President's MESSAGE “'Tis not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies” - Thomas Paine 7207 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. 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
These past few months have flown by and have been filled with challenges and opportunity. In 2017, Hurricane Irma cut a path of destruction from the Florida Keys, through West Central Florida and then into Georgia. This year, Hurricane Michael carved its path through the Florida Panhandle leaving many of our colleagues facing crushing challenges. It is times like these that remind us of our mutuality, our oneness in this mission of serving the animals and the public of Florida, and our need for one another. Dr. Terry Clekis, the FVMA’s Disaster Response Committee chair, has again spearheaded the FVMA’s efforts to support the animals and the practitioners affected by the storm. Thank you to all who have offered your services, supplies, finances and moral support, even offering homes and practice space to those in need. Contact the FVMA office for more information on available post-disaster resources or to contribute to the FVMA Foundation to assist the victims of the storm. Together, we can get through these challenges. In September, the FVMA met to review the Strategic Plan of the FVMA for 2020-2025 and to create a strategic plan for the FVMA Foundation. Our mission continues to be to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and well-being, and protect public health. In order to more effectively fulfill this mission, the FVMA will continue to enhance our working relationship with the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP), the UF College of Veterinary Medicine (UF CVM) and the new team member associations. We are also developing strategies to better serve all fields of veterinary medicine including food animal, shelter medicine, exotic animal and wildlife medicine. Currently representing 4,200 veterinarians and more than 1,600 veterinary team members, the FVMA wants 100 percent of our profession to join because together, as one voice, we will more effectively advance the profession and meet the needs of the animals of Florida. Do you know someone who is not a member of the FVMA? Encourage them to join today. Speaking of sticking together – did you know that this year Kentucky passed a 6 percent services tax on all veterinary companion animal service which went into effect on July 1? Even after the governor vetoed the bill, the legislature voted to overturn the governor’s veto. Did you know the FVMA Professional Advocacy Committee (FVMA PAC) has helped to defeat a similar bill in Florida? Did you know the Florida state legislature is still looking for ways to increase revenues? The FVMA, already recognized by our legislators as the voice of veterinary medicine in Florida, is advocating on behalf of the animals of Florida so that animals are not prevented from receiving the care they need due to similar increases in the cost of care. Have you donated to the FVMA PAC this year? Give now to help us amplify your voice for the animals of Florida! Lastly, the FVMA is continuing to provide outstanding continuing educations opportunities. The FAEP’s 14th Annual Promoting Excellence Symposium (PES) just concluded its world-class presentation of equine-exclusive continuing education. The 6th Annual Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference (TGAVC) was held in early December and was once again a record-breaking meeting! The Ocala Equine Conference and the Harvey Rubin Memorial Food Animal Conference are not far behind. Lastly, the launch of the Power of 10 Leadership Training Program is just around the corner. Start preparing now to nominate and support the next generation of leaders of veterinary medicine in Florida so that together we can continue to advance the profession of veterinary medicine in Florida. Respectfully,
Marc Presnell, DVM
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. 2 | FVMA ADVOCATE