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 adaptable treatment goals.

Key Takeaways:
• Health literacy is essential to effective diabetes management. Widespread misconceptions about insulin, glucose monitoring, and disease progression make clear, bilingual education a critical part of care.

• Cultural context and effective communication are vital. Awareness of dietary traditions, language barriers, and generational beliefs enables clinicians to offer realistic, empathetic guidance, especially during holidays and family-centered events.

• Personalized care leads to better outcomes. Monitoring A1C levels, glucose readings, and patient logs supports progress and allows physicians to tailor goals to individual needs.

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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 enhances patient trust, treatment adherence, and outcomes while also helping physicians combat burnout.

Key Takeaways:
• Empathy is both innate and learnable. It involves emotionally understanding and connecting with patients—walking in their shoes—and can be strengthened through mindful attention and practice.

• Small gestures make a big impact. Eye contact, tone of voice, reflective listening, and undivided attention convey genuine care and foster trust—even in brief encounters.

• Empathy benefits both patients and physicians. By fostering understanding and connection, it enhances patient satisfaction and treatment adherence, while helping clinicians combat burnout by reinforcing a sense of purpose.

Find Us:

• Online: https://www.poma.org/

• Email: poma@poma.org

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/

• X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados

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.

Find Us:

• Online: https://www.poma.org/

• Email: poma@poma.org

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POMADOs

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomados/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-osteopathic-medical-association/

• X: http://www.x.com/POMA_DOs

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pomados