Are You Interested in Becoming an OMM Mentor?
The Michigan Osteopathic Association is interested in forming a mentorship program that connects medical students and residents with osteopathic physicians experienced in hands-on training and professional guidance in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Crystal Ash at cash@domoa.org. Thank you for all you DO!
| | | | | 2025 MOA Autumn Conference: A Weekend of Learning and Connection | |
The Michigan Osteopathic Association’s Autumn Conference, held October 24–26 at Grand Valley State University’s L.V. Eberhard Center, brought together physicians, residents, and students from across the state for a weekend of education, collaboration, and community.
Attendees enjoyed a robust lineup of CME sessions, engaging speakers, and opportunities to network with peers and exhibitors—all set against the beautiful fall backdrop of downtown Grand Rapids. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s conference a great success!
| | MOA 2025 Autumn Conference on demand begins November 19! | | MOA Headquarters · Okemos, MI | | Now Accepting Resolutions for the 2026 MOA House of Delegates | |
The MOA House of Delegates is the legislative and policy-making body of the association. The House is responsible for election of officers and directors, election of AOA delegates and alternates, bylaws amendments, component societies and various policies and positions.
All resolutions for the MOA 2026 House of Delegates must be submitted by February 13, 2026. Any MOA member in good standing may author a resolution; however, introduction of resolutions to the House of Delegates is limited to delegates, alternate-seated delegates, component associations, MOA Departments, Councils, or Board of Trustees. Non-delegate status members in good standing should contact their component association for assistance in identifying an appropriate channel for resolution introduction.
| Resolutions must be emailed to Nikki Johnston (njohnston@domoa.org) following the guidelines above. | | | | |
2026 MOA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Connections·Continuing Medical Education·Advocacy
The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) is proud to serve and support our members and the osteopathic profession through meaningful connections, high-quality continuing medical education, and dedicated advocacy.
CHECK YOUR MAIL. Membership renewals will be mailed next week.
As a reminder, 80% of your annual dues may be tax-deductible as a business expense.
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Ingham Osteopathic Association Dinner
Parking Information
GUESTS WILL NEED TO PRE-REGISTER USING THE LINK OR REGISTER IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL TO CAMPUS.
Valid in RAMP 4/LOT 66
| | | Patient Engagement: The Key to Better Health Outcomes | | |
Engaging patients in their own care is one of the most powerful strategies to improve health outcomes, strengthen relationships, and support long-term self-care management and behavior change. When patients feel heard, understood, and empowered, they are more likely to actively participate in their care and treatment plans, making informed decisions that improve their overall well-being.
One proven way to enhance patient engagement is through Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a patient-centered communication technique that has been developed to help motivate ambivalent patients. Also, it guides care teams to have collaborative, empathetic conversations, empowering patients to explore their motivations and overcome barriers.
MI is a behavior change technique that has evolved, initially at least, from experience in the treatment of alcoholism. While the concept of MI was first described by William R Miller in 1983 in an article published in Behavioral Psychotherapy, it was further developed by Miller and Rollnick (1991), where it was applied to people preparing to change their addictive behaviors.
In the context of health and wellbeing coaching services, MI has become an integral tool that is used to support effective behavior change. Specifically, MI is a therapeutic communication style that uses cognitive behavioral strategies tailored to the individual’s stage of change.
MI differs from other patient-centered counselling approaches in that it is directive, the focal point being to facilitate behavior change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. MI is a popular method of interacting with a patient to help encourage behavior change. The process is aimed towards helping a person to resolve their ambivalence to change (Rollnick, 1995). Ambivalence being those mixed feelings about change, where they can see benefits for and against, but don’t take action.
| | Why Motivational Interviewing Matters..... | | This training provides practical tools to enhance patient engagement and strengthen care team communication, skills that benefit both patients and providers alike. | Let’s continue building stronger connections, improving outcomes, and transforming care one patient conversation at a time. | |
References
1. Hibbard, J. H., & Greene, J. (2013). What the evidence shows about patient activation: Better health outcomes and care experiences; fewer data on costs. Health Affairs, 32(2), 207–214.
2. Lundahl, B., Moleni, T., Burke, B. L., Butters, R., Tollefson, D., Butler, C., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing in medical care settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Patient Education and Counseling, 93(2), 157–168.
3. Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
4. Prochaska, J.J., J.F. Sallis, and B. Long, A physical activity screening measure for use with adolescents in primary care. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2001. 155. 554-559.
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Course Objectives:
- Describe the patient-centered approach of MI
- Explain the conversation style that represents the Spirit of MI
- Demonstrate basic MI skills
- Discuss how to use patient language cues (change talk and resistance) in practice
- Explain how to engage patients in the four MI processes necessary for health behavior change
- Identify barriers to patient engagement and behavior change
- Identify how to make cultural adaptations to MI
Course Details
- Where (Live Virtual)
- When: Thursday, November 13, 2025 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Cost: $300 per participant ($150 fee for MOA Member and their practice team)
| | 2025 HEDIS and of HCC Gap Closure Updates! | As we are in the last quarter of 2025, it’s important to schedule visits with any of your patients with outstanding gaps in care. | | Important Information from HAP CareSource | The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has selected HAP CareSource to offer a combined Medicare and Medicaid plan. | | Introducing HAP Medicare Diabetes and Heart | Effective January 1, 2026, HAP is launching a chronic condition special needs plan (C-SNP)—HAP Medicare Diabetes and Heart (HMO C-SNP). | | Medicare Cost Share Changes Coming in 2026 | In alignment with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, there will be cost share changes for members in all HAP Medicare Advantage plans. | | Revised: CMS Telehealth Services for Risk Adjustment Expires September 30, 2025 | Congress has not yet extended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities that were in place for Medicare plans through September 30, 2025 for telehealth services. | | Update: CMS Telehealth Services for Risk Adjustment Expires September 30, 2025 | Congress has not yet extended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities that were in place for Medicare plans through September 30, 2025 for telehealth services. Continuing Resolution (CR; H.R. 10545) to extend federal spending and avert a government shutdown through September 30, 2025 has not yet passed. | |
Michigan Health Communications Initiative Newsletter & Resource Center
The Michigan Health Communications Initiative sends insights on the current health narratives happening across Michigan, along with evidence-based messaging recommendations and ready-made content to share in response.
To view the Michigan Health Communications Initiative resource center and subscribe to their newsletter, visit:
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Michigan LARA Requirements for Osteopathic Physicians
MI LARA License Renewal Cycle: 3-years
150 hours - A minimum of 60 hours must be earned through MI LARA Category 1 programs, and 40 hours must be AOA approved.
✔ Implicit Bias Training: 3 hours per cycle
✔ Medical Ethics: 1 hour per cycle
✔ Pain and Symptom Management: 3 hours per cycle
(1 hour must include controlled substance prescribing)
One-Time Training ONLY
✔ Human Trafficking
✔ Opioid and Controlled Substances Awareness
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MOA on-demand CME programs are available 24/7/365 at CMELearningCenter.com.
The MOA Learning Center offers 200 hours of on-demand CME courses, qualifying for AOA Category 1-A and AMA PRA Category 1-A Credit(s)™ to help you meet state licensing requirements.
NEW COURSES RECENTLY ADDED!
- FREE MDHHS & MOA Opioid Training - 4 credits
- MOA Spring 2025 - 32.25 credits
- Updated of STD for primary care 2025 - 1 credit
| | The Michigan Osteopathic Association partners with several health care organizations to provide resources and job opportunities for physicians at any point in their career. This section offers links to health care organizations and associations who provide information and job postings for DOs. | | | | At McLaren Health Care, our employees help our communities, make life-changing discoveries, and facilitate positive change in health care as a whole. By working for McLaren, you are part of a leading team of talented professionals across many areas of expertise that create a positive difference every day for those we serve. | | |
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Mackinac Strait Health System is one of the area’s largest employers, with over 330 team members serving their patients and residents throughout the MSHS organization. Besides offering competitive wages, they also offer an excellent benefits package for full and part time team members, which includes affordable Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Health, Dental and Vision plans, prescription drug plans, generous paid time off, and a defined pension program for your retirement.
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At Corewell Health, clinical opportunity intertwines with a commitment to exceptional and personalized care at all levels. Join a clinical team focused on the personalized experience, driving innovation through new technology and achieving national recognition for quality and excellence, all while maintaining the reason you joined this profession—to help people.
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Angelo Stoyanovich, D.O. | July 1, 2025
Dr. Stoyanovich joined the MOA in 1981.
Link to local obituary
Lee A. Rea, D.O. | June 21, 2025
Dr. Rea was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1971.
Link to local obituary
Robert Shimmel, D.O. | May 17, 2025
Dr. Shimmel was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1957.
Link to local obituary
Roy A. Hills, D.O. | May 5, 2025
Dr. Hills was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1954.
Link to local obituary
Kirk Herrick, D.O. | March 2025
Dr. Herrick was an MOA Past President and Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1961.
Gladstone A. Payton, D.O. | Mar 30, 2025
Dr. Payton was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1969.
Link to local obituary
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Robert J. Stomel, D.O. | Feb 21, 2025
Dr. Stomel was an MOA Past President and Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1985.
Link to local obituary
David K. Best, D.O. | Feb 12, 2025
Dr. Best was an MOA Past President and practiced Family Medicine in Traverse City, MI.
Link to local obituary
John E. Thornburg, D.O. | Feb 9, 2025
Dr. Thornburg was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1978.
Link to local obituaryWilliam F. Stanley Jr., D.O. | Feb 9, 2025
Dr. Stanley was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1964.
Link to local obituary
Frank L. Donar, D.O. | Feb 7, 2025
Dr. Donar was a Life Professional who joined the MOA in 1967.
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