Leading Forward: President Angela Zawisza's Year Ahead – Ep. 105
Release Date: 06/12/2026
POMA DOes...
In this episode of POMA DOes…, Tyler Burke, POMA Senior Director of Government Affairs, provides an update on Pennsylvania's recently enacted state budget and what lies ahead for osteopathic physicians. He discusses key healthcare-related investments included in the budget, upcoming legislative priorities, and why POMA's advocacy efforts remain essential as lawmakers return to Harrisburg. The episode also previews POMA's first-ever Advocacy Day on Tuesday, October 6, and explains how physician engagement helps ensure the osteopathic profession has a strong voice in shaping healthcare policy...
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In this episode of POMA DOes…, POMA Past President and Foundation Chair John J. Kalata, DO, speaks with , a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist, about the evolving landscape of obesity treatment. They discuss how GLP-1 medications have transformed conversations around weight management while emphasizing that medication is just one component of comprehensive obesity care. The conversation explores the importance of individualized treatment plans, nutrition, physical activity, behavioral support, and the physician's role in helping patients safely navigate the...
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In this episode of POMA DOes…, POMA President-Elect, District 9 Chair, and Trustee Valeri L. Roth, DO, speaks with Darlene Dunay, DO, of District 4; Sarah Breon, DO, of District 7; and Jessica Masser, DO, of District 8, about the important role POMA districts play in strengthening the osteopathic profession across Pennsylvania. As leaders of districts that have earned POMA's coveted District Competition Trophy, they share how districts foster connection through CME, social events, wellness activities, community service, and leadership opportunities. The conversation highlights why districts...
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In this episode of POMA DOes…, newly installed POMA President Angela Zawisza, DO, speaks with POMA Past President Joseph Zawisza, DO, about her vision for the year ahead. She shares her journey in organized medicine, discusses her presidential theme—Honoring the Past while Preparing for the Future—and explains how POMA is working to support osteopathic physicians at every stage of their careers. The conversation highlights priorities including physician advocacy, membership growth, student engagement, and volunteer involvement, as well as upcoming initiatives such as updates to POMA’s...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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In this episode of POMA DOes…, POMA President George J. Wolters, DO, speaks with POMA Speaker of the House Jeffery J. Dunkelberger, DO, about the important role of the House of Delegates (HOD) within the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association. They discuss how the HOD serves as POMA’s legislative body—debating policy, electing leadership, approving the organization’s budget, and helping guide the future of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania. The conversation also highlights why volunteer delegates are essential to the process and how members can step forward to represent their...
info_outlineIn this episode of POMA DOes…, newly installed POMA President Angela Zawisza, DO, speaks with POMA Past President Joseph Zawisza, DO, about her vision for the year ahead. She shares her journey in organized medicine, discusses her presidential theme—Honoring the Past while Preparing for the Future—and explains how POMA is working to support osteopathic physicians at every stage of their careers. The conversation highlights priorities including physician advocacy, membership growth, student engagement, and volunteer involvement, as well as upcoming initiatives such as updates to POMA’s website, branding, and communications. Dr. Zawisza shares her commitment to ensuring the organization remains responsive to the needs of its members and the profession.
Key Takeaways:
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Building on a strong foundation. Dr. Zawisza’s presidential theme focuses on supporting experienced physicians while engaging the next generation of osteopathic leaders.
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POMA is focused on its members. Advocacy, communication, volunteer engagement, and committee involvement remain central to the association’s efforts to support osteopathic physicians across Pennsylvania.
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Every member can make a difference. Physicians, residents, and students are encouraged to get involved through committees, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles.
Interested in getting involved with POMA or contacting President Zawisza?
Reach out to poma@poma.org to share ideas, learn about committee service, and explore volunteer opportunities.
Find Us:
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Email: poma@poma.org
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