News in brief
Recent advancements in the field of osteopathic medicine foster wellness, advocacy and resilience, including a newsletter and an upcoming webinar on physician empowerment and healing.
Osteopathic medicine continues to make strides within the medical field and beyond, thanks to the contributions of dedicated professionals in the health care industry, including Michael Foti, DO, a dedicated mental health advocate publishing an innovative health newsletter, and Nora Ekeanya, DO, an award-winning psychiatrist hosting an upcoming webinar as part of the “Regaining the Joy of Practicing Medicine” series, as well as the tireless efforts of the AOA’s advocacy and political affairs team.
DO develops wellness newsletter for health care professionals
Michael Foti, DO, has collaborated with Mind Split Cafe, a mental health awareness podcast, to develop and distribute a wellness newsletter geared toward medical students, physicians and other health care professionals. The newsletter, Wellness Wake-Up: Med School Edition, will provide tools and tips related to wellness, mindfulness and everything in between.
“This collaborative newsletter co-founded by Mind Split Cafe and I is a wonderful initiative that will offer valuable resources for the health care professional community,” Dr. Foti said. “I am hopeful that our efforts will spread wellness to students and physicians across the country.”
The newsletter’s first issue included an inspiring article by Dr. Foti on transforming stress into success. In the piece, Dr. Foti stated, “We, as physicians cannot take care of our patients … if we first do not take care of ourselves.”
Other topics covered include surviving the “taboos” of medical school, an exploration of Dr. Foti’s latest book, unlocking potential and tips on thriving in medical school.
To subscribe to the Wellness Wake-Up: Med School Edition newsletter or for more information, visit the Mind Split Cafe website.
Award-winning DO to host webinar on overcoming challenges and physician resilience
On Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. CT, Nora Ekeanya, DO, will partner with AOIA for a webinar as part of the Regaining the Joy of Practicing Medicine series.
Dr. Ekeanya is an award-winning, board-certified adult psychiatrist based in Los Angeles. She was raised by Nigerian parents and is an alumna of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). During her time as a resident, Dr. Ekeanya began writing about her experiences as a Black female physician. She was featured in KevinMD and won the inaugural Isele Prize in nonfiction for her essay, Sense of Touch, among other accolades and accomplishments.
The webinar, “The Plight of a Pedestaled Physician: Prostration and My Path to Resilience,” will discuss the social history of the practice of medicine, the impact of capitalism and the COVID-19 pandemic, tips for doctors in this new era of medicine and Dr. Ekeanya’s personal experiences with mental health crises, as well as her path to healing and sustained resilience.
Those interested in the webinar may register on the AOA Online Learning platform. Registration is $60 for AOA members, $85 for non-members and $20 for students and residents. Participants will be eligible to receive 1.0 AOA Category 1-A Credits.
AOA advocacy efforts secure ID verification requirements for tobacco purchases
After five years of advocacy and partnership, a major public health victory has been achieved. Effective Sept. 30, 2024, retailers will be required to use a photo ID to verify the age of anyone under 30 attempting to purchase cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and covered tobacco products. Also, retailers can’t sell tobacco products via vending machine in spaces where people under 21 are present or permitted to enter at any time—previously, vending machine tobacco sales were permitted in spaces that barred entrance to individuals under 18. The FDA’s final rule is available on the FDA website.
The AOA was joined by 14 osteopathic specialty affiliates to champion this public health win. The AOA and osteopathic affiliates’ advocacy were also instrumental in encouraging the amendment of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which raised the federal minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, in 2019.
For more details, the original 2019 letter of support from the AOA and its affiliates is available for review.