2023 Fall Town & Country Call Newsletter

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // FALL 2023

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL

DVM STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND - 04 COASTAL VMA CE EVENT - 06 2024 VETERINARY AWARD NOMINATIONS - 09

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

P U B L I C A T I O N

OFFICERS

Lauren Maxey, DVM President

Nathaniel Burke, DVM President-Elect

Brian Neumann, DVM Vice President

vvma staff

Talya George Executive Director

Victoria Staples Associate Director

Samantha Teunis Association Coordinator

Virginia Veterinary Medical Association

Courtney Conroy, DVM Secretary-Treasurer

Martin Betts, DVM

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

Immediate Past President

submission deadline

Abbegail Bingaman, DVM

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

Laura Chretien, DVM

November 27, 2023 MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & WORK-LIFE SERVICES

DIRECTORS

Rebecca Beamer, DVM Southwest VA & VASART Northern VA Fredericksburg

Edward Fallin, DVM Central

Sherri Gard, DVM VAEP

Bom Harris, DVM VAFAP

Christopher Hussion, DVM Loudoun

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.

Courtney Wiegard, 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.

Stuart Morse, DVM

Roanoke Valley

Joseph May, DVM Southside VMA Prince William

Rachael Nuzzo, DVM Shenandoah

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

Ashley Powell, DVM Coastal

Cheryl Simpson-Freeman, DVM Piedmont

Allison Sparks, DVM Appalachian

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255 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.

Jamie Stewart, DVM At-Large

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.

Bret VanLear, DVM Blue Ridge

Garrett Wood, DVM Jefferson

Virginia Newman Student Representative

AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Dianna Thornton, DVM Delegate

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

Alternate Delegate

President's

Message

LAUREN MAXEY, DVM Happy Fall!

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and is welcoming the transition to chillier weather.

VVMA appreciates the opportunity to partner with VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine in many ways. In August, I had the pleasure of distributing stethoscopes to the incoming veterinary Class of 2027 alongside Dr. Bill Tyrrell, a past president of VVMA. The students were so thankful and were excited to use the stethoscopes in their upcoming labs and clinics. We’re grateful for our fellow stethoscope sponsors: CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, West Virginia VMA and VA-MD CVM Academic Affairs.

This past weekend was Mentor Day and Connect 2023. It also happened to be my 10-year anniversary and I really enjoyed seeing my 2013 classmates there! Mentor Day is one of my favorite events as it is a way to give back to the veterinary school and support our students. If you were unable to attend this year, please consider joining us in 2024. The students are always so appreciative, and the activities and roundtables are always enjoyable.

Another way you can support the veterinary students is through the newly established, completely donor funded, VMCVM DVM Student Emergency Fund.

The fund distributes monetary aid to students in immediate financial need.

In January, we will hold our annual Day at the Capitol in Richmond, VA where we will discuss proposed legislation that affects veterinary medicine in Virginia. Event details are still being finalized and will be shared in early November!

While it’s hard to believe, we’re only a few months away from our annual Virginia Veterinary Conference which will be held February 22-24, 2024 at the historic Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. On Friday evening, we will hold our Virginia Veterinary Awards Banquet. Award nominations are now open! Please take the time to nominate a veterinarian, staff member, friend of the VVMA, industry representative or animal hero for these awards. We love recognizing our colleagues and celebrating their achievements and contributions to the veterinary profession.

I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events!

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DVM Student

Emergency Fund

Thanks to generous donations from the community, the VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine can now offer additional financial assistance to DVM students who find themselves in immediate financial need, due to no fault of their own.

It's an unfortunate reality that students sometimes find themselves experiencing the possibility of eviction or food insecurity because of unforeseen life events, but VA-MD CVM is dedicated to ensuring they do everything they can to support students during their time in vet school. Many thanks to the donors who contribute to this and make this support a reality.

Support the DVM Student Emergency Fund You can make a difference in a DVM student’s life in immediate financial need a with gift today. This program is completely donor funded, so every donation make a huge difference. Each gift gets us one step closer to ensuring security for all our students.

CLICK TO MAKE A GIFT TODAY If you’d prefer to make your gift by mail, please follow the below instructions: Make the check out the ‘Virginia Tech Foundation’ In the memo line, write ‘DVM Student Emergency Fund’ Mail the check to: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Attn: Maggie Meikle 215 Duck Pond Drive, Suite 2002 Blacksburg, VA 24061 For any questions on how to make a gift, please contact Maggie Meikle (mjmeikle@vt.edu), associate director of development, or another member of the VA-MD CVM development team.

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October newsletter CUSTOMER SERVICE & EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE

Emotional resilience as it applies to customer service is the ability to cope with, adapt to, or bounce back from the challenges of difficult customer interactions. Build these resilience skills by 1) practicing asking yourself “What am I feeling right now?” This simple exercise creates reflexes for self-awareness and allows you to choose your reaction to inordinate stress. 2) Discover and then implement mini strategies to calm yourself when you are under stress.

(Your MAP can help.) 3) Maintain a social support network that you can turn to when things do get tough. 4) Be optimistic and believe you can master the customer service challenge. It’s a special job that imparts tremendous skills you’ll apply throughout your life.

POWER OF “AUTHENTICITY” AT WORK Authentic employees use an honest, transparent, no-façade approach to interactions with others at work. If that sounds like you, then others find you easy to be around because your genuineness makes them feel safe and prompts their desire to also be authentic. Authentic employees are more willing to show their true emotions and admit mistakes. Their communication style helps eliminate misunderstandings, miscommunication, and the hidden agendas that create conflict at work.

Obviously, the payoffs for being authentic are greater job satisfaction, less stress, and more camaraderie with coworkers. This is why authentic employees are often held up as role models. Authenticity can be a bit risky. Showing honesty and vulnerability can expose you to criticism by some, but the productivity payoffs and being a happier worker are worth it. Ultimately, authenticity makes you stand out and appear more valuable, and it improves your career prospects

MENTAL HEALTH RISK AT WORK

Like physical risk, psychological risk can also exist at work. These types of risks include unresolved conflicts, isolation, overwork, lack of work-life balance, and even an unclear job role. Not all hazards have easy answers, but many do, and your MAP is ready to help by working with you to find the right intervention strategy. Making the necessary changes can lead to a workplace that offers a sense of purpose and an opportunity for positive relationships. The United Nations has a strong interest in workplace mental health and has offered a researchbased list of mental health hazards at work. And turn to your MAP for help intervening in risks that affect you.

CLICK TO ACCESS THE MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SERVICES & RESOURCES (FREE!)

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Coastal VMA 7 CE EVENT

Earn up to

CE credits!

November 4, 2023 | 8:00am-6:00pm

oncology cardiology dentistry ophthalmology internal medicine dermatology CLICK FOR THE SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION!

VVMA Members: $150 Non-Members: $200 CE, Breakfast, lunch & happy hour reception included in registration fee

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connect with colleagues & vendors and Earn up to 15 CE hours!

CE Tracks include: Small Animal I Small Animal II Equine Food Animal Technician Public Practice (Friday only)

FEBRUARY 16-18, 2024 HOTEL ROANOKE & CONFERENCE CENTER REGISTRATION OPENS IN MID NOVEMBER!

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We are excited to share the release of "Driving Home Naked: And Other Misadventures of a Country Veterinarian" written by VVMA Past President, Dr. Melinda McCall!

Buckle up for a wild ride with Dr. Melinda as she takes you along on her adventures as a large animal veterinarian in rural Virginia. No two days are alike as she skillfully deals with the antics of both animals and humans with humor and grit.

More information on Dr. McCall and her books can be found below on her website.

Congratulations Dr. McCall!

Welcome to the VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2027!

In August, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed the newest class of future veterinarians. To help celebrate the Class of 2027, VVMA President, Dr. Lauren Maxey and VVMA Past President, and Co-Chief Medical Officer for CVCA: Cardiac Care for Pets, Dr. Bill Tyrrell, attended the Stethoscope Ceremony in Blacksburg, held on August 16th.

Supported by the VA-MD CVM, CVCA: Cardiac Care for Pets, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, the stethoscopes serve as a symbol of reminding us of the origins of this great profession, as well as how far we have come.

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2024 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 23 in Roanoke, VA.

Please submit before DECEMBER 5, 2023

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.

CLICK TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION!

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vvma member benefit

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

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 $155.00 per 200-word ad for non-members.

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

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // FALL 2023

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL