Member Spotlight

Veterinarian Turned Congressman Retires

FVMA member Dr. Ted Yoho is currently wrapping up his fourth term as a member of the U.S. Congress. He recently, however, announced he will not seek a fifth term in this position. Congressman Yoho spent 30 years as a large animal veterinarian before getting into politics. During his time in Washington D.C., he sponsored and co-sponsored legislation that has made a positive impact on the veterinary profession. These include: The Horseracing Integrity Act (HR 1754), the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act (HR 487), and the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2019 (HR 737).

While in office, Dr. Yoho co-founded and served as co-chair of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus. He worked with a fellow congressman, who also spent time as a veterinarian, to put together bipartisan, animal-related legislation. He has also been a strong advocate for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act and the PAST (Prevent All Soring Tactics) Act.

Congressman Yoho (R) represents Florida’s 3 rd Congressional District, which encompasses Gainesville, Palatka, and other parts of Northern Florida. Dr. Yoho said he hopes he left this country a little better for the next generation, especially the veterinarians who will succeed him.

The Congressman sent the FVMA a statement regarding his decision not to run for re-election.

“It is one of my highest honors to be elected to Congress. As one of only two veterinarians serving in the House of Representatives, it has been a privilege to serve the great people of the 3 rd Congressional District. This position has allowed me the opportunity to fight for those issues pertinent to the veterinarian profession. A profession that enables us to serve our animal patients that can’t speak for themselves.

In This Issue

3 | Member Spotlight 6 | Keeping Them Pearly White and Smooth 10 | FVMA Legislative Chair's Mid-Session Report 12 | The 13 th Annual Dr. Harvey Rubin Memorial Food Animal Veterinary Medical Conference 14 | The 91 st FVMA Annual Conference 16 | Exceeds Expectations, so Why the Reservations?

“I am proud to have fought for animal welfare issues like the PAST Act to end the cruel practice of horse soring and the Veterinary Mobility Act (VMA) that corrected the restriction in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA was blatant government overreach that prevented veterinarians from transporting or using controlled substances outside of their registered places of business.

“The VMA made it legal for veterinarians to transport and dispense medications for pain management, anesthesia and euthanasia that they need to properly care for animal patients in various settings. These are accomplishments that I am proud to have been a part of with my colleague and fellow veterinarian Kurt Schrader (D) from Oregon that has made animals and our profession better off.

“After leaving congress at the end of the 116 th Congress, I plan to take some time with my wife and family to travel, enjoy life, and reflect on the past eight years. I feel confident that I’ll serve in some capacity to give back and stay engaged on these issues.”

18 | PES 2020 Save the Date 19 | Membership Corner 20 | License Renewal Deadline Approaching 21 | FVMA’s Veterinary Clinic Inspection Checklist 22 | Practice Pulse 24 | Classified Advertisements

our expertise is your strength

For 58 years, we’ve proudly served veterinarians as the most trusted source for coverage on and off the job. Get the personal and professional insurance support that you need through AVMA PLIT.

800-228-7548 avmaplit.com/quote

Best Friends Forever Pet Moving Solutions Worldwide • Nationwide airanimal.com

Photo credit: www.123rf.com/profile_sam74100