2021 Fall Town & Country Call Newsletter

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // FALL 2021

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL

2022 VVC & AWARDS CEREMONY - 04 2022 DAY AT THE CAPITOL- 07 SALES TAX LEGISLATION UPDATE - 07 POWER OF 10 LEADERSHIP PROGRAM- 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 Talya George Associate Director Caroline Bryan Administrative Coordinator Victoria Staples Association Coordinator

submission deadline

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OFFICERS

Terry Swecker, DVM President

Martin Betts, DVM President-Elect

Lauren Maxey, DVM Vice President

Brian Neumann, DVM

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

Immediate Past President

November 21, 2021

DIRECTORS

Secretary-Treasurer

Jay Margolis, DVM

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.

Nathaniel Burke, 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.

VAFAP

Laura Chretien, DVM Fredericksburg

Courtney Conroy, DVM At-Large

Edward Fallin, DVM Central

Sherri Gard, DVM

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Northern VA

VAEP

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

Jessica Kraft, DVM Roanoke Valley

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

Larry Younger, DVM Southside VMA

Maddie Nardi Student Representative

AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Erin Casey, DVM Delegate

Katie Rohrig, DVM Alternate Delegate

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PRESIDENT'S FALL UPDATE TERRY SWECKER, DVM, PHD, DACVN

2021 MENTOR PROGRAM & MIXER What an amazing group of mentors! This year we were able to continue the in-person mentor program. The amount of energy and interaction in the room was incredible. We had over 90 veterinarians from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and other states providing their sage advice and encouragement to over 200 students. I believe this level of interaction between current and future veterinarians vastly exceeds any other program in the country and speaks loudly to your commitment to organized veterinary medicine.

Special thanks to all of the veterinarians who took time out of their busy days to “pay it forward." You can find a video documenting the day’s activities here. Mentor day was followed by a Career Mixer and Match where clinics were able to engage with current students on future job opportunities.

SALES TAX EXEMPTION We continue to move forward with the Vectre group and have identified patrons for the bill in the Senate and House. This fall, the VVMA will welcome Katie Hellebush from Hellebush Consulting as a part time lobbyist. We are fortunate that we will have a transition period with Katie as Susan Seward is entering her last year with the VVMA and we certainly wish Susan the best as she moves forward with her new adventure. Please put Wednesday, January 19, 2022 on your schedule for the VVMA Day at the Capitol in Richmond. Register for the Day at the Capitol here!

POWER OF 10 Dr. Brian Neumann outlined a revised schedule for the next class in the Power of 10.

Please contact the VVMA office if you would like to recommend a young colleague or associate for this wonderful program. Applications are being accepted through December 15, 2021. Apply here!

2022 VIRGINIA VETERINARY CONFERENCE The program and speakers for VVC 2022 are being finalized at this time. Special thanks to Dr. Marty Betts and program chairs for putting together an excellent program. We thank those that filled out the recent survey on the potential for a hybrid model for 2022. After reviewing the responses, we do not believe it is fiscally viable to provide a hybrid conference in 2022. We do, however, recognize the interest and are looking at options for hybrid options for future conferences. We look forward to the conference, February 24-26, 2022 in Roanoke to be the best ever!

Upcoming Events Please consider adding the following items to your calendar: 2022 Legislative Day: January 19, 2022 in Richmond, VA 2022 Virginia Veterinary Conference: February 24-26 in Roanoke, VA

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Virginia Veterinary Conference & Awards Ceremony

February 24-26, 2022 at the Hotel Roanoke LEARN MORE HERE! Registration opens in November!

Did you attend the 2021 VIRTUAL VVC? You are eligible for up to a $30 credit for 2022 registration!

Additional details will be available when registration opens.

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 after ce on friday evening (FEB 25 at 5:45pm)

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VVMA Day at the Capitol

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2022

Downtown Richmond Marriott | 10am-1pm

All veterinarians and members are encouraged to join us for an informational session, legislation review & working lunch. This is a great opportunity to meet the VVMA executive committee, other VVMA members and leaders, and learn more about proposed bills for 2022.

VVMA directors, Staff and our full-time legislative consultant work year-round to Monitor legislation that could affect the practice of veterinary medicine in Virginia. click here for info & registration!

The VVMA is working on legislation that would

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EXEMPT

all veterinarians

from paying sales tax on drugs they use and sell.

Sales Tax Initiative Update: We have been working closely with the Virginia Department of Taxation to draft legislation exempting companion animal veterinarians from paying sales tax on drugs they use in practice or sell. With support from key legislators our legislative team plans to pre-file the bill shortly.

Prior to any additional legislative visits, our legislative team is reaching out to key animal groups and organizations in Virginia to develop a list of supporting organizations. Watch your email for additional updates and progress on the sales tax initiative.

Sales Tax Initiative Background: In Virginia the only medical profession to pay tax on the drugs used in practice or sold to clients are companion animal veterinarians. This includes the pharmacies that fill pet prescriptions for pet owners. The current veterinary sales tax law is unfair to pet owners because it increases the cost of care for their pets. But it is also unfair to Virginia veterinarians because it increases the cost to do business and makes it harder to compete with pharmacies that are not paying sales tax.

This initiative comes at a significant cost to the VVMA in the way of legislative fees. Any financial contribution you can make to this initiative would be greatly appreciated. Please contact the VVMA office if you would like to make a contribution.

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2021 Mentor Day A big thank you to our doctors, students and raffle gift

sponsors for one of the most successful Mentor Days yet!

pictures provided by VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine

want to join the fun? Click to sign up to be a mentor or student mentee for the 2022-2023 school year!

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ATTENTION 2013-2019 GRADUATES! ATTENTION 2015-2021 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 opportunity is complimentary to selected participants!

This is a year long commitment from February 2022February 2023 where we will have a mixture of five/six inperson 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 December 15, 2021

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Class of 2025

picture provided by VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine

At the White Coat Ceremony, the DVM Class of 2025 received their official lab coats, stethoscopes, and a welcome to the profession from the VMCVM Alumni Society, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association.

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In Memory of Dr. Kent Roberts

Dr. Kent Clayton Roberts, age 95, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Dr. Roberts served as the VVMA President from 1966 to 1967.

He was presented with the VA MD College of Veterinary Medicine's most prestigious honor, the John N. Dalton Award, during the college's 2009 commencement ceremonies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

Dr. Roberts was recognized for his lifetime achievements and contributions as a successful private practitioner, a leader in the organized veterinary medical community, a founding faculty member of the VA MD College of Veterinary Medicine and his generous donations as a philanthropist.

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

VETERINARIAN classifieds

ADMINISTRATOR

LVTS & ASSISTANTS

classifieds

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

Suzanne Boston, DVM KLK Relief Veterinary Services Located in the Alexandria, VA Area- licensed in Virginia and Florida. Current DEA license, DVM from University of Georgia (2014). Available Monday-Friday from 9am until 5pm. I am currently open for relief within 10 miles of the Alexandria area. I provide outpatient care to dogs and cats. Resume, contract and professional references available upon request.

Email: suzannebostondvm@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 throughout VA 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

Karoline M. Roderer, DVM My goal is to seamlessly provide care to your patients as though you were providing the care yourself.

University of Illinois (DVM, 2014; Virginia license, DEA license; USDA certification Available for outpatient relief for general practice (dogs/cats). Online booking available. www.rodererveterinaryrelief.com (847) 902-1045 | info@rodererveterinaryrelief.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

Katrin Ventocilla Robinson, DVM 2008 Graduate, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima-Peru. Worked 3 years as Head LVT prior to ECFVG certification as a US DVM in 2016. Experienced working in a fast pace small animal practice in Northern VA. Fluent in Spanish & German. Current VA and DEA License. USDA Accredited.

571-839-3971 | katrinventocilladvm@gmail.com

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e m M b A e r M B V e V nefit E E R F

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // FALL 2021

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL