PGYP West Region March 2020

The POMA Professional Guidance – West Region met for an evening of discussion and dinner 3/4/20. After some time of socializing, the group explored their inner-super hero persona with an ice-breaking activity.

Dr. Battistella informed the group of the activities from the most recent Board of Trustees meeting, including the active and thoughtful participation of resident representative Chris Trumbetta, D.O. in the contracting with a new lobbying partner for POMA. The key issues being addressed in Harrisburg were discussed.

Opportunities for scholarly activity were discussed, including poster presentations, grant availability from the POMA foundation, lecturing opportunities at the district and state levels. It was noted that PGY1 resident Grant Schirmer, D.O. will be lecturing on Friday afternoon at this year’s Clinical Assembly in King of Prussia.

Residents attending gave updates on their program’s wellness activities funded by grants from the POMAF. All were encouraged to continue to apply for those funds and provide POMA with an update on the status of the projects. Attendees were encouraged to write about their experiences for upcoming issues of the POMA newsletter, including “How Are You DOing?” and “DOs DOing More”.

Residents are encouraged to download the POMA APP (if not already done) and use that for quick access to pertinent information, including upcoming events and opportunities. (One resident uploaded the app while at the meeting!)

The 2020 POMA Young Physician Leadership program was discussed with flyers being given to each attendee to share with their programs.

The remainder of the evening was spent networking, discussing career plans, exploring options for outside elective experiences (particularly in aesthetics), discussing local fellowship opportunities, osteopathic recognition of programs, contracting and “signing on” with healthcare systems during residency, state licensure and verification of training from the AOA for unrestricted licenses, upcoming buprenorphine waiver training course (Clarion, May 9).

All were encouraged to continue participation in POMA events on a district and state level and anticipate the next Professional Guidance meeting in September 2020. It was agreed that this location was an outstanding venue for the meeting.

PGYP Central Region December 2019

The Central Region of the Professional Guidance committee held its winter meeting of the year on December 17, 2019 at the POMA Central Office in Harrisburg.  Seven residents/interns, four attendings, and two POMA staff were in attendance.

After a round of introductions, the attendees were encouraged to apply for the POMA Foundation’s scholarships and were informed about POMA’s scholarly activity opportunities available for residents/interns.  The scientific poster day, clinical writing contest, and presentations at local district meetings were all met with enthusiasm.  In addition, a few of the residency programs who were awarded grant money from the Physician Wellness Committee provided overviews of their upcoming projects.