2022 Winter Town & Country Call Newsletter

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!

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.

sponsored by

Weareallawareoftheextraordinaryresponsibilitythepracticeofveterinarymedicineentailsand VVMAwantstoemphasizetheimportanceofutilizingourmemberassistanceprogram(MAP);thisMAP isinplacetohelpourmemberswithpersonal,financial,and/orwork-lifeissuesthattheymayface We areexcitedtoshareanopportunitythatwillextendassistanceprogramservicestootherveterinaryteam andstaffmembers

VVMAwillcontinuesponsoringMAPservicesforourmembersbutNOWpracticesmaysignupand offeranEmployeeAssistanceProgram(EAP)totheirstaff--technicians,assistants,kennelstaff, officestaff,etc.andreceivethesamediscounted,grouppricingthatVVMAisoffered.Currentpricing offersALLoftheseservicesfor$0.90/person/month.Oncewehitagrouptotalof1,999+,the pricingisloweredto$0.67/person/month.VVMAcurrentlypaysfor1100+memberssowe’renot toofaroff!

Weaskthatyoupleasesharethiswithmanagementinyourpracticesothatmoreindividualsinthe veterinaryfieldhaveachancetonavigatewhateverchallengesmayariseintheirpersonalorprofessional lives Again,ifenoughveterinarypracticestakepartinthisprogram,yourmonthlypricingwilldecrease Ifyourpracticeisinterestedinofferingthisprogram,GreggHunteratMcLaughlinYoung, ghunter@mygroup.com,canassistyouinsettingupyourpracticeaccount.Greggmayalsobereached at704-285-7944.

Asareminder,thecoveredmemberANDtheirimmediate,householdfamilymembershaveaccessto:

•professionalcounseling

•experttaxservices

•financialadvice

•discountedlegalservices/representation

•promotionalsavingscenter

•alcoholanddrugabusetherapy

•marital/familydifficulties

•andmuchmore!

Whilethestigmaonceassociatedwithmentalhealthhasfaded,someindividualsstillfaceobstaclesin seekinghelpthattheyareentitledto.Let’slookoutforeachotherandmaketheseservicesreadily availabletoourfriendsandcolleagues Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheassistanceprogram,donot hesitatetocontacttheVVMAofficeat804-346-2611oremailinfo@vvma.org

Capitol

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)

submitted by Katie Hellebush | VVMA Legislative Consultant

Dr Terry Swecker and Dr Lauren maxey continued the holiday treats tradition

endorsements

Having had the privilege of working withDr.ErinCasey,Iknowthatsheisa provenforward-thinkingleaderatthe stateandnationallevel. Shewillbe fully engaged and focused while representing District II on the AVMA BoardofDirectors

MikeTopper,DVM,PhD,DACVP AVMAPast-President

Erin has been active in the Virginia VMAfor6+years,servingasbothan 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.

Dr Casey is one of the kindest and most dedicated people I have ever met Sheisapproachable,diplomatic andpassionateaboutallaspectsof veterinary medicine She is the definition of a conscious, servant leader

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.

By supporting the VVMA, youare supporting your association andyour profession. The VVMA exists foryou 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 ifyou have any questions

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