2024 Summer Town & Country Call Newsletter

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // SUMMER 2024

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL

VETERINARY MEMORIAL FUND - 07 TUITION FOR TECHS - 08 UPCOMING EVENTS & P10 PROGRAM - 10 VIRGINIA VETERINARY AWARDS - 13

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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

VVMA STAFF

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Talya George

3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite D Henrico, VA 23233

Executive Director

(804) 346-2611

talya@vvma.org

Victoria Staples Associate Director victoria@vvma.org

Samantha Teunis Association Coordinator admin@vvma.org

(804) 346-2655 info@vvma.org

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

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

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.

FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE is available 24/7/365 at 800-633-3353 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

(800) 273-8255

Nathaniel Burke, MS, DVM President Brian Neumann, DVM President-Elect Sherri Field Gard, DVM Vice President Courtney Conroy, DVM Secretary-Treasurer Lauren Maxey, DVM Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS

vvma.org

MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & WORK-LIFE SERVICES

The Lifeline is a free, confidential, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know is feeling desperate, alone, or hopeless, please call:

OFFICERS

STUDENTS

(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

Rebecca Beamer, DVM Southwest VA & VASART Laura Chretien, DVM Fredericksburg Jaclyn Clement, DVM Piedmont Caroline Eckstrom, DVM Northern VA Edward Fallin, DVM Central Bom Harris, DVM VAFAP Christopher Hussion, DVM Loudoun Joseph May, DVM Southside VMA Shelly McDaniel, DVM VAEP Stuart Morse, DVM Prince William Virginia Newman, ‘25 Student Representative Nolan Prock, DVM Coastal Allison Sparks, DVM Appalachian Jamie Stewart, DVM Blacksburg Area A’ndrea Van Schoick, DVM Shenandoah Bret VanLear, DVM Blue Ridge Courtney Wiegard, DVM Roanoke Valley C. Garrett Wood, DVM Jefferson

AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Lauren Maxey, DVM Delegate OPEN POSITION Alternate-Delegate

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President’s Message

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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)

Domino - In Loving Memory

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President’s Message

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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 the time of the year many of you will welcome high school students and undergraduate students—aspiring veterinarians, into your clinics and lives. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference.

Don’t forget to join us this fall at Mentor Day (October 3-4) and Connect 2024 (October 4-5) to welcome the next generations of difference makers.

Here’s to a perfect (but not too hot) summer,

Nathaniel Burke, MS, DVM 2024 VVMA President

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Congratulations to the Virginia-Maryland CVM Class of 2024!

Photos provided by VA-MD CVM

Dr. Courtney Conroy (left) and Dr. Nathaniel Burke (middle) representing the VVMA at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony

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Support the Veterinary Memorial Fund Here's how it works: Meaningful Contributions: 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.

Heartfelt Remembrance: 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.

Advancing Veterinary Medicine: 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.

Grief Support Resources: 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.

Complimentary Grief Counseling: 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.

Join our growing network: 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!

Interested in participating or finding out more?

Please contact Katherine Harshman, LVT at kharshman@vt.edu or call (540) 231-0465.

Additional Information

TUITION FOR TECHS 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.

The Tuition for Vet Techs Scholarship will be awarded to up to 20 applicants per year in the amount of $2500 for each scholarship. 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.

Applications are now being accepted, and the deadline for application submission is July 22, 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.

Learn more about scholarship eligibility and how to apply by clicking the button below!

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UPCOMING EVENTS 27 JUNE

VVMA Webinar | 7:00pm “I’ve Just Agreed to be the VIC... What Does That Mean?”

Presented by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Earn 1 CE credit for this presentation!

Coastal VMA Event More details and registration coming soon!

Join the Coastal VMA for a day of CE at the Historic Pembroke Manor House in Virginia Beach.

3-4 OCT

REGISTER ONLINE

28 SEPT

2024 Mentor Program Join us in Blacksburg at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and help make a difference in a veterinary student’s future! Registration opening in July.

2025 Virginia Veterinary Conference Save the date! The 2025 VVC will be held at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in Roanoke, VA. Exhibitor info will be sent out in the late summer.

20-22 FEB

POWER OF 10 The VVMA is excited to announce another year of the Power of 10 Leadership Program! The goal of this program is to help recent graduates (2018-2024): Better yourself in your practice, community, and personal life Connect with peers to discuss and better approach career challenges Develop fundamental leadership skills, personal branding, and emotional intelligence Learn from industry leaders and partners Only 10 spots are available! Applications for the program will be accepted through July 22, and applicants will be notified if they are selected in mid/late August.

More Information & Application

RELIEF VETS Kim Danoff, DVM (571) 212-5024 | kimdanoff@gmail.com 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 Jaclyn Erwin, DVM (408) 691-7192 | info@qualcareveterinaryrelief.com 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!

Karoline Falcone, DVM (847) 902-1045 | karefalc@gmail.com | falconeveterinaryrelief.com 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.

Todd Harrell, DVM (757) 932-7900 | harrellrelief@gmail.com 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 Matthew Kelcourse, DVM (941) 416-8992 | vvrs2020@yahoo.com 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!

James Meister, 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 Tosha Starke, 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

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CLASSIFIEDS

As a VVMA member, you can post classified ads FREE of charge!

Click the buttons below to view our current classified ad postings

Veterinarians Relief Veterinarians Technicians

Assistants

Practices for Sale/Lease Equipment for Sale Want to advertise with us?

More information can be found at vvma.org/advertising-opportunities

VA VETERINARY AWARDS 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, February 21st, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Please submit your nomination before December 13, 2024!

Paul F. Landis Veterinarian of the Year In memory of Dr. Paul Landis, who served as 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.

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 Award 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 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.

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 an outstanding service to humans that he would qualify as an Animal Hero.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

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Take the time to take care of yourself.

Free, confidential help for personal, work-related, and family concerns.

Call your Member Assistance Program today to find out more.

704.529.1428 | 800.633.3353 mygroup.com

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // SUMMER 2024

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL