by: William Swallow, DO

Greetings to you, our members. We are already nearing the end of September which takes us almost half way through the POMA 2024-2025 year. College football and the NFL are well into their respective seasons. At POMA, several of our committees are meeting and working on our programs for this year. For example, the Membership Committee is developing a new member recruitment strategy in order to grow POMA such that we can provide more programs and services to the membership. When the Commonwealth legislature returns to session, the Government Affairs Committee will be watchful for any of the bills that affect the Osteopathic profession in Pennsylvania and our patients that may come to the floor for a vote. These are just a few examples of the many committee actions that are occurring.

Lately, I have been reading a book entitled The Perilous Fight, written by Dr. Ben Carson. Dr. Carson is a world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon who performed, among other procedures, separation of Siamese twins. It is not uncommon for these procedures to go over 20 hours. I met Dr. Carson several years ago when he was the keynote speaker at a PCOM graduation ceremony. His recently written memoir relates the significance of the traditional family unit, and how, among other observations, the success of a culture is directly dependent upon the strength of the family unit. I like to relate the significance of a family unit to POMA, especially with respect to our staff. The diversity of skill sets of our staff and the cohesiveness that they manifest has directly led to the success of our organization. Likewise, their ability to effectively interact with the membership in accomplishing our programs and services is outstanding. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated staff.

In closing, I would like to remind and encourage you to consider registering for the POMA District 8 Winter Conference in January 2025 at Seven Springs and virtual simulcast. We also have the POMA District 4 Fall CME Seminar on Saturday, October 19th and POMA District 5 is holding a CME Forum on Saturday, November 2nd. Be sure to save the date for POMA25 (May 7-10, 2025) at Kalahari and the ACOFP Annual Conference in Palm Springs in March 2025. And, please do not forget to support POMPAC and the POMA Foundation. Any support would be most appreciated.

I hope that you will have some time with your families to enjoy the coming Autumn, especially the colorful changes that occur along the northern tier of Pennsylvania. Remember, POMA is the Spirit of the Osteopathic profession.

by: Andy Sandusky

More than Education and Advocacy?!?!

One of the things that POMA and the Foundation can be extremely proud of is its work with, and support of, students in Pennsylvania’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). There have been times when I have been asked what does POMA and the Foundation do beyond providing the gold standard in Pennsylvania for osteopathic continuing medical education and its top-notch advocacy for osteopathic physicians and their patients? The underlying tone is one of skepticism. I love this question because it gives me the opportunity to go into detail about all the great things that POMA and its Foundation do outside of providing the traditional hallmarks of a strong membership-driven organization. One of those great strides can be found in our support of osteopathic medical students.

As most of you are aware, POMA and the Foundation continue to provide white coats for all students in Pennsylvania COMs. POMA and the Foundation also pay for, and distribute, to all Pennsylvania COM students, a stethoscope. These two programs provide every osteopathic student in Pennsylvania an opportunity to hit the ground running on their journey to becoming a practicing osteopathic physician.

The most recent effort, and one that requires the most investment by the POMA Foundation, is the opportunity for first-year students and eligible second-year students in a Pennsylvania COM to receive an online subscription to Sketchy Medical. Not many of our members who are practicing physicians knew much about Sketchy Medical when we began our partnership with them two years ago. At that time, the POMA Foundation took the initiative to develop an agreement with Sketchy to provide access to this novel teaching approach to help COM students become better physicians.

Sketchy Medical is an animated mnemonic resource that includes hundreds of videos for the pre-clinical studies in Osteopathic student medical education, including microbiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, primary care medicine and surgery. Students are using it, and it is helping them remember and understand many of the difficult studies required of an osteopathic medical student.

So, the next time someone asks, what does POMA and its Foundation do rather than just provide education and advocacy? You can proudly share with them the altruistic support that POMA and its Foundation provide to students in the effort to develop the best practicing osteopathic physicians in the country!

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.

LECOM Erie and Seton Hill Hold White Coat Ceremonies

POMA's leadership was proud to represent the organization at the LECOM Erie and Seton Hill White Coat Ceremonies. George Wolters, Jr., DO, president-elect, addressed the LECOM Seton Hill DO Class of 2028 in Greensburg on September 7th. John Kalata, DO, immediate past president, addressed the LECOM Erie DO Class of 2028.

They reflected on the white coat and how it signifies the first step toward becoming competent, caring physicians. They also reminded the students  to listen to patients with more than just their ears and stethoscopes, but to also listen with your minds and with your hearts.

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 LECOM Class of 2028!

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 September 17th:
    1^st Place - District 14
    2^nd Place - District 4
    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 4

Last month, District 4 members came together at Isabella Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre, PA, for an evening of networking and camaraderie. Attendees enjoyed catching up with each other, discussing POMA business, and listening to a product theater on how to reduce CV risk in patients with T2D & ASCVD. Special thanks to all who were able attend!

Be sure to join us for our upcoming events! Tomorrow we will hold our annual "POMA @ Penn State" tailgate event in Happy Valley. Also, our Fall CME Seminar will be held Saturday, October 19th. We look forward to seeing you there!

District 7

POMA District 7 members, along with their family and friends, closed out summer at LECOM Sports Park in Erie. Attendees beat the summer heat by hitting the ice to skate and learn the art of curling! In addition to having a great time, they contributed to the community by donating over 20 pairs of shoes to the Fort Le Boeuf School District Foundation, which houses the Caring Closets program for five schools in the district.

Special thanks to all who attended, District 7 Chair, Sarah Breon, DO, for organizing the event, and LECOM Sports Park for providing complimentary admission, skate rentals, and curling instruction. Save the date for our next event - a night with the Erie Otters Hockey Team on November 22nd!  Registration will open soon!

District 10

District 10 members came together last Friday night at the Blue Bell Inn for an evening of connection and updates. District Chair, Carol Bowes-Lawlor, DO, welcomed everyone, provided a reminder about the current license renewal cycle, and shared news about upcoming events.

The night was filled with great conversation. Following the networking time and business meeting, there was a product theater presentation on preventing hereditary angioedema attacks. A big thank you to everyone who joined us!

Mark your calendar for our next district networking event on Friday, October 18, 2024, back at the Blue Bell Inn. We can't wait to see you there!

District 14

It was standing room only at this month's District 14 event in Langhorne! Nearly 60 POMA members and visiting students packed the room at Bella Tori at the Mansion to network, catch up and engage.

Richard Purse, DO, District 14 Chair, welcomed attendees and introduced the speakers for the evening. George Wolters, Jr., DO, POMA President-Elect, spoke about the benefits of membership and encouraged continued engagement with POMA. Jonathan Oline, DO, POMA Trustee-At-Large, provided updates on topics ranging from government affairs and the current license renewal cycle. Pamela Goldman, DO, POMA Past President and Foundation Chair, shared the role of the POMA Foundation and what it does to benefit DOs, students, and the community. The evening concluded with a product theater presentation on prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks.

Don't miss out on the next District 14 event! We'll be at Harvest Seasonal Grill in Newtown on Wednesday, October 23rd. 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!

View the
newsletter online!

Table of Contents...

1. President's Perspective
2. Executive Opinion
3. PA License Renewal is Open!
4. LECOM Erie and Seton Hill Hold White Coat Ceremonies
5. District Competition
6. District Dish
7. Call for Journal Submissions
8. Upcoming District Events
9. Help Us Spread the News - POMA is Here for You!
10. Welcome New Members
11. Military Appreciation
12. Classified Ads
13. Check Out the POMA DOes... Podcast
14. Contribute to POMPAC! 

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.

Anthony Ascione, DO
221 Cranberry Ridge Drive
Milford, PA 18337
Active Member – District 3

Kathryn A. Brandt, DO
420 South 5th Avenue
Reading, PA 19611
Active Member – District 11

Sara M. Capobianco, DO
1648 Huntingdon Pike
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
Active Member – District 10

Alicia M. Cryer, DO
600 East Marshall Street
West Chester, PA 19380
Active Member – District 2

Karine Delroux, DO
778 Old Chickies Hill Road
Columbia, PA 17512
Active Member – District 5

Ashten M. Ebersbacher, DO
UPMC Montefiore
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Active Member – District 8

Marvin S. Hurley, DO
2200 West Front Street
Berwick, PA 18603
Active Member – District 4

Hermant Kumar, DO
420 South 5th Avenue
Reading, PA 19611
Active Member – District 11

Nicole L. Pepe, DO
834 Eaton Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Active Member – District 3

Matthew J. Weeks, DO
120 Hamm Drive, Suite 2A
Lewisburg, PA 17837
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, 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]. 

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

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 "Exploring Rural Medicine" and "A Conversation with POMA's New CEO." 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