2022 AOMA DIGEST - Year In Review

Brandon Abbott, DO, MPH, FAAP AOMA President 2022-2023 Flagstaff, Arizona

DIGEST

Year in Review: 2022

Board of Trustees

President

Brandon Abbott, DO, MPH, FAAP

President Elect

James Keane, DO, MEd, FACOI, FACP

Immediate Past President Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO

Vice President

Michael Lokale, DO, M.Sc (Oxon) FAAFP

Secretary/Treasurer

Alphonse Ambrosia, DO, FACC

Executive Director Josephine Zammuto

Trustees

Craig Cassidy, DO, FACOO

Donald Curran, DO

Susan Del Sordi-Staats, DO Datcha Dorvil, DO, MPH

David England, MS, DO

Kendra Gray, DO, MS, FACOG

Marisa Jacobs, DO William Jaffe, DO, FACOI

Brendon Labban, DO Donald Middleton, DO

Julie Morrison, DO Homan Mostafavi, DO, MBA

George Parides, DO, FACOI

Bunnie Richie, DO, FAAN Denise Sackett, DO

Resident Trustee Erinn Gallagher, DO Student Trustees Aleksandra Grozic, OMS III Enkhtsogt “Steve” Sainbayar, OMS IV

of the House of Delegates Jeffrey Morgan, DO, EdD, MA, FACOI, CS

President’s Message

Brandon Abbott, DO, MPH, FAAP AOMA President 2022-2023

For those of you who know me, know I love innovation and shiny new things. I’m often seen bouncing around the clinic or hospital with my loud shoes and fanny pack stuffed with the ultrasound probe, jelly, and a protein bar.

So, it should come as no surprise that two winters ago I bought a brand new snowblower (it may surprise some to know it can snow a lot in Flagstaff). Let me tell you, it’s incredible! It has three impellers, heated hand grips, lights … the whole deal. I took every opportunity I could to go up and down our street clearing the whole neighborhood. I was the hero of winter!

However, this past winter I went to fire it up and nothing happened. Pulled and pulled and pulled the cord and was met with a “brr, brr, brr, pop.” I plugged it in and hit the electric starter, and again ... nothing.

Around this time, I was reminded it was about time to consider my theme for my presidency. I tossed around idea after idea, but was continually consumed with, “why is my snowblower not working?” Then my thoughts shifted again to the significance of the occasion.

It’s incredible that we were able to celebrate the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association’s 100th annual convention. We reflected on the hard work of the organization in the past 100 years: the pioneers, the osteopathic hospitals, the schools, the strength in the struggles, and the growth of the profession. But also, we were able to meet in person for the first time after two very tumultuous years. It was great to reconnect with friends and colleagues, learn together, laugh together, and talk with each other (without having to remind each other, “you’re on mute.”)

Then I was reminded of all the amazing people throughout these past two years who we haven’t had the opportunity to thank enough: Drs Christopher Labban, Richard Dobrusin, Danielle Barnett-Trapp, Pete Werthiem, the amazing committee chairs and the committees. Then the amazing AOMA staff who have not only kept the organization afloat, but adapted, innovated, and lifted us to new heights.

It dawned on me. I think the time has come, not for innovation. It’s time to reconnect with old friends. To give thanks to each other. Time to reflect and learn from each other. Time to ask, “why do we exist,” “where do we go,” and “how do we get there?” It’s time to maintain. Time to tighten the bolts and kick the tires.

Let me be clear, I’m not proposing complacence. There are incredible threats and opportunities on the horizon. By focusing inward and working on ourselves, our relationships, and our foundation (personally, interpersonally, and organizationally), we’ll be all the more prepared to tackle what lies ahead.

So, I did just that for the snowblower – I changed out the oil, removed the carburetor, and re-jetted it. After just a few minutes of overdue TLC, it fired right up. I was the hero of the neighborhood once again, and my back was all the more thankful.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you and the association. I have enjoyed working with our members and future members to see what the organization means to them and how we can strengthen it. I look forward to another hundred years of growing osteopathic excellence in the state of Arizona, together. 

Dr. Brandon Abbott on one of the days he was the hero in his Flagstaff neighborhood. This photo is also featured on the cover of this magazine at his request as a reminder of his message here.

Message

Josephine Zammuto

It’s hard to believe that we’ve closed out the year 2022. So much happened in 2022 to celebrate!

In June, I celebrated two years as the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association’s executive director, and in 2022 I had the privilege of meeting many of you in person for the very first time. It has been wonderful to be able to spend time with our members in ways that I couldn’t do when I started in 2020.

I have truly enjoyed the opportunities to spend time with our physician members, learn from them and make meaningful relationships as we work to continue to support and be an ally for the osteopathic profession in Arizona and beyond.

In March of 2022, we hosted our first in-person gathering since the pandemic and came together in celebration to mark the long-awaited 100th anniversary of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA). The Centennial Gala at the Scottsdale Resort was a wonderful evening celebrating the anniversary of AOMA’s founding.

On the heels of the Gala, we hosted our 100th Annual Spring Convention in Scottsdale, followed by the 8th Annual Summer Symposium in Flagstaff, and the 42nd Annual Fall Seminar in Tucson. It was so nice to see many of you returning in person for our continuing medical education (CME) events. We also realize the desire for on-demand CME learning has not gone away so we continue to work toward the balance between those who want to attend in person and share in the engagement of active learning lectures, and those who prefer to join us for passive learning presentations from their couch or their office or wherever they may be.

AOMA has also had an award-winning year! In April, AOMA received the 2022 Organizational Excellence in Advocacy Award (State Osteopathic Association Category) from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) in recognition of our accomplishments in public policy and professional advocacy on behalf of the osteopathic profession throughout the pandemic. Then AOA President Joseph Giaimo, DO presented this esteemed award at the AOA Advocacy Awards event in Washington, DC in conjunction with AOA's DO Day on the Hill.

In October, the AOA awarded the AOMA again! This time with the 2022 Outstanding Affiliate Award. AOA President Ernest Gelb, DO bestowed this distinguished award upon AOMA during the awards ceremony held in Boston during OMED 2022. I was honored to attend both events in person and accept these awards on behalf of our state, membership, and staff. Shannon Scott, DO,

accompanied me at both celebratory events!

Speaking of our doctors in leadership, I must take a moment to thank the AOMA Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the House of Delegates. We could not be the association we are without your support. The same goes for our members. No matter how you chose to engage with AOMA, we appreciate your support and are here for you to advocate for the profession. The AOMA staff also deserves a thank you as well. As we have returned to in-person events, they have gracefully navigated all the challenges and changes that come along with finding our new normal!

As we begin 2023, our AOMA team word for the year is “reimagine.” While we will always stay true to our mission to promote the osteopathic medical profession, serve our members, provide osteopathic continuing medical education, and advocate for high-quality, cost-effective health care, we are also challenging ourselves to look toward the future of AOMA and the new and reimagined ways we can better support our members and the osteopathic profession.

We can’t wait to share with you all of what we have planned for2023, and we look forward to reimagining AOMA with YOU!

We hope you enjoy all the content on the following pages. This Digest, A Year in Review: 2022 is meant to serve as a celebration of this past year and remember the reasons we must celebrate as we start anew.

It is my honor and privilege to head into the new year with you and our osteopathic family. Cheers to 2023! 

On Friday, March 4, 2022, AOMA members spanning generations celebrated at the Centennial Gala held at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. A Past Presidents Reception brought together leadership from the past five decades of the Association, from 1981 to the present day. The evening's main event included a delicious meal, dancing, live music by the band Groove Merchants, and casino games. AOMA Honorary Life Members and Past Presidents Stanley Brysacz, DO and Karen Nichols, DO, shared stories and memories about AOMA and its members. After two postponements due to the pandemic, it was fantastic to finally celebrate this AOMA milestone and see so many of our wonderful members. Here's to the next 100 years!

AOMA Past Presidents. Front row (seated left to right): Kristin Nelson, DO, 2015-2016; Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO, 20212022; Lori Kemper, DO, 2009-2010; Shannon Scott, DO, 2016-2017. Back row (left to right): Don Carlson, DO, 2002-2003; Stanley Brysacz Jr., DO, 1986-1987; Jeffrey Morgan, DO, 2006-2007; Angela DeRosa, DO, 2018-2019; Karen Nichols, DO, 1998-1999; Thomas McWilliams, DO, 2012-2013; F. Timm McCarty III, DO, 1981-1982; Craig Phelps, DO, 2013-2014; Christopher Labban, DO, 2019-2020; Charles Finch, DO, 2007-2009; Richard Dobrusin, DO, 2020-2021.

Karen Nichols, DO Stanley Brysacz, DO

Doug and Shannon Scott, DO Marty and Timm McCarty, DO

Vince Schrader and Angela DeRosa, DO Kendra Gray, DO, and John Gray

Sheri and Richard Dobrusin, DO

Student Doctor Issa Ismail Lisa Robinson and James Keane, DO

Lisa and William Jaffe, DO

Chris and Jeffrey Morgan, DO Christopher Labban, DO

Lori Kemper, DO, and Dave Kemper

Michael Lokale, DO, and Kathy Lokale

Paige and Art Mollen, DO

AOMA kicked off its 100th Annual Convention on National Doctors' Day! It was wonderful to be back in person with physicians, residents and students at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort. The enthusiasm, friendship and fellowship were rejuvenating! In addition to the four days of excellent CME lectures, the live convention included the Student Clinical Case Competition, the Poster Forum, the Stump the Doc Medical Knowledge Competition, the Residents' Workshop, alumni receptions for both Midwestern and A.T. Still universities, exhibitors and the AOMA awards dinner. Since we were unable to gather in-person to celebrate the annual AOMA awards for two years, the 2022 Awards Dinner celebrated the 2020, 2021 and 2022 awards recipients.

OMM

To

The AOMA 2022-2023 Officers were sworn in by AOA president Joseph Giaimo, DO, during the AOMA House of Delegates meeting at the 100th Annual Convention. Pictured left to right: Secretary/ Treasurer Alphonse Ambrosia, DO; Vice President Michael Lokale, DO; President-Elect James Keane, DO; Immediate Past President Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO; 2020-2021 Past President Richard Dobrusin, DO; and President Brandon Abbott, DO.

no one's surprise, Gregory Patchen, DO, returned in person to the convention this year with his pillow.

Student doctors like Duncan Williams were able to showcase their research during the Case and Poster Competition presentations.

treatments began to happen organically at the convention by James Keane, DO, and others who wanted to help their colleagues or teach students.

Much like the convention, AOMA returned to in-person CME events for the Summer Symposium in Flagstaff and the Fall Seminar in Tucson after a couple of years in the virtual space. It was great to meet our doctors back in northern and southern Arizona for a few days of CME and fellowship. We still offered an on-demand option for those unable to travel but loved the opportunity to meet once again in person for those who could join. It was great to see everyone together again!

A hands-on lecture about called Shouldering Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in Your Clinical Practice lead by Charles "Chip" Finch, DO, and Gary Gailius, DO, was a huge hit and involved many osteopathic medical students for a great learning opportunity.

Our attendees enjoyed visiting with our exhibitor again –especially our friends from Midwestern University's |School of Osteopathic Medicine.

First year osteopathic medical students from ATSU-SOMA participated in the Fall Seminar.

The 2022 Fifty-fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session was one of the longest and most contentious in recent history. Nine new legislators were sworn into office at the start of this session and several members moved from the House to the Senate. Both the House and Senate Republicans still had only a one-vote margin in their majorities; thus, they needed either a bipartisan coalition or support from every Republican to pass a bill.

Typically, election years see a shorter session since many members are anxious to start campaigning, but that was certainly not the case this year. The 2022 Session started in January and lasted well into June for a total of 166 days. In that time, 1,851 bills were introduced with 388 eventually signed into law by Governor Ducey and 4 bills vetoed.

As expected, health care was a prominent issue during the session, and many bills circulated through the chambers that would have a significant bearing on the practice of medicine. AOMA’s advocacy team, in tandem with the Legislative Affairs Committee, achieved many successes during this year’s legislative session. While no legislative session is perfect, every possible effort was made to educate legislators and protect the practice of medicine from harmful legislation.

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) was a valuable partner on several issues aimed to diminish health care and physician practice rights, especially in helping to defeat antiscience and anti-medicine legislation and scope of practice issues from the Physicians Assistants, and Psychologists, and prevented international medical school graduates from receiving licensure in Arizona without completing residency requirements.

Although committee hearings maintained a strong pace and kept bills moving from January-March, stalled budget negotiations saw the Legislature at a near standstill in April. The state’s budget negotiations proved to be complex and difficult. However, after prolonged debates and a grueling 166 days of the session, the House and Senate passed a bipartisan budget that put the state’s $5.3 billion dollar surplus to work by funding education, water, transportation infrastructure, and more. On June 25, 2022, at 12:26 a.m., the legislature adjourned sine die.

Key Budget Highlights for AOMA:

• The healthcare workforce funding originally in HB 2691 (health care work force; grant programs)

• $15 million for AZ Nurse Education

• $27 million for Nursing Clinical Rotation and Licensed Nurse Training Program

• $500,000 for Preceptor Grant Program (An AOMA Priority)

• One year of AHCCCS coverage postpartum

• $10 million to increase the fee schedule rate for AHCCCS’s global obstetrics package by 88% by drawing down a federal match

• Behavioral health provider rate increase of 2.5%

• Creation of the Behavioral Health Care Provider Loan

Repayment Program in the Department of Health Services (DHS) to pay off portions of educational loans taken out by behavioral health care providers

• Allowed for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees to be eligible for 12 months rather than 6 months

AOMA helped coordinate and participated in the first-ever “Healthcare Workforce Day at the Capitol” in mid-February 16, 2022. AOMA partnered with the MDs, nurses, hospitals, and health plans to host a very well-attended outdoor luncheon for legislators and legislative staff. The goal of the Healthcare Workforce Day at the Capitol was to bring attention to the dire healthcare staffing shortages faced by the state. The healthcare community was able to come together and successfully push forward a landmark investment in the state’s workforce totaling $42 million per year for the next three years.

AOMA also is a leading partner in the Arizona Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (AHAC) formed in 2019 with our colleagues at ArMA. AHAC is comprised of state medical associations and societies, all working together to strengthen physician involvement in the policymaking process. AHAC members meet monthly during the legislative session to review introduced legislation and share information with their respective members for potential engagement. Approximately 100 bills relating to medicine, patient care, and health insurance were tracked by the coalition this session. In addition to reviewing and tracking legislation, AHAC also sent letters to the legislature in support of key legislation.

It was a swift move into election season once the budget was passed.

AOMA is working hard to prepare for the next legislative session with our new state and federal leaders. Our Legislative Affairs Committee has already started meeting to discuss the priorities and strategies for AOMA in this coming year. The First Regular Legislative Session of the 56th Arizona Legislature begins January 9, 2023, and legislation impacting the practice of medicine is already in the works.

If you are interested in getting involved in AOMA's advocacy work, check out the AOMA website's Advocacy Resource Center where you will find advocacy tools, how to contact your elected officials, AOMA's bill tracking list, how you can Take Action and more.

Make sure the voice of the DO is heard at the Capitol by getting involved. AOMA is your best ally in monitoring the activities of those who govern and regulate health care in Arizona. 

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL STUDENTS: The Future of Medicine

Arizona is fortunate to have two schools of Osteopathic Medicine — Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), in Glendale, and A. T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (SOMA), in Mesa. Combined, the schools are educating more than 1,600 future osteopathic physicians. AOMA works alongside the schools to engage these medical students in association activities and opportunities like educational events, governance, advocacy, committees, clinical case competition and poster forums, networking, charities work and scholarships. AOMA student membership and participation in these events are always free. The next few pages highlight a few of these events and recognitions.

Special thanks to all of our physicians who took time out of their busy schedules to spend the evening with the students at the 2022 Dinner with Doctors. Pictured front row, left to right: Tracy Middleton, DO; Michelle Mifflin, DO; Danielle Barnett-Trapp, DO; Shannon Scott DO; and Bryan Mark, MD, guest. Back row, left to right: Donald Middleton, DO; Charles Finch, DO; Ben Ihms, DO; James Keane, DO; Eric Hegybeli, DO; and David England DO. Not pictured: Sarah Colwell, DO; Donald Curran, DO; Amie Kafer, DO; Karen Nichols, DO; and Sharon Obadia, DO

Thanks to the Maricopa County Medical Society for allowing us to host our event in their space and MICA for being our event sponsor. It was a wonderful evening!

The

osteopathic medical

students in attendance seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to get some quality facetime with AOMA physicians.

Charles "Chip" Finch kept his table of medical students very engaged in conversation.

Update from SOMA

Update from AZCOM

In these last weeks of 2022, I look back with pride on the many outstanding achievements of our incredible ATSU-SOMA faculty, staff, administrators, students, CHC partners and alumni in this past year as each contributed their individual gifts to our mission of serving communities most in need. The Class of 2022 completed our innovative Residency Readiness 3-day immersive simulation program just prior to graduation and achieved a 100% residency program placement rate, continuing at a higher than national average rate to enter primary care and National Association of Community Health Centers needed specialties.

I look forward to 2023 and all that is to come for ATSU-SOMA!

– Sharon J. Obadia, DO, Interim Dean

Over the past year, Midwestern University AZCOM faculty, staff and students have achieved much. AZCOM stared the year with a full 7-year accreditation. Faculty and staff worked hard over the year to assure excellence in the education and support of AZCOM students. At Match Day, AZCOM students placed at 98.2% and there were 49 matches in the State of Arizona and 18 AZCOM alumni matched into military residencies to begin in July 2022. In November, Midwestern University held the inaugural Celebration of Life at the new ossuary garden on campus. This

Body Donation Program. There were messages of gratitude from

Arizona was well represented at AOA DO Day on the Hill! AOMA physicians and students met in Washington, DC to educate members of Congress and their staff about the role osteopathic medicine plays within the health care system.

Pictured here from left to right: Shannon Scott, DO; Student Doctors Sarah Hemzawi, Emily Tishkoff, and Mohamed Hashem and Josephine Zammuto, AOMA Executive Director.

– Lori Kemper, DO, MS, FACOFP, Dean

Arun Kathuria, OMS I, Hailey Lynch, OMS II, Ashley Roberts, OMS IV, Lori Kemper, DO, Kathleen Wong, OMS III, Jodie Nichols, OMS IV, Ryan Orlando, OMS IV, at the AACOM Board of Deans at Scottsdale Princess.

2022 Osteopathic Medical Student Award Recipients

ORAL CLINICAL CASE COMPETITION FINALISTS

First Place

Sarah Nies, OMS IV – SOMA

Pseudomonas bacteremia complicated by mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta: an unusual case study

Second Place

Justin Dombrowski, OMS III – AZCOM

Erythema Multiforme Secondary to Mycoplasma Pneumoniae: A Dermatological Presentation in the Emergency Department

Third Place

Austin Tymeck, OMS III – AZCOM

West Nile Meningitis with Concomitant Acute Cerebrovascular Accident

CLINICAL CASE POSTER WINNERS

First Place

Duncan Williams, OMS IV – AZCOM

An Osteopathic Approach to Symptomatic Scapular Dyskinesis

Second Place

Margaux Baatz, OMS III – AZCOM

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in a 10-month-old Male

Third Place

Sarah Petrides, OMS I – AZCOM

Use of Point of Care Ultrasound for the Hemodynamically Unstable Patient in the Emergency Department

RESEARCH POSTER WINNERS

First Place

Amy Lee, OMS IV – SOMA

Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid Prevents Postpartum Hemorrhage and Transfusion Events in Cesarean Deliveries: A systematic review and metanalysis

Second Place

Luke Ong, OMS IV – SOMA

Possible Male Bias in United States Autism Funding

3rd Place

Kelly Blucher, OMS

Award-winning AOMA!

D.C.

Herchran Singh, OMS-IV ATSU-SOMA was the winner of the Karen J. Nichols LEAD Scholar award presented to an Osteopathic medical student whose Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication are proven in the classroom and community. She is pictured here in the left photo with Karen J. Nichols, DO and in the right photo with Sharon Obadia, DO, Interim Dean ATSU-SOMA.

The AOMA Service Grant was established in 2021 when OMED was scheduled to be in person in Phoenix. Designed to be an annual rolling grant, where the OMED host state funds the grant for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation (SOMAF). The Foundation then awards the grant to an osteopathic medical school in the host state to develop a community service project. The grant is designed to encourage students to learn philanthropy and experience the value of its work in the community. AZCOM received the inaugural grant from the SOMA Foundation and presented their project at OMED 2022. Yian Zhang, OMS-II, National Liaison Officer for the AZCOM SOMA chapter presented the project at OMED in Boston.

Shannon Scott, DO, AOMA Executive Director Josephine Zammuto, and Student Doctor Sarah Hemzawi, OMS II, pose for a photo after AOMA received the 2022 Organizational Excellence in Advocacy Award (State Osteopathic Association Category) from the American Osteopathic Association in recognition of accomplishments in public policy and professional advocacy on behalf of the osteopathic profession throughout the pandemic. The award was presented in April 2022 at the awards ceremony during DO Day on Capitol Hill in Washington,

Arizona representatives celebrating the outstanding affiliate win.

AOMA Executive Director Josephine Zammuto and Shannon Scott, DO, accept AOMA's 2022 Outstanding Affiliate Award from AOA President Gelb who bestowed this esteemed award upon AOMA during the awards ceremony held in-person during OMED 2022 in October 2022.

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