01/24/2022

Council Q&A with Shannon C. Trotter, DO

OSMA Thought Leadership

OSMA member leaders work tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Shannon C. Trotter, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

• District 2 Councilor, Springfield
• 11-year member
• Private practice Dermatologists of Central States; Clinical Assistant Professor Ohio University, Associate Program Director OhioHealth Riverside Dermatology Residency Program/Dermatology

Q: Tell us about your medical career. What is your role and where are you currently practicing? 

A: I practice dermatology in Springfield, Ohio and Canal Winchester, Ohio. Part of my passion comes from working with students and residents and helping cultivate a future generation of dermatologists. My clinical interests focus on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. I love public speaking and helping others understand the importance of skin health and personal responsibility in healthcare. 

Q: How long have you been a member of OSMA? What are the different ways you have been involved in the organization over the years?

A: I have been a member of OSMA for 11 years. I have served as a Councilor-At-Large in the past and currently serve as District 2 Councilor and Alternate Delegate to the AMA. I have also been able to participate on committees and testify at the Statehouse for our advocacy efforts.

Q: What are you looking forward to in working with the OSMA Council this coming year?

A: I am looking forward to working on passing HB159, legislation that would prohibit individuals under age 18 from using tanning beds in Ohio. To see HB159 become law would be the ultimate victory for a goal shared by OSMA and the Ohio Dermatological Association.

In addition to working on the advocacy agenda, I also look forward to meeting in person this year at the annual meeting. To experience the camaraderie, discourse and energy when we are all together is invaluable and essential to OSMA’s success.

Q: What do you see as some of the biggest issues facing healthcare in the coming year? How can OSMA work to address these issues? 

A: One of the major issues facing healthcare we need to prioritize is battling COVID’s impact on mental health and children’s neurodevelopment. Helping physicians recognize these challenges and providing resources for early intervention should be a priority for us as an organization to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. OSMA can help address these issues by increasing physician awareness of existing interventions available in Ohio and identifying unmet needs for children with neurodevelopmental delay.

Another challenge is the worsening of the opioid crisis, which was exacerbated by COVID as well as the increased drug trafficking over the last year.

Finally, the shortage of nurses and physicians is another major issue. OSMA can continue its advocacy efforts for mental health, and support medical schools in Ohio to increase slots and continue to foster a healthy collaboration between physicians and nurses. 

Q: What are some of the ways in which OSMA has supported your medical practice?

A: OSMA has been the leading authority on the COVID pandemic and a voice for my practice on several topics, from insurance challenges to physician well-being. What I value most about OSMA is their accessibility and unbridled support. I always get someone to help me, and it feels empowering to know I have a partner to help navigate the waters of practicing medicine in today’s world. 

Q: How can Ohio physicians get involved in OSMA and get the most out of their membership?

A: OSMA can be customized to fit your needs. Whether you are in private practice, academia or a hospital-based practice, OSMA can benefit you. To get the most out of your membership I tell others to get involved! You give as little or as much of your time that you want.

Some examples include: identify an issue or cause to pursue with the OSMA, attend a meeting, apply for a leadership position, or simply participate in webinars. OSMA has so much to offer and like a buffet, you can sample it all or focus on what you like the most.  

If you’d like to get in touch with OSMA leadership or learn more about Council, please email council@osma.org.