by: John Kalata, DO

The Jumper, Vital Signs and a Call to Action

"I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend.” So begins the song “Jumper” by the band Third Eye Blind from 1997. The writer of this song describes the loss of his friend by suicide; the jumper tries to “facedown his demons,” the narrator struggles to talk him “off the ledge.”

Physician burnout and wellness initiatives are topics that physician organizations, including POMA, focus on every day. Physician suicide, however, is a topic we sometimes avoid. The statistics highlight the stark reality of the problem. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that we lose approximately 300-400 physicians to suicide every year in the United States; about one million Americans a year lose their physicians to suicide. Approximately one in ten physicians admit to past suicidal ideations or actions. Doctors are twice as likely to complete suicide when compared to the general population. Suicide deaths are 250-400% higher among female physicians when compared to females in other professions. Medical students have rates of depression 15-30% higher than the general population.

The September 4, 2021 edition of The Lancet reported that only 13-36% of physicians suffering a mental health problem present for support and care. We suffer in silence but don’t seek the care we need.

September 17th was National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. This national initiative highlights the problem and calls each of us to move from awareness to action.

POMA has signed on as a supporting organization for National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Their website, NPSAday.org, outlines 7 steps we can take to help prevent physician suicide. These include:

1. Learn the Vital Signs — The mnemonic HEART describes the Vital Signs that can identify fellow physicians at risk. Health – Increasing the use of medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs; talking about wanting to hurt themselves or die. Emotions – Experiencing extreme mood swings; feeling hopeless or having no purpose. Attitude – Being negative about professional and personal life; having inappropriate outbursts of anger or sadness. Relationships – Withdrawing or isolating themselves from family, friends and coworkers; talking about being a burden to others. Temperament – Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly; being uncomfortable, tired or in unbearable pain.

2. Encourage Mental Health Reflection — Taking time to honestly reflect on one’s own mental health and wellbeing can start your own conversation.

3. Share Suicide Prevention Resources — The Physician Support Line at 1-888-409-0141 is free, confidential, and staffed by volunteer psychiatrists for physicians and American medical students and staffed from 8am to 1am daily. The National Alliance for Mental Health Crisis Text Line is available 24 hours a day. Text “SCRUBS” to 741741 for help. The AOA offers a Wellness Toolkit. The National Suicide Help line is available by dialing 988. Resources for ongoing care include the Therapy Aid Coalition, The Emotional PPE Project, PeerRXMed, the Pennsylvania Physicians' Health Program, or your own Employee Assistance Program.

4. Prepare Before a Moment of Crisis — Consider creating a crisis management plan. What are my personal warning signs? What are my coping strategies? Who can I call for help?

5. Check In with a Physician — Taking that first step for yourself or for a colleague may be the difference between life and death.

6. Remove Intrusive Mental Health Questions — Mental health questions on credentialing and licensure applications are barriers that prevent physicians to seek treatment. Wherever we can, we should work to remove these questions on applications.

7. Create a Culture of Wellbeing — Working to promote wellness in our practices and in our workplace is one concrete way we can assist each other. POMA strives to promote wellness for all our members.

In recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, let us each reflect on our own mental health, and seek help when we need it. Take some time to explore the NPSAday.org website. Our POMA DOes podcast series features an episode entitled Physician, Heal Thyself. Our colleagues at the POFPS are presenting webinar on Physician Suicide on September 26th. Take the time to listen if you’re a member. Reach out to our colleagues who exhibit those vital signs that signal that they may be in trouble. And, as an association, let us continue to move forward, together in creating the culture of wellbeing and support for our colleagues.

We are all worth it!

Thanks to the members POMA’s Committee on Physician Wellness for the inspiration for this column. September is also National Recovery Month. Please read Dr. Elizabeth Zona’s insightful contribution on this topic below and listen to last week's "Recovery: Every Person is Worth It" podcast episode featuring Dr. James Latronica.

by: Diana Ewert

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”  - Glenn Close

It's sobering. As Dr. Kalata points out in his column, 300 to 400 physician suicides occur annually. The pressure and stress for physicians has been present for some time and has been augmented the past three years with the pandemic. Your POMA is focused on meeting your needs as a practicing physician and as a person. This is one of the reasons the board and House of Delegates approved social funding for the Districts. The goal is to get you out of the treatment of others to focus on treating yourself. We encourage you and your family to take advantage of these opportunities. There are two social events coming up –

• District 6 – Osteopathic Day at Knoebels on Saturday, September 23
• Districts 7, 8, 9, 12 – Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins on Saturday, September 30

POMA supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. This federal legislation allocates specific funds for grants to train students, residents, and healthcare professionals in evidence-informed strategies to reduce and prevent suicide. POMA's own Resident Wellness Grants will open on October 1. Residencies can apply for a $500 grant from the POMA Foundation, our philanthropic arm, to use for a wellness event they organize. We encourage our osteopathic residents to apply and our physician members to participate with them.

If you need immediate help, call the Physician Support Line at 1-888-409-0141. You can also text SCRUBS to 741741 for help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Crisis Text Line.

by: Andy Sandusky

Fall Legislative Session is Underway

The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvened this week in earnest and plans to be in legislative session nine days upcoming in the month of October.  The Pennsylvania House of Representatives comes back to session next week, and will swear-in its newest member, Representative-Elect Lindsay Powell (D-Allegheny) and with it, the Democrats will officially take majority control again (102-101).

One of the bigger healthcare issues that may see movement is telemedicine legislation, Senate Bill 739, which POMA supports.  Additionally, House Bill 1510, is an insurer credentialing reform bill for physicians and other providers and represents another positive issue that may see action. Next week, the House Health Committee is set to vote on House Resolution 143 which would establish a process to study Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 response, in the effort to use best practices in the event of another public emergency. The resolution names an Osteopathic physician to the advisory committee created to help the Joint State Government Committee with its research and report development.  Meanwhile, POMA will also play defense on the many scopes of practice bills that have been reported to the POMA membership throughout 2023. 

It's a busy time for POMA’s interests in Harrisburg, but rest assured that we will do everything we can to ensure patient access to quality care provided by Osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania.

September is
National Recovery Month:
A CALL TO ACTION!
by: Elizabeth Zona, DO, FASAM, D.ABA

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are medical conditions that affect our patients in major ways. According to a recent survey by Kaiser Family Foundation¹, 2/3 of those surveyed reported they or someone in their family has experienced addiction or overdose. Under 10% of the over 20M Americans with SUD receive treatment.² SUD should garner the same amount of concern, prevention, education and treatment as any other chronic medical condition.

FDA-approved, evidence-based treatments for SUDs can be lifesaving. However, many report stigma as a treatment barrier.³ They feel judged by us. They report being able to tell the minute our eyes reach the part of their chart that says: ADDICTION. They sense our demeanor change, our compassion evaporate.

Is this the message we mean to portray? Recovery is challenging work. But the majority of those that meet SUD criteria, will recover with treatment.⁴ The physical, biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of our patients all play important roles. Who better than us to answer this call? Few things align more with osteopathic philosophy.

How can you help? First, educate yourself about addiction with high-quality CME education including many FREE CME courses on the treatment of SUDs.⁵ Second, screen all of your patients with tools provided FREE by NIDA.⁶ And third, the next time you see “former SUD” on your patient’s chart, look them directly in the eyes and offer a sincere “CONGRATULATIONS”! You have no idea how much they need to hear this from YOU!

References:
1. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20230815/drug-addiction-affects-majority-us-families-survey
2. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/release/2021-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh-releases
3. van Boekel LC, Brouwers EP, van Weeghel J, Garretsen HF. Stigma among health professionals towards patients with substance use disorders and its consequences for healthcare delivery: systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2013 Jul 1;131(1-2):23-35. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.02.018. Epub 2013 Mar 13. PMID: 23490450.
4. https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/millions-americans-in-united-states-report-recovery-from-substance-use-problem/
5. elearning.asam.org
6. https://nida.nih.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/screening-tools-resources/chart-screening-tools

Bio:
Dr. Zona is chief of the anesthesiology department and medical director for anesthesia services at Perioperative Anesthesia Physicians, PC in Pittsburgh. She is board certified in anesthesiology and addiction medicine, and serves on POMA's Physician Wellness Committee.

LECOM Erie and Seton Hill Hold White Coat Ceremonies

John Kalata, DO, POMA president, addressed the LECOM DO Class of 2027 at the annual White Coat Ceremonies in Erie and Greensburg earlier this month. He reflected on the white coat and how it signifies the first step toward becoming competent, caring physicians. He asked that as the stethoscopes are used to listen to patients, that you listen not only with your ears and your minds, but also with your hearts.

The white coats and stethoscopes were provided by 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 we are here to support our students and physicians throughout their entire professional career.

Best of luck LECOM Class of 2027!  

Resident Resources

POMA is committed to supporting osteopathic residents and their programs through the postgraduate journey. We offer scholarships and grants, mentoring and professional development events, and scholarly activity opportunities. We are a resource for licensure questions and board certification. We provide a voice for residents at the state and national levels through committee involvement and leadership roles.

On October 1st, POMA's Resident Wellness Grant Program will open. The program awards $500 to residency programs to support wellness activities and projects. Watch your email for this awesome opportunity!

Click here to learn more about what POMA and the POMA Foundation do for you, and how can get involved!

District Dish

District 4

POMA District 4 had a busy month, hosting two local events. September 9th was a perfect day for tailgating at Penn State, with lots of members, families and friends stopping by. Thanks to Dr. Darlene Dunay for hosting the annual event! The following week, the district gathered at Isabella's in Wilkes-Barre for an evening of food and friendship. District leadership provided local and state osteopathic updates, learned about treatment for alcohol dependence, and announced several upcoming events, including a half day CME program and the annual baby Pens game in January.

District 6

Pizza on the Patio was a party full of prosciutto, pepperoni, and pleasantness. Over 20 osteopathic physicians and family members gathered in Mifflinburg for a relaxing evening of reconnecting, networking and handmade mozzarella and pizza dough. Thanks to Dr. Domenick Ronco and his family for opening their home to their colleagues and their families.

District 11

District 12

Despite the threat of storms, Music in the Park was a great community event in DuBois. The piano-driven rock band, Stoneman, did not disappoint, even giving a shout-out to the POMA District 12 attendees. The resident attendees had the exceptional opportunity to meet new physicians. Add pizza from the Silver Front Restaurant and sweet treats from “Aunt Lisa’s Kitchen” and it was a beautiful start to the weekend! Planning is underway for the next District 12 event so watch your POMA communications for details.

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. Policy Points
4. September is National Recovery Month: A Call to Action
5. LECOM Erie and Seton Hill Hold White Coat Ceremonies
6. Resident Resources
7. District Dish
8. Upcoming District Events
9. Member Appreciation Giveaway
10. Welcome New Members
11. Military Appreciation
12. District Competition
13. Classified Ads
14. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
15. Under the DOme
16. POMPAC
17. 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.

Geralyn R. Cross, DO
PAK Pediatrics
451 3rd Avenue
Kingston, PA 18705
Active Member – District 4

Yazeed Fraij, DO
38913 Harborwoods Place
Lady Lake, FL 32159
Out-of-State Member

Benjamen C. Gangewere, DO
Penn Highlands Behavioral Health
100 Hospital Avenue
DuBois, PA 15801
Active Member – District 12

Megan M. Klamerus, DO
570 Weatherwood Lane, Suite 1
Greensburg, PA 15601
Active Member – District 8

William A. Sharpnack, DO
151 North Franklin Street
Washington, PA 15301
Active Member – District 8

Robert R. Scherr, III, DO
1135 Hidden Glen
Deptford, NJ 08096
Out-of-State Member

Ledia D. Turner, DO
4400 Carlisle Pike
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Active Member – District 5

Matthew D. Zinn, DO
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
4401 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1334
Active Member – District 8

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 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 as of September 22:

1^st Place – District 4
2^nd Place – District 12
3^rd Place – District 11
4^th 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 41 episodes, which are available on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Our most recent episodes focus on “Welcoming the DO Class of 2027" and "Recovery.”

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