PAMED Talks

In honor of Nurses' Day, join us for a conversation with Karen Allen, RN, retired nurse and current member of the Nurses' Health Program (NHP) Advisory Committee, as we explore the reality of substance use disorder in nursing and Karen shares her own recovery story. Substance use disorder is a real and often hidden challenge within the nursing profession, affecting dedicated professionals across all roles and career stages. The Nurses’ Health Program provides confidential monitoring, advocacy, and support that helps nurses safely recover, remain accountable, and ultimately return to practice.This Nurses' Day, consider the importance of financial assistance for programs like the NHP Assistance Fund, which provides support to assist nurses with the cost of required toxicology testing while they participate in the Nurses' Health Program. Your generosity directly impacts the life of a nurse who is working diligently to restore their health, their career, and the ability to serve others.To support the NHP Assistance Fund this Nurses' Day, visit https://www.foundationpamp.org/nhpVisit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Pennsylvania physicians, residents, fellows, and medical students have the power to shape health policy through PAMED resolutions, and this episode walks you through exactly how to do it. In this resident wrap-up episode of PAMED Talks, PAMED Outreach Specialist Dana Lombardo sits down with PAMED Policy Administrator Minahil Abbas to explain the resolution writing process ahead of the 2026 House of Delegates.Whether you are a medical student, resident, or early career physician in Pennsylvania, the resolution process is one of the most direct ways to turn your ideas into real organizational policy and advocacy.Topics covered: What a PAMED resolution is and how it becomes policyHow Pennsylvania physicians and residents can write and submit a resolution What happens after you submitCommon mistakes to avoid when writing your first resolution How to get involved through testimonySign up for HOD Alerts: pamedsoc.org/house-of-delegates/about-hod/sign-up-for-hod-alertsLearn more and access resolution writing resources at pamedsoc.org/HOD.#PhysicianAdvocacy #PennsylvaniaMedicine #PAMed #HouseOfDelegates #PhysicianLeadershipJoin PAMED to access full member resources and bring your voice to the 2026 House of Delegates at pamedsoc.org.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Rural hospital closures in Pennsylvania are reshaping access to care, and PA physicians are on the front lines of the crisis. In this episode of PAMED Talks, a Pennsylvania physician breaks down the real drivers behind the rural healthcare crisis and what it means for patients and the future of medicine.From workforce shortages to private equity and declining reimbursement, this conversation explores the structural challenges threatening rural healthcare across Pennsylvania. The key takeaway: access isn’t just about geography. It’s about policy, sustainability, and whether physicians can continue to practice where they’re needed most.Topics covered:Rural hospital closures and their impact on patient outcomes and access to carePhysician workforce shortages and barriers to practicing in rural PennsylvaniaThe role of private equity, consolidation, and non-compete agreementsMedicaid and Medicare reimbursement challenges in rural communitiesHow advocacy, residency pipelines, and policy reform can strengthen rural healthcareLorraine Rosamilia, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist with Mount Nittany Health and Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.To register for the Independent Practice Summit on June 19 in Harrisburg, PA, visit https://www.pamedsoc.org/IPSummitLearn more about PAMED's advocacy efforts: https://www.pamedsoc.org/advocacyVisit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Independent practice in Pennsylvania is under pressure, and Pennsylvania physicians are building something new to fight back. In this episode of PAMED Talks, PAMED President Arvind R. Cavale, MD, FACE, FCPP, PCEO sits down with PAMED's Director of Physician Services Amy Boyd, BSBA, CCMA to introduce two resources launching for independent practice physicians across Pennsylvania.They walk through two major initiatives: Independent Docs PA, a brand new statewide directory that helps patients and referring physicians find independent practices across Pennsylvania, and the first ever Independent Practice Summit, a full day event scheduled for June 19th in Harrisburg focused entirely on giving independent physicians the tools, connections, and business models they need to thrive.Independent physicians have long faced the challenge of competing with large hospital systems without the referral networks, marketing budgets, or administrative support that comes with corporate medicine. This episode makes the case that independent practice is worth preserving and shows exactly what PAMED is doing about it.If you are an independent physician, a patient who values community based care, or just someone who cares about what medicine is becoming, this episode is for you.Arvind R. Cavale, MD, FACE, FCPP, PCEO is the 176th President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and has nearly 27 years of experience in independent practice. Amy Boyd is PAMED's Director of Physician Services.For updates on the directory and summit registration: pamedsoc.org/CavaleVisit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

What does residency actually look like from the inside? In the debut episode of our Residents & Fellows series, PAMED's Outreach Specialist Dana Lombardo sits down with Joshua Wyner, MD, internal medicine PGY-2 at Allegheny Health Network and Chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Residents & Fellows Section, for a candid conversation about life in training.Dr. Wyner opens up about the defining moment that pushed him to pursue medicine, the unexpected emotional weight of being a young doctor giving life-altering advice, navigating burnout and physician wellness, and why he believes residents and fellows have more power than they think when it comes to healthcare advocacy. Whether you're a medical student mapping your path, a resident in the thick of it, or an attending who remembers those years vividly, this one's for you. 📌 Links and resources mentioned in this episode:To learn more about PAMED's Resident & Fellows Section and register for the monthly section meeting, visit pamedsoc.org/RFS.The deadline to apply for the Resident & Fellows Section Trustee and Tentative AMA RFS Slotted Alternate Delegate positions is April 10, 2026! Visit pamedsoc.org/RFS to learn more. The election for both positions will take place at the RFS meeting on April 15, 2026.Resident & Fellows Section, Early Career Physician Section, and Medical Students Section members: Don't forget to register for the May Quarterly Combined Meeting on May 26, 2026, which will feature an advocacy presentation from PAMED Past President and AMA Board of Trustees member Marilyn Heine, MD! Register now: pamedsoc.org/RFS.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us for a conversation with Edwin Kim, MD, medical director of Pennsylvania’s Physicians’ Health Program (PA PHP), as we explore how The Pitt portrays physician burnout, substance use disorder, and the critical work of the PHP in its Season 2 storyline. Through Dr. Frank Langdon’s monitored return to practice and Dr. Robby’s lingering COVID‑era PTSD and burnout, the show illuminates real challenges facing Pennsylvania’s health care workforce. We reflect on why taking a timely look at these issues is essential to advancing the PHP's mission to support safe practice and protect the public. To learn more about the mission and work of the PA PHP, visit https://wwfoundationpamp.org/php.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

In the first episode of PAMED Talks: The Legislative Corner, we sit down with Zachary Gates, PAMED's Senior Director of Government Relations, to break down the AMA National Advocacy Conference (NAC) and why physician advocacy has never been more important. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a physician who's never contacted a legislator, this episode breaks down exactly how you can get involved and make your voice heard in healthcare policy.   Pennsylvania physicians are heading to the Capitol—and you can too. Save the Date for Advocacy Day 2026 on Tuesday, September 29 in Harrisburg, PA: https://www.pamedsoc.org/news-resources/pamed-events/events/2026/09/29/default-calendar/2026-pamed-legislative-advocacy-day.This will be an opportunity for physicians, residents, and medical students to engage directly with state lawmakers on issues impacting the practice of medicine and patient care.📲 Stay updated on Advocacy Day registration and legislative priorities at pamedsoc.org/advocacy.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

In the final episode of The Physician's Choice series, Immediate Past President Lynn Lucas-Fehm, MD, JD, sits down with President Arvind R. Cavale, MD, FACE, FCPP, PCEO, to explore how his presidential initiative will continue the momentum of her work, focusing on advancing physician autonomy and creating conditions in which doctors can make patient-centered decisions in any practice setting.Dr. Cavale shares insights on the challenges and rewards of independent practice, the impact of business models on patient care, and how engaging and mentoring the next generation of physicians can help build a more sustainable, high-quality healthcare system in Pennsylvania.To learn more about Dr. Cavale and his presidential initiative, "Advancing Patient Care by Strengthening Physician Autonomy," visit www.pamedsoc.org/Cavale.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us as we sit down with Chaminie Wheeler, DO, a board-certified pediatrician, to explore the direct primary care (DPC) model and her patient-centered practice. Dr. Wheeler shares how her membership-based model gives patients affordable, unlimited access to care while allowing physicians the time and autonomy to focus on meaningful relationships, personalized treatment, and better health outcomes. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities of starting a DPC practice, the potential for transforming primary care, and practical advice for physicians interested in pursuing this innovative approach to healthcare.Listen and watch the full interview at www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoice.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us as we sit down with Lindsay Goodstein, MD, an otolaryngologist and co-founder of Clarity ENT, an independent practice in Montgomery County, PA.Dr. Goodstein shares her journey from a larger group practice to building a patient-centered clinic that emphasizes autonomy, individualized care, and strong physician-patient relationships. She discusses the challenges of starting a practice from scratch, lessons learned along the way, and the value of designing a model of care that puts patients first.Listen and watch the full interview at www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoice.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us as we sit down with Robert McNamara, MD, FAAEM, Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, to examine the growing influence of private equity in emergency medicine. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience advocating for independent physician practices, Dr. McNamara discusses the history of corporate involvement in hospitals and physician groups, its effects on physician burnout and patient care, and the grassroots efforts by doctors to reclaim autonomy and safeguard quality care.Listen and watch the full interview at www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoice.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us as we talk with Dr. Marilyn Heine, an emergency medicine and hematology-oncology physician, PAMED Past President, and AMA Board of Trustees Member. Through an experienced lens, Dr. Heine connects the gripping stories and striking realism of the Emmy award-winning HBO Max series The Pitt to the real-life challenges, teamwork, and emotional toll experienced by emergency physicians.In this episode, we explore the authenticity of medical storytelling, highlights from the American College of Emergency Physicians conference, and how shows like The Pitt inspire change, shape public perception, and advocate for physician wellness and healthcare policy.To find more about The Foundation’s mission, visit https://www.foundationpamedsoc.org.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us as we talk with Edwin Kim, MD, Medical Director for the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Peer Assistance Monitoring Program, about the unique mental health and addiction challenges physicians face and how these challenges are represented in media. This episode also talks about Dr. Kim’s experience consulting with the writers of HBO Max’s The Pitt.In this episode, we explore the critical role of physician health programs in today’s medical landscape and how shows like The Pitt influence public perception on this issue.To find more about The Foundation’s mission, visit https://www.foundationpamedsoc.org.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Join us as we talk with Dr. Timothy Flynn, a pediatrician whose career spans military service and independent practice. Discover how Dr. Flynn built a patient-centered, independent pediatric practice in Pennsylvania and why physician autonomy matters for both doctors and patients.In this episode, we explore the challenges and rewards of running a small practice, balancing work-life demands, and making health care personal. Perfect for physicians, medical students, and anyone interested in the future of independent medicine.Listen and watch the full interview at www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoice.Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

In this special episode of PAMED Talks, hosted by Julie of The Foundation, we explore the power of giving and how it strengthens the medical community.Our guest, Donna Rovito, joins us to discuss year-end giving and her experience advocating as a physician family member. Rovito is an editor of Physician Family Magazine and Strategies Oncology, a passionate advocate for quality healthcare, and a dedicated board trustee of The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. She shares her personal journey into advocacy, the impact of meaningful giving, and why supporting physician families matters more than ever.For more information on The Foundation’s commitment to supporting physician health and medical education, visit foundationpamedsoc.org/philanthropy. Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Through her presidential initiative, PAMED President Lynn Lucas-Fehm, MD, JD is exploring the landscape of health care and the myriad of choices physicians face in today's rapidly changing health care environment.In this episode, Dr. Lucas-Fehm sits down with Jill Owens, MD the current Delegate Chair for Pennsylvania at the American Medical Association.Dr. Owens has a variety of experience over her 25 plus years of practice of owning her own practice in her hometown in rural Pennsylvania, back when private practice was still a viable path for entrepreneurial physicians. Join us as we explore her journey, her passion for advocacy, and the impact she continues to make on organized medicine.For the full episode, visit www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoiceVisit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Through her presidential initiative, PAMED President Lynn Lucas-Fehm, MD, JD is exploring the landscape of health care and the myriad of choices physicians face in today's rapidly changing health care environment.In this episode, Dr. Lucas-Fehm interviewed former PAMED President and longstanding pillar in the Central Pennsylvania medical community, F. Wilson Jackson, III, MD. He talks to Dr. Lucas-Fehm on what it means to stay independent in a world of consolidation and corporate health care. For the full episode, visit www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoiceVisit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Through her presidential initiative, PAMED President Lynn Lucas-Fehm, MD, JD is exploring the landscape of health care and the myriad of choices physicians face in today's rapidly changing health care environment.In this episode, Dr. Lucas-Fehm had the privilege of interviewing William Wenner, MD, a distinguished medical professional whose decades-long career provides valuable insight into the vital role advocacy plays in physician practice.For the full interview, visit www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoiceVisit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Through her presidential initiative, PAMED President Lynn Lucas-Fehm, MD, JD is exploring the landscape of health care and the myriad of choices physicians face in today's rapidly changing health care environment. In this episode, Dr. Lynn Lucas-Fehm, spoke with William Van Decker, MD, on private equity. Dr. Van Decker is a professor at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He graduated from the Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Temple University. To listen to the full interview, visit the presidential initiative webpage at www.pamedsoc.org/PhysiciansChoice Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more. 

Dive into the world of medicine and patient care in Pennsylvania with PAMED Talks. Each episode brings you the latest in health care advancements, inspiring stories, and discussions on the most pressing issues in medicine today. Visit www.pamedsoc.org for more.