits, 1.75 opioid credits and 2 mandated reporter credits.
• The POMA DOes podcast series
• On-demand osteopathic education via The CME Center

Reminder of CME Requirements for License Renewal
Osteopathic physicians must earn at least 100 CME credits for the 2022-2024 licensure cycle. As part of the 100 credits, physicians must earn at least 20 Category 1-A AOA CME credits and at least 12 patient safety credits, at least 2 hours of opioid education and 2 hours of mandated reporter education. The requireds can be Category 1 or Category 2. For more information, click here or visit the SBOM website.

PCOM and DUQCOM Hold White Coat Ceremonies

POMA's leadership was proud to represent the organization at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine White Coat Ceremonies last week.

POMA President William Swallow, DO, addressed the PCOM DO Class of 2028, reflecting on the white coat and how it signifies entrance into the healthcare professional community and being on the pathway to becoming competent, caring osteopathic physicians. 

POMA Vice President Angela Zawisza, DO, addressed the DUQCOM Class of 2028 at its inaugural White Coat Ceremony in Pittsburgh. As the pioneers of a new college, this class is setting the precedent for the future. She asked the students to use their white coats and stethoscopes to demonstrate how an osteopathic physician treats the mind, body and spirit of every patient they encounter.

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

Best of luck to the DUQCOM and PCOM Classes of 2028!

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, 2024.

Over the last two years, we have awarded more than $38,000 to fund 76 activities planned by residents across the Pennsylvania. Residents have planned paint nights, escape rooms, garden projects, obstacle courses, cultural celebrations, pottery projects, and arcade fun. Improve your health and reduce your stress by dreaming up how you would like to spend $500 then apply - it's really that easy!

Help us spread the word and encourage any resident you engage with to take advantage of this great opportunity.

Welcome Resident Members!

POMA is proud to support osteopathic residents and their programs across the Commonwealth. And, we appreciate the programs that value the benefits of POMA membership and support their residents by paying for their annual POMA resident dues. We'd like to acknowledge and thank the following programs:

• Clarion Hospital - Family Medicine, Transitional Year
• Conemaugh Memorial Hospital - Emergency Medicine, General Surgery
• Excela Health Latrobe - Family Medicine
• Forbes Family Medicine - Family Medicine PGY-1
• Heritage Valley Beaver - Family Medicine
• Penn Highlands - Family Medicine, Psychiatry
• UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital - Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery
• UPMC Harrisburg - Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, OBG, General Surgery, Addiction Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
• UPMC Shadyside - Family Medicine
• Wellspan York - Orthopedics

It's never too late to join and take advantage of all that POMA offers our postgraduate community, including POMA's Resident Wellness Program. If you have questions about individual or bulk payments, please email [email protected].

The district competition is heating up with nearly every district hosting events this fall! The POMA calendar is full of exciting social and CME events in your area. Don’t miss out – join in the fun!

Current Standings as of October 16th:
    1^st Place - District 4
    2^nd Place - District 14
    3^rd Place - District 7

Help your District climb to the top of the leaderboard by getting involved!  Districts receive points for holding qualifying events, recruiting and retaining POMA members, community involvement, participating in surveys, getting original pieces published (POMA and external); and more.  Contact your district leadership to learn more!

District Dish

District 3

It was a great turnout in District 3 as POMA members and guests gathered at Blue Grillhouse in Bethlehem last month for an engaging evening of networking, conversation, and updates. 

Rehab Tabchi, DO, District 3 Chair, and William Swallow, DO, POMA President, welcomed attendees and shared updates on the benefits of membership, as well as the role of the POMA Foundation in supporting DOs, students and the community. Local leadership addressed a wide range of issues such as government affairs, the current license renewal, and upcoming POMA events. The evening concluded with a presentation on managing and preventing kidney stones. Thanks to all who were able to attend!

District 4

POMA members came together for an epic day of football and fun at the annual PSU Tailgate on September 21st, celebrating Penn State's 57-0 blowout against Kent State! DOs and their families enjoyed amazing food, fun, and camaraderie. Keep the fun going – check out POMA's online calendar for upcoming social and CME events!

District 11

District 11 members returned to Willoughby's on Park last month for a relaxing evening of networking and updates. District Chair Jeffrey Gold, DO, welcomed everyone and provided key POMA updates. Afterward, attendees participated in a heartburn-focused product theater. Thanks to all who were able to attend. We'll be back at Willoughby's on Wednesday, November 6th! Can't wait to see you there!

The Publications Committee is relaunching the Journal of the POMA in a completely digital format!  Three issues will be produced annually, February, June and October.

We are looking for contributions in the following areas:

• Research (posters, articles, etc.)
• Business of Medicine (how to start a practice, how to retire, anything for independent practice, contracts, etc.)
• Academia (students, residents, deans, program directors, faculty)
• Creative writing (poetry, short stories, blog-style pieces)
• Advocacy

The committee wants the JPOMA to be a safe space for all DOs to have a voice and be heard.  Opportunities are open to all osteopathic medical students, residents, and attending physician members!

Share your thoughts, ideas and submissions via email to [email protected].  Upcoming submission deadlines are December 15th and April 15th.  We can't wait to hear from you!

APOMA Past President Installed as
AAOA President

Congratulations to APOMA Past President Krissy Eisenhardt on her installation as the 2024-2025 President of the Advocates for the AOA (AAOA). Ms. Eisenhardt was installed during OMED24 in September in San Antonio, Texas. She celebrated with a memorable fiesta with POMA and APOMA members, colleagues, family and friends.

APOMA also extends a heartfelt thanks to POMA for their generous support of the AOA Fun Run and their contribution to Ms. Eisenhardt's installation celebration.

View the
newsletter online!

Rock the Pink for
Breast Cancer Awareness

POMA’s social media is going pink October 18th-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. PA License Renewal Due October 31st
4. PCOM and DUQCOM Hold White Coat Ceremonies
5. Resident Wellness Grant Program Now Open!
6. Welcome Resident Members!
7. District Competition
8. District Dish
9. Call for Journal Submissions
10. APOMA News Updates
11. Upcoming District Events
12. Turkey Trot Activities
13. Welcome New Members!
14. Help Us Spread the News - POMA is Here for You!
15. Military Appreciation
16. Classified Ads
17. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
18. Contribute to POMPAC!

Are you gearing up for a run or walk in the next few weeks? You’re in great company! Many of your fellow DOs are joining events in Old Forge, Grove City, New Cumberland, Hershey, and Pittsburgh. We’d love to connect you with others who are participating!

Let us know which event you’re taking part in, and POMA will help you build a supportive community focused on fun and wellness. Share your event details, today!

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.

Jodi A. Benett, DO
1307 White Horse Road,
Suite A100
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Out-of-State Member

Christopher R. Cook, DO
Lancaster Orthopedic Group
231 Granite Run Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601
Active Member – District 5

Jon D. Lepley, DO
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
609 N. Cherry Street, 2nd Floor
Lancaster, PA 17602
Active Member – District 5

Brandon J. Pacyna, DO
PrimeMed
231 Northern Blvd, Suite 3
South Abington Township,
PA 18411
Active Member – District 4

Matthew A. Potts, DO
Millcreek Community Hospital
5515 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
Active Member – District 7

Danielle Rubinstein, DO
2112 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 312
Lancaster, PA 17601
Active Member – District 5

Anita Showalter, DO
Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine
1305 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Active Member – District 8

Brenton Jay S.H. Song, DO
4402 Hammocks Drive
Erie, PA 16506
Active Member – District 7

Patricia J. Wilt, DO
Punxsutawney Area Hospital
81 Hillcrest Drive
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Active Member – District 12

Spread the News -
POMA is Here for You!

The new membership year has begun, but it's not too late to join!

Talk to your friends, colleagues, new graduates, and students about POMA. Share why you are a member and urge them to join, today!

Together, we can DO more! 

POMA supports and honors our military members!

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

Also, take the opportunity to explore the nation's military medical past, present and future at the PCOM Annual Military Medicine Symposium on November 8, 2024. For more information, email 2nd Lt Kevin Hauns, [email protected]

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Pediatric Provider (NP/MD/DO), Pediatrics Dept, Rowan-Virtua SOM — Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine is currently seeking a pediatrician and/or a pediatric nurse practitioner to join our growing Department of Pediatrics located in Southern New Jersey. This is a full-time appointment with an academic faculty appointment. The selected candidate will be expected to provide appropriate, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary care. Responsibilities include office practice, off-site clinic sessions, call coverage and teaching students in all of these settings. Salary is competitive and is accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package. To apply for this position, please visit https://jobs.rowan.edu/cw/en-us/job/499661/pediatric-provider-npmddo-department-of-pediatrics-rowanvirtua-som.

Vice Chair (DO/MD), Pediatrics Dept, Rowan-Virtua SOM — Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Pediatrics is seeking a Vice Chair to better meet the mission areas of the department. In the interests of providing leadership, direction and development for all Virtual Medical Group teaching, clinical, research and the ongoing optimizations, the qualified candidate must be able to demonstrate and provide examples of leadership, teambuilding, academic strength, clinical strength and management strength. The Vice Chair should be prepared to represent or act as an alternate to the Chair if required. For more information, please visit https://jobs.rowan.edu/en-us/job/499877/vice-chair-department-of-pediatrics-rowanvirtua-som.

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? You can catch them on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Recent episodes focus on "Fall Prevention" and "Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable." Be sure to share this resource with the students you know!

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.

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