Advocate Issue 2, 2018

F V M A ADVOCATE ISSUE 2 | 2018

2018 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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INSTALLATION OF PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT-ELECT ~ Page 6 FVMA 2018 AWARD HONOREES

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President's MESSAGE “Non nobis solum nati sumus.” (Not for ourselves alone are we born.)

— Marcus Tullius Cicero

7 207 Monetary Drive Orlando, Florida 32809 Phone – 407.851.3862 Toll Free – 800.992.3862 Fax – 407.240.3710 info@fvma.org | www.fvma.org

OFFICERS

Dr. Marc A. Presnell President Dr. Michael Epperson President-Elect Dr. Donald H. Morgan Treasurer Dr. Alex M. Steverson Past President Mr. Philip J. Hinkle Executive Director

DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Scott Richardson District 1–Big Bend Dr. Julia Conway District 2–Northeast Dr. Todd Fulton District 3–Central Dr. Rachel Klemawesch District 4–Tampa Bay Dr. Susan M. Carastro District 5–Treasure Coast Dr. Marta P. Lista District 6–South Florida Dr. Mary Smart District 7–Southwest Dr. James M. Brechin District 8–Northwest Dr. Kelly J. Sloan-Wade District 9–Space Coast Dr. Ernest C. Godfrey AVMA Delegate Dr. Richard B. Williams AVMA Alternate Delegate Dr. Jacqueline S. Shellow FAEP Representative to the FVMA Executive Board Ex Officio Dr. James W. Lloyd, Dean UF College of Veterinary Medicine

As I begin my term as the 91st president of the FVMA, this quote causes me to reflect on our past, present and future. I am reminded of the debt owed to the distinguished men and women who have selflessly given of their time, talents and energy for the betterment of veterinary medicine and the veterinary profession in the State of Florida. Because they embodied this ideal of service to others, we are now part of one of the most trusted professions in America, and we have inherited an FVMA organization which is the third largest in the nation, financially solid and a nationally recognized leader in the profession. Because of their service, the FVMA continues to be the voice of veterinary medicine in Florida and will continue to pursue its mission to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and well-being, and protect the public health.

As I look to the present, there are unparalleled opportunities ahead. It is for us now to dedicate our own time, talents and energy to address these opportunities on behalf of the animals, the public and the profession we serve. How will we embrace telehealth and telemedicine, improving the care the animals of Florida receive, expanding our services to those who currently do not have access to veterinary care while maintaining the standard of care that makes our profession so trusted today? I encourage all to visit the Telehealth Resource Center available on the AVMA website and provide us with your feedback.

Secondly, are you a member of the FVMA Professional Advocacy Committee? Why not? Did you know that because of the FVMA PAC, Florida is the only state that has successfully enacted legislation that allows veterinarians the ability to dispense compounded medications without limitations to their patients’ owners or caregivers? Did you know that the FVMA PAC has helped prevent passage of legislation which would have allowed non-economic damages for the loss of a pet? Did you know that the FVMA PAC successfully defeated a statewide legislative initiative that would have created special tax districts to fund nonprofit organizations to provide veterinary care? Now is the time to become a part of the FVMA PAC! Lastly, this September the FVMA will be refining and redefining its strategic plan and strategies. We will be developing new ways to enhance our grassroots relations and collaboration with allied organizations, and create new diverse delivery methods for the world-class continuing education currently offered by the FVMA. Finally, we will be developing a resource center to support our members from entry in the profession to succession, enhancing the availability of wellness resources, and growing our relationship with the UF CVM through programs like the Charlie Bild Visiting Practitioner Program, research grants and scholarship opportunities for students. How will you be a part of meeting these goals?

Looking to the future, I am asking each of us to find those new graduates who will be the future leaders of the profession. Encourage them to apply to participate in the soon-to-be-launched Power of 10 Leadership Development Program. These participants will be granted the opportunity to learn valuable lessons about leadership while deepening their understanding of their profession, colleagues, clients and themselves. The goal is to help turn these graduates into more valuable assets for their practices, their profession and their communities. Be ready to support their development!

This is just the beginning! In closing, I would like to say thank you for this trust you have given me. I pledge my best effort. I hope to visit as many of your local association meetings as possible this year to personally thank you and hear your ideas.

Respectfully yours,

Marc Presnell, DVM

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In This Issue 4 | In Remembrance

16 | FVMA Professional Advocacy Committee (PAC)

5 | The Sixth Annual TGAVC Save the Date 6 | New FVMA President and President-Elect

18 | 8 Tips to Prevent Data Breach Risk and Cyber Attacks

8 | FVMA 2018 Award Honorees

20 | 2018 Hurricane Preparedness

12 | 89th FVMA Annual Conference Highlights

23 | Spay/Neuter Program Extended 24 | Practice Pulse

14 | Member Spotlight 15 | Dr. Gary W. Ellison Clinical Investigator Awardee

27 | Classified Advertisements

FVMA MISSION THE MISSION OF THE FLORIDA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION IS TO ADVANCE THE VETERINARY MEDICAL PROFESSION, PROMOTE ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AND PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH.

In Remembrance Dr. Malcolm “Mac” Barksdale Dr. Malcolm Thomas Barksdale, 87, passed away on February 25, 2018, at home in Hartwell, Georgia. He was a retired equine veterinarian with more than 60 years of experience.

He was a long-standing FVMA member since 1954, as well as a member of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

As a member of the Florida Veterinary Corps Committee, a volunteer corps of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, Dr. Barksdale provided disaster response outreach during emergencies involving animals.

He was a graduate of the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine where he received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Dr. Barksdale participated in many past FVMA programs, including the FVMA Annual Conference, Legislative Action Days and the Ocala Equine Convention. Outside of veterinary medicine, his interests included aviation and amateur

radio, and he was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Association for Amateur Radio and United Flying Octogenarians.

He is survived by his wife Alice Holmes Barksdale, his two daughters, one step-daughter, two step-sons, one sister, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Steeve Giguère, DVM, PhD, DACVIM The FAEP and the community of equine veterinarians mourn the loss of Dr. Steeve Giguère, esteemed colleague, mentor and academic, who passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, May 27, 2018.

He was a distinguished speaker at FAEP continuing education conferences, who was a professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. His clinical interests included general internal medicine with a particular interest in equine neonatology, cardiology and respiratory disorders.

Dr. Giguère received his DVM degree from the University of Montreal in 1992. He completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery in Montreal then pursued a residency in large animal internal medicine at the New Bolton Center at University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete a Ph.D in veterinary microbiology and immunology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. After obtaining his doctorate, he joined the faculty of the University of Florida, where he served 10 years as professor and director of the Hofmann Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

He joined the University of Georgia as a professor and the Marguerite Thomas Hodgson Chair of Equine Studies in August 2009. The first recipient of the Marguerite Thomas Hodgson Chair of Equine Studies at the University of Georgia College of

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Veterinary Medicine, he distinguished himself as an awardwinning researcher and teacher. In 2009, he received the Intervet/ Schering-Plough Animal Health Applied Equine Research Award at the World Equine Veterinary Association Congress held in Guarujá-SP, Brazil.

Before that in 2006, he was the recipient of the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

He is credited with authoring more than 70 referred papers that focused on various diseases and conditions affecting foals, as well as penning numerous book chapters and a book on antimicrobial therapies. His research interests included vaccines and the diagnosis and treatment of infections such as R. equi, a treatable pathogen that seldom affects adult horses, as well as the use of antimicrobials in horses and the study of cardiovascular monitoring in neonatal foals.

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NEW FVMA PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT-ELECT DR. MARC A. PRESNELL FVMA PRESIDENT 2018-2019 D r. M a r c P r e s n e l l w a s installed as the FVMA’s 91st president on April 6 during the Annual Awards Ceremony & Installation of Officers at the 89th FVMA Annual Conference.

Dr. Presnell has served on the FVMA Executive Board for six years, most recently as president-elect. He also served as the District 3 Representative for five years, and was on the FVMA Budget and Finance Committee for eight years.

An alumnus of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Presnell also served two terms as president of Ridge Veterinary Medical Society. He was the recipient of the FVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2017, and the Gold Star Award in 2009. His practice, Santa Fe Animal Hospital, was named “Small Business of the Month” by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in December 2016, where he has served patients for more than 20 years.

DR. MICHAEL EPPERSON FVMA PRESIDENT-ELECT 2018-2019 Dr. Michael Epperson rejoined the FVMA Executive Board on April 6th when he was installed president-elect. Dr. Epperson previously served on the FVMA Board as the District 8 Representative and is also a member of the Miracle Strip Veterinary Medical Society. His

Past President Dr. Richard Sutliff (right), swears in President-elect Dr. Michael Epperson (left).

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Dr. Presnell balances the demands of a busy practice with a service-driven lifestyle. Along with his service to the FVMA and its members, he is an elder in his church who conducts weekly classes, works in educational programs with needy students, and is involved with the Veterinary Academy at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland.

Past President Dr. Richard Sutliff (right), swears in President Dr. Marc A. Presnell (left).

special veterinary interests include dermatology, surgery and ultrasound.

He is a two-time alumnus of Mississippi State University where he received h is bachelor’s in animal and dairy science, and later graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine. He and his wife, Dr. Heather Hartley, have owned Companion Animal Hospital & Boarding Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida since 2008. They are a dedicated team focused on providing high-quality care for animals while embracing a strong doctor-patient-client relationship. Their philosophy is to treat each pet like their own and provide the best care and medical treatment possible.

PAST PRESIDENT HONORED Dr. Alex M. “Steve” Steverson was honored for his year of service as the 2017-2018 FVMA president at t he Annual Awards Ceremony & Installation of Officers on Friday, April 6. He will now serve on the FVMA Board as past president where he becomes president of the FVMA Foundation. Dr. Steverson has been a member of the FVMA since 1988 and is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Animal Hospital Association, and the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. Prior to joining the FVMA Board, he served as president of the Big Bend Veterinary Medical Association. He joined the Board in 2000 as District 1 Representative and served for six years before being elected once again in 2013, and later being elected president-elect in 2016. Dr. Steverson operates the Bradfordville Animal Hospital in Tallahassee and is an Auburn

University alumnus. Besides general veterinary medicine, he is also interested in orthopedic surgery and ophthalmology. In his free time, he enjoys fly-fishing, hunting, skiing and camping.

Thank you Dr. Steverson for your year of service as president of the FVMA, and we look forward to all you will accomplish as past president!

Dr. Richard C. Sutliff (right) honors outgoing President Dr. Alex M. Steverson (left).

DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES INSTALLED DR. TODD FULTON

Installed As DISTRICT 3 REPRESENTATIVE

Dr. Todd Fulton was installed as the District 3 Representative serving Central Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Lake County Veterinary Medical Association and Ridge Veterinary Medical Society. This will be his first full term as he sat on the board in 2017-2018, replacing Dr. Presnell, who was elected and served as president-elect last year. He currently practices at Christina Animal Hospital in Lakeland, Florida.

DR. MARTA LISTA

Installed As DISTRICT 6 REPRESENTATIVE

Dr. Marta Lista begins her second term as the District 6 Representative serving Broward County Veterinary Medical Association, South Florida Veterinary Medical Association and Collier County Veterinary Society. She has previously served the veterinarian community locally as president of the SFVMA and is an alumnus of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently practices at Trail Animal Hospital in West Miami, Florida.

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FVMA 2018 AWARD HONOREES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO VETERINARY MEDICINE DR. LARRY G. DEE – PRESIDENT'S AWARD Dr. Larry G. Dee was presented with the FVMA’s 2018 President’s Award on April 6. Dr. Dee, co-owner of a companion-animal hospital in Hollywood, Florida, has served the veterinary medicine community as both a leader and an educator throughout his career. Since 1994, Dr. Dee has been a delegate or an alternate delegate for Florida to the AVMA House of Delegates. He has held numerous leadership roles with the FVMA, including serving as president from 1998-1999. Dr. Dee was also a District 6 Representative for many years and served on the Charlie Bild and College Advisory Committees. He was instrumental in the founding of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and has worked as an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Florida since 1983.

Dr. Dee’s previous leadership roles also include serving as president for several other associations including the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He was honored as the FVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 1995, and later received the AAHA Practitioner of the Year Award in 2001. Dr. Dee is an alumnus of the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

DR. JACK L. BLACKWOOD, JR. – DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The 2018 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Jack L. Blackwood, Jr. on April 6. Dr. Blackwood was honored for his service to the profession. He was one of the founders of the Okaloosa-Walton Veterinary Emergency Clinic where he served as president of the Board for many years. Dr. Blackwood was the first veterinarian employed by the Walton County Animal Shelter, which was established in 2009. He worked for the shelter part time while also running his practice, the Walton County Animal Clinic. Within the first five years of working for the shelter, he sterilized more than 5,000 pets, and continues to provide medical care and perform surgeries at the shelter to this day.

In August 2012, Dr. Blackwood, with the help of his wife, launched The Animal Sterilization Assistance Program (A.S.A.P.) of Walton County. This program was born out of the desire to help in the prevention of unwanted and uncared-for pets ending up in the overcrowded animal shelter. Since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,800 family pets. Dr. Blackwood strives to help the pets in his community whether it be at his personal practice, the local shelter or by providing a reduced-rate sterilization program.

DR. MITSIE VARGAS – VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR The 2018 Veterinarian of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Mitsie Vargas on April 6.

Dr. Vargas has dedicated more than a decade of her career to educating the public and promoting veterinary medicine. She writes a newspaper column on pet care, recently published a book, has recorded numerous PSAs and radio interviews for AVMA, and has lectured at conferences globally. In 1996, she established Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida where she currently practices. She has served as the president of Ridge Veterinary Medical Society and a member of its executive board.

In addition to running her busy practice, Dr. Vargas has served as a volunteer for the FVMA Veterinary Technician Accreditation Committee, and mentored veterinary students from multiple schools while they do their preceptorships at her hospital.

Additionally, she has hosted more than a dozen Chinese veterinarians at her home and practice, exposing them to American culture and the AAHA level of veterinary medicine care. After Hurricane Maria, Dr. Vargas raised funds and collected more than 10 pallets of supplies to send to Puerto Rico where she was able to supply the Big Dog Rescue PR Shelter with medicine, food and a generator. She has been honored with several awards throughout her career, including the FVMA Gold Star Award in both 2008 and 2010.

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CVT OF THE YEAR

AMANDA MARCUM, CVT

Amanda Marcum, CVT, was honored on April 6 as the FVMA’s 2018 Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) of the Year. Amanda has been a CVT since 1993 and serves as the primary trainer for technicians and assistants at Boyette Animal Hospital in Riverview, Florida. In addition to serving as a leader among the 22 technicians at the hospital, she oversees inventory and ordering for the 10-doctor practice and manages social media, responding to any questions, comments or concerns. She is dedicated to giving back through The National Veterinary Response Teams (NVRT).

She spent three weeks serving in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina as well as being called to action after Hurricane Charlie with NVRT. Her work ethic and upbeat personality are an inspiration to all of the employees and doctors at Boyette Animal Hospital.

TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR Monya Garnett was presented with the FVMA’s 2018 Team Member of the Year Award on April 6. She has been a part of the team at Veterinary Healthcare Associates (VHA) for nearly 10 years. Garnett has been the boarding and grooming manager, client services coordinator, and now Hospital Administrator which she has held for the past four years. Garnett manages the seven to eight doctor practice and its 24-hour emergency care and specialty referral center, while also making time to promote the veterinary profession throughout the community. In addition, she has coordinated meetings for the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society supporting president Dr. Loren Nations. She has shown a great commitment to making VHA a thriving practice while also helping the local veterinary community by promoting responsible pet ownership.

MONYA GARNETT

TIBET - FVMA PET HALL OF FAME PET HERO

TIBET

FLORIDA'S FIRST COURTHOUSE DOG

The 2018 Pet Hero Award was presented to Tibet, Florida’s first courthouse dog who helps children in crisis. Tibet provides comfort and solace to the abused, abandoned and neglected children in Hillsborough County as they face the uncertainty of dependency court. Tibet, a graduate of Canine Companions for Independence, is a part of the courthouse dog program — spearheaded by Voices for Children of Tampa Bay — and assists children during trials, hearings, and forensic medical and sexual assault exams. Since Tibet began working for the program, additional dogs have been brought on in other Florida counties, including Seminole, Orange and Osceola. There are now more than 154 courthouse dogs nationwide.

Tibet’s handler, Brenda Kocher, is a Guardian ad Litem who provided her training free of charge for the program. Tibet is the star of the Voices for Children and Guardian ad Litem Documentary, "Tibet: The Story of Florida’s First Courthouse Facility Dog", which has been featured at numerous film festivals, including the Orlando Film Festival, Gasparilla International Film Festival and Hollywood Florida Film Festival

PHIL HINKLE RECEIVES SERVICE AWARD The FVMA Executive Board had the honor of surprising the FVMA’s own Executive Director Phil Hinkle with a Service Award for his more than 10 years of dedication and service to the Association in this role. Hinkle has been with the FVMA for more than 35 years, serving as executive director since 2007. He has worked tirelessly to grow the Association and advocate for the veterinary medical profession.

Mr. Hinkle has also previously been honored as the American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives 2014 Executive of the Year. The FVMA has recognized him over the years with the Dedicated Distinguished Service Award in 2006, the President's Award - "Service Before Self " in 2010, and the Dedication Award for 25 years of excellence in 2011. Phil is also a proud and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

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GOLD STAR

Award RECIPIENTS

The FVMA awards the Gold Star to member veterinarians who go above and beyond the call of duty to care for patients, and who exemplify dedication and compassion in their veterinary practice.

Congratulations!

Gold Star recipients with Dr. Richard C. Sutliff

2018

Award HONOREES

DR. JENIFER A CHATFIELD

JENIFER A CHATFIELD, DVM, DACZM

Dr. Jenifer A Chatfield is a devoted veterinarian who has been involved in a variety of projects throughout her career.

She founded the Pasco Hernando Veterinary Medical Association in 2008 where she has also served as president. She was named an AVMA “Future Leader” in 2013, and was most recently honored as a 2016-2017 AVMA Congressional Science Fellow. In this role, Dr. Chatfield served as a scientific advisor to members of Congress helping to shape and influence key legislation affecting the profession. She has been a dedicated FVMA member with her contributions as a Vet Corps member, Disaster Committee co-chair and One Health Committee chair.

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DR. DONALD S. HOWELL

DONALD S. HOWELL, DVM

Dr. Donald Howell is a 2018 FVMA Gold Star Awardee. In 1988, Dr. Howell became the owner of Midway Animal Hospital, an AAHA hospital. He has served both the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association (PCVMA) and Pinellas Animal Foundation as president, and a member of AVMA, FVMA and PCVMA since 1981.

For the past two years, he has represented the PCVMA at Florida Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee. Dr. Howell is a 1981 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

DR. TRACY LADUE Dr. Tracy LaDue is a wellrespected veterinarian in the community who specializes in both medical oncology and radiation oncology. She has been treating cancer TRACY LADUE in animals since 1995, DVM, DACVIM, DACVR and opened SEVO-Med, the first veterinary oncology practice in Jacksonville, Florida in 2004. Dr. LaDue is

a national speaker on the topic of veterinary oncology and has been widely published in both peer-review journals and textbooks.

She is an active member in the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society, and previously received the FVMA Gold Star Award in 2010. An alumnus of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she continues to educate pet owners on cancer and assists them in providing the highest quality of life for their pets.

DR. JENNIFER LOCKE

JENNIFER LOCKE, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Locke is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist who founded Hope Chest Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that provides financial assistance to pet owners who cannot afford the cost of treatment on their own. The foundation, which is part of SEVO-Med, has raised more than $20,000 in donations. Dr. Locke is an active member in the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society and a 2001 graduate of the University Of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She also received the FVMA Gold Star Award in 2010 for excellence in veterinary medicine.

GOLD STAR DR. HARVEY L. PARTRIDGE

HARVEY L. PARTRIDGE, DVM

Dr. Harvey Partridge is a Florida native and graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1978, Dr. Partridge opened Partridge Animal Hospital, formally Riviera Animal Hospital, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. He specializes in many areas of surgery, including abdominal, orthopedic, thoracic, and wound management.

In addition, he is involved in internal medicine with special interests in ultrasonography and endoscopy. In 2015, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott appointed Dr. Partridge to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Award RECIPIENTS

DR. LAUREN PRATHER Dr. Lauren Prather has been an associate and owner of Winter Garden Animal Hospital since 2001. While running her busy five-doctor practice, she has also LAUREN PRATHER served as the secretary DVM for the Central Florida Veterinary Medical Association (CFVMA) for many years. In this role, Dr. Prater has been responsible for numerous duties including meeting coordination, tracking member continuing education credits, and relaying relevant information to members.

She received her DVM from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 and a bachelor’s in Zoology in 1996.

Dr. Prather is known for going above and beyond in her client service and she has displayed this same attitude of excellent service to her colleagues in CFVMA. DR. RUTH-ANNE M. RICHTER

DR. THOMAS MITCHELL POTTER

DR. CLAUDIA VALDERRAMA

CLAUDIA VALDERRAMA, DVM

Dr. Claudia Valderrama has been a relief veterinarian in South Florida since 2000.

After working for a mixed animal practice for seven years, she started Veterinary Relief Services and enjoys the challenge of working in small animal medicine in multiple practice settings. Dr. Valderrama is a 1995 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and is a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and MiamiDade College Alumni Hall of Famer. She is highly involved in the South Florida veterinary community having served on the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors since 2008 and currently serves as president.

In addition, she is a board member of the Miami Veterinary Foundation and recently served as president of the Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach – Aventura.

DR. JOHN STEVE WOODBY

RUTH-ANNE M. RICHTER, DVM, BSC (HON), MS

THOMAS MITCHELL POTTER, DVM, MS, DACVECC

Dr. Thomas Mitchell “Mitch” Potter is the medical director of Allied Veterinary Emergency Hospital and is the only boardcertified emergency veterinarian in Tallahassee.

His interests include emergency medicine, management of critically ill animals, nephrology and hemodialysis, and coagulopathy. Dr. Potter has also conducted research in the field of snakebite envenomation in small animals. Dr. Potter graduated from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. He also gained advanced training at both Ohio State University and Auburn University where he earned his master's in biomedical sciences and completed a residency in emergency and critical care. He is a member and a past president of the Big Bend Veterinary Medical Association, and an active FVMA member.

Dr. Ruth-Anne Richter is the current president of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP) Executive Council. As president, she has led the planning and execution of the FAEP's firstclass continuing education programs. She is also a member of the AVMA, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, International Society for Equine Locomotor Pathology, and North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association.

Additionally, she is certified by Vet-Stem® and is a member of the Vet Stem Advisory Committee. Dr. Richter is a 1995 graduate of Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and completed her surgical residency and concurrent master’s from the University of Illinois in 2000.

Since 2005, she has been the staff surgeon for Brandon Equine Medical Center in Brandon, Florida.

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JOHN STEVE WOODBY, DVM

Dr. John “Steve” Woodby, a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, is the owner of Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital in Miami, Florida. He is a past-president of the SFVMA and was previously awarded the FVMA Gold Star for his service to the association. Since 2003, he has served the FVMA and Florida veterinarians as a member of the FVMA Outreach Committee, becoming the chairperson in 2010. The committee and Peer Assistance Program assists chemically addicted, impaired, injured or infirmed members.

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THE

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FVMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 5-8, 2018

The 89th FVMA Annual Conference was another success this year with record-breaking attendance of more than 1,200 attendees who participated in CE classes, wet labs, networking and social events, while also getting to relax and enjoy the amenities of the host hotel.

CE & WET LABS The Annual Conference offers cutting-edge CE for members of the entire small animal veterinary staff. Some topics that were featured at this year’s conference included dentistry, clinical pathology, internal medicine, ultrasound and renal medicine.

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New to the conference this year, FVMA held a Reverse Raffle with a prize of $5,000 that went to one lucky winner! A limited number of tickets were sold for a chance at the $5,000 prize. All proceeds benefited the FVMA Foundation.

SUNSET DINNER CRUISE All aboard! Annual Conference attendees partied the night away aboard the StarShip yacht for FVMA’s Sunset Dinner Cruise! It was a night filled with great food and drinks, beautiful views and dancing.

UF CVM STUDENT DAY

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Packed with the latest in veterinary medical technology and services, the Exhibit Hall at the Annual Conference featured more than 100 industry booths. Conference attendees visited a variety of exhibitor booths to collect stamps or stickers to enter for a chance to win one of many prizes, including 55” HD TVs, laptops and iPads. It allowed for interaction with exhibitors and attendees a chance to win some cool prizes!

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HIGHLIGHTS

THE EXHIBIT HALL & BINGO

UF CVM Student Day allowed for aspiring veterinarians the chance to partake in a day full of lectures, networking and a roundtable discussion with seasoned veterinarians. The Closing the Gap Roundtable provided a forum for students with one-on-one time to ask questions and discuss the many facets of life after graduation from veterinary school.

WINE TOSS Attendees tried their hand at the Annual Wine Toss at the FVMA Foundation booth, where they purchased rings to throw to try and win a bottle of wine. All proceeds from the Wine Toss go toward the FVMA Foundation. We even had some lucky individuals who won more than one bottle in a turn!

Thank you

HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE VOLUNTEERS FOR ASSISTING WITH WET LABS AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION.

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In Sincere Appreciation

THE FVMA EXTENDS ITS THANKS FOR THE

Invaluable Contributions of Our Industry Partners IN SUPPORT OF THE 2018 MEMBERSHIP, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CAMPAIGN.

IN RECOGNITION OF A GREAT PARTNERSHIP, THE FVMA HONORS THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRY PARTNERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CONTINUED GROWTH AND HEALTH OF OUR ASSOCIATION.

(In Wholesale Value)

$434,000 $310,800 $41,000 $22,500

Total: More than $800,000 THEIR SUPPORT THIS YEAR PROVIDED MORE THAN $800,000 (WHOLESALE VALUE) IN FREE PRODUCTS TO REGULAR, PART-TIME EMPLOYED AND RECENT GRADUATE VETERINARIANS WHO RENEWED THEIR MEMBERSHIP OR JOINED THE FVMA IN 2018!

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SHAMROCK ANIMAL HOSPITAL NAMED

‘CENTRAL FLORIDA’S ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF THE YEAR’

Photos courtesy of Shamrock Animal Hospital Shamrock Animal Hospital was named “2017 Central Florida’s Animal Hospital of the Year” by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. FVMA member Dr. Raquel Fagan has been providing veterinary care to companion animals throughout Central Florida for more than 25 years.

“I always wanted to have my own hospital. To make it more than just vaccines and sick pets. I wanted to create a lifestyle that included the enjoyment of pet ownership. Shamrock Animal Hospital has allowed me to realize my dreams with amazing clients and an even more amazing staff,” said Dr. Fagan. “Being named Animal Hospital of the Year is absolutely one of the highlights of my career and I am proud to share it with the entire #shamrockliving team and family.”

Along with her husband Jeffrey Fagan, who is also the hospital administrator, they acquired Shamrock Animal Hospital in 2016 with the goal of making it more than a place to go to when your pet is sick —they wanted to create a “lifestyle” brand, where they

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focused as much on wellness and the enjoyment of life with pets while also dealing with the necessary illnesses and routine care.

Shamrock Animal Hospital’s tagline reflects just that: “Life Is Just Better When Done With Pets”.

In December 2017, Shamrock Lifetime Wellness Plans were introduced as a way to help pet owners budget their pet’s annual health and wellness expenses through monthly payments throughout the year. Also in 2017, Shamrock Animal Hospital, which is located in Mount Dora, Florida, also expanded its services to include laser therapy, enhanced blood screening and ultrasonic dental cleaning to ensure pet life longevity and happiness.

IDEXX recognized Shamrock Animal Hospital for their commitment to helping their clients, increasing compliance and the overall wellness of the pets in our community, and the fun and expressive way that they do it. Dr. Fagan and her team are passionate about pets, and they want to make sure it shows through the services they provide.

DR. GARY W. ELLISON Honored With UF CVM Clinical Investigator Award

Dr. Rowan Milner (right) presents Dr. Gary W. Ellison (left) with the award.

Gary W. Ellison, DVM, M.S., received the UF CVM FVMA Clinical Investigator Award during UF CVM’s annual College Research Day and Phi Zeta celebration on Friday, April 20.

During the ceremony, the FVMA presented Dr. Ellison with a plaque and a check for $500.

The award is given annually to a UF CVM faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge in veterinary medicine. Dr. Ellison is a professor and service chief in small animal surgery at UF CVM, and he is one of the foremost accomplished small animal soft tissue surgeons in the world. He has devoted his career to advancing the practice of small animal surgery, with specific expertise in thoracic, abdominal and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Ellison has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. He served as the soft tissue editor for the fourth edition of Joseph Bojrab’s Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery and has also contributed 34 text book chapters to veterinary literature.

Dr. Ellison has been published extensively on the management of portocaval shunts and has given numerous continuing education presentations, both nationally and internationally. He is a surgeon who has made significant contributions that have changed clinical practice.

Strengthen Your Voice Defend Your Profession Join Your PAC!

PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

FVMA PAC: The Voice of Veterinary Medicine in Florida Strengthen your voice. Defend your profession. Join your PAC!

The fundamental purpose of a professional advocacy committee is to provide the FVMA with an additional tool to complement legislative advocacy efforts. The stark reality is that the political campaign process creates the necessity for financial support to ensure any candidate’s election.

The FVMA Professional Advocacy Committee (FVMA PAC) provides our members a vehicle to help specific candidates who are sympathetic toward concerns regarding veterinarians and small business owners. Through the FVMA PAC, our members’ individual voices become an amplified and unified voice on legislative issues of concern to our profession and patients.

PROVIDING A VOICE FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE The FVMA PAC is a bipartisan, nonprofit, political committee formed to raise contributions from our members to provide needed financial support to candidates for state-elected offices.

In fact, the FVMA PAC is one of the most important benefits our association provides.

The FVMA PAC is an entity that speaks on behalf of the veterinary profession in Florida, providing the veterinary profession with political credibility and visibility. It promotes efficient and responsible government by helping ensure candidates that support veterinary causes are elected and maintain public office. Creating strong legislative relationships have afforded our profession significant benefits and involvement in the political process.

The FVMA PAC also acts as an educational tool for members, allowing them to not only become more involved with FVMA activities, but within the Florida veterinary community.

Participation, through monetary donation or donating your time through involvement, encourages political education of our

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membership, creating awareness on government, candidates and important issues affecting veterinary medicine.

FVMA PAC’s PAST SUCCESSES Every year, the FVMA works tirelessly to ensure veterinary interests are considered as thousands of bills are introduced and monitored during the legislative session.

The FVMA PAC, through the help of state legislators, has been able to enact positive change through the political process, including: • Successfully defeated a statewide legislative initiative that would have created special tax districts to fund nonprofit organizations for the purpose of providing veterinary care • Initiated legislation exempting an animal’s owner identifying information on rabies tag application submitted to county animal control agencies from Florida’s board Public Record Inspection, thus protecting the confidentiality of patient records.

• Successfully enacted legislation that allows veterinarians the ability to dispense compounded medications without limitation to their patients’ owner or caregivers – and Florida is the only state to successfully pass this type of law!

• Prevented passage of legislation which would have allowed non-economic damages against a veterinarian for loss of a pet The FMA PAC’s political record speaks for itself — we work with legislators to get things done and enact positive change for the veterinary community.

Strengthen Your Voice...Defend Your Profession...Join Your PAC Today!

To contribute by personal check or money order, complete all information above and mail with a pesonal check/money order made payable to FVMA PAC. Contributions to FVMA PAC are not deductible for federal tax purposes.

__________

Please forward all contributions and forms to: Attn: FVMA PAC Billing ZIP 7207 Monetary Drive, Orlando, FL 32809 Exp. Date CCV# Credit Card #

q Personal Check q Personal Money Order q Credit Card

Club ($50-$199) q Advocate's Please list your contribution amount:

Method of Payment (Check One)

Club ($200-$299) q Representative's

Please list your contribution amount: __________ Occupation

Please list your contribution amount: __________

__________

q Please list your contribution amount:

Email

Visit https://secure.anedot.com/fvmapac/donate and contribute today. Every member of the veterinary care team can play a pivotal role in the legislative process by simply joining the PAC today!

q Senator's Club ($300-$399) Fax

The FVMA PAC decides which candidates to support and at what level. The factors considered in these decisions include a candidate’s understanding and alignment with the values of the veterinary profession, and their commitment to a sound business climate for Florida’s small business owner.

Phone

A financially strong PAC is critically important in maintaining a strong and successful voice for veterinary medicine in Florida. Any individual can join the FVMA PAC by completing the form and submitting it. The FVMA PAC exists solely because of member donations.

Every single dollar contributed to the FVMA PAC is spent on strengthening our voice and defending our profession.

ZIP

CONTRIBUTE AND BE A PART OF POSITIVE CHANGE

State

Advocate’s Club $50-$199

City

Representative’s Club $200-$299

Address

Governor's Club ($400-$499)

Senator’s Club $300-$399

President's Club ($500+)

Governor’s Club $400-$499

To join the FVMA PAC, fill out all the information below.

President’s Club $500+

Your contribution to the FVMA PAC will be recognized at special events, on the FVMA website and in FVMA publications.

q Please list your contribution amount: __________ Name

LEVELS OF CONTRIBUTION

8 Tips to Prevent Data Breach Risk and Cyber Attacks The average data breach cost in the U.S. per individual compromised record is $217 Source: Ponemon Institute

What is a Data Breach?

Data breach is the loss, theft, accidental release or accidental publication in electronic or paper format of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) including an individual’s: full name, social security number, email, bank account number(s), credit or debit card number(s), or driver’s license number.

How Does it Happen?

A data breach can occur when any of these items are lost or stolen: paper files, electronic files, credit card information, computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, flash drives, among others. Breaches can occur from employee error or oversight, theft or release due to unauthorized access (such as by former employees or independent contractors), or by hacking.

1. Lock and Secure Sensitive Information

• Theft, loss, and unauthorized release of sensitive data, stored in paper files or removable storage constitutes a data breach.

• Store sensitive information in a locked or secure container when not in use.

• Consider installing an alarm system to protect against break-ins.

2. Restrict Access to Data

• Restrict access to sensitive data, whether physical or electronic, on a need-to-know basis.

• Most employees do not need unrestricted access to your practice’s entire network.

• Limit network access on computers in public spaces, such as the reception area.

3. Properly Dispose of Sensitive Data

• Shred documents containing sensitive data prior to recycling.

• Remove all data from computers and electronic storage devices prior to disposing of them.

4. Record and Review Data Practices

• Distribute and explain data protection practices to all employees.

• Review and revise these practices on a regular basis, at least annually.

• Re-train staff as changes to your data practices are made.

5. Use Password Protect Systems

• Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information and accounts and protects security of personal information.

• Assign users with unique user names and require strong passwords. Change your passwords at least quarterly.

• Conduct a password audit on a regular basis.

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6. Encrypt Data • Encryption helps protect the security and privacy of files as they are transmitted or while on a computer.

• Install encryption onto all mobile devices and flash drives, and encrypt emails with sensitive information.

7. Ensure Secure Remote Access

• Remote access to your network should be made through appropriately enabled Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections • Change passwords at least quarterly and require strong passwords of complexity and length.

8. Maintain Current Software and Operating Systems

• Keep software and operating systems current by installing software and security updates.

• Use a firewall to help prevent your system from an attack.

• Use anti-virus software to inspect the files and programs on your system and to detect infection.

Secure Data Breach Coverage to Protect Your Practice

Every veterinary practice that handles or stores any private customer or employee data is at risk. Data breach and cyber liability insurance offers time-saving professional services to help quickly restore your reputation, guide you in handling a breach, and assist with regulatory compliance.

Multiply your practice’s total number of client records by $217. Now imagine writing a check for this amount and losing this money off your bottom line. Can you afford to pay this as an out-of-pocket expense? According to a study from the Ponemon Institute, the average data breach cost in the U.S. per individual compromised record is $217.

For a coverage comparison and quote, call 800-228-7548, option 4 or visit avmaplit.com/quote.

This article provides a general guideline. Readers should verify to ensure that they comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Produced by: HUB International Midwest Limited, insurance broker and administrator for the AVMA PLIT.

Protect your livelihood with all the right coverage through AVMA PLIT. We are the most trusted source of professional, business and personal coverage for every stage of your career.

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For a coverage comparison of your entire insurance portfolio to the PLIT program, call 800-228-PLIT (7548) or visit avmaplit.com.

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

@FLORIDA_VMA | 19

2018 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS June 1 marked the beginning of another hurricane season. After the devastating 2017 season, it is important to make sure you are prepared and ready to respond to a hurricane emergency.

The 2017 hurricane season was the costliest season on record and caused more than $282 billion in damages. With 17 named storms, it was one of four seasons to produce 10 hurricanes in a row. It was also one of six seasons to feature multiple Category 5 hurricanes – Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Source: NOAA

For the fourth year in a row, a storm formed before the official start of the season with Tropical Storm Alberto being named on May 25. On average, there are 12 named storms a season with an average of six storms that become hurricanes and three of those becoming major storms (Category 3 or above). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 75 percent chance that the 2018 season will be near or above normal. NOAA also predicts a 70 percent chance that there will be 10 to 16 named storms and five to nine of those will become hurricanes.

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FOUNDATION

Hurricanes not only cause destruction, but they can place many of our animals in dire situations. Many veterinarians made sacrifices and assisted these animals in their times of need, or were unable to because of damages to their practices from the hurricane. As many are still recovering from the effects of 2017, the FVMA Disaster Preparedness Committee encourages members to look back on the lessons learned from past seasons and ensure you have a plan in place to be better prepared this year. Preparation and planning are essential for keeping your practice in business in the aftermath of a disaster. Included in this article, we have compiled a preparation checklist as well as a variety of resources available to veterinarians.

Additionally, the FVMA Foundation still has funds available to any members who are still in need of resources after Hurricane Irma. The FVMA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is currently able to provide financial assistance to those individuals through reimbursement grants. If you would like to request the relief funds, please visit www.fvma.org/disaster-relief to view the requirements and application.

Don’t forget to encourage staff to be prepared at home so they can better help you in a disaster. Firstaid training for employees in each work shift in the practice is essential.

HAVE A PLAN 1) Determine your risk. Find out what hazards may affect you where you practice.

2) Develop an evacuation plan if you operate or live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone.

3) Secure your insurance by making sure you are properly covered. Speak to your agent.

4) Have your completed hurricane plan handy for yourself and your staff.

DISASTER PLAN

A disaster preparedness plan is important. Veterinarians should have a written disaster preparedness plan in place for their veterinary practices. It should be readily available and executable in the event of a hurricane. The following seven basic parts are necessary in a master disaster preparedness plan for a veterinary practice/clinic: • Emergency relocation of animals • Medical record backup • Continuity of operations • Security • General emergency planning • Fire prevention • Insurance and legal issues.

EMERGENCY RELOCATION OF BOARDED AND HOSPITALIZED ANIMALS This includes leashes, carriers and other species-specific supplies. Be sure to plan for appropriate, pre-arranged animal transportation, and a temporary animal holding location. Include a 24-hour client contact list which should be appropriately stored to enable off-site access. In conjunction with legal counsel, veterinarians should involve staff and clients in their planning.

MEDICAL RECORD BACKUP

Medical records should be backed up on an off-site computer.

Keep off-site copies of important documents and consider digitally storing documents as a backup.

CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS

Communication is vitally important during and after a disaster.

In a hurricane and the days directly following, there is a high possibility of power supply interruption for indeterminate periods. An alternate electrical power source is important.

Staff should be trained in the maintenance and operation of generators, and plenty of fuel should be stored. Compile a list of supplies with current 24-hour contact information for suppliers working throughout a disaster, including a five to seven day supply of food and water for staff and patients, and five to seven days of personal medications for staff.

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

SECURITY OF BUILDING AND PERSONNEL

The local fire department can provide free inspection and evacuation drills. It is important to outline preferred means of reporting emergencies and the main point of contact.

Establish an office phone tree and pre-arranged conference call capability, and off-site meeting location for staff. Secure your practice from crime, such as theft and looting. Contact your local municipality for specific requirements.

GENERAL EMERGENCY PLANNING

This plan should address appropriate responses to all foreseeable emergencies including hazardous chemical spills.

Employee training is important here because there is a need for information and the proper equipment required to respond to the disaster. Florida occupational safety agencies can ensure full compliance of both federal and state regulations. Each county’s extension service has information on responding to chemical disasters that is provided to that group by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

FIRE PREVENTION

Identify major fire hazards in the workplace, proper handling and storage procedures, potential ignition sources such as open flames and electrical sparks, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard. Regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment is essential. Appoint employees responsible for maintaining equipment to present or control sources of ignition or fires.

INSURANCE COVERAGE AND LEGAL ISSUES

A current and comprehensive insurance policy is necessary for the veterinary practice. Discuss the details of a disaster drill with legal counsel to make sure you are covered by insurance for any injuries that might occur during the drill.

FVMA Disaster Preparedness Committee urges members to create a disaster preparedness plan for their veterinary practices. The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) website, sponsored by the state of Florida, offers more useful information to assist in the preparation of a comprehensive plan.

For more information, visit www.Floridadisaster.org.

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

@FLORIDA_VMA | 21

POST-DISASTER

RESOURCES

There are numerous resources available to those who may become affected by a natural disaster. We have compiled the following list to keep on hand.

INSURANCE

AVMA PLIT’s insurance carriers accept claims from insured customers in affected areas. If you are insured through AVMA PLIT and need to file a claim, you can find filing information for all carriers on the AVMA PLIT website, at avmaplit.com. The site also offers additional resources to assist with insurance-related matters and disaster planning and recovery, including: commercial damage assessment, establishing security after a natural disaster, and minimizing interruptions for your business.

AVMA LIFE may extend the grace period for premium payments an additional 60 days for policyholders affected by the disaster, as well as expedite disability claims. If you are insured through AVMA LIFE and have questions or need assistance, call 800.621.6360, or visit avmalife.org.

FVMA FOUNDATION ASSISTANCE

FVMA members who assist in rescue, relief, and recovery efforts during a natural disaster may apply for reimbursement through the FVMA Foundation, and member veterinarians who provide emergency boarding to animals may also be eligible. Additionally, members who may face unreimbursed losses as a result of a storm may also be considered for FVMA grant assistance. For more information, please contact the FVMA at 800.992.3862, info@ fvma.org or visit www.fvma.org/disaster-relief.

AVMA DISASTER REIMBURSEMENT GRANTS

AVMA member veterinarians participating in rescue and emergency care related to a natural disaster may apply for reimbursement grants through the AVMA’s charity, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). For more information, or to apply, please visit avmf.org/for-veterinarians/ disaster-reimbursement-grants/.

FEMA ASSISTANCE

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a range of post-hurricane resources to those impacted by disasters. Storm-related information includes the locations of local FEMA disaster recovery centers; disaster loan assistance programs for businesses, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters in affected counties; and rebuilding resources and other related information. To learn more, visit either fema.gov/disaster/4337 or disasterassistance.gov for details.

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FEDERAL TAX RELIEF

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers tax relief to areas designated by FEMA as qualifying for either individual assistance or public assistance. The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in disaster areas.

Also, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing payment or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty.

The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies automatic filing and payment relief.

But affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area must call the IRS disaster hotline at 866.562.5227 to request this tax relief. Taxpayers not in the covered disaster area, but whose records necessary to meet a deadline are in the covered disaster area, are also entitled to relief.

In addition, all relief workers affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization assisting in the relief activities in the covered disaster area, and any individual visiting the covered disaster area who was injured as a result of the disaster are entitled to relief.

Affected taxpayers in a federally-declared disaster area also have the option of claiming disaster-related casualty losses on their federal income tax return for the year in which the event occurred. Individuals also may deduct personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements.

Lastly, the IRS also will waive the usual fees and expedite requests for copies of previously-filed tax returns for affected taxpayers.

For more information on tax-related hurricane resources, please visit irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-for-victims-of-hurricane-irmain-florida, or call 800.829.1040.

BUSINESS RELOCATION REMINDER

If your practice suffers damage from a storm and you need to relocate, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to apply for a new establishment license for the new location. For more details, visit the Florida DBPR website at myfloridalicense.com.

FVMA-SFVMA’S MIAMI-DADE SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM EXTENDED FIVE MORE YEARS

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved additional funding for the spay/neuter program established through a joint advocacy effort between the FVMA and South Florida Veterinary Medical Association (SFVMA), extending the agreement for five more years with a budgetary allowance of $1.575 million over the next five years.

In May 2013, the SFVMA legislative task force, comprised of Drs. Anjanette Cabeza, Rick Diaz, Marta Lista and Maria Oliviera, set out to find solutions to meet voters and elected officials’ demands to improve the save rates at Miami-Dade Animal Services. The task force hired lobbyists to assist in ensuring a law would pass that had the best interest for veterinarians while providing spay/ neuter options to Miami-Dade residents for a small co-pay.

SFVMA joined forces with the FVMA, as well as receiving support from AVMA, to show a state-wide united front for the spay/neuter public-private partnership in Miami-Dade.

The original initiative, the Pet Trust Initiative, that both the FVMA and SFVMA opposed, would have created a special taxing district that would tax residents in order to provide an estimated $21 million in funding to nonprofit organizations. While the FVMA supports the work of local animal nonprofit organizations, it opposes any legislative efforts where the funding is in the form of a tax and where the administrators of the funds are not elected officials and accountable to those from whom the taxes would be assessed.

The taskforce worked collaboratively with the BCC to successfully derail this initiative, securing grant funding for private practice spay/neuter programs while also supporting the local Humane Society and current Animal Services Department.

“We knew private practice veterinarians would be able to successfully spay neuter mass numbers of income-qualified pets,” said Dr. Marta Lista, taskforce member and veterinarian at Trail Animal Hospital in Miami, Florida. “The challenge was convincing our legislative officials to use the private sector.”

Commissioner Sally Heyman was the prime sponsor of the amendment, who has worked with both the FVMA and SFVMA on sustaining and helping this program flourish in Miami-Dade.

The program has been in place since July 2014, creating the firstever public-private spay/neuter program in the community. It was renewed again in both 2015 and 2016, each year increasing in grant funding. To date, the program has received more than $900,000 in funding.

In 2017, the program was extended for up to five years, allocating $300,000 in funding each year with an additional $75,000 if the budgeted funding is exhausted. This collaborative program, made possible by the advocacy efforts of FVMA and SFVMA, has helped provide hundreds of low-cost pet sterilizations for owners and their pets — supporting along the way the dedicated veterinarians that serve our Florida communities.

Members of the SFVMA task force informed elected officials about the many facets this initiative would entail, asking them to reconsider their position. The Initiative would’ve built new veterinary facilities and create a nonprofit entity to provide spay/ neuter and other veterinary services in the county funded by the tax payers of the county, creating competition with private practices.

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

@FLORIDA_VMA | 23

PRACTICE GOT A QUESTION? THE FVMA CAN HELP. One of the benefits of membership in the FVMA is our Helpline, 800.992.3862, available to members daily, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Our Helpline also provides insight to the FVMA staff, of the challenges and concerns of our members.

In this feature we will highlight topics from the questions we received in preceding weeks, in an effort to keep our members up-to-date on current concerns as well as regulatory and legislative changes.

QUESTION:

Could you please direct me to the resource that states that veterinarians cannot markup compounded medications? I have always understood that to be the law in Florida, but cannot find the resource that substantiates that.

A: No such law exists. There was a time when there was some ambiguity on the issue but there is none now. A vet can markup a compounded drug like any other drug.

QUESTION:

I would like legal clarification of Florida Statute 828.29 and the Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for Intrastate Sale of a Dog or Cat, FDACS-09085 Rev. 07/08, specifically in regard to coccidia or "coccidiosis" which is briefly referred to in 829.29 3b.

If I have found coccidia oocysts in a fecal flotation sample of eight-week-old puppies, which are free of clinical signs of coccidiosis, am I required to treat the puppies with coccidiostats and re-test repeatedly until a negative fecal flotation is obtained before signing the certificate ?

Is it permissible within the intent of the law and the standard of veterinary medical practice in the State of Florida to note the date of positive fecal flotation test for coccidia oocysts on the certificate, and that they are free of clinical signs of coccidiosis, and have been dispensed coccidiostat medication? (As I believe I have seen this on health certificates from other Florida locations accompanying new puppies with their new owners coming on for the first time.)

A: Our office interprets Florida Statute 828.29 as it applies administratively to Florida Administrative

24 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Code (F.A.C.) 5C-3 (https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=5C-3) and 5C-28 (https://www. flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=5C-28).

Because there are multiple other regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies that have authority to enforce F.S. 828.29, we cannot provide a legal opinion.

We agree the statute is difficult to interpret and can be confusing. For the purposes of compliance with F.A.C. 5C-3 and 5C-28, we believe it is always best for a puppy being offered for sale to be free of parasites however, a puppy may be sold if it has a low-parasite burden, is free of any clinical signs and the veterinarian trusts their client (seller) to administer prescribed antiparasitic medications.

I believe the more appropriate agency to assist may be the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). As you know, the DBPR regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Florida.

QUESTION:

My client needs a prescription, but she nor her husband are able to drive. Is it OK to send the script to the client by mail if it is for a noncontrolled drug?

A: Yes. The vet also has the ability to phone in the script to the pharmacy of the client’s choice.

QUESTION:

he may run the risk of a complaint. Nevertheless, so long as he is in compliance with the rule and is not representing that he is curing conditions, but instead alleviating them, his risk is on the low side.

I recently gave an online seminar to the public about the use of essential oils for pets and safety compliance when using these products. This was an educational only event.

How the veterinarian gets paid is up to him. He is entitled to be paid for his efforts either as a consultant to the primary vet or by practicing alternative/complementary vet medicine. It is clearly best if he has the chance to personally examine the animals at some point.

I am a practicing veterinarian in Tampa, Florida. I have been doing more training on using Complementary or Intergraded medical practices (herbal and essential oils) for pets.

Since this seminar, I’ve had non clients with pets that I have not physically seen, examined, created a medical record, etc. sending me questions about their specific pet and medical conditions. I have not answered those clients as I do not want to violate the VCPR (veterinary client patient relationship) requirement.

1. Can I provide this information or would that be a violation of the VCPR? 2. Can I provide this information to the primary DVM and have them relay to the pet owner (as they would have a VCPR)?

3. Can I charge for this service to the client, the primary DVM or either?

4. Are there any updates to the VCPR and/or telemedicine in this respect?

A: 1. Providing information in general terms (i.e. older dogs benefit from this or that supplement) is just that.

When you undertake to diagnose a condition and provide treatment recommendations, you then enter the realm of practicing vet medicine.

2. The safest alternative is to work through the primary DVM. If the veterinarian is acting as a consultant to the primary DVM, there is no problem. They can review records and make recommendations through the primary DVM. A possible alternative is for the veterinarian to obtain copies of the patient’s records and then open his own file. The veterinarian can then review the file, confirm that the patient has X or Y and base his recommendation on that. The FVMA has introduced bills in the Legislature to address Veterinary Telemedicine. Under some versions relying on another vet's examination and review of records to diagnose or prescribe treatment would be acceptable. The doctor must keep in mind that this has not been officially set in law or rule yet, and

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

QUESTION:

Can you please provide some guidance and a solution to the rejection of USDA OCVI certificates used for transportation of animals by some destination states? It has been reported that the forms can be downloaded by the public and are apparently being falsified. What is a valid health certificate, and is there a state certificate which is accepted by other states?

A: The safest way to go about this issue to find a good document which is accepted by other states. The following states are no longer accepting the USDA VS Form 7001: Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. All states accept the USDA, VSPS; the GlobalVetLink document; and the Division of Animal Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services hard copy certificates. Additionally, most states are now accepting the mCVI document.

END NOTE: The ultimate responsibility in the

practice of veterinary medicine lies with the licensed veterinarian. Professional discretion must always be exercised.

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

@FLORIDA_VMA |  25

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS VETERINARIANS WANTED VETERINARIAN WANTED – CORAL SPRINGS, FL: Riverside Animal Hospital is seeking a full or part time associate interested in joining our family. We are a well established veterinary hospital, family owned for 17 years. We are a high quality, full-service, small animal only animal hospital. We are located in sunny Coral Springs located near beaches and in a great community. This is a 3 doctor hospital offering digital X-ray, high quality ultrasound, surgical laser, dental drill, and digital dental radiology. Salary is competitive and we pay 50% health insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid vacation, and CE packages. Work with a helpful and friendly staff and excellent doctors.

Call or text my cell phone (954)821-4460 or apply online at

wcrance@bellsouth.net.(2/18: ID#26933)

practice is equipped with the latest technology in dentistry with digital dental radiology, laser surgery, Sound digital radiology, Idexx in-house laboratory equipment, and GE laptop ultrasound. We have an exceptional clientele who demand, and can afford, quality comprehensive veterinary care. Our practice is committed to attention to detail and exceptional client communication and service. We have an excellent management team composed of the current owners and a practice manager of 15 years who are committed to and implement a team approach to the practice of veterinary medicine. This management team is prepared to and capable of training the new associate in the management procedures and practices that have contributed to this very successful practice over the years. The candidate must have leadership skills, share the approach to veterinary medicine described above, and be interested in practice ownership, the exact ownership entry point being negotiable within the current owners’ retirement timeline described above. This is a tremendous opportunity for the right individual. Our practice address is 3560 Tamiami Trail North,

VETERINARIAN WANTED – CENTRAL FLORIDA: Experienced relief

Naples, FL 34103 and our website is www.gulfshoreanimalhospital.com.

241-3126, email: sizemore3630@aol.com(2/18; ID#21310)

resume to drdave@gulfshoreanimalhospital.com.(2/18; ID#26066)

vet, reasonable rates, FL licensed, Please contact Terrie Sizemore DVM (440)

TWO SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARIANS NEEDED - FORT MYERS,

FL: Looking for two Small Animal Veterinarians for a new practice that will be opening in April of this year in sunny Fort Myers, Florida in a great location off of Six-Mile Cypress and Colonial Boulevard. We will offer digital x-ray, ultrasound, dental x-ray, in-house lab equipment and pharmacy, as well as an online pharmacy to name a few.

Full-time position Salary: 90,000-100,000 (Pro-Sal if desired), more if Pro-Sal is not desired $5000 Signing Bonus; Buy-In not required; CE Allowance; Uniform Allowance; No on-call shifts; Health Insurance provided Two weeks paid vacation to start with Specialty/ER Hospitals are close by Skills needed: small animal general practice (including surgery), efficient multi-tasker, safe and effective patient handling, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a timely problem solver. What we want our hospital to be known for: To create an

Interested candidates should email a letter of introduction and current

VETERINARIAN WANTED – PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL: Animal Care Center of Panama City Beach is looking for an Emergency Associate Veterinarian to join our practice! Excellent earning potential to make over $100k+ first year, new graduates also encouraged to apply. Animal Care Center is located in the panhandle of Florida on the emerald waters and white sand of the Gulf of Mexico, known as “the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.” We focus on providing the latest in small animal preventative and diagnostic medicine and general surgery. ACC has a state-of-the-art facility with isolation ward, double surgery suite, ICU, in-house IDEXX lab, digital radiographs, Stem Cell Therapy, Tonopen, ultrasound, pharmacy, and more!!

We’re looking for a doctor with confidence in medical knowledge and skill, weekend and overnight availability, strong interest in emergency medicine, enjoys building relationships and educating clients. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

environment where our employees are happy, feel appreciated, and love what they do. Where the clients trust us to offer the best care for

VETERINARIAN WANTED – YOUNG HARRIS, GA: Lake Chatuge

their pet and the best customer service. Where our employees help

Animal Hospital located near the border of GA and NC in Young Harris,

our patients to feel as comfortable as possible with any procedure

GA, is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our growing team!!

or treatment they need. Where our technicians are compassionate,

Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital is proud to serve the Young Harris, GA

knowledgeable, and effective in helping our doctors and clients take

area for everything pet related. Our team is committed to educating

care of our patients. Where the doctors are known for offering the best

our clients on how to keep their pets healthy year-round, with good

medicine with a quick mind for difficult cases. Please send resume to

nutrition and exercise. Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital stays on top of

nccah1@gmail.com (2/18; ID#38639)

the latest advances in veterinary technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every

VETERINARIAN OWNERSHIP WANTED - NAPLES, FL: Gulfshore Animal Hospital, an AAHA practice in beautiful Naples, FL, is seeking an associate interested in practice ownership. For the past 30 years, the practice has been owned by a husband and wife veterinary team, who have decided to retire from ownership in the next 5 years. The 4350 sq. ft. facility and land are owned by the practice and are located on the main highway

check-up, procedure and surgery. We are well-equipped with laser surgery, digital radiography, digital dental radiography ultrasound, and echocardiography. We’re looking for a passionate and driven new graduate or experienced doctor to join our practice!! For more information visit:

http://www.lakechatugeanimalhospital.com/. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

in central Naples. The practice is computerized with the most current ImproMed software capable of paperless medical record keeping. Our

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

VETERINARIAN WANTED – DEERFIELD BEACH, FL: Hillsboro Beach

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

@FLORIDA_VMA | 27

Animal Hospital located in Deerfield Beach, FL is looking for an Associate

ABVP Diplomate and offers an atmosphere of team support between

Veterinarian to join our practice!! Hillsboro Beach Animal Hospital is a

colleagues and staff. We are committed to our community and enjoy serving

well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing

a great set of clients. We pride ourselves on high quality patient specific care

comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care. We provide a broad

and personalized client service. We are looking for highly motivated, career

spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of

oriented practitioners to join our busy three doctor practice. The practice

external laboratories. We also work closely with local practices when special

is located in a well-equipped, 6000 sq. ft. facility in Columbia, SC, a rapidly

diagnostic procedures are required. At Hillsboro Beach Animal Hospital we

growing family oriented community with national award winning schools.

strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care to our

We enjoy wonderful weather year round with both mountains and ocean nearby.

patients and clients. Our job is not only to treat our client’s pets when he or she isn't feeling well, but also to help them learn how to keep their best friend happy and healthy. Quality and cost are two main aspects to consider when choosing treatment for any member of our client’s family, and we work hard to balance those needs while providing the best possible care for their pet.

For more information: www.hillsborobeachanimal.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – FORT MYERS, FL: Best Friends

More information available at: http://www.gregganimal.com/. To Apply: Send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – ATLANTA, GA: Animal Hospital of Towne Lake located just outside of Atlanta, GA is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our fantastic team!!! Animal Hospital of Towne Lake is a medically progressive, 8 doctor practice in the foothills of the smoky mountains just 30 min from downtown Atlanta. Incredible support staff with a high tech to doctor ratio with great tech training and longevity. We are a

Animal Hospital located in Fort Myers, FL is looking for an Associate

unique clinic in a wonderful area!! Our highly trained techs allow our doctors

Veterinarian to join our practice! We are a 3 doctor general practice

to focus on doing doctor things. Excellent schedule, with encouragement

located in the Gateway community of Fort Myers. Our hospital serves

to take time to thoroughly research cases and focus on medicine over

the 10 Gateway communities as well as Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.

productivity. We’re also well-equipped with endoscopy, ultrasound, cold

We believe in providing quality healthcare for all pets in a warm and

laser, stem cell, full digital radiography, and much more! We see a large

welcoming environment, as well as, giving back through involvement with

amount of sick care and surgery as well as well care. We consider ourselves

rescue organizations and community outreach. More information at:

to be full-service cradle to grave but also maintain a close relationship

www.bestfriendsanimalhosp.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020) VETERINARIAN WANTED – CORAL SPRINGS, FL: Brookside Animal

with area referral clinics. For more information, please visit our website at: www.Townelakevets.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

Hospital located in Coral Springs, Florida, is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our team! Brookside Animal Hospital, located in beautiful South Florida, is an exceptionally busy, modern six veterinarian small hospital that practices the very highest quality medicine, surgery and dentistry. We take the utmost pride in our client communication and team approach to cases. We have a 2:1 staff to veterinarian ratio. Our hospital has digital radiography, digital dental radiography, dental and surgical suites, in-house Idexx lab, laser therapy, and an ultrasound. More information at:

www.brooksidevet.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – ORLANDO, FL: Animal Hospital at Vista Lakes located in Orlando, FL is seeking an experienced Associate Veterinarian to join our team!!! We are a progressive and growing 3-doctor practice located in the heart of Orlando! Our Animal Hospital has been in operation since 2005 and we provide a variety of veterinary medical services for pets in Orlando to include dogs, cats, rabbits, and small pocket pets.

Our hospital staff are like family, and we regularly do events for the staff such as pumpkin carving, stocking decorating, and small holiday parties.

Our doctors also enjoy NO on-call or emergency as we are a member of the local emergency referral practice here in Orlando. Our Certified

VETERINARIAN WANTED – COLUMBUS, GA: Northside Animal Hospital, located in Columbus, GA, is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our practice! Big plans for renovation!! Come be a part of a growing practice, where your input is valued!! $50,000 sign-on/retention bonus!

Northside Animal Hospital is a well-established, small animal clinic founded

technicians ensure continuation of care overnight for our hospitalized patients. We’re open 6 days a week, with Saturday hours of 8am – 12pm. We also offer a 4 day work week with rotating weekends. For more information:

https://vistalakesah.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

in 1976. We are looking for an Associate to join our 6 veterinarians and great support staff! We are a progressive, high tech, high touch practice, delivering compassionate outstanding care. Our equipment includes digital radiology, pet laser therapy, and ultrasonic dentistry machine. No emergency or night work. See why Northside is a great place to practice your medicine! More

information: http://northsideanimalhospital.org/. To Apply: Send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – NICEVILLE, FL: Parkway Veterinary Hospital located in Niceville, FL on Florida's Panhandle, is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our team!! Parkway Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA accredited, well-established small animal hospital that has been a part of the community since 1984. We are a busy and growing multidoctor practice with a focus on providing the highest quality of medicine and surgery to our patients. Our staff has excellent tenure, and create a

VETERINARIAN WANTED – COLUMBIA, SC: Gregg Animal Hospital located in Columbia, SC is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our practice! Looking for a practice where excellence is encouraged and rewarded? Our small animal, AAHA certified practice is directed by an

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welcoming and friendly environment for our clients. We also have excellent relationships with the nearby referral practices, and use them regularly for overnight emergency referrals. We are well equipped with: In-house IDEXX laboratory equipment, Full Digital radiographs including dental, ultrasound, and endoscopy. More information available at: http://www.mypvh.com/

Our hospital is just 15 minutes from some of the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches,” with white sandy beaches and emerald waters! With no weekend duty, spend your weekends relaxing on the beach with your toes in the sand!

To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com

(2/18; ID#39020)

navarreanimal@bellsouth.net (2/18; ID#25843) VETERINARIAN WANTED – MIAMI, FL: Full Time Veterinarian for South Kendall Animal Hospital in Miami Florida - $10,000 Sign On/ Relocation South Kendall Animal Hospital is a full-service, small animal

VETERINARIAN WANTED – TAMPA, FL: Westchase Veterinary Center,

practice located on the southern end Miami, FL. We are AAHA accredited and have been in the community since 1980. We have a good tech to doctor

located in sunny Tampa, FL, is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join

ratio allowing our doctors to focus on being a doctor, complete in-house

our growing practice! Our hospital will be DOUBLING in size to 6,000 sq

lab, digital x-ray, and all the support our new associate will need. We are

ft, and we need to ADD a 5th doctor! We are a well-established, full-service,

looking to add an independent, strong, friendly voice that is comfortable

small animal veterinary hospital and occasionally work with some exotics.

only practicing the highest possible standard of care and have a passion for

We have a friendly, knowledgeable staff focused on providing high quality

delivering outstanding customer service to pet owners. We would prefer

medicine as a team. We are a progressive clinic with continual growth of the

that the applicant have practiced for 3 years in general practice with strong

practice expected over the next few years! Our hospital will be expanding this

experience caring for exotics, but will consider other applicants. Cornerstone

summer to give our hospital more room for treatments, examinations, and

experience a plus! Ability to work alone as well as on a team, be strong with

surgeries. Our ideal candidate will either be a new graduate or have practice

surgery basics (spay, neuter, dentistry, etc.), understands that better medicine

experience and will exhibit strong community leadership while providing

is worth the investment/value, and spends time on client communication.

a passionate and caring hand to our neighborhood friends. Interest in

Compensation: For full-time veterinarians we offer a competitive

alternative medicine a plus! We're looking to expand our services to include acupuncture. Interest in exotics is a plus. For more information, please visit

our website at www.westchasevet.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – TAMPA, FL: Plantation Animal Hospital

compensation and benefits package including paid vacation, 401(k) plan with a match better than most, continuing education allowance, and dues/ licensure paid for. Please call Tosha Zimmerman, CVT to discuss at 305-

930-7408 or email CV to tzimmerman@vetpartners.com.

About South Kendall Animal Hospital: South Kendall Animal Hospital knows exactly what it takes to keep pets happy and healthy. Established in

located in Tampa, Florida is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join

1980, we offer compassion and expertise to the dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets,

our team!! We are a growing, 4-doctor practice located in Northeast Tampa.

pocket pets and exotic pets of the Greater Miami and Dade County areas.

Plantation Animal Hospital has been ranked the #1 veterinary hospital in

A full-service animal hospital with a strong belief in preventive care, our

the Carrollwood area, and has been in the same location for over 30 years.

patients receive the most complete veterinary care and treatment at our

We are a full-service practice providing wellness screening examinations, surgery, and dental care for our patients. We also have an excellent support team, that works well together, and have been with our hospital for several years. We pride ourselves on having an excellent reputation in our community, and building quality relationships with our clients and the pets that they love. For more information, please visit: www.plantationpetvet.com. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED - BRADENTON, FL: Bayshore Animal Hospital, located in Bradenton, FL, is looking to for an Associate Veterinarian to join our practice! Must have experience/interest in wildlife and avian/ exotics! Bayshore Animal Hospital is a busy AAHA-Accredited practice located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida about 50 miles south of Tampa.

We are a professional and compassionate small animal practice caring for canine and feline patients as well as avian, exotics and wildlife. We have the capability to run most diagnostic tests and perform surgical procedures necessary to help all of our patients. Our technicians have graduated from accredited veterinary technician programs and our staff works together as a team in a family-type atmosphere! For more information, please visit our website at www.bayshoreanimalhospital.biz. To Apply: Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020)

SEEKING PT/FT VETERINARIAN – NAVARRE, FL: Navarre Animal Hospital in the panhandle of Florida is seeking a PT/FT veterinarian to join our team. Our well established practice is equipped with in house Idexx diagnostics, digital radiography and Avimark software.

Excellent salary and benefits. New graduates are welcome. Email

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

modern and technologically advanced facility. (2/18; ID#38737)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – BONITA SPRINGS, FL: Animal Hospital of Bonita, a family small animal and exotics practice located in Bonita Springs, is seeking a second FL-licensed DVM. Newbie or old grad will work directly with the owner and ample support staff. Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits; no after-hour emergencies; every other weekend off. Send resume to info@animalhospitalofbonita.com (2/18; ID#8952)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – WESLEY CHAPEL, FL: Looking for an associate veterinarian for a 2-clinic full-service practices located in Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Will work with well-established clientele, highquality equipment (digital radiography, endoscopy, Idexx laboratory, laser surgery, and therapy laser), and 10 vet techs (3 CVTs) who are experienced, dedicated, and friendly. Will be a great opportunity to learn from an experienced veterinarian and see a variety of challenging cases. Contact

Dr. Andrew Hong at 813-205-3975 for information or send resume to

awcwc@verizon.net. (2/18; ID#28350)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – SPRING HILL, FL: Associate Veterinarian – live and work where the manatees swim! The Animal Medical Clinic of Spring Hill FL is looking for an Associate Veterinarian to join our clinic.

Located on the Nature Coast north of Tampa we are ideally situated for the perfect blend of professional accomplishment and enjoyable personal life.

No evenings, weekends or on-call, you would work 4 1/2 days caring for our patients, and have ample time for recreation in this unspoiled corner of Florida, or take in the culture and excitement of nearby Tampa Bay. If you

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

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are a seasoned doctor, you will find our well-equipped clinic ad supportive

SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARIAN WANTED – JACKSONVILLE, FL:

staff allows you to practice excellent medicine and enjoy a good wage on

Ark Animal Hospital, located in Jacksonville, FL is looking to hire a small

our salary/production system. Our local network of specialists gives you

animal veterinarian. This position can be full or part-time, experience is

access to the most advanced diagnostics and treatment in the profession.

preferred but a qualified recent graduate will be considered. Our practice

If you are a recent graduate, AMC is the perfect place to begin your career.

has provided outstanding general medicine, surgical and dental care to

Our mentoring program guides you through the difficulties of practice

companion animals in the Jacksonville/Saint Augustine area for over 17 years.

and helps you start off on the right foot. From reviews of radiographs to

Our doctors are highly skilled in medicine and surgery as well as excellent

methods of dealing with clients and work flow, we address every aspect of

communicators with clients and staff. We are a well-organized team that

daily practice, preparing you for a long and productive career. Interested?

practices contemporary medicine and these are skills we are looking for

Email us at amcspringhill@earthlink.net or call at 352-686-0671 to speak with Anna or Denise. (2/18; ID#5911)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – WINTER PARK, FL: Name your starting annual salary and the hours that you prefer to work. If Orlando/Winter Park Florida suits you call O. W. 407-529-5651 (2,3/18; ID#28095)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – RIVERVIEW,FL: Four Paws Veterinary Hospital is a growing small animal practice seeking a full time associate veterinarian. Candidates must demonstrate a positive attitude, be friendly, outgoing, and have a good sense of humor. Communication skills, multi tasking, and team work are a must. Our practice focuses on the highest level of professional veterinary care and outstanding customer service. Some of our services include pet wellness, surgery, digital radiology, dentistry including dental x-ray, preventative medicine, acupuncture/herbal therapies, laser therapy, and newly ultrasound. Acupuncture and herbal training is a plus, as we offer integrating both eastern and western medicine for our clients who show interest. We look forward to adding a long term associate

in a new associate. We feel that taking a position at Ark Animal Hospital means you are making a dedicated commitment to our clients, their pets, your co-workers and the practice. Full-time benefits include a competitive salary commensurate with experience, two weeks vacation, health and disability insurance, Simple IRA with employer contributions, CE allowance, licensing, discounted pet care and more. You will also have the benefit of terrific, supportive and highly skilled co-workers. Please e-mail resume to

Arkanimaldoc@hotmail.com (2/18; ID#14964)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – BRADENTON, FL: Flagler Animal Hospital in Flagler Beach, FL is looking for an Associate Veterinarian with an interest in Emergency, to join our practice! New grads encouraged to apply!

Want a mini vacation every week? How does having four days off every week sound?! Too good to be true? It’s true! Flagler Animal Hospital was founded on the principles of integrity, compassion, and quality. Our team of technicians, receptionists and doctors are proud to share these values. Veterinary medicine and serving our clients is our passion—and we continually seek like-

veterinarian to our one of a kind practice. Please submit your resume to

minded individuals to join our growing team. As an Associate Veterinarian,

call 813-672-3687 for more information. (2/18; ID#25922)

lasting relationships with families who value your expertise. At our practice,

Kristina Farfante at kristina.farfante@4pawsvethospital.com or

VETERINARIAN WANTED – SEFFNER, FL: All About Animals, Inc is seeking a full-time veterinarian for this 2 1/2 doctor practice in a brand new free-standing facility with 5 exam rooms and a walk up pharmacy. We offer digital radiology, full in house labs including Abaxis HM5, Vetscan and VS Pro, Ultrasound, dental drill, paperless medical records and all are fully integrated into our Avimark computer system. We offer in house orthopedic surgery from an ambulatory board certified orthopedic surgeon. Applicants should have an interest in surgery and internal medicine. Mentoring as well as collaboration on cases is part of our team approach. Generous compensation package from $80-$100K plus $6000.00 toward student loan repayment, paid vacation, CE and more. With an alternating 4 to 4 1/2-day work week there is plenty of time off to enjoy life. Visit our website at AllAboutAnimals.biz. or check out our Facebook page. Please send resume to Dr Liz Hughes at

(813)967-1424 or Kentuckyderby3@aol.com (2/18; ID#12938)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – HERNANDO COUNTY, FL: Veterinarian needed for the summer for a full service MOBILE small animal veterinary hospital, THAT MAKES HOUSE CALLS IN HERNANDO COUNTY FL. No weekends, 4-5 days a week. It comes with a technician who drives, manages the mobile practice and who makes the veterinarians job easy!

Includes surgical suite, digital radiology, Abaxis analyzers, and Clientrax

software. Pay commensurate with experience. Call Dr JoAnn Helm 352-

799-1477 or email jkhelmmdvm51@gmail.com (2/18; ID#28344)

see clients who want to see you and appreciate your hard work. Forge long the staff is well-trained, and the entire team works in harmony for the same goal. Arrive at your scheduled time and leave at your scheduled time so that you are free to enjoy your time away with family and friends. Want to learn more? Visit us at: www.flagleranimalhospital.com/. To Apply: Please

send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com (2/18; ID#39020) VETERINARIAN WANTED - TAMPA, FL: Ehrlich Animal Hospital and Arthritis Therapy Center is seeking an Associate DVM to join our practice!

Our practice is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Odessa in Northwest Tampa. We are celebrating 23 years at our current location. Our hospital is located in an affluent area and we enjoy high client compliance with the majority of our clients following our recommendations. We are a 6 doctor practice and 4 of our doctors have been with us for over 15 years! We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service with the latest technology.

We are looking for a team player who has excellent communication skills to join our team! New graduates, please apply! We'd love if you have a special interest in acupuncture or are already certified! For more information, please visit our website at: www.ehrlichanimalhospital.com. To Apply:

Please send your resume to Lindsey Ryan, LRyan@nvanet.com. (2/18;

ID#39020)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – DUNEDIN, FL: The Animal Hospital of Dunedin on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida is looking for a goal oriented, highly motivated, responsible, and enthusiastic veterinarian excited to provide high-quality veterinary medicine in a team oriented practice. You are invited to join the staff of a five doctor, progressive, integrative, and high producing practice. Our practice also includes an internist service that

30 | FVMA ADVOCATE

brings the state of the art diagnostic equipment and specialist to our practice making it more convenient for our clients and patients. You’ll develop your

Equal Opportunity Employer. For details or to apply to this position, go

to https://www.bluepearljobs.com/career-areas/ (2/18; ID #950)

own clientele while practicing in a group setting. The potential for success in this setting is limitless for a hard working individual. Compensation depends on experience and motivation to serve your clients’ and patients’ medical care needs. New graduates with similar goals and ideals will be considered.

Experience or interest in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is a plus as you will be joining a team that includes Dr. Gregory Todd and Dr. Michael Bartholomew both who have published & lectured about TCVM. All Florida licensed or eligible applicants welcome. So bring your positive personality and come plan a successful career! Please contact Dr. Gregory Todd at 727-

PRACTICES FOR SALE OR LEASE PRACTICE FOR SALE – ZEPHYRHILLS, FL: Zephyrhills FL, well established small animal hospital & real estate for sale at appraisal values. Seller financing with very little down. Floyd 407-529-5651.

(2,3/18; ID #28095)

PRACTICE FOR SALE – WINTER PARK, FL: Winter Park FL, well

733-9351, or e-mail your information to drgtahd@gmail.com . We are looking forward to meeting you! (2/18; ID#5015)

established small animal hospital, for sale at appraised value. Seller

VETERINARIAN WANTED - KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FLORIDA:

practice South West Florida. 1.2 doctor grossing 780K in 2017. No

Springlake Animal Hospital is seeking an enthusiastic associate to join our growing practice. We are looking for preferably a full time veterinarian, but will consider a part time veterinarian to potentially split time between two clinics. Both clinics are currently primarily small animal clinics that are

financing with very little down. WP 407-529-5651. (2,3/18; ID #28095) PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTH WEST, FL : Exclusive small animal emergencies, well equipped. Growing area with lots of potential for practice growth. Free standing building built in 2008 real estate available for lease or purchase. If interested please contact us at

NPAH05@AOL.COM. (2/18; ID #26587)

located in North Florida between Gainesville and Jacksonville. Experienced clinicians or new graduates are welcome to apply. This is a full service veterinary hospital with digital x-ray, blood work, and computer integration.

We are seeking a caring, motivated veterinarian with good communication skills who desires to practice quality medicine and provide great client service. We offer a competitive compensation. A benefit package will also be included for a full time position. Interested candidates

should contact Amy Wells at (352) 473-8222 and email a resume to

springlakehosp@yahoo.com (2/18; ID#26042)

VETERINARIAN WANTED – TAMPA BAY, FL: BluePearl Veterinary

We buy great practices.

We hire great people.

Partners is seeking a full time ER clinician to join our team in Tampa Bay, Florida. Our BluePearl hospitals in Tampa Bay offer specialty and emergency veterinary care, with ER, Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Cardiology and Dermatology. We practice high quality, progressive medicine in a collaborative environment.

Our case load is high and diverse. We are looking for a hardworking, motivated, compassionate ER doctor- preferably internship trained. We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. BluePearl is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details or to apply to this position, go to

https://www.bluepearljobs.com/career-areas/ (2/18; ID#28251)

20 YEARS

TECHNICIANS WANTED TECHNICIAN WANTED – GAINESVILLE, FL: Affiliated Veterinary Specialists (AVS), a BluePearl Veterinary Partner, is seeking a FullTime Emergency clinician to join our team in Gainesville. Exceptional interpersonal skills are a must for our group as we are a fun, energetic team that is highly focused on outstanding patient care, exemplary client and referring veterinary service and progressive growth. Your schedule would be an average of three shifts per week covering the duties of the emergency service (receiving cases and overseeing hospitalized patients) with rotating weekend duty. BluePearl is an

It’s been a great 20 years. Want to join the celebration?

Over 260 practices in 28 states and growing. acquisitions: acq@vetcor.com • jobs: careers@vetcor.com

The Cat Thyroid Center

98% Success Rate.

Guaranteed.

“Dr. Ott and his team are true professionals who always go above and beyond in the care of both the patient and the patient’s people. The Cat Thyroid Center has treated two of my family members and both of these demanding ladies had absolutely no complaints at the level of service and attention they received during their I-131 spa treatment.”

-Dr. William Walsh, A Pet’s Friend Animal Hospital, Venice, FL

 Specialized Treatment in a Warm, Homelike Environment.  Focus on Customer Service Excellence with Individualized Patient Care.  Over 15 Years of Experience.  Short, 48 Hour Stay.

“Over the years I have referred literally dozens of hyperthyroid cats to the Cat Thyroid Center. Every client I have sent has been very impressed and happy with the service they and their pet has received. The feedback I get is always positive, and I will continue to refer my clients to Dr. Ott for I-131 treatment.”

-Dr. Andrew King, Cat Hospital of Sarasota, Sarasota, FL “The Cat Thyroid Center offers excellent medical care and makes sure the patient and client feel at home. Dr. Ott does an amazing job following up with cases both with the owners and with me. He is always available when any questions arise. His compassion and knowledge make the Cat Thyroid Center superior when it comes to treatment and as a result we highly recommend him.”

-Dr. Sherri Basso, Pine Castle Animal Care Center, Orlando, FL

The Gentle Cure for Hyperthyroidism

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Florida Practice Listings!

North Florida– Solo Dr. small animal, 2017 gross $905k, Well established, new digital X-ray. High net...Priced to sell.

Central Fl.– 2 Dr. Practice with 2017 gross of $1.5mm+. 2500 sq. ft. office with 2800 sq.ft. pet resort. Well equipped and well established.

Sarasota County– 1.5 Dr. Practice 2017 gross about $730K. Nice free standing office on major 4 lane. Well established and well equipped in a rapidly growing area.

New-Central Fl.– Solo Dr. Practice with 2017 gross of $860k priced to sell. Established for about 40 years with great reputation.

New-Central Fl.– 1.5 Dr. Practice, beautiful hospital, well equipped. 2017 gross just under $1mm.

New-Florida– Very profitable weeknight and weekend emergency clinic. Nice hospital, well equipped 2017 gross $1.16mm Are Corporate Groups contacting you about buying your Practice?

If so, let us help you make sure you get your best deal!!!

We are looking for quality practices to list in Florida.

If your are considering selling your Practice, call us for a complimentary Consultation!!!

Contact Dr. Richard Alker for further practice information.

850.814.9962 or Richard@tpsgsales.com |

Showcase Properties of Central Florida, Broker

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Florida Practices for Sale

(FL60M)

FL: North Miami: $766K+ gross, SA, solo dr. Leased facility. (FL60M)

L25J)

FL: Jacksonville Area: $1M+ gross, 36+ years, SA, solo dr. (FL25J)

D revenues

FL: Sunrise. $795K+gross. Solo dr. 95% doctor produced. YTD revenues up 40% (FL14S)

(GA14F)

GA: Southeast GA: 700K+ gross, YTD Rev up 15%, 2 dr. prx. (GA14F)

ent practice g funds are oyle Watson n-obligatory well spent. .com

31522 om

GA: Doughtery County. Well-equipped, established 30+years. $718K+gross. SA, solo dr. (GA63A) Practice owners…buyers are ready to be owners! The current practice sales market is dynamic with buyers. Commercial financing funds are readily available and buyer terms are attractive. Contact Dr. Doyle Watson at Simmons & Associates today, for a complimentary, non-obligatory consultation. The dialogue will be informative and time well spent. southeast@simmonsinc.com*800-333-1984* www.simmonsinc.com 1610 Frederica Road * Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 Toll Free: 800.333.1984 * www.simmonsinc.com Email: southeast@simmonsinc.com Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

WWW.FVMA.ORG |

THE FVMA |

@FLORIDAVMA |

@FLORIDA_VMA | 33

Florida Veterinary Medical Association 7207 Monetary Drive Orlando, FL 32809

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“Simmons & Associates’ advisors provided me with the insight necessary to be successful in this competitive profession.

Their dedication to our profession is unquestioned, as they daily demonstrate the highest degree of ethical standards and professionalism.

Colleagues enlisting their help are assured of a personal touch, a sincere effort to satisfy, and a team of hard-working professionals.”

– Richard Swanson, DVM, Past President, AVMA

Sales & Acquisitions | Valuations | Exit Strategy | Facilitation | Buyers Agency 1­800­333­1984 | www.SimmonsInc.com | Southeast@SimmonsInc.com 1610 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522