65th MidWinter Conference Recap
More than 400 practicing physicians, osteopathic leaders, interns and fellows, residents, and medical students from across the state and surrounding areas tuned in online for TOMA’s 65th MidWinter Conference, held Jan. 29–31. This year’s conference was unique because, for the first time, it took place virtually in response to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
TOMA’s Conference Planning Committee, staff, and leadership worked hard to curate a virtual conference that provided participants with high-quality continuing medical education (CME), as well as the ability to interact and engage with speakers. Our virtual conference platform did just that! Participants attended virtual sessions on the latest scientific findings and innovations in osteopathic medicine, visited a virtual exhibit hall, reviewed scholarly work presented by students and residents in the 2021 poster competition, and interacted with speakers and attendees through chat.
Since 1955, the TOMA MidWinter Conference has provided practicing physicians and trainees with high-caliber public speakers. This annual event gives physicians an opportunity to explore a diverse mix of cutting-edge innovations in osteopathic medicine.
With sessions on how to cope with mental health during a pandemic, the physician’s role in identifying when a patient could benefit from palliative care, and understanding the role of the diaphragm in our health, physicians left the conference better informed and equipped to succeed.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the diverse topics covered:
- Shannon Ramsey-Jimenez, DO, conducted a presentation titled “Evidence Behind the Use of Common Vitamins and Supplements (or Not).”
- Jon Porter, JD, and Jeff McDonald, JD, discussed the new rules put into place by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and reviewed the top activities and concerns that put physicians at risk of investigation and disciplinary action by the TMB.
- John Midturi, DO, provided an update on the novel coronavirus pandemic, including the chronology of the pandemic, treatment options, and preventative measures.
- Shanhong Lu, MD, led a session on “Obesogens: Environmental Toxicants — A Blind Spot in Treating the Global Obesity Pandemic.”
- Edmund Tori, DO, gave a thoughtful presentation on how to improve relationships and communication with patients and families.
- Physicians earned ethics/risk management CME credit for attending “Pain Management in Primary Care,” presented by Christine Vidouria, DO; “The Texas Medical Board’s Top 10 List,” presented by Jeff McDonald, JD, and Jon Porter, JD; and “When Should a Clinician Retire,” presented by Ashley Classen, DO
- General workshops included an examination of “The Importance of Self Care: Preventing Professional Burnout,” presented by David Farmer, PhD; “Applying the Five Models of Osteopathic Patient Care for ENT Infections,” presented by Carol Browne, DO; “The Missing Link: OMT for Women and Children,” presented by Meaghan Nelsen, DO; and “Hormone Replacement Therapy for the Older Adult,” presented by Donna Becker, DO.
On Saturday, Jan. 30, TOMA President Brandon J. Lewis, DO, presided over TOMA’s first Annual Business Meeting. The business meeting takes the place of the organization’s House of Delegates Meeting and will serve as a platform to update members on issues related to TOMA and the osteopathic profession. It also gives members an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns, shaping the organization's priorities for the year.
In addition, TOMA and the TOMA Foundation awarded 5 students and resident's awards for this year's 2021 Student/Resident Competition. To see the list of winners and to review all of the poster's submitted, click here.
Finally, TOMA would like to thank and recognize this year’s conference exhibitors.
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