2022 Winter Town & Country Call Newsletter

VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // WINTER 2022

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL

ROBIN'S RETIREMENT - 05 2023 VIRGINIA VETERINARY CONFERENCE - 06 & 07 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - 13 DR. ERIN CASEY, AVMA BOD CAMPAIGN - 15

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

submission deadline

Executive Director

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

Talya George

Victoria Staples Associate Director

Samantha Teunis Association Coordinator

Robin Schmitz

March 3, 2023

retiring June 30, 2023!

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OFFICERS Martin Betts, DVM President

Lauren Maxey, DVM President-Elect

Nathaniel Burke, DVM Vice President

Brian Neumann, DVM Secretary-Treasurer

Terry Swecker, DVM Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS

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.

Laura Chretien, 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.

Fredericksburg

Courtney Conroy, DVM At-Large

Edward Fallin, DVM Central

Sherri Gard, DVM VAEP

Bom Harris, DVM

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Northern VA

VAFAP

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

OPEN POSITION Roanoke Valley

Joseph May, DVM Southside VMA

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

Jennifer Kelleher Student Representative

AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Erin Casey, DVM Delegate

Dianna Thornton, DVM Alternate Delegate

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE MARTY BETTS, DVM Dear Colleagues: I hope this holiday season finds you well and in good spirit.

Our profession is still seeing too much demand for our time and our services. We have always been a dynamic profession and we are meeting this challenge with the same diligence and persistence that has defined veterinary medicine since its inception. With time, we will see more and more people return to the workforce and these trying times will be relegated to the past.

The VVMA continues to support our members, as well as our profession. This January, we will hold our annual "Day at the Capitol" in Richmond. It will be on Thursday, January 19 at the Richmond Marriott. The meeting starts at 10am; we will review all pending legislation that affects veterinarians. There will be a working lunch and the meeting will adjourn around 1pm. The afternoon is available for participants to meet with their respective legislators and discuss VVMA's position on various bills and offer explanations for why we do or do not support each bill.

February brings our annual meeting and the Virginia Veterinary Conference. Our annual meeting will be virtually on Thursday, February 2nd at 7pm. Members will receive additional information in the coming weeks. The 2023 Virginia Veterinary Conference will once again be held at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. This has proven to be an excellent venue for our meeting for many years. In addition, the downtown Roanoke offers a variety of excellent dining and entertainment opportunities. The meeting will begin with a welcome reception on Thursday, February 16th evening and conclude Saturday evening, February 18th. The conference offers up to 15 hours of continuing education-- enough to use towards your Virginia license renewal!

The workforce shortage and the challenges that it has created are also affecting other areas of the animal health care industry. Rescue organizations and spay/neuter programs have experienced staff shortages that are severely impacting their ability to offer services.

It has been clear for many years that the most effective solution to the pet animal overpopulation problem is making spay/neuter available and affordable to all pet owners.

The vast majority of animals presented to these clinics have never and will never be presented to your clinic. If spay/neuter is not available, the animals will go on to make the overpopulation problem worse. It has been extremely difficult for these organizations to find veterinarians. If there is any way that you can find time to offer your services, either as a courtesy or for a stipend, please contact Daphna Nachminovitch at DaphnaN@peta.org or by calling 757-943-7440.

Have a wonderful start to 2023 and I hope to see you at VVMA's January & February events!

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As I reflect back over the past 28 years, I had the privilege to work with incredible staff members and amazing veterinarians. YOUR association has been led by strong board members that have carried out your mission and served as the experienced voice for the veterinary profession.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your Executive Director. I have made many lifelong friends and have only fond memories of my years with you. I find it is time for me to transition from Executive Director to a part time employee to enjoy more time with my children and grandchildren.

I am proud to announce that Talya George will take over the Executive Director’s position. Talya is currently your Associate Director and has been with the VVMA for over nine years. She has been involved in every aspect of the association. Her compassion and dedication to the veterinary profession makes her the right person for this most important position. I know that VVMA will be in good hands moving forward.

For the near future, my email address will stay the same, so do not be a stranger. I was very fortunate to be an integral part of VVMA and have enjoyed every minute of it!

Hello to the wonderful members of the VVMA! I am fortunate to know many of you and look forward to working with those I have not had the privilege of meeting yet. While Robin's retirement is very bittersweet, I am very honored to serve as VVMA's next Executive Director. Robin has been an incredible mentor to me and I will hold myself to the highest standard as I serve the association in my new role because of the example she set and the legacy she tirelessly created during her time with the VVMA. A little about me personally-- I am married to my high school/college sweetheart, Chapin, who is an English teacher and basketball coach at our alma mater, Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond, VA. We have three kids: Huck (5), Truman (2.5) & Eliza Bea (1.5) and a 12 year old black lab, Walter and an 8 year old golden retriever, Willow. Like many kids, I dreamed of being a veterinarian when I "grew up" so I truly admire each and every one of you all.

I am grateful to be supported by some wonderful coworkers-- Victoria Staples, who has been with the association for almost six years, will serve as our Associate Director. Samantha Teunis has recently joined our office as an Association Coordinator and has already proven to be very hardworking and an awesome addition to the VVMA team.

Thank you to each and every one of you for everything you do for the veterinary profession and our state association. I am excited to continuing working together to support VVMA's mission and Virginia veterinarians.

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Virginia Veterinary Conference & Awards Ceremony REGISTER HERE!

February 16-18 at the Hotel Roanoke 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 practice the highest level of veterinary medicine Celebrate some of our profession's finest members after ce on friday evening (February 17 at 5:45pm)

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Virginia Veterinary Conference & Awards Ceremony hotel reservations registration brochure session descriptions things to do in roanoke

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 conference sponsors!

platinum gold

silver bronze

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Fear Free 101

sponsored by

WEBINAR | JAN 24 | 7-8PM Presented by:

Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, FFCP - Elite

hosted by

Free for VVMA members! Register here.

earn 1 CE credit!

have you considered offering an assistance program at your practice?

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We are all aware of the extraordinary responsibility the practice of veterinary medicine entails and VVMA wants to emphasize the importance of utilizing our member assistance program (MAP); this MAP is in place to help our members with personal, financial, and/or work-life issues that they may face. We are excited to share an opportunity that will extend assistance program services to other veterinary team and staff members.

VVMA will continue sponsoring MAP services for our members but NOW practices may sign up and offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to their staff-- technicians, assistants, kennel staff, office staff, etc. and receive the same discounted, group pricing that VVMA is offered. Current pricing offers ALL of these services for $0.90/person/month. Once we hit a group total of 1,999+, the pricing is lowered to $0.67/person/month. VVMA currently pays for 1100+ members so we’re not too far off!

We ask that you please share this with management in your practice so that more individuals in the veterinary field have a chance to navigate whatever challenges may arise in their personal or professional lives. Again, if enough veterinary practices take part in this program, your monthly pricing will decrease.

If your practice is interested in offering this program, Gregg Hunter at McLaughlin Young, ghunter@mygroup.com, can assist you in setting up your practice account. Gregg may also be reached at 704-285-7944.

As a reminder, the covered member AND their immediate, household family members have access to: • professional counseling • expert tax services • financial advice • discounted legal services/representation • promotional savings center • alcohol and drug abuse therapy • marital/family difficulties • and much more!

While the stigma once associated with mental health has faded, some individuals still face obstacles in seeking help that they are entitled to. Let’s look out for each other and make these services readily available to our friends and colleagues. If you have questions about the assistance program, do not hesitate to contact the VVMA office at 804-346-2611 or email info@vvma.org

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

mark your calendars & join us at the upcoming events:

Day at the Capitol

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2023

Downtown Richmond Marriott | 10am-1pm join us for an informational session, legislation review & working lunch with vvma's executive committee, lobbyists & other members and leaders as we discuss legislation that could potentially affect virginia veterinarians.

CLICK TO REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 10!

Annual Membership Meeting THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 Zoom meeting at 7:00pm

join us for a quick recap of vvma's 2022 activities & accomplishments and meet the 2023-2024 officers!

Additional information and meeting materials will be sent out in mid January.

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PAGE 13 submitted by Katie Hellebush | VVMA Legislative Consultant As 2022 draws to a close, the VVMA lobbying team is preparing for the 2023 General Session, 45 days, this year to educate Governor Youngkin and legislators on issues important to veterinarians across the Commonwealth.

In preparation Governor Youngkin proposed his budget amendments to the joint money committees as well as released a list of more than 300 initial regulatory actions expected between now and July 1, 2023.

Regarding legislative efforts, VVMA is following the following topics and pieces of legislation thus far: HB 1382 Delegate Gooditis – Cats; prohibition on declawing, civil penalty (VVMA Opposes) Declawing cats; prohibition; civil penalty. Makes unlawful the practice of declawing cats except as necessary for a therapeutic purpose, as defined in the bill, and creates a civil penalty of $500 for the first violation, $1,000 for the second violation, and $2,500 for the third or any subsequent violation. The bill also entitles any animal control officer, humane investigator, or state or local law-enforcement officer to bring a civil action for a violation of this section.

HB 1406 Dogs and cats; eliminates the requirement to pay license tax for ownership, etc. (VVMA Opposes) License tax; ownership of dogs and cats. Eliminates the requirement to pay a license tax for owning a dog or cat and eliminates the misdemeanor penalty for failing to pay such license tax.

NO Bill YET The JLARC Study on Gaming may results in legislative proposals combining all into One Central Agency, perhaps the Virginia Lottery or a New Agency. The VVMA will monitor these efforts to ensure that funding dedicated to veterinary school funding is protected no matter what the organization.

In addition – VVMA is participating in the VDACS Animal Health Laboratory System Advisory Committee to evaluate scenarios for how to strengthen and improve the animal health lab system and consider how it could look in future. The group has been convened to review a consultants report (see below), recommendations included in the report, as well as consider other pertinent issues, including a shortage of large animal, ambulatory veterinarians in Virginia; the role of extension veterinarians (remembering the work of Dr. W. D. Whittier); and considering the public feedback that has been submitted during listening sessions hosted by Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association in Wytheville, Lynchburg and Warrenton. You may read more about the initiative by finding the project summary, presentation and project report below on https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-animal-healthlaboratory-services.shtml Resources Strengthening Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System Project 2022 - Summary (pdf) Strengthening Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System Project 2022 - Presentation (pdf) Strengthening Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System Project 2022 - Report (pdf)

'tis the season for tests

&TREATS! Dr. Terry Swecker and Dr. Lauren maxey continued the holiday treats tradition and passed out holiday goodie bags, hot chocolate, and coffee to VA-MD CVM students one morning during exam week!

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endorsements

Compassionate Leader Advocate for Veterinary Medicine Well-being Promoter

Having had the privilege of working with Dr. Erin Casey, I know that she is a proven forward-thinking leader at the state and national level. She will be fully engaged and focused while representing District II on the AVMA Board of Directors.

Mike Topper, DVM, PhD, DACVP AVMA Past-President

Dr. Erin Casey Candidate for A MA Board of Directors, District II

As a dedicated advocate for our profession, I am honored to run for the position of AVMA District 2 Chair. I strive to support the emotional and physical well-being of all members of the veterinary community, and promise to represent our District with integrity, pride, and grace during my term.

about me

Erin has been active in the Virginia VMA for 6+ years, serving as both an alternate delegate and delegate of the VVMA to the AVMA. She has served with remarkable dedication and represented the VVMA with exceptional professionalism and commitment.

Marty Betts, DVM Virginia VMA President Dr. Casey is one of the kindest and most dedicated people I have ever met. She is approachable, diplomatic and passionate about all aspects of veterinary medicine. She is the definition of a conscious, servant leader.

Talya George Virginia VMA Associate Director

vvma.org/dr_erin_casey_for_district2

Is Your Hospital OSHA/VOSH Compliant?

OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small- and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs.

To read more about the voluntary OSHA process and what happens at an on-site visit go to ON-SITE CONSULTATION. VOSH (Virginia Occupational Safety and Health) under the Department of Labor and Industry, helps small employers better understand and voluntarily comply with the VOSH standards. The Department of Labor and Industry provides free consultation services. To request more information and schedule an on-site consultation, please visit VOSH. A VVMA member has scheduled voluntary visits and here is his experience: “Our voluntary inspection/consultation was incredibly thorough and found over 30 minor violations (chord grommets missing from electrical equipment, broken grounding plugs, out of date MSDS sheets/labels). We were given a reasonable time period to correct any deficits after which the inspector returned to confirm abatement.”

“We have used this service 4 times in 25 years of business. We have also experienced complaint driven OSHA inspections on 2 occasions. OSHA is obligated to inspect ANY complaint. I am fairly certain our participation in the consultation program made the complaint driven inspections a lot easier on the practice. Each time the VOSH/OSHA inspector mentioned our documented participation in the Consultation Program. Each time we were found to be fully compliant.”

“It is imperative to remember that you are contractually obligated to fix any deficits identified by the voluntary inspection in a timely manner. You can also say goodbye to food and beverages in the animal treatment/holding areas.”

Another document you may want to reference is the Benefits of the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program.

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR VVMA MEMBERSHIP FOR 2023?

By supporting the VVMA, you are supporting your association and your profession.

The VVMA exists for you and because of you. Renewal forms were mailed in December. You may also renew online by logging into the members-only section of the VVMA website.

Contact the VVMA office if you have any questions.

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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 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

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

Todd Harrell, DVM Serving the Hampton Roads area; University of Georgia graduate (2003) General medicine and wellness only; no exotics Available Monday-Thursday (7-9 hour shifts) and Fridays (4-7 hour shifts) Virginia and DEA licenses in good standing (757) 932-7900 | twhdvm@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 // WINTER 2022

TOWN &COUNTRY CALL