Request for Nominations for Practicing Physicians Advisory Council

Nashville, Tenn. August 11 2006 — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a notice inviting nominations for the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC). If you would like to submit a name to the AOA President for consideration, please submit the individual's c.v. to Carol Monaco by August 28.

The Council advises the HHS Secretary and the CMS Administrator on proposed changes in Medicare regulations and carrier manual instructions related to physician services.

To qualify for the Council nominees must have submitted at least 250 claims for physician services under Medicare in the previous year. Consideration will be given to each nominee with regard to his or her leadership credentials, geographic/demographic factors, and projected needs of the Council. Members leaving the Council include: Endocrinologist (Texas), Family Practice (Wisconsin and Alaska), Chiropractor (Florida), and a Neurologist (Tennessee).

The Council typically meets approximately four times per year in the Washington DC area and members serve four-year terms. Expenses are covered by the agency.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Carol Monaco via email at cmonaco@osteopathic.org or myself at ajeansonne@osteopathic.org

Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association Names Dr. Robert Holston as Osteopathic Doctor of the Year

Nashville, Tenn. June 20 2006 —Robert Holston, DO, was named DO of the Year by the Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA) for his outstanding service to Tennessee's osteopathic medical community. The honor was presented to him during the 109th Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar, held in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Sheraton Music City.

"It's very special to be acknowledged by your peers for the time and energy you dedicate to your profession," Dr. Holston said. "I am honored to have received this award." Having served two terms as TOMA president, Dr. Holston worked to grow the association, its membership and implement a number of new member programs. He attended medical school at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Dallas Osteopathic Hospital. Currently, Dr. Holston is in private practice in Cross Plains, Tennessee (Robertson County) and sees patients regularly at Northcrest Medical Center in Springfield, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association is comprised of nearly 400 osteopathic physicians from across the state. The association has been in continuous operation for nearly a century. For more information about TOMA, or osteopathic medicine, visit www.tomanet.org or contact the office at 800/808-8662.