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Residency Interviews: Inside the Minds of Program Directors

POMA DOes...

Release Date: 10/31/2025

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In this episode of POMA Does…, Angela Zawisza, DO, POMA President-Elect, hosts a lighthearted, holiday-themed conversation inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas. From homemade foods to unexpected gifts, the episode highlights the memorable—and sometimes unbelievable—ways patients have shown their appreciation for their physicians.   If you’ve ever received a gift from a patient that made you laugh, hesitate, or shake your head, this episode is for you.   We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!   Find Us: Online: Email: Facebook: ...

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In this episode of POMA DOes…, we sit down with members of the planning committee for the POMA District VIII Winter Seminar to preview the many reasons to attend in January at Seven Springs. This year’s program features a wide range of educational topics, required CME credits—including patient safety and child abuse—and two hands-on skill-building opportunities: an OMM workshop and an ultrasound workshop. Beyond the classroom, Seven Springs offers a truly family-friendly setting. Attendees can enjoy tubing, ski lessons, and bowling, along with discounted spa services, lift tickets, and...

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POMA DOes...

In this episode of POMA DOes..., POMA Past President Joseph Zawisza, DO, speaks with third-year resident Alvin Soto-Soto, MD, about his work on a health literacy initiative aimed at improving diabetes management among Latino patients in Reading, Pennsylvania. He discusses common misconceptions, cultural factors, and communication barriers that often complicate diabetes care, and explains how bilingual education, small-group discussions, and culturally sensitive outreach can enhance patient understanding and engagement. Dr. Soto-Soto also highlights the importance of individualized care and...

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In this episode of POMA DOes…, POMA Vice President Valeri L. Roth, DO, speaks with clinical psychologist Alan P. Childs, MA, PsyD. Together, they explore the power of empathy in medicine—what it is, how it differs from sympathy and compassion, and how physicians can strengthen it. They share practical strategies for conveying empathy through tone of voice, attentiveness, and authentic connection, even in time-constrained clinical settings. The conversation also offers heartfelt insights on how to bring more humanity to care without extending the clinical day. They highlight how empathy...

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POMA DOes...

In this episode of POMA DOes…, Sayed Arian, DO, a third-year Family Medicine resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Rural Family Medicine Program, sits down with three experienced program directors: John Kalata, DO (Family Medicine and Transitional Year Programs, LECOM Medical Center), Joseph Rosenblatt, DO (Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, PCOM), and Brenton Song, DO (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, LECOM). Together, they offer unfiltered, candid advice for medical students preparing for residency interviews, covering what programs look for, how to communicate...

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In this episode of POMA DOes…, James Zervios, Chief Operating Officer of the Obesity Action Coalition, joins Christopher Still, DO, Director of the Geisinger Obesity Institute, for a discussion on obesity and weight loss. They explore the wide range of treatment options, including lifestyle changes, behavioral strategies, medications, and bariatric surgery, while also addressing common challenges such as cost and insurance coverage. They also highlight the importance of long-term, individualized care, the role of mental health, and the need to recognize obesity as a chronic, relapsing...

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In this episode of POMA DOes…, Tyler Burke, POMA’s Senior Director of Government Affairs, sits down with Jake Brennan and Colin Whitney from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to unpack the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” They break down how this sweeping legislation will affect osteopathic medicine—from medical student loans and repayment options to changes in Medicaid coverage and the downstream impact on patients and physicians.   Key Takeaways: Major shifts to medical student loans begin in July 2026, including the end of Graduate PLUS loans, stricter limits on...

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POMA DOes...

In this episode of POMA DOes…, POMA Foundation Chair John Kalata, DO, talks with Foundation Board Member Pamela Goldman, DO, about how the Foundation supports osteopathic students, residents, physicians, and communities across Pennsylvania. From scholarships and wellness grants to CME funding and community impact grant programs, they highlight the many ways the Foundation advances the osteopathic profession.   Key Takeaways:   The Foundation supports physicians and residents through continuing medical education, Resident Wellness Grants, and OMT table donations. It invests in...

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POMA DOes...

In this episode of POMA DOes…, Sayed Arian, DO, a third-year Family Medicine resident at the Lehigh Valley Health Network, talks with his co-residents Haidar Alwaeli, MD, Joseph Oveh, MD, and Mahvesh Shabbir, MD, about the realities facing interns and residents. They share practical advice, lessons learned, and strategies for thriving during the transition from medical student to practicing physician. From navigating health systems and managing time to overcoming imposter syndrome and maintaining balance, this conversation offers practical insight and encouragement for residents at every...

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POMA DOes...

In today’s episode of POMA DOes… POMA President-Elect Angela Zawisza, DO, talks with emergency medicine physicians Robert Tomsho, DO, and Holly Stankewicz, DO, about essential summer safety tips. From water sports to biking and boating, they share prevention strategies, highlight common warm-weather injuries, and address the dangers of hot car deaths.   Key Takeaways: Protect Yourself: Helmets, pads, and safety gear prevent serious injuries and save lives—start the habit early. Stay Water Wise: Teach kids to swim, wear life jackets, and skip alcohol when boating or swimming. ...

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In this episode of POMA DOes…, Sayed Arian, DO, a third-year Family Medicine resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Rural Family Medicine Program, sits down with three experienced program directors: John Kalata, DO (Family Medicine and Transitional Year Programs, LECOM Medical Center), Joseph Rosenblatt, DO (Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, PCOM), and Brenton Song, DO (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, LECOM). Together, they offer unfiltered, candid advice for medical students preparing for residency interviews, covering what programs look for, how to communicate authentically, and how to assess program culture. They also share common pitfalls applicants should avoid and the key traits that help candidates stand out. Getting ready for a residency interview? You won’t want to miss this episode packed with real-world advice from those who sit on the other side of the table.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • Be authentic and prepared. Know your application thoroughly and be ready to discuss every experience with confidence and honesty. Residency programs value genuine self-awareness over scripted answers.

 

  • Show your interpersonal strengths. Eye contact, composure, and conversational skills reveal as much as your credentials. Program Directors look for applicants who engage naturally and think on their feet.

 

  • Do your homework on culture. Talk with current residents, attend program events, and look beyond the website to find where you truly fit and can thrive.

 

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