Nontraditional Paths to DO – Ep. 103

Advocating for Osteopathic Medicine – Ep. 104

In this episode of POMA DOes…, Tyler Burke, POMA Senior Director of Government Affairs, speaks with Sean Neal, Vice President of Advocacy and Political Affairs for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), about the importance of physician advocacy and how osteopathic physicians, residents, and students can get involved. They highlight several current healthcare policy issues affecting the profession, including Medicare physician payment reform, prior authorization reform, administrative burden reduction, healthcare affordability, and physician workforce challenges. The conversation focuses on how physicians can get involved in advocacy through the AOA's Osteopath Advocacy Network [https://osteopathic.org/about/advocacy/grassroots/] and help shape healthcare policy at the state and federal levels. Key Takeaways: * Many important healthcare policy issues are impacting physicians today. Topics like reimbursement instability, prior authorization reform, workforce shortages, and administrative burden continue to affect physician practices and patient access to care. * Physician voices matter in advocacy. Lawmakers rely on real-world insight from physicians caring for patients when considering healthcare policy decisions. * Getting involved is easier than many realize. Through the AOA's Osteopathic Advocacy Network and events like DO Day on Capitol Hill, physicians, residents, and students can directly engage lawmakers and participate in grassroots advocacy efforts. Interested in getting involved? Visit the AOA's Osteopathic Advocacy Network webpage [https://osteopathic.org/about/advocacy/grassroots/] to learn more about grassroots advocacy efforts, connect with lawmakers, and participate in advocacy campaigns and DO Day on Capitol Hill. Physicians, residents, and students interested in advocacy opportunities through POMA can also contact Tyler Burke at tburke@poma.org. Find Us: * Online: https://www.poma.org/ [https://www.poma.org/] * Email: poma@poma.org [poma@poma.org] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs [https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ [https://www.instagram.com/pomados/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/] * X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs [http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados [https://www.youtube.com/@pomados]

Nontraditional Paths to DO – Ep. 103

In this episode of POMA DOes…, Cathleen S. McGonigle, DO, faculty member and Director of the Osteopathic Principles and Practice Courses at LECOM at Seton Hill campus and POMA District 8 Trustee, speaks with three osteopathic medical students who took nontraditional paths to medicine. Aaron Vanderberg, a former Army physician assistant and current second-year student at LECOM Seton Hill; Derek DiAngelis, a former orthopedic physician assistant and fourth-year student at LECOM Seton Hill; and Kevin Hauns, a third-year student at PCOM with a background in military leadership and vaccine research, share their paths to osteopathic medicine. Together, they discuss the challenges of returning to school, balancing family responsibilities and the demands of medical school, and how prior careers shaped their approach to patient care, resilience, and leadership. Their stories offer encouragement and practical advice for anyone considering a nontraditional path into osteopathic medicine. Key Takeaways: * There's no single path to becoming a physician. Nontraditional students bring valuable life experience, perspective, and resilience that can strengthen both medical education and patient care. * Prior experience can be a major advantage. Whether through military service, clinical practice, research, or leadership, real-world experience builds discipline, confidence, and a deeper understanding of patient care. * If you're considering the leap, go for it. The panel encourages aspiring nontraditional students to trust their abilities, ask for help when needed, and move forward with intention and hard work. Find Us: * Online: https://www.poma.org/ [https://www.poma.org/] * Email: poma@poma.org [poma@poma.org] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs [https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ [https://www.instagram.com/pomados/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/] * X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs [http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados [https://www.youtube.com/@pomados]

POMA Foundation Grants in Action – Ep. 102

In this episode of POMA DOes…, John J. Kalata, DO, POMA Foundation Chair and Past President, highlights the impact of two POMA Foundation grant programs: Community Enhancing Grants and Resident Wellness Grants. He is joined by Becca Swick, LC, MPA, LPN, BSW, of The Sight Center of Northwest PA, and POMA Past President Frank M. Tursi, DO, who shares his experience participating in the National Diabetes Prevention Program in collaboration with Becca's team. Together, they discuss how the program improves patient outcomes through education, screening, and community outreach. The conversation also features Sierra Lovisone, DO, PGY-1, Indiana Regional Medical Center Rural Family Medicine Residency Program, who received a Resident Wellness Grant for her program and shares how a simple team-based activity helped strengthen morale and connection during residency. Together, the episode showcases how POMA Foundation grants are making a meaningful impact on both community health and physician well-being. Key Takeaways: * Community grants drive meaningful impact. Programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program help identify at-risk patients, improve health literacy, and deliver resources that benefit physicians, patients, and their communities. * Physicians don't have to do it alone. Community-based programs provide structured, no-cost support that extends care beyond the office and helps patients stay engaged in lifestyle change. * Wellness matters at every level. Resident Wellness Grants create opportunities for connection, stress relief, and improved morale, helping combat burnout and strengthen care teams. Interested in learning more about diabetes prevention or getting involved? To connect with The Sight Center of Northwest PA [https://www.sightcenternwpa.org/services/type2-could-be-you/], contact Becca Swick at beccas@sightcenternwpa.org [beccas@sightcenternwpa.org] or 814-455-0995 x110 to schedule an educational session for your practice. To learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, visit the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program [https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention/index.html] webpage. Find Us: * Online: https://www.poma.org/ [https://www.poma.org/] * Email: poma@poma.org [poma@poma.org] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs [https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ [https://www.instagram.com/pomados/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/] * X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs [http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados [https://www.youtube.com/@pomados]

POMA26: Designed by DOs, for DOs – Ep. 101

In this episode of POMA DOes…, Anthony DiMarco, DO, Clinical Assembly Convention Chair and Education Program Vice Chair, is joined by Michael Venditto, DO, Clinical Assembly Education Program Chair, and David Kuo, DO, Clinical Assembly Convention Vice Chair, to preview the 2026 POMA Clinical Assembly. They discuss the education program, including up to 34 CME credits available for license renewal. The conversation also covers flexible attendance options—in person, live simulcast, or on-demand—and key sessions, speakers, and hands-on opportunities. From high-quality education to networking and the unique Kalahari experience, this episode outlines why the Clinical Assembly remains a must-attend event for osteopathic physicians. Key Takeaways: * Earn the credits you need, your way. Up to 34 CME credits are available, including 10 required credits—2 in child abuse recognition, 2 in opioid education, and 6 in patient safety—with options to attend in person, via live simulcast, or on-demand. * High-quality, affordable education designed by DOs, for DOs. The program features expert speakers, timely clinical topics, and hands-on sessions focused on practical, relevant learning. * More than a conference. The Clinical Assembly offers networking, exhibitor engagement, and a unique experience at Kalahari, home to the largest indoor waterpark in Pennsylvania, making it both educational and fun for the whole family. Find Us: * Online: https://www.poma.org/ [https://www.poma.org/] * Email: poma@poma.org [poma@poma.org] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs [https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ [https://www.instagram.com/pomados/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/] * X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs [http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados [https://www.youtube.com/@pomados]

AI in Medicine: A Tool for Physicians – Ep. 100

In this episode of POMA DOes…, Sayed Arian, DO, speaks with Michelle Thompson, DO, about the growing role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. They discuss how AI tools help physicians improve documentation, access information more efficiently, and spend more meaningful time with patients. The conversation also explores the responsibility clinicians hold when using AI, how it is shaping medical education, and why these tools are enhancing, not replacing, the art of medicine. They discuss how thoughtful use of AI can improve patient care, physician efficiency, and overall well-being. Key Takeaways: * AI is improving efficiency and documentation. Tools like AI scribes can significantly reduce time spent on notes, improve accuracy, and allow physicians to focus more on patient care. * Clinicians remain responsible. Physicians must review, verify, and take ownership of AI-generated content, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and patient trust. * AI supports, not replaces, the art of medicine. While AI enhances access to information and streamlines workflows, clinical judgment, communication, and human connection remain essential. Find Us: * Online: https://www.poma.org/ [https://www.poma.org/] * Email: poma@poma.org [poma@poma.org] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs [https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/ [https://www.instagram.com/pomados/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/] * X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs [http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados [https://www.youtube.com/@pomados]