2022 Fall Town & Country Call Newsletter

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // FALL 2022

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL

POWER OF 10 LEADERSHIP PROGRAM - 04 DAY AT THE CAPITOL & 2023 VVC - 07 VA VETERINARY AWARD NOMINTATIONS - 09 DR. ERIN CASEY, AVMA BOD CAMPAIGN - 10

TOWN & COUNTRY CALL O F F I C I A L

P U B L I C A T I O N

Virginia Veterinary Medical Association 3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite D | Henrico, VA 23233 (P) 804-346-2611 (F) 804-346-2655 (E) info@vvma.org (W) www.vvma.org

vvma staff Robin Schmitz Executive Director

submission deadline

Victoria Staples

The deadline for receipt of copy to be included in the next issue of Town & Country Call is:

Samantha Teunis

November 7, 2022

Talya George Associate Director

Association Coordinator Administrative Coordinator

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OFFICERS Martin Betts, DVM President

Lauren Maxey, DVM President-Elect

Nathaniel Burke, DVM Vice President

Brian Neumann, DVM Secretary-Treasurer

Terry Swecker, DVM Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS

Rebecca Beamer, DVM Southwest VA

MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & WORK-LIFE SERVICES

Abbegail Bingaman, DVM

The VVMA has partnered with McLaughlin Young and offers a wonderful benefit for VVMA members. The Member Assistance Program & Work-Life Services are available to VVMA members and their immediate family.

Laura Chretien, DVM

Reasons to use the MAP include: financial planning, marital difficulties, parenting, stress, depression, work-related concerns, alcohol and drug use/abuse, grief and loss, or preventative.

FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE is available 24/7/365 at 800-633-3353

No matter what problems you are dealing with, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline wants to help you find a reason to keep living.

By calling, you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.

Your call is confidential and free.

Fredericksburg

Courtney Conroy, DVM At-Large

Edward Fallin, DVM Central

Sherri Gard, DVM VAEP

Bom Harris, DVM

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Northern VA

VAFAP

STUDENTS 1-540-231-6557

If you are concerned about yourself or any Virginia Tech student being (or becoming) suicidal, please call the Cook Counseling Center . This number can be used during regular office hours or after-hours to speak with a counselor.

Publication of materials in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

Christopher Hussion, DVM Loudoun

OPEN POSITION Roanoke Valley

Joseph May, DVM Southside VMA

Stuart Morse, DVM Prince William

Rachael Nuzzo, DVM Shenandoah

Ashley Powell, DVM Coastal

Peggy Rucker, DVM Appalachian

Cheryl Simpson-Freeman, DVM Piedmont

Samuel Tate, DVM VASART Bret VanLear, DVM Blue Ridge

Cassie Wagner, DVM At-Large

Garrett Wood, DVM Jefferson

Jennifer Kelleher Student Representative

AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Erin Casey, DVM Delegate

Dianna Thornton, DVM Alternate Delegate

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE MARTY BETTS, DVM Dear Colleagues: I hope this note finds you well and that you had an enjoyable summer. The VVMA has a busy fall and winter slate of events planned for you and the association.

In October, we will host the annual mentor day at the veterinary college. If you have not attended before, this is always a well attended event by both mentors and students. This year's event will be held on Thursday, October 20 evening and Friday, October 21 morning.

Our annual legislative day will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 10am-1pm. This is a free event for members (that includes lunch!).

Participants are informed about proposed or pending legislation that affects our profession and the VVMA develops a position on each issue. We then contact our respective legislators to discuss the legislation and voice our professional opinion. There are always several important issues being proposed that deserve our concern and attention.

February 2023 brings our annual meeting and the Virginia Veterinary Conference. The annual meeting will be held via Zoom and the membership will receive the notice and meeting information in January. The Virginia Veterinary Conference will be February 16-18, 2023 and will be held at the Hotel Roanoke; we have two full days of quality continuing education planned. Please join us for great CE, visit with your colleagues and enjoy the wonderful food and venue!

Most of us are aware of and are experiencing the shortage of Licensed Veterinary Technicians in Virginia. I am in the process of working with veterinarians and LVTs in attempt to identify all of the factors that have led to this shortage and then develop solutions. It is not a simple problem nor will it be resolved quickly. While income expectation for students considering veterinary technology is certainly an important factor, LVTs are just as concerned about their work environment and how much they are being allowed to perform the duties that they are trained to do. We are still very early in this process and if any of you have thoughts on this issue and especially any proposed solutions, please feel free to contact me through the VVMA office.

I hope to see you at some of the events we have planned this Fall/Winter.

virginia veterinary medical association

F POWER ATTENTION 2013-2019 GRADUATES!

10

Leadership Program

ATTENTION 2016-2022 GRADUATES! The VVMA is looking for 10 participants who would like to: better themselves in their practice, community & personal life connect with peers to discuss and better approach career challenges such as client/inner team communication and compassion fatigue develop fundamental leadership skills, personal branding and emotional intelligence learn from industry leaders and partners about financial management, practice ownership and leadership in the association and profession

This is a year long commitment from February 2023-February 2024 where we will have a mixture of five/six in-person and virtual meetings. Specific meeting topics will be chosen based on the group's suggestions and preferences.

Please make sure your employer is supportive of your participation, as you will likely need to miss a few days of work to attend P10 meetings.

CLICK TO APPLY!

Applications will be accepted through November 1, 2022.

The VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026's White Coat Ceremony was on August 19. The veterinary students received their official lab coats, their stethoscopes, and a welcome to the profession from the VMCVM Alumni Society, the Virginia VMA, and the Maryland VMA.

picture provided by VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine

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have you considered offering an assistance program at your practice?

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We are all aware of the extraordinary responsibility the practice of veterinary medicine entails and VVMA wants to emphasize the importance of utilizing our member assistance program (MAP); this MAP is in place to help our members with personal, financial, and/or work-life issues that they may face. We are excited to share an opportunity that will extend assistance program services to other veterinary team and staff members.

VVMA will continue sponsoring MAP services for our members but NOW practices may sign up and offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to their staff-- technicians, assistants, kennel staff, office staff, etc. and receive the same discounted, group pricing that VVMA is offered. Current pricing offers ALL of these services for $0.90/person/month. Once we hit a group total of 1,999+, the pricing is lowered to $0.67/person/month. VVMA currently pays for 1100+ members so we’re not too far off!

We ask that you please share this with management in your practice so that more individuals in the veterinary field have a chance to navigate whatever challenges may arise in their personal or professional lives. Again, if enough veterinary practices take part in this program, your monthly pricing will decrease.

If your practice is interested in offering this program, Gregg Hunter at McLaughlin Young, ghunter@mygroup.com, can assist you in setting up your practice account. Gregg may also be reached at 704-285-7944.

As a reminder, the covered member AND their immediate, household family members have access to: • professional counseling • expert tax services • financial advice • discounted legal services/representation • promotional savings center • alcohol and drug abuse therapy • marital/family difficulties • and much more!

While the stigma once associated with mental health has faded, some individuals still face obstacles in seeking help that they are entitled to. Let’s look out for each other and make these services readily available to our friends and colleagues. If you have questions about the assistance program, do not hesitate to contact the VVMA office at 804-346-2611 or email info@vvma.org

Member Assistance Program

support is only a few clicks away! www.vvma.org/assistance-program

online resources:

Visit www.mygroup.com Click "My Portal Login" Click on "Work-Life" Username: vvma1894 Password: guest

24/7/365 phone support:

800-633-3353 FREE & confidential

mark your calendars & join us at the upcoming events:

Day at the Capitol THURSDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2023

Downtown Richmond Marriott | 10am-1pm join us for an informational session, legislation review & working lunch with vvma's executive committee, lobbyist & other members and leaders as we discuss legislation that potentially affect virginia veterinarians.

registration is FREE and will open in november!

www.vvma.org/day-at-the-capitol

Virginia Veterinary Conference & Awards Ceremony FEBRUARY 16-18, 2023

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

EARN UP TO 15 CE HOURS!

Tracks include: Small Animal I & II, Equine, Food Animal, Public Practice & Technician Connect & catch up with colleagues Visit an exhibit hall full of vendors offering services & products to help you better practice veterinary medicine Celebrate some of our profession's finest members

WWW.VVMA.ORG/VVC

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2023 Virginia Veterinary Awards Each year, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the profession of veterinary medicine. Selected recipients will be recognized at the Virginia Veterinary Awards Ceremony on Friday, February 17 in Roanoke, VA.

Please submit before DECEMBER 1, 2022

TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE NOMINATION, VISIT WWW.VVMA.ORG/VAVETAWARDS

Paul F. Landis Veterinarian of the Year

(In memory of Dr. Paul Landis who served as VVMA President, 1965-1966 and AVMA President, 1982-1983.)

This is the highest VVMA award, recognizing a member of the association who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine.

Veterinarians who have exerted outstanding leadership in the building of a strong local and/or state association and who have contributed significantly to veterinary medicine in Virginia.

Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian Award Nominees should be individuals who, by their actions, bring recognition to veterinary medicine in Virginia. Also, nominees should be outstanding community leaders. For example, an individual might be considered for outstanding work with the Special Olympics or other community projects.

Veterinary Service Award

This award is designed to honor an individual who has been an excellent representative of the profession through active community involvement and/or veterinary service. This includes involvement in veterinary and/or non-veterinary groups and associations.

Friend of the VVMA This award is given to a non-veterinarian who is being recognized for outstanding contributions to the profession of veterinary medicine in Virginia.

Recent Graduate Leadership Award

Nominee must be a recent graduate and a member of the VVMA. Nominees should have made contributions to the profession through service to the association, such as service on a committee.

Veterinary Team Member of the Year

This award was created to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions and dedication by a nonveterinarian, staff member in the practice. The selected person goes above and beyond expectations in their role and has shown professional dedication to their work and/or has supported the practice’s mission through service contributions.

Commercial Representative Award This award is given to a representative from a company that provides outstanding service to Virginia veterinarians. Also, the representative should promote the profession through liaisons with the association, veterinarians, and the profession in general.

Animal Hero Award

This award is presented to an animal that has performed an individual act of service or heroism, or in performing his or her daily duties, has provided such an outstanding service to humans that he would qualify as an Animal Hero.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE!

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endorsements

Compassionate Leader Advocate for Veterinary Medicine Well-being Promoter

Having had the privilege of working with Dr. Erin Casey, I know that she is a proven forward-thinking leader at the state and national level. She will be fully engaged and focused while representing District II on the AVMA Board of Directors.

Mike Topper, DVM, PhD, DACVP AVMA Past-President

Dr. Erin Casey Candidate for A MA Board of Directors, District II

As a dedicated advocate for our profession, I am honored to run for the position of AVMA District 2 Chair. I strive to support the emotional and physical well-being of all members of the veterinary community, and promise to represent our District with integrity, pride, and grace during my term.

about me

Erin has been active in the Virginia VMA for 6+ years, serving as both an alternate delegate and delegate of the VVMA to the AVMA. She has served with remarkable dedication and represented the VVMA with exceptional professionalism and commitment.

Marty Betts, DVM Virginia VMA President Dr. Casey is one of the kindest and most dedicated people I have ever met. She is approachable, diplomatic and passionate about all aspects of veterinary medicine. She is the definition of a conscious, servant leader.

Talya George Virginia VMA Associate Director

vvma.org/dr_erin_casey_for_district2

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Treating Canine Allergic Dermatitis: What Works?

Speaker: Amelia White, DVM, MS, DACVD

WEBINAR OCT 19 | 7-9PM FREE for VVMA members!

hosted by

sponsored by

earn 2 CE credits!

REGISTER HERE!

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Click below to view; Classifieds and Advertising Information may be found at www.vvma.org/advertising

VETERINARIAN

classifieds

LVTS & ASSISTANTS

classifieds

FOR SALE/LEASE

classifieds

VVMA members may continue posting ads, free of charge.

Classified ads are $145.00 per 200-word ad for non-members.

RELIEF VETERINARIANS Deann Ashby-Mitchell, DVM Licensed to practice in VA & WV; Available: Tue-Sat, regular working hours. 70 miles from Bluemont, VA. 9 yrs. of experience. USDA accredited, good productivity, huge believer in effective client communication, DEA licensed.

352-871-7776 | ashbyvet@gmail.com

Kim Danoff, DVM Available weekdays & weekends. 1999 UF Grad; Internship trained at Tufts. Dogs, cats, birds, and some exotics. Northern Virginia, Prince William, Loudoun, & Fauquier Counties. Current Virginia & DEA Licenses.

571-212-5024 | kimdanoff@gmail.com

Matthew W. Kelcourse, DVM Southeastern VA/Hampton Roads. 1992 Tufts Graduate. Experience in: general/preventive medicine & routine surgery and complicated soft tissue & orthopedic surgery, Virginia & DEA license. Mon – Sat: 6 to 9 hour shifts. Long-term (2-3 weeks): considered; based on availability & location 941-416-8992 | vvrs2020@yahoo.com

James D. Meister, DVM Available 7 days/week for short or long term in the Shenandoah Valley. Available for both small animal or equine work. Private practitioner for 25 years. NC State graduate. I hold Virginia, USDA and DEA licenses.

847-344-0069 | prairiedvm@aol.com

Tosha Starke, DVM 12 years in practice. Personable; Available Monday-Saturday in Northern VA; Current DEA license; Licensed in VA; Professional references available; www.allfourpawsvetrelief.com (540) 239-8714 | info@allfourpawsvetrelief.com

Katrina (Kitti) Tadema-Wielandt, DVM Waynesboro & 100 mile radius; Available for long and short term relief; 20+ years experience in small animal medicine including emergency (540) 943-5731 | 1987uivet@gmail.com

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Veterinary Sales Tax Exemption FAQs HB 551 and SB 517 exempt veterinarians from sales and use tax on the purchase of prescription medicines and drugs that are administered or dispensed to patients within a veterinarian-clientpatient relationship (VCPR). This legislation, brought forth by the VVMA, repeals provisions of current law that provide that a veterinarian dispensing or selling medicines or drugs on prescription shall be deemed to be the user or consumer of all such medicines and drugs.

Virginia governor signs VETERINARY SALE TAX EXEMPTION

effective July 1, 2022

What does this mean to your practice?

This new law will mean more equity for veterinarians. It exempts veterinarians from paying and charging sales tax on schedule II-VI medications. Human pharmacies filling these same medications for pets, are already exempt. The Virginia Department of Taxation will add this to their list of sales tax exemptions once the legislation goes into effect July 1, 2022.

When does this take effect?

Beginning July 1, 2022 prescription medicines and drugs purchased by veterinarians and administered or dispensed to patients within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as defined in § 54.1-330 will not be subject to sales tax.

What is the difference between “use tax” and “retail sales tax”?

“Use tax” is the tax currently paid to the vendor or distributor when you purchase prescription drugs or prescription pet food for administration or dispensing to patients.

“Retail sales tax” is the tax you charge clients for retail or over-the-counter products, food or drugs that are not prescription.

What drugs or food are considered prescription medications and therefore are exempt from use or retail sales tax?

All schedule II-VI drugs (drugs that require a prescription by law (FDA)) are exempt from tax and this includes oral flea and tick medication. Similarly, prescription pet foods are currently treated as prescription medication by Virginia Department of Taxation. Since they require a prescription, they would also be exempt from tax.

When do we charge clients “retail sales tax” for medications/drugs or food?

Veterinarians are required to charge clients retail sales tax on all drugs/medications and non-prescription pet foods that can be purchased over-the-counter. For example, this includes nutraceuticals like joint supplements and probiotics as well as EPA regulated flea and tick medications like Frontline and Vectra. Currently Virginia TAX treats medicated shampoos as prescription even though they are not FDA regulated. The general rule of thumb is if you can buy it at Walmart or Amazon without a prescription then you need to charge retail sales tax.

Advise your colleagues and clients of this change in law! Let your clients know of the savings they will receive when filling prescriptions with your practice.

Make sure your colleagues know of the magnificent work VVMA is doing day in and day out before the VA General Assembly, saving an estimated $7.6 million in 2022 for patients and their owners by extending this benefit to cover domestic animals – a fraction of the human medical prescription drug tax exemption of $494 million!

Veterinarians should also make note to update their systems for billing and look for updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Taxation closer to the effective dates of July 1, 2022.

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e m M b A er Benefi M V V E E R t F

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // FALL 2022

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL