Help Beat Last Year’s Tally, Support the Student White Coat Fund

The Student White Coat Fund, established last year, helps you connect with the newest members of the Ohio osteopathic family by purchasing a white coat for an incoming student. Last year, $3,150 was raised to give the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2023 their first white coats, a gift from the OOA and Ohio Osteopathic Foundation. The short coat, complete with OOA armpatch, is a welcome gift from their professional family.

Our total for the Class of 2024 is currently less than half of last year’s figure. Please make your $45 (or increment thereof) tax-deductible donation online to the “Student White Coat Fund” and write a message to an incoming student in the comment field. Make your donation by July 31.

DeWine Implores Ohioans to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

In a statewide address Wednesday evening, Gov. Mike DeWine said the state is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and implored Ohioans to take appropriate action to reverse the rapidly increasing spread of the virus. Listing Florida’s overwhelming statistics, DeWine said that Ohio’s current numbers are similar to what Florida saw a month ago. “If we do not change course, Florida and Arizona will be our future,” he said. Specifically, he renewed his call for residents to wear masks, practice social distancing, and limit public gatherings. But he did not issue a statewide order as many had speculated when he abruptly cancelled the regular Tuesday press briefing in favor of the more formal speech.

Currently, 19 Ohio counties are now under orders to wear masks when out in public per the state’s Public Health Advisory System. This represents nearly 60% of all Ohioans.

For the second week in a row, Friday has produced a record number of new cases in the state—1,679. That smashes the previous daily high of 1,525 last Friday.

Yesterday, DeWine issued an executive order authorizing the adoption of new and amended emergency rules for the provision of telehealth services in the state.

#DoctorsOrders T-Shirt Giveaway

As part of the new Doctor’s Orders: Mask + 6 Feet campaign, we’re giving away a free t-shirt to the first couple members who (1) share one of our #DoctorsOrders social media posts; and (2) get a friend to add us on one of our platforms. Send verification along with the social media post share to cmarkino@OhioDO.org. You can also purchase a shirt directly here.

Also, be sure to email your masked photo or selfie to cmarkino@OhioDO.org or post it to your own account. Use the hashtags #DoctorsOrders and #MaskPlus6 so we can find your post and share it. Let’s encourage Ohioans to wear a face mask and practice physical distancing when in public.

A new Quinnipiac poll issued this week shows 71% of Americans think everyone should be required to wear masks in public and 80% believe they are effective at slowing the spread of the virus.

Medical Board Proposal Amends Chronic Pain Rules

The State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO), is conducting an online public hearing, July 23, to consider the adoption of rules. Oral or written testimony may be presented.

The proposed rules, as listed below are available here and also on the SMBO website.

4731-11-01 Definitions

4731-11-14 Prescribing for subacute and chronic pain

4731-33-01 Definitions

4733-33-02 Standards and procedures for withdrawal management for drug or alcohol addiction

4731-35-01 Consult Agreements

4731-35-02 Standards for managing drug therapy

Register for the meeting here.

Get CME Online, On-Demand, and On Sale!

Earn CME credit from your home or office—or wherever (and whenever!) it’s convenient for you. The OOA has added 13 on-demand programs to the catalog at www.DOcme.org, a collaborative effort by state osteopathic societies to provide the highest quality CME for the osteopathic physician community. OOA members receive a discount on these lectures. Use the code OOAFamily for 35% off the list price! 

As a reminder, the State Medical Board has not waived the required CME for licensure. The Board has delayed enforcement, so you still need to stay current on your CME requirements. 

AOA HOD Meets Tomorrow

The AOA House of Delegates takes place virtually tomorrow, Saturday, July 18, from 3:00-6:30 pm. 

The agenda calls for requisite business including AOA board and officer nominations and elections, presidential installation and address, financial report, and department chair reports among other items. Two Ohioans, Robert W. Hostoffer, Jr., DO, of Cleveland, and Jennifer J. Hauler, DO, of Dayton are candidates for election to the AOA Board.

As approved at the Ohio delegation meeting in April, George Thomas, DO, will serve as the delegation proxy at the meeting.

Look for a summary of the meeting in OSTEOFACTS next week.

Refinance Your Student Loan

A survey from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine found that nearly 86 percent of graduates begin their careers with an average debt load of $240,000. Refinancing your student loan can save you thousands of dollars, depending on your current balance and interest rate.

The OOA and AOA have partnered with SoFi to bring members—including students and residents—a complete solution for their student loan needs. SoFi is a leading student loan refinancing provider. The process is fast, easy, and all online. Complete a simple online application to get prequalified in minutes. Plus, there is now a of 0.5% rate discount through August 15.