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 Parent PLUS loans, and new repayment options.
  
  

• Medicaid and ACA changes are projected to leave millions more Americans uninsured, hitting rural hospitals and vulnerable populations hardest.
  
  

• The bill’s provisions on physician payments and coverage access will directly affect how osteopathic physicians care for their patients.

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/

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/POMA_DOs

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

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 osteopathic students by providing white coats, stethoscopes, and Sketchy scholarships.

• Community-focused initiatives include Osteopathic Community Enhancing Grants and Bright Ideas Grants, funding projects that promote osteopathic philosophy and community impact.

• The Foundation’s work can be supported through tax-deductible contributions.

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/

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.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 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 stage of training.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the Transition: Moving from student to physician brings new responsibilities—stay organized, ask questions, and lean on your seniors.

• Balance and Wellness: Protect your health and prevent burnout by making time for rest, relationships, and activities outside of medicine.

• Stay Humble and Curious: Confidence matters, but humility, teamwork, and a willingness to learn will help you grow and provide the best patient care.

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/

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/POMA_DOs

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