2023 Summer Town & Country Call Newsletter

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // SUMMER 2023

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL

X-RAY SAFETY WEBINAR - 05 ROBIN'S RETIREMENT - 06 & 07 RETAIL SALES & USE TAX ON VACCINES- 08 & 09 2024 VETERINARY AWARD NOMINATIONS - 12

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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

Robin Schmitz

retiring June 30, 2023!

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

September 4, 2023 MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & WORK-LIFE SERVICES 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.

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.

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

OPEN POSITION Roanoke Valley

Joseph May, DVM Southside VMA

Stuart Morse, DVM 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 Erin Casey, DVM Delegate

Dianna Thornton, 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

The VVMA executive board and staff have been busy the past few months with legislation and some happenings at the veterinary school.

We are happy to report vaccines have been included in the sales and use tax exemption (see Pages 6 & 7). A huge thank you to our legislative chairs, Dr. Jason Bollenbeck and Dr. Kelly Gottschalk, our lobbyist, Susan Seward and VVMA officers, directors and members that worked on the legislation over the past few years.

Dr. Jacqueline Pelzer, VVMA member and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has been running a food bank for the veterinary students. She has also been working on a way to provide financial assistance to students in need. The Northern Virginia VMA and DC Academy ran a food drive at their last meeting which helped restock the food bank for the summer. If you are able to help-- Dr. Pelzer is currently accepting gift cards, specifically to Airbnb, Wal-Mart, and Kroger. For Dr. Pelzer’s mailing address, please contact the VVMA office and the staff will provide you with more information. Thank you for everyone’s donations thus far!

We are still working on being more present and involved at VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine. In May, I attended graduation to deliver the Veterinarian’s Oath-- it was a fantastic experience. It reinvigorated my passion and excitement for our profession seeing everyone so proud and eager. In August, the VVMA will be giving stethoscopes to the incoming Class of 2027. Many thanks to CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, the West Virginia VMA and VA-MD CVM Academic Affairs office for helping sponsor the stethoscopes for the new students!

If you haven’t signed up yet, this is a reminder that the VMCVM Mentor Event will be October 5-6th, 2023. This is a program that benefits all attendees and is a great way to give back to the profession.

Lastly, we are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Virginia Veterinary Awards. This is a great opportunity to recognize an outstanding colleague, staff member, vendor and/or an animal hero. Please see page 12 for the award categories and link to submit a nomination I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and planning fun vacations or staycations for the near future.

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FREE for VVMA members!

REGISTER HERE!

Mentor Program LEARN MORE & SIGN UP HERE

October 5-6, 2023 VA-MD CVM | Blacksburg, VA

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30 years of wonderful We want to wish a heartfelt congratulations to our outgoing executive director, Robin Schmitz, as she officially retired on June 30!

Robin has worked with and for the VVMA for just shy of 30 years. She knows the ins and outs of all aspects of the association and our members and has been a fiercely loyal, focused and dedicated leader.

Under her savvy and resourceful leadership, the VVMA has thrived as a strong and productive association.

Robin is looking forward to spending a lot more time, hopefully at the beach, with her husband, Ron, her kids, Conner and Jenn, and her beautiful grandbabies, Lauren and Peyton.

Luckily for us, Robin isn’t going too far. She plans to work a few days a month to help with VVMA financials. Her email is staying the same (robin@vvma.org) so feel free to shoot her a message!

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moments & memories

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEARLESS LEADERSHIP & SERVICE TO THE VVMA, ROBIN!

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VVMA AT WORK

FOR ITS MEMBERS

Please see below for clarification and ruling on retails and use tax application to certain animal vaccines:

continued on Page 6

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If you have any questions pertaining to this information, please contact: Wilson Mustian VA Office of Tax Policy Appeals and Rulings (804) 371-6712.

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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

CONGRATULATIONS to the doctors in the VA-MD CVM Class of 2023!

VVMA Member, Dr. Bonnie Smith, was the 2023 Commencement speaker.

VVMA President, Dr. Lauren Maxey, read the Veterinarian's Oath.

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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 // SUMMER 2023

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL