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May 15
Congratulations to the Class of 2012
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 5/15/2012 11:25 AM

It’s hard to believe that graduation season is underway. Over the weekend, I attended the ATSU-KCOM commencement to give the keynote address but also to see my nephew, David, and his fiancée, Krystin Engelhardt, earn their DO degrees. I’m very proud to say that they represent 20 and 21 in terms of the number of DOs in the Steinbaum-Levine family!

Class of 2012, as you get set to begin the next phase of your career, remember to "think osteopathically." Practice up to the education and training you’ve received from your osteopathic medical school. Use the knowledge and tools you now have to give your patients the care they deserve. Observe, listen and be compassionate. Your patients will be forever grateful, and you’ll be living up to the DO degree you worked so hard to obtain.

Congratulations, and I wish you the very best!

Marty​

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May 08
Where You’ll See and Hear Us
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 5/8/2012 10:31 AM

Did you know that coverage resulting from AOA media relations efforts have netted an estimated audience of more than 400 million in 2010 and 2011 each year? We're aiming to reach that number and hopefully exceed it in 2012.

Recently, we launched the AOA’s “Live a Full Life with Fibro” campaign. Our spokesperson Jennifer Caudle, DO, spoke with a number of reporters including an editor from Good Housekeeping to familiarize the public about this disease. Another AOA member, Ronald V. Marino, DO, discussed the DOs’ whole-person approach to caring for patients and the use of OMT in treating children and adults during an interview on “On Call for Kids,” a live program broadcast on SiriusXM Satellite Radio station Doctor Radio. This is just a sampling of where you’ll see or hear us in the media. Be sure to check out our Media Center for a better idea of our coverage.

But, we can all do our part to promote the profession as well. One of the easiest ways you can help is to take advantage of Health for the Whole Family articles provided by the AOA. Every month, you’ll receive an article highlighting a health topic. You can make copies of them for your waiting room or even submit them to your local newspaper or hospital newsletter. Email pr@osteopathic.org to start receiving these articles. Together, we can promote the profession and educate the public so they no longer have to ask, “What is a DO?”

Marty
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April 26
Our Patients are Cutting down on Preventive Care
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 4/26/2012 12:32 PM

​Last week, the AOA released results of its recent survey on patient health care spending. Like me, you probably won’t be too surprised to hear that three out of 10 respondents admitted to skipping visits with their primary health care provider to save money. As osteopathic physicians, we know how difficult it can be for our patients to afford proper health care and preventive care is often the first thing to be cut from the budget.

To combat this trend, the AOA, with the help of AOA Media Spokesperson, Matt B. Ajluni, DO, put together a Savvy Patient Checklist. The checklist features questions patients can ask their physician, insurance provider, and employer that could help in reducing health care costs, like asking about generic drug alternatives or free prescription samples. The checklist also includes resources people can utilize to stay healthy, including health calculators, food and exercise logs, and potential sources to obtain health insurance.

I’d like to thank Dr. Ajluni for assisting in getting this important information out to the public. If you would like to join the AOA’s Media Spokesperson’s Network, please fill out this form. The AOA depends on members like you to serve as health experts when the media calls. It is just another way you can help promote our great profession.

Marty

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April 18
The Best Week of the Year
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 4/18/2012 10:50 AM

​What a great time of year! We’re right in the middle of National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week, April 15-21. I have already seen many examples of how osteopathic family members are joining the effort to promote the distinct care DOs provide, including NOM Week city proclamations and community events, like Mini Medical Schools and health fairs. In Chicago, the AOA is advertising on Chicago’s busy public transportation, reaching millions of people. How are you “thinking osteopathically” and promoting it during NOM Week?

One way you can get involved is to sign the NOM Week Pledge on Osteopathic.org. The pledge asks DOs, osteopathic medical students, and supporters of the profession to show their commitment to volunteerism, since NOM Week coincides exactly with National Volunteer Week. Take the pledge today to help us show how the osteopathic medical profession goes above and beyond to care for our communities.

You can also help by spreading the word about the AOA’s online Mini Medical School, which just launched this week. The Mini Medical School is a fun and engaging way for young children to learn about health, fitness, and how their growing bodies work. Pass the link to elementary teachers you know or parents with young children.

There are many ways to get involved in NOM Week this year. Visit the NOM Week page of Osteopathic.org for more ideas and to learn more about the AOA’s NOM Week activities.

Marty

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April 12
Difficult Decisions
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 4/12/2012 12:20 PM

​Being part of this profession we’re used to making some difficult decisions—where should I earn my DO degree; which specialty should I enter; and what program should I select as my top choice for continuing my training?

As DOs, we have a responsibility to help our patients make some tough decisions, too, especially about end-of-life care. Did you know that while 70% of Americans have thought about advance directives, only 29% actually have a living will? With National Healthcare Decisions Day taking place on April 16, this provides a good time to discuss the subject with your patients. It’s certainly not an easy topic to broach but an important one to ensure that your patients’ wishes are clear when they may not be able to speak for themselves.

Marty

 

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April 05
How Are YOU Driving Quality by Thinking and Practicing Osteopathically?
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 4/5/2012 1:53 PM

In late February, the AOA launched the Are We There Yet? osteopathic family road trip, inviting members to join the trip to learn about upcoming changes to the osteopathic medical profession, like changes to AOA certification, CME reporting guidelines, and the Physician Quality Reporting System. Along the way, the AOA will be providing resources to make sure you and your practice are fully prepared for what lies ahead.

All of these changes are helping to drive quality and move the osteopathic medical profession forward. And now, we want to see how YOU are driving quality. Through June 1, we will be collecting your photos on the AOA’s Facebook page wall. The photos that best demonstrate how to drive quality or are the most original will be awarded prizes, as determined by member votes on the Facebook page.

Go here for photo contest instructions and to print out the “Driving Quality” sign that must appear in your submitted photo.

I look forward to seeing how all of you are driving quality around the country.

Marty​

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March 27
AOF Student Grants, Scholarships and Awards
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 3/27/2012 10:52 AM

It’s that time of year again, when the American Osteopathic Foundation’s (AOF), the philanthropic arm of the AOA, grant, scholarship and award cycle opens. More than $78,000 will be awarded to osteopathic medical students for academic excellence; demonstrated leadership experience; noteworthy accomplishments; and a strong commitment to the principles of osteopathic medicine. Many of the opportunities also provide travel grants to attend OMED 2012, the AOA’s Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition in October, taking place in San Diego.

Details including eligibility criteria and application forms, can be found on the AOF website. I’d like to point out that the deadline for many of the applications is Friday, April 27 so start working on yours today. If you have any questions about these opportunities, email them to info@aof-foundation.org. Good luck!

Marty​

 

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March 20
Two CME Conferences Coming Up
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 3/20/2012 5:53 PM
Category: Education

​As we near the end of the 2010-2012 CME cycle on Dec. 31, I’m sure there are some of us who are still short of meeting our required CME credits. Consider the AOA’s Regional Osteopathic Medicine Education (ROME) conferences, coming up this spring and summer. 

  • ROME Southeast – May 4-6 in Charleston, S.C., at the Charleston Marriott
  • ROME New England – Aug 16-18 in Newport, R.I., at Hotel Viking

Both conferences are offering up to 25 AOA Category 1-A CME credits and will feature education specific to women’s health, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, OMT, and more.

Not only are these prime opportunities to earn quality CME, but they are both in beautiful locations with plenty of activities for the whole family.

Visit the ROME event page to view the conference programs and register.

Marty

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March 15
A Great Day
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 3/15/2012 10:48 AM
Category: Advocacy; Family
It’s no secret that advocating on behalf of the profession is a passion of mine. In fact, ever since taking this office, I’ve made many a trip to Washington, D.C.

But I have to say that last week’s trip to our nation’s capital is one of my most memorable. Not only did nearly 1,000 DOs, osteopathic medical students and supporters of the profession join me for the March 8th DO Day on the Hill event, but later that evening we dedicated the National Osteopathic Advocacy Center. About 200 guests, including U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, were in attendance for the occasion. The National Osteopathic Advocacy Center (NOAC) serves as a tangible testament to advocacy for the profession as well as a symbol of the important role the AOA plays as a contributor to health care policy and reform.

Next time you’re in D.C., be sure to stop by for a tour of this impressive space.

Marty

EMAIL Oliva Lobby.JPG
Many people know the late Marcelino Oliva, DO, a past AOA president, as one of the profession’s biggest advocates, particularly at the federal level. It’s only fitting that we continue to feel his presence, naming the NOAC lobby after this leader. It was an honor to have Mrs. Oliva join us that day.

EMail Picture 003.jpg
Visitors can learn more about the AOA, current leadership and watch videos looking back on the terms of former AOA presidents using this interactive screen.
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March 09
Experience My AOA
by  Martin S. Levine, DONo presence information  on 3/9/2012 9:44 AM
Category: Family; General

​Yesterday, the AOA unveiled much more for members on Osteopathic.org. Have you taken a look yet? Now, when you log in, you will unlock exclusive members-only content throughout the site, including monthly billing and coding hints, practice management updates, revamped CME reports, and more. In addition, you can now select “My AOA” from the drop down menu upon login and do all of the following:

  • Add your picture, update your profile, or tell others what’s on your mind
  • Catch up on the topics that interest you most in your customized news feed
  • Connect with other DOs and osteopathic medical students with the new My Colleagues
  • See a summary of your CME report with the My CME snapshot
  • View upcoming osteopathic meetings within your state or specialty area with My Events
  • Browse even more - My Membership section, Most Popular Osteopathic.org Pages and links to online discussions that interest you

I hope you enjoy your new personalized experience on Osteopathic.org and I look forward to connecting with you through My Colleagues. Visit the site and log in today!

Marty

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 About this blog

 
Through the AOA President's Blog, you have the opportunity to join Martin S. Levine, DO, on his year-long journey as the 115th AOA President. Read all about his experiences during the 2011-2012 presidential term, and add your voice to discussion topics important to you.