It’s Time!

It’s time to pay your dues. Don’t let your OOA membership lapse. By simply paying your dues you keep the profession moving forward, promote the distinctive philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine in Ohio, and improve health care for patients.

Last year, the OOA worked to stave off scope of practice legislation from mid-level providers. We’re expecting the fight to resume, as we continue to advocate for the physician-led health care team for optimum care and patient safety. The OOA works daily to protect the value of your medical degree and your role as leader in patient care. 

We have a big year ahead and need your support! You can conveniently pay your 2020-2021 dues online. While you’re on the website, check out other ways you can volunteer and DO your part.

Symposium Keynote to Focus on Your Purpose

A distinguished clinician, educator, and academic health care leader, Kevin W. Sowers will keynote the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium, April 22-26 in Columbus. Sowers is president of the Johns Hopkins Health System and executive vice president of Johns Hopkins Medicine. The native Ohioan has published extensively and speaks nationally and abroad on issues such as leadership, organizational change, mentorship and cancer care. His presentation, The Power of Purpose, will focus on how passion, partnership, and personal accountability can lead to individual and team success.

The Symposium is the premier osteopathic conference in the state and will offer an estimated 30 hours of Category 1-A credits, the latest in the art and science of patient care, networking, and more.

Legislative Update

Work in the Ohio House of Representatives Health Committee resumed this week—it was the only Committee, House or Senate, to meet this week. Seven bills were on the agenda, including HB 396 regarding pharmacy benefit managers. Committee Chair State Rep. Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) said the PBM issue will be the committee’s focus, as other bills on the topic are expected to be introduced this year. Additionally, the Department of Medicaid is in the bid process for a single PBM across the entire program.

Committee members also heard testimony on HB 412, which establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council. Almost 1 in 10 Americans have a rare disease, and more than 90 percent of rare diseases have no FDA approved treatment. Rare diseases are present across a broad spectrum of medical conditions. For example, all forms of pediatric cancer are considered rare, as are brain, pancreatic, ovarian, thyroid, and stomach cancers. Other examples include lysosomal storage diseases, blood disorders, eye diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

First Anniversary of Medical Marijuana Sales

This week marked the one-year anniversary of medical marijuana sales in Ohio. About 78,000 people have received physician recommendations and registered with the state to use cannabis. About 55,000 people have made purchases.

Other Ohio stats show:

• 71% of registered patients are age 40 or older
• 29% are over the age of 59
• 48 dispensaries
• 590 physicians hold a certificate to recommend (CTR)
• Average medical marijuana cost is $330 an ounce

Physicians must complete an approved 2-hour CME course to apply for a CTR.

In related news, the State Medical Board of Ohio received 28 petitions for potential new qualifying conditions during the 2019 petition window. The Board’s Medical Marijuana Committee is expected to meet February 12 to decide which conditions will be considered with a final vote expected this summer. Among the petitioned conditions are anxiety, depression, bipolar, lupus, autism, and “Bengals/Browns fan” (see article link below).

Abstracts Due January 31

Share your research, educate others, hone your presentation skills, win some money. There are lots of reasons to submit your abstract for the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium Poster Competition and Exhibition.

The poster event be held on Saturday, April 25, at the Hilton at Easton Town Center in Columbus in conjunction with the annual Ohio Osteopathic Symposium, which regularly draws over 800 people throughout the five-day conference.

The deadline for abstracts is January 31. The competition offers $4,750 in prize money.