December 18, 2015 - The DO Family Newsletter  
Registration is Open!
The 117th Annual Spring Scientific Convention will be held May 12-15, 2016, in Dearborn, MI and registration is open! This year, we are excited to announce a few new features!

Weekend Only rate: With 18 hours 1-A CME credits available, the Weekend Only option allows access to the weekend sessions at a reduced rate. 
For registration to the Weekend Only, click HERE

Florida CME hours: The CME hours are included in the registration of the convention OR you can register for just the Florida CME sessions. The program consists of 7 course over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 
To register for just the Florida CME session, click HERE

Office Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders (4 CME 1-A CME credits): Michigan is facing an epidemic of opioid abuse. William Morrone, DO, will speak on office based treatment for opioid use disorders and the issues facing today's physicians. The session will be Saturday, 1:45-5:45 pm and it is offered as a special course on its own, or included in the registration fee. To register for the single, special course, click HERE

To register for the 117th Annual Spring Scientific Convention, click HERE
See you in Dearborn!
Call for Resolutions to the House of Delegates 

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) has opened the call for resolutions to the House of Delegates (HOD). Each year prior to the Spring Scientific Convention the MOA accepts resolutions to be presented to the HOD meeting in May. This year, the process has been modified to include an online submission option.
If you have resolutions to be considered by the HOD please visit the HOD webpage. 
HOD Webpage 
The page features an overview of the process, a sample resolution and a template you can download to get you started. You must be an MOA member to access this page.
First 100 Days at AOA
In July 2015, new leadership was added at the Annual American Osteopathic 
Association Business Meeting in Chicago, including current Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) president, Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, dFACN, serving as Second Vice President and, MOA past-president, Michael D. Weiss, DO, serving as Third Vice President of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Board of Trustees. During their first 100 days and beyond, both have proudly represented Michigan and enhanced the voice of the osteopathic profession in their new roles. 

The AOA leadership and executive office represent the best interests of all DOs, osteopathic medical students, and other members of the osteopathic medical profession. Charged with implementing the vision and strategic plan developed by the AOA Board of Trustees, these leaders play an integral role in guiding the actions of the AOA on behalf of the osteopathic family.


Q: What was it like to join the leadership of the osteopathic profession at the national level?
Dr. Piccinini: 
Exciting and scary at the same time.


Dr. Weiss:
It is an honor and a privilege to participate at this level. I have been able to bring issues that are important to the state of Michigan and physicians in our area to the forefront. I am also proud to represent my specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology at this level.

Q: What things have most excited you about this role?
Dr. Piccinini:
The ability to see the careful deliverance in the processes that goes on behind making national policies. 

Dr. Weiss:
Gaining the perspective on some of the health care issues that every body is facing around the country.
Q: Are there any special initiatives/projects that you are particularly interested in that are happening at the AOA?
Dr. Piccinini: 
As a first year board member, much of my role has been observing the processes. However, I am very excited to engage the younger members and have worked with our state association to try to do so. 


Dr. Weiss: 
I've focused much of my energy on practical things that I believe physicians need to do to stay viable and thrive. This can be a local issue or national, and its great to be able to see all those different parts. 

Q: How has this appointment affected you personally and professionally?
Dr. Piccinini:
I have continued to learn to manage time constraints and become more disciplined in how I utilize my time. I have also grown being around other leaders of the profession, it has made me strive to be better in many ways, and more cognizant of what is going on. 

Dr. Weiss: 
Aside from squeezing more in my schedule and making myself available at non-traditional work times, no huge change personally. However, I do feel that professionally there are more opportunities to learn. For instance, I've become more aware of the public opinions around the country regarding osteopathic medicine and how "DO friendly" certain states like Michigan are.

Q: What advice would you give to younger professionals in regards to taking on leadership roles?
Dr. Piccinini: 
At a very young age there is a thought that you cannot make an impact, but, the truth is that if you get involved you absolutely can be a part of the change and direction that this profession will go towards. In addition, the new branding campaign is a huge initiative by the AOA. One that I believe is a flag that the next generation can fly, and I'm very excited to see where it goes.

Dr. Weiss: 
It's really important for young physicians to look into getting involved early on in their career - don't wait until you are 20 years into your practice to voice your opinions. Don't be afraid that you don't have enough time. Also, look for opportunities for growth such as the health policy fellowship sponsored by the AOA which helped me to prepare for a leadership role. A much younger group of people must take the initiative in the world of medicine because they have a much different outlook than the generation before them. 
Advocacy in Action!

Nov. 24, Novi - Advocacy in Action! The Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC) and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) co-hosted a fundraiser with United States Senator Debbie Stabenow. Pictured (left to right): Gregory "Special K" Kelser, Former NBA Star and "Voice of the Detroit Pistons"; Senator Debbie Stabenow; Gary Roth, DO; Peter Ajluni, DO; and Kris Nicholoff, Executive Director/CEO Michigan Osteopathic Association.
Mini Medical School Visits Flint Schools
The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) Mini Medical School made two appearances recently, visiting Freeman Elementary and Brownell K-2 STEM Academy in Flint,  
Michigan. Mini Medical School brings physicians, residents, interns and student volunteers to schools across the state of Michigan. The program includes presentations on hygiene, health care and how a medical career is an obtainable goal. The Mini Medical School program visits schools in under-served areas of Michigan. We would like to thank Genesys Regional Medical Center and their Director of Education Susan Enright, DO, for their sponsorship. Mary Goldman, DO, led both events and reported energetic volunteers and engaged students. "The STEM program is such a perfect fit for Mini Medical School," said Dr. Goldman. The Mini Medical School program is in its 3rd year and continues to rely on the volunteer efforts of MOA members, students, interns and residents. 

To see more photos from Mini Medical School events, click HERE
Legislative and Public Policy Conference 
Premier Public Policy Conference Coming in February

The annual Legislative and Public Policy Conference (LegPub) will be held February 16, 2016 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing Michigan. The annual event is hosted by the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE). The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) staff is once again in leadership roles for the event. For the third straight year the
MOA Past President, Dr. Myral Robbins introduces Gov. Rick Snyder at the 2015 LegPub
MOA president will deliver the introduction of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. MOA President Dr. Robert G. G. Piccinini will introduce Gov. Snyder as he will speak on the current legislative efforts with his "Michigan Update" presentation. 

The slate of sessions is coming together and this year promises to be outstanding. With the MOA's urging a session has been scheduled to discuss the opioid abuse crisis. "The Opioid Epidemic: Treatment versus Incarceration" will feature a panel discussion with representatives from law enforcement, legislative and healthcare sectors. 

For a look at the agenda and for registration, click HERE
Scope of Pain: 
Safe and Competent Opioid Prescribing Education


American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry has posted a free webinar on safe opioid prescribing practices. "Scope of Pain: Safe and Competent Opioid Prescribing Education" is a three-part educational program that offers instruction on how to safely and competently manage your patients with chronic pain. Click HERE to access the free webinar. 
Michigan Secures Federal Waiver on Medicaid Coverage

Lansing - the State of Michigan received confirmation of a federal waiver that it needed to ensure that 600,000 low-income adults continue qualifying for Medicaid coverage beyond April. The expansion, which began in 2014, is known as
HealthyMichigan and was scheduled to end in May of 2016. Nick Lyon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), said, "From the beginning, the primary goals of the Healthy Michigan Plan have been to promote healthy behaviors and encourage people to lead healthy, productive lives. The approved waiver goes a long way in helping us achieve those goals, and we are going to continue doing our part to ensure residents understand their benefits and how best to use them." 

For news coverage, click HERE
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In Memoriam






Dec. 1 saw the passing of William A. Athens Sr., DO

October 2 of 2015 saw the passing of Eugene N. Sands, DO
Click here for a local obituary

Sept. 26 saw the passing of Donald R. Eck, DO
Click here for a local obituary 

September 25 of 2015 saw the passing of Gregory D. Harrington III, DO

June 18 of 2015 saw the passing of Hugh L. Grover, DO

To see a list of all Michigan Osteopathic Association members who have passed, click HERE.
To renew your dues, click HERE
The MOA Pulse is a member benefit for sharing news and events. If you have any news items you would like to share, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:
Todd Ross
Manager of Communications
Michigan Osteopathic Association
517/827-0615
Michigan Osteopathic Association | 800.657.1556 | www.domoa.org