VVMAINFORMATION
VVMASTAFF
TalyaGeorge
Executive Director talya@vvma org
VictoriaStaples
Associate Director victoria@vvma org
SamanthaTeunis
Association Coordinator admin@vvma.org
The
MEMBERASSISTANCEPROGRAM &WORK-LIFESERVICES
The VVMA partners 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.
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.
If
OFFICERS
BrianNeumannDVM President
SherriGard,DVM
President-Elect
BretVanLear,DVM Vice President
CourtneyConroy,DVM
Secretary-Treasurer
NathanielBurke,DVM
Immediate Past President
DIRECTORS
RebeccaBeamer,DVM Southwest VA OPENPOSITION
Fredericksburg
JaclynClement,DVM Piedmont
CarolineEckstrom,DVM
Northern VA
EdwardFallin,DVM
Central
BomHarris,DVM VAFAP
KielHausler,DVM
Prince William ChristopherHussion,DVM
Loudoun OPENPOSITION
Southside VMA
ShellyMcDaniel,DVM VAEP
NolanProck,DVM
Coastal
ThomasSchudlich‘28
Student Representative
AllisonSparks,DVM
Appalachian
JamieStewart,DVM
Blacksburg Area
A’ndreaVanSchoick,DVM Shenandoah
AshleyNelson,DVM
Blue Ridge
CourtneyWiegard,DVM
Roanoke Valley
C.GarrettWood,DVM
Jefferson
AVMAREPRESENTATIVES
LaurenMaxey,DVM Delegate
TerrySwecker,DVM
Alternate-Delegate
Message BrianNeumann,DVM
Friends and Colleagues,
The hot weather is coming to an end, everyone is back in school, and we are firmly planted in the middle of football season. The summer was still a very busy time for the VVMA, which was first highlighted by a strong presence at the AVMA Convention taking place in Washington, DC We were able to have an active booth in the vibrant exhibit hall at the convention, allowing networking opportunities and education with so many wonderful members of our profession within the state and abroad.
The highlight of the summer was my having the distinct honor to distribute stethoscopes to the incoming class of 2029 at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) in August. Seeing how excited and eager the new students are only gives me incredible hope for the future of our profession. I would like to extend many thanks to CVCA, VMCVM and West Virginia VMA for the sponsorship of the stethoscopes for the next chapter of future veterinarians.
There has been much progress in the process to address the large animal veterinarian shortage in our state. There have been over 40 applications for 4 grant awards that will be granted before years end. To say I am proud of the investment that is being made to help our large animal colleagues is an understatement. I look forward to all that is to come with the revitalization of such an important sector of our profession.
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Message BrianNeumann,DVM
At the end of September, VVMA successfully helped with the third straight Coastal VMA CE event. I am hopeful that this continues to be an annual success and continues to strengthen engagement in that part of the state
Another incredible Mentor Program just concluded at VMCVM. We were able to have a successful mixer dinner in the college to kick off the program, followed by an outing at a local establishment and formal mentor event the next day. Over 100 veterinarians were paired with students to help form supportive connections, shadowing opportunities, and so much more. I was honored with the chance to speak to the first and second years prior to the event to discuss the importance of mentorship and organized veterinary medicine as a whole.
We have an exciting winter coming up, starting off with our annual VVMA Legislative day. We will meet in Richmond at Maymont on Thursday, January 15 . There will be numerous bills that will be impacting our profession to be discussed during our meeting, and our fearless lobbyist and legislative committee will be meeting with state legislators to fight for what matters to our profession. th
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In addition, please mark your calendars for February 19 -21 , and be ready to book your rooms at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference center for our much-anticipated Virginia Veterinary Conference. We have already lined up a group of A-list of speakers and topics; we will also celebrate some phenomenal colleagues at the Virginia Veterinary Awards, as well We cannot wait to get all of our members together for a weekend of networking and reconnecting!
I hope everyone has a safe and productive fall, and that whatever football team you root for has a wonderful season! See you in January!
Warm regards,
Brian Neumann, DVM 2025 VVMA President
2026VAVeterinaryAwards
Each year, the VVMA recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the profession of veterinary medicine. Selected recipients will be recognized at the Virginia Veterinary Awards Ceremony, to be held on Friday,February20th,2026 in Roanoke, VA during the Virginia Veterinary Conference.
PaulF.LandisVeterinarianoftheYear
In memory of Dr Paul Landis (VVMA President from 1965-1966 and AVMA President from 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.
DistinguishedVirginiaVeterinarianAward
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.
VeterinaryServiceAward
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.
FriendoftheVVMAAward
This award is given to a non-veterinarian who is being recognized for outstanding contributions to the profession of veterinary medicine in Virginia.
RecentGraduateLeadershipAward
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
VeterinaryTeamMemberoftheYear
This award was created to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions and dedication by a non- veterinarian 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
CommercialRepresentativeAward
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 AnimalHeroAward
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 an outstanding service to humans that he would qualify as an Animal Hero.
Powerof10LeadershipProgram
TheVVMAisexcitedtoannounce anotheryearofthePowerof10 LeadershipProgram!Thegoalofthis programistohelprecentgraduates (2019-2025):
Betteryourselfinyourpractice, community,andpersonallife
Connectwithpeerstodiscussand betterapproachcareerchallenges
Developfundamentalleadership skills,personalbranding,and emotionalintelligence
Learnfromindustryleadersand partners
Applicationswillbeacceptedthrough November1st!Learnmoreandapply byclickingthebuttonbelow.
VVMAOfficerQ&A
Learn more about your 2025 VVMA officers and why they choose to support their professional association!
President:Dr.BrianNeumann
WhyissupportingyourstateVMA/beingamembersoimportant?
The VVMA is directly made up of veterinarians, who support our own. Through membership and support, this group can accomplish so much more to better our profession through education, comradery and advocacy Without the state organization, our voice in the legislative and public eye is diminished.
WhathasservingontheVVMAboardtaughtyou?
How much time do you have? I could list far too many things, but what I think it taught me the most is how much of an impact this group has on the veterinarians in this state. From assistance programs, to mentorship at the vet school, continuing education, legislative representation and more, this group actually serves all of us far more than we think it does Being intimately involved in all of it for years now has really opened my eyes to its importance to our special community
Whatisyourfavoritethingtodoonadayoff?
Fishing, hiking, cooking, or being at a brewery or winery If I can get away, a quick scuba trip is also pretty high up there!
Ifyoucouldtravelanywhereintheworld,wherewouldyougo?
I am addicted to getting my passport stamped, so the list is quite long However, the highest on my bucket list is Japan, and spend at least a month there!
Apersonwhohasinspiredyou:
My grandmother on my mom's side. Truly the single kindest woman I have ever met who has shown me that doing one thing to improve someone else's day is the best thing you can do as a person Raised 6 children and 11 grandchildren and there was never a time she didn't have a smile on her face
Youradvicefornewveterinarians:
Be kind to yourself Regardless of how ill-prepared you are, and regardless of how real that imposter syndrome feels, you made it here for a reason You aren't going to know everything and do everything right, and that is OK, and no reflection on you as a person or a veterinarian.
Embrace the community People say that they get into the vet field to get away from people People are the best part in some ways, especially your own colleagues and mentors Between organized medicine, conferences, CE and more, some of the best friends in my life have come from being involved in this community and embracing the relationships you can form with members of the profession
WhyissupportingyourstateVMA/beingamembersoimportant?
Most of the benefits of your state VMA are behind the scenes, and may not be obvious to the general population State VMA's have a huge hand in legislation, and while that's not always a "sexy" cause, it is most vital to my profession. The VVMA defends my license and my ability to practice, keeping veterinary medicine in the hands of the veterinarians The VVMA also has fought to keep medications available (like Xylazine) that are crucial to my daily life as an equine veterinarian
WhathasservingontheVVMAboardtaughtyou?
Working with such a variety of veterinarians, technicians and staff at the VVMA has allowed me to view other arms of veterinary medicine in our state, and I have been privy to the inner workings of our organization I vaguely knew some of the things that the VVMA does, but I now understand what great undertakings this organization attacks on a yearly basis.
Whatisyourfavoritethingtodoonadayoff?
I love to visit my local dive bar (shout out to Lendy's), read a book, drink a beer and enjoy some hot wings!
Ifyoucouldtravelanywhereintheworld,wherewouldyougo?
Beach, all day every day Not the busy kind, the rocky shore nobody around kind of beach!
Apersonwhohasinspiredyou:
My dad was the hardest working driven individual I have ever met He came from humble beginnings and showed me the value of hard work and the joy that comes with business ownership.
Youradvicefornewveterinarians:
I'm a huge proponent of "work hard, play hard and always stop for ice cream" This profession is what you make it There are good days and bad days, but the story is in the middle.
President-Elect:Dr SherriGard
VVMAOfficerQ&A
VicePresident:Dr BretVanLear
WhyissupportingyourstateVMA/beingamemberso important?
Supporting the state level veterinary medical association provides opportunities to help shape the practice of veterinary medicine that makes a meaningful difference on a level seen by colleagues each day in Virginia
WhathasservingontheVVMAboardtaughtyou?
Serving on the board as a regional director for the past 6 years has opened my eyes to the remarkable work that is done by the VVMA There are so many great people associated with the organization, including VVMA office personnel, directors, current and past executive committee members, along with individuals from affiliated organizations
Whatisyourfavoritethingtodoonadayoff?
Farm, fish, or mountain bike
Ifyoucouldtravelanywhereintheworld,wherewouldyougo?
Naming one place is such a tough call The list is long but would have to include the top outdoor recreation destinations from across the globe
Apersonwhohasinspiredyou:
From a work-related perspective, Dr Dave Urso, VP of Academic Affairs at BRCC, is most inspiring One can't help but leave his office feeling better. On a more personal level, my parents have inspired me to work hard and be grateful.
Youradvicefornewveterinarians:
Pretty simple, enjoy what you do If you don't, pivot
WhyissupportingyourstateVMA/beingamembersoimportant?
Working alongside other passionate veterinarians to advocate for our careers is essential. In particular, uniting alongside our colleagues on a legislative lobbying front is crucial to protecting our ability to practice medicine safely and effectively I particularly enjoy serving our platforms for young veterinarians, through the Power of 10 program and Mentor/Mentee committee; taking a step back to their shoes helps remind me of the joys of veterinary medicine and keeps the day to day from getting mundane and taxing
WhathasservingontheVVMAboardtaughtyou?
The veterinary community is somehow quite diverse and expansive, and yet at its core, quite small in that every member shares a common passion and mission to care for animals and our community Serving on the board has been particularly illuminating just how much goes into regulating our field from a governmental standpoint, and the importance of relaying practical implications of future laws/regulations to our legislators to allow a regulation to convey its true intent while preserving needs for day to day practice.
Whatisyourfavoritethingtodoonadayoff?
Spending time on our farm and getting our toddler involved with working in the garden, riding the horses, and taking care of the chickens on my days off is just the best I’ve also taken up beekeeping, which is enormously humbling, fascinating, and infuriating all at once
Ifyoucouldtravelanywhereintheworld,wherewouldyougo?
Fiji and New Zealand look stunningly beautiful.
Apersonwhohasinspiredyou:
Each and every veterinarian I’ve worked with has imparted memorable bits of wisdom and technical skill strategies Drs StarerSmith and Craig Sweeney inspired me through their care of my hunter pony as a junior rider to start my veterinary journey. Dr. Mark French really showed an amazing breadth of practice in a semi rural setting, and all that GPs can be during my shadowing days. Drs. Luce and Hood of my first practice were supportive and encouraging of taking on challenges in my early years out of school
Youradvicefornewveterinarians:
Secretary-Treasurer:Dr.CourtneyConroy
Strive to become comfortable in knowing that there will always be unknowns, and then make sure to let me know the secret to that! Never forget that you are a person outside of veterinary medicine, and make time to care of that human, too
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QuarterlyHighlights
Check out how we’ve been supporting our Virginia veterinary community these past few months!
Welcome Class of 2029! VVMA President, Dr. Brian Neumann helped welcome the new DVM class in Blacksburg in August by presenting the new students with a stethoscope We look forward to calling these wonderful individuals colleagues in just four short years!
The VVMA Student Chapter at the Virginia-Maryland CVM is back in action! We had a great time cohosting the Apha Psi tailgate in September and look forward to hosting more events in the near future.
QuarterlyHighlights VM-CVMIndustryDay
VVMA Vice President, Dr. Bret VanLear and other industry professionals attended Industry Day at the VMCVM this September to showcase products and solutions with both veterinary students and faculty. Special thanks to our VVMA Industry Council members who joined us and IC President, Leina Greenwalt!
CoastalVMACEEvent
The Coastal Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (CVVMA) held their 3 annual CE Event this fall at the at the Historic Pembroke Manor House in Virginia Beach, now home of Animal Vision Center of Virginia Attendees could earn CE, participate in wet labs, and network during happy hour! Thanks to all of our event sponsors and attendees for supporting the coastal region!
QuarterlyHighlights
AmericanFoundationforSuicidePreventionWalk
The Northern Virginia VMA and DC Academy of Veterinary Medicine participated in their 2 annual suicide awareness walk in Fairfax this October. Building on last year’s success to raise awareness and funds for this issue, which uniquely touches our profession, they were able to raise $7,895 in donations this year!
Thank you to the 200+ participants who joined us earlier this month for VVMA’s annual Mentor Program at the VirginiaMaryland CVM! DVM students had the opportunity to connect with mentors and begin developing professional connections throughout the veterinary community.
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Virginia Veterinary Conference
February 19-21, 2026
