VETERINARY MEMORIAL FUND - 07
TUITION FOR TECHS - 08
UPCOMING EVENTS & P10 PROGRAM - 10
VIRGINIA VETERINARY AWARDS - 13
TOWN & COUNTRY CALL
VVMASTAFF
TalyaGeorge
Executive Director talya@vvma org
VictoriaStaples
Associate Director victoria@vvma.org
SamanthaTeunis Association Coordinator admin@vvma.org
VIRGINIAVETERINARY MEDICALASSOCIATION
3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite D Henrico, VA 23233 (804) 346-2611 (804) 346-2655 info@vvma org vvma.org
SUBMISSIONDEADLINE
The deadline for receipt of copy to be included in the next issue of Town & Country Call is: SEPTEMBER4,2024
MEMBERASSISTANCEPROGRAM &WORK-LIFESERVICES
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.
The Lifeline is a free,
to anyone in
or emotional distress If you or someone you know is feeling desperate, alone, or hopeless, please call:
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
OFFICERS
NathanielBurke,MS,DVM
President
BrianNeumann,DVM
President-Elect
SherriFieldGard,DVM Vice President
CourtneyConroy,DVM
Secretary-Treasurer
LaurenMaxey,DVM
Immediate Past President
DIRECTORS
RebeccaBeamer,DVM
Southwest VA & VASART
LauraChretien,DVM Fredericksburg
JaclynClement,DVM Piedmont
CarolineEckstrom,DVM
Northern VA
EdwardFallin,DVM
Central
BomHarris,DVM VAFAP
ChristopherHussion,DVM
Loudoun
JosephMay,DVM
Southside VMA
ShellyMcDaniel,DVM VAEP
StuartMorse,DVM
Prince William
VirginiaNewman,‘25
Student Representative
NolanProck,DVM
Coastal
AllisonSparks,DVM
Appalachian
JamieStewart,DVM Blacksburg Area
A’ndreaVanSchoick,DVM
Shenandoah
BretVanLear,DVM
Blue Ridge
CourtneyWiegard,DVM
Roanoke Valley
C.GarrettWood,DVM
Jefferson
AVMAREPRESENTATIVES
LaurenMaxey,DVM
Delegate
OPENPOSITION
Alternate-Delegate
President’s Message NathanielBurke,DVM
Colleagues,
Summer is upon us. To some, this means a welcome slowdown from the rush of spring and evokes smells of fresh cut hay and visions of fireflies in the twilight. For others, things speed up, as they rush off to busy weekends filled with reunions, family vacations, hours at the pool, and backyard cookouts. For the pessimists of you out there, you’ll recognize this as pinkeye season, maggot season, or perhaps just the season of itch. No matter your slant on summer, I wish you the best. Your association continues to work for you during the summer, as we look forward to the fall.
I recently had the pleasure of attending 2024 Commencement Ceremonies at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and was proud to represent the VVMA. I delivered the Welcome Message to the beaming graduates, and it was truly a highlight of my career. My basic premise of the welcome, “It’s not what you do, it’s who you are” hauntingly circled back to me several weeks later, as I struggled to help a family with the untimely euthanasia of a very special miniature horse, Domino. As I stood alone over the corpse of the mini, while they grieved, I was struck, “Wow, no matter how many of these we, as veterinarians, do sometimes they really still get you”. I was reminded that what we do is a gift, but is dually tough stuff. This makes me thankful for the VVMA and the many ways it supports us as we wind our ways through the day-to-day in this profession.
For one thing, I’m incredibly proud of the Member Assistance Program that we offer for our members and staff. Though it offers legal, financial, marital/relationship, stress and work/life balance services, it’s also there 24/7 for grief and crisis for anyone who might have a need. Compassion fatigue… Yeah, that’s a thing, and I get how it occurs. Never hesitate to reach out.
(continued on next page)
President’s Message
NathanielBurke,DVM
Secondly, even as we made the difficult decision to let Domino go, I already knew that our clinic would be making a contribution in his name to the Veterinary Memorial Fund. I mentioned this in previous postings, but I cannot emphasize enough what a great way this is to memorialize special patients. This collaborative between VVMA and VA-MD CVM is a long-standing labor of love that furthers clinically relevant evidence-based medicine. The letter that clients receive in memoriam yields an upsurge of gratitude that never ceases to amaze me.
Finally, the mentorship available in our network helps us all be akin. Many of our greatest friendships blossomed from mentorships when we were students and newbies. From a mentorship perspective, this is th ti f th f you will welcome high school students aspiring veterinarians, into your clinics the time to make a difference.
all at Mentor Day (October 3-4) and to welcome the next generations of hot) summer,
Domino - In Loving Memory
Support the Veterinary Memorial Fund
Here'showitworks:
MeaningfulContributions: When a cherished pet is euthanized under your care, your clinic contributes a minimum of $15 per pet to our Veterinary Memorial Fund. Contributions can be made online using a credit card or a check HeartfeltRemembrance: Upon receiving your donation, we send a customized Certificate of Remembrance to the families who have been honored by your generous gift. This certificate acknowledges your kindness and compassion, providing comfort and heartfelt gratitude. It reassures families that your care extends beyond the final visit, often encouraging them to return to your clinic with future furry family members.
AdvancingVeterinaryMedicine: Your contributions support our clinical research projects, driving progress and innovation in veterinary medicine. This research benefits the general practitioner by bringing gold-standard spectrum of care to local clinics. By making advanced medicine accessible, clinics can offer high-quality care to all clients, regardless of income, ensuring that more pets receive the best possible treatment.
GriefSupportResources: Participating clinics receive a 10-page PDF of grief support resources, ready for you to print and share with your clients. This packet includes self-care information, tips on comforting grieving pets, and advice on supporting children of any age, provided by our Veterinary Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Augusta O’Reilly. ComplimentaryGriefCounseling: Augusta has generously chosen to offer every euthanasia client two FREE virtual sessions with her or her intern for grief counseling, helping families navigate the difficult period without their beloved pet.
Joinourgrowingnetwork: Currently, we have over 300 clinics throughout Virginia and the surrounding areas that benefit from the reciprocal relationship formed by this fund. By broadening our reach, we aim to expand our research pool and make a meaningful impact on even more pet-loving families we support.
Join us in making a difference and providing lasting comfort to families during their time of need. Support the Veterinary Memorial Fund today! Interestedinparticipatingorfindingoutmore?
Please contact Katherine Harshman, LVT at kharshman@vt edu or call (540) 231-0465
TUITIONFORTECHS
The Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship, sponsored by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and Boehringer Ingelheim is awarded each year in conjunction with National Veterinary Technician Week.
TheTuitionforVetTechsScholarshipwillbeawardedtoupto20 applicantsperyearintheamountof$2500foreachscholarship. The scholarship funds may be used for payment of tuition fees, supplies for classes/labs, textbooks, and student loans. The scholarship funds will be mailed directly to the individuals who are selected as winners.
Applicants can apply and be awarded the scholarship once per calendar year, provided they meet the application eligibility requirements. Applicationsarenowbeingaccepted,andthedeadlineforapplication submissionisJuly22,2024.Recipients of the Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship shall be selected by the NAVTA/BI Scholarship Task Force. Each application will be assessed by the Task Force based on the meeting of eligibility criteria, professionalism of the application, and essay completeness, spelling, and grammar. NAVTA will notify the winning applicants by October 2, 2024. The winning applicants shall be announced publicly and officially awarded during National Veterinary Technician Week, October 13-19, 2024.
The Tuition for Techs taskforce is aware that AI is often used to help with writing. NAVTA really wants to know YOU. NAVTA will be using AI detection software to review your essay. If large portions seem to be AI generated, it may impact the submission of your essay. Learnmoreaboutscholarshipeligibility andhowtoapplybyclickingthebuttonbelow!
UPCOMINGEVENTS
27
JUNE
VVMAWebinar|7:00pm
“I’veJustAgreedtobetheVIC...WhatDoesThatMean?” PresentedbytheVirginiaBoardofVeterinaryMedicine. Earn1CEcreditforthispresentation!
Moredetailsandregistrationcomingsoon!
JointheCoastalVMAforadayofCEattheHistoric PembrokeManorHouseinVirginiaBeach. CoastalVMAEvent
3-4 OCT
28
SEPT
JoinusinBlacksburgattheVirginia-MarylandCollegeof VeterinaryMedicineandhelpmakeadifferenceina veterinarystudent’sfuture!RegistrationopeninginJuly. 2024MentorProgram
2025VirginiaVeterinaryConference
Savethedate!The2025VVCwillbeheldattheHotel Roanoke&ConferenceCenterinRoanoke,VA.
Exhibitorinfowillbesentoutinthelatesummer.
POWEROF10
20-22
FEB
TheVVMAisexcitedtoannounceanotheryearofthePowerof10Leadership Program!Thegoalofthisprogramistohelprecentgraduates(2018-2024):
Betteryourselfinyourpractice,community,andpersonallife
Connectwithpeerstodiscussandbetterapproachcareerchallenges
Developfundamentalleadershipskills,personalbranding,andemotional intelligence
Learnfromindustryleadersandpartners
Only10spotsareavailable!Applicationsfortheprogramwillbeaccepted throughJuly22,andapplicantswillbenotifiediftheyareselectedinmid/late August.
RELIEFVETS
KimDanoff,DVM (571)212-5024|kimdanoff@gmailcom
1999 University of Florida graduate; Internship trained at Tufts Dogs, cats, birds and some exotics
Northern Virginia, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties
Available weekdays and weekends
Current Virginia and DEA licenses
JaclynErwin,DVM (408)691-7192|info@qualcareveterinaryreliefcom
2010 University of Illinois graduate Virginia and DEA licenses
I have practiced small animal medicine during the past fourteen years working at three private small animal hospitals and the last five years as relief I enjoy practicing high-quality medicine where I can contribute to your hospitals continued success.
Available in Northern Virginia
Contact me to request additional information or to schedule a personal interview!
KarolineFalcone,DVM (847)902-1045|karefalc@gmailcom|falconeveterinaryreliefcom
University of Illinois (DVM, 2014), Northwestern University (BS Biomedical Engineering, 2010) Virginia license, DEA license
Available for outpatient relief for general practice (dogs/cats)
Online booking available
I am an efficient, thorough and highly motivated veterinarian With experience as a compassionate veterinarian combined with a highly productive practice style, I believe that I would make an excellent addition to your team
I work well either with or without other veterinarians on staff and am flexible to your practice needs My goal is to seamlessly provide care to your patients as though you were providing the care yourself
ToddHarrell,DVM (757)932-7900|harrellrelief@gmailcom
DVM, University of Georgia 2003 20 years general practice experience
Serving Williamsburg, Newport News, and surrounding areas
Practice limited to dogs and cats; general wellness and outpatient medical appointments only
Available Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-5:00pm Virginia license in good standing
MatthewKelcourse,DVM (941)416-8992|vvrs2020@yahoocom
1992 Tufts University graduate Virginia and DEA license in good standing
Southeastern VA/Hampton Roads area; available Monday-Saturday for 6-9 hour shifts
Long-term (2-3 weeks) considered, based on availability and location
Experience in general/preventative medicine and routine surgery, complicated soft tissue and orthopedic surgery
As a relief veterinarian, seamlessly blending in as part of your veterinary health care team is as important as experience, patient care, and client communication skills!
JamesMeister,DVM (847)344-0069|prairiedvm@aol.com
North Carolina State graduate; has been in private practice for 25 years Virginia, USDA, and DEA licenses in good standing
Located in Shenandoah Valley available for both small animal or equine work
Available 7 days a week for short or long-term relief positions throughout VA
For many years, I had my own sports medicine and equine surgery practice, with a clientele of show horses, primarily hunter/jumpers
Small animal services include: routine surgical and medical care, dental care, radiology, limited orthopedic, and basic ultrasound
Equine care includes: performance evaluations and treatments, pre-purchase examinations, radiology, ultrasound, and emergency care and surgical procedures
ToshaStarke,DVM (540)239-8714|info@allfourpawsvetrelief.com|allfourpawsvetrelief.com
"Exceptional Care When You Are Not There" is my relief business motto!
I have practiced veterinary medicine for 12 years. During that time, I have been Medical Director at two veterinary hospitals I understand the importance of having a competent and compassionate clinician on duty while you are away!
2004 Virginia-Maryland graduate; Virginia license in good standing
Available Monday-Saturday in Northern Virginia Professional references available
CLASSIFIEDS
VAVETERINARYAWARDS
Eachyear,theVVMArecognizesindividualswhohavecontributedsignificantlytothe professionofveterinarymedicine.SelectedrecipientswillberecognizedattheVirginia VeterinaryAwardsCeremony,tobeheldonFriday,February21st,inRoanoke,Virginia.
PaulF.LandisVeterinarianoftheYear
InmemoryofDr PaulLandis,whoservedasVVMAPresidentfrom1965-1966andAVMAPresidentfrom1982-1983
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 havecontributedsignificantlytoveterinarymedicineinVirginia.
DistinguishedVirginiaVeterinarianAward
Nominees should be individuals who, by their actions, bring recognition to veterinary medicineinVirginia Also,nomineesshouldbeoutstandingcommunityleaders Forexample, an individual might be considered for outstanding work with the Special Olympics or other communityprojects
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 includesinvolvementinveterinaryand/ornon-veterinarygroupsandassociations
FriendoftheVVMAAward
This award is given to a non-veterinarian who is being recognized for outstanding contributionstotheprofessionofveterinarymedicineinVirginia
RecentGraduateLeadershipAward
Nominee must be a recent graduate and a member of the VVMA Nominees should have madecontributionstotheprofessionthroughservicetotheassociation,suchasserviceona 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 workand/orhassupportedthepractice’smissionthroughservicecontributions.
CommercialRepresentativeAward
Thisawardisgiventoarepresentativefromacompanythatprovidesoutstandingserviceto Virginia veterinarians Also, the representative should promote the profession through liaisonswiththeassociation,veterinariansandtheprofessioningeneral.
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 humansthathewouldqualifyasanAnimalHero.
SUBMITANOMINATION
