OSTEOFACTS | New Executive Director Selected; Develop OOA Policy

February 2, 2024

	New Executive Director Selected Heidi Weber, MBA, an experienced association management executive with a successful history of leading organizations through change, has been hired as OOA executive director. She will start March 1. Most recently, Ms. Weber served as executive director of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society, a global dental organization with more than 100 chapters across 10 countries. During her tenure, she strengthened the organization’s financial standing, broadened its influence, increased member engagement, and implemented an ROI-centric business model. OOA President Nicklaus J. Hess, DO, said Ms. Weber’s exemplary track record as a strategist and change agent makes her a perfect match for the OOA. “The landscape of health care is constantly evolving, and Heidi is well-equipped to navigate these changes with a visionary mindset,” he said. “I am confident her ability to adapt to new challenges and build collaborative partnerships will position the OOA for continued success.” Ms. Weber’s hiring comes as the OOA celebrates its quasquicentennial and Ohio enjoys the largest number of DOs and osteopathic medical students in state history. “I am honored to embark on this journey with the Ohio Osteopathic Association as it enters its 125th year,” she said. “I look forward to joining this historic and forward-thinking organization of exceptional individuals committed to improving the health of the people of Ohio by delivering on the promise of osteopathic medicine.” Read more here.
	The VOC is in Two Weeks Flexibility is the keyword for The Virtual Osteopathic Conference. There are two ways to participate and get the most out of this national conference sponsored by seven statewide physician associations: Live Participation: Join us for the live virtual conference during the opening weekend February 16-18. Network, connect with other attendees, and dive deep into sessions as a community with live virtual interaction. On-Demand: View your choice of lectures at your own pace. Each will be available on-demand approximately one hour after the live presentation concludes. Or listen to the lectures in audio format like a podcast—which is convenient while driving or exercising. On-demand access is available through June 30. The VOC offers 48 hours of CME credit, but you can pick and choose your lectures, as sessions are purchased in 8-hour increments. Your OOA membership gets you a discount! Register for The VOC here.
	125 Years of Member Support Your membership makes our work possible! Since the OOA’s founding in 1898, the top priority has remained constant: advocate for Ohio DOs and promote the distinctive practice of osteopathic medicine. In fact, when a state law was passed in 1900 that essentially prohibited osteopathy, OOA leadership fought the measure and pledged to assist members with legal fees. The next year, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the Love Act was unconstitutional. Years later, the OOA again prevailed over strong opposition. The Ohio Board of Regents, Ohio State Medical Association, and some lawmakers fought the OOA-backed legislation to create an osteopathic medical school at Ohio University. We all know how that turned out! The OOA is strong because of your commitment and support. Together, we will continue to advance the osteopathic profession, the role of physicians as the leader of the health care team, and so much more. Dues invoices for 2024-2025 will be mailed soon, but you can conveniently renew online now! If you’d like us to contact someone in your office directly to help with dues processing, please email Joanne Barnhart at jbarnhart@OhioDO.org.
	Coalition Advocates for All Health Care Workers The OOA joined nine other physician groups to advocate for wellness for all of Ohio’s health care providers. The Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition (OPWC) cited recent changes to State Medical Board applications that remove intrusive and stigmatizing questions and asked 11 state regulatory boards to do the same. The letter reads in part: OPWC has identified that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to address burnout and understands that it is important to include efforts that support the healthcare professionals that physicians work alongside every day. Effective healthcare delivery is a team effort and by bringing awareness to initiatives that create a culture that supports the health and wellbeing of every team member, we can help ensure that our fellow healthcare professionals are protected and supported. We encourage you to follow the example of the State Medical Board of Ohio and review your board’s initial and renewal applications to determine whether they contain any questions that may discourage applicants and licensees from seeking help for a mental health condition or substance use disorder. The letter also included a copy of the “All In” toolkit from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, which works to reduce burnout of health care professionals and safeguard their well-being and job satisfaction.
	You Can Develop OOA Policy Policy positions guide the OOA’s work related to legislative and regulatory issues. These position statements start as resolutions in the OOA House of Delegates where they are debated and ultimately approved or disapproved. Resolutions are now being accepted. To write a resolution, see the guidelines here. Resolutions of national interest can be advanced to the AOA House of Delegates in July. Submit your resolution to Teri Collins at tcollins@OhioDO.org. The 2024 HOD is set to meet April 19 in Columbus in conjunction with the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium. As part of the policy meeting, the Ohio Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OOPAC) issues a fundraising challenge every year. It is a friendly competition to see which of the OOA ten district academies contributes the most, in the aggregate and per capita. The winning districts are announced at the HOD. Make your OOPAC contribution here.
	New Medical Marijuana Conditions Proposed The State Medical Board of Ohio received four petitions for potential new qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana. At its next meeting, the SMBO Medical Marijuana Committee is expected decide which petitions will be considered. A final vote on new qualifying conditions is expected this summer. The following four conditions were submitted: End State Renal Disease, Dialysis Treatment Insomnia Female Orgasmic Difficulty Disorder (FOD) Autism Spectrum Disorder Petitions were filed during the submission period (November 1- December 31, 2023) and needed to include information from experts who specialize in the study of the disease or condition along with relevant medical or scientific evidence. Any petition for a condition that has been previously reviewed by the SMBO and rejected are not considered unless new scientific research is offered. The next condition petition window is scheduled for November 1 - December 31, 2024. Separately, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control issued proposed rules related to adult use cannabis license applications. The document outlines statutory requirements for facilities, business licenses, and other details. New rules are a result of the November 2023 election when Ohioans voted to legalize marijuana for adults age 21 and over.
	Celebrate 125 Years Attendings, retired physicians, residents, and medical students are all invited to the 125th Celebration in Athens on Saturday, February 17. The afternoon includes networking with OOA leadership, a buffet of food and drinks, prizes and more. The OOA Board of Trustees will be meeting that day at the HCOM campus. More information and RSVP details are here. To celebrate the quasquicentennial, the has launched $125 for the 125th. The fundraising campaign will support education, outreach, and leadership development projects, with a focus on the future of the profession. Make your tax-deductible donation to the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation, the OOA’s charitable arm, here.
	Make a Statewide Impact The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for seat #15 on its Trauma Committee. Seat #15 is designated for an administrator of an adult or pediatric trauma center with substantial experience. Of note, EMFTS does not appoint more than one member to the Committee who is employed by or practices at the same hospital, health system, or emergency medical services organization. The Committee generally meets every other month. Interested candidates should contact the OOA Office at 614-299-2107. A CV and letter of interest are required as part of the nomination process.
	Nominate a Worthy Physician The OOA is accepting award nominations to recognize physicians who have made significant contributions to the osteopathic profession and/or their communities. Award recipients will be honored at the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium in April. Nominations are due by February 15 for the following awards: Distinguished Service Award Meritorious Service Award M. Bridget Wagner, DO, Humanitarian Award Trustees Award George L. Eckert, Jr, DO, Mentor of the Year Read more about the awards, see a list of past recipients, and submit your nomination here.
	Ohio ACOFP Seeking Award Nominations Nominees for Ohio ACOFP awards should be family physicians with a demonstrated commitment to osteopathic philosophy, patient care, community involvement, education, or enrichment of self and others. Nominations are due for the following awards by February 15: Family Physician of the Year Distinguished Service Award Young Family Physician of the Year Family Medicine Resident of the Year A list of past recipients and nomination form are here.