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: MARCH10,2025
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,
24-hour hotline
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 OPENPOSITION
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
TerrySwecker,DVM
Alternate-Delegate
President’s Message
NathanielBurke,DVM
Colleagues,
The leaves have fallen and some seasonable weather has descended upon our Commonwealth. The fall passed swiftly and busily for many in our profession, and I know that for most of you there will be no sign of slowing down as the Holiday rush is imminent.
Your association was pleased to be part of another hugely successful mentor program in October, hosted by the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Almost one hundred veterinarian mentors were in attendance, with well over 130 student mentees present. We thank Boehringer Ingelheim for their sponsorship of this event. I’d also like to thank all of you who took time out of your busy careers to help connect with the upcoming generation of veterinarians at this event. For many, the foundations of mentorship and the appreciation for the importance of organized veterinary medicine are intimately tied to initial experiences such as those afforded by mentor day.
As the Holiday break approaches, these students are busy preparing for final exams. Some of our executive committee members graciously visited campus to help pass out goodies and care packages to the weary test takers. We can all recall and relate to what a physically and mentally challenging experience finals week can be.
At the VVMA office, preparations have begun for a busy January 2025. VVMA will be sending representation to the AVMA Leadership Conference in Chicago to keep us abreast of issues affecting the profession on the national stage. At the state level, we will represent our profession at the Virginia Agribusiness Banquet and, most importantly, our annual Day at the Capitol will take place on January 16th, in Richmond. The event this year will be held at Maymont Garden Hall and I encourage you all to register to attend.
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President’s Message
NathanielBurke,DVM
This is one of the most impactful events of the year for our organization. If you have never had the chance to attend, I would especially emphasize to you that this is a great way to see first-hand the importance of organized veterinary medicine in our state. For you long time attendees, you realize that our diligence in monitoring legislation that impacts our office spaces, employees, patients, clients and, in general, the way we practice from day-to-day cannot be taken for granted.
February brings The Virginia Veterinary Conference, the 20th to 22nd, 2025 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Your 2025 conference chair, Dr. Brian Neumann, will be sending out a special invite soon, and I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but trust that your conference planning committees have been working especially hard to line up some stellar CE, and our very own Dr. Melinda McCall will be delivering what is sure to be a memorable keynote address. VVC is d 2025 promises to be no different.
eryone finds respite to celebrate the y prefer, but can take the time to appreciative for all of life’s blessings, onderful profession.
ason and a happy new year,
2024 Mentor Program
During our annual Mentor Program, students at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine had the opportunity to connect with mentors and begin developing professional connections throughout the veterinary community.
THANK YOU
To our wonderful mentors who joined us, both from near and far! Your dedication to supporting our community is truly inspiring.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
We always look forward to spreading a little holiday cheer to the hardworking students and faculty at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine every December. Holiday snacks, hot chocolate, and coffee help give an extra boost for DVM students as they get through those end of the year finals. Thank you to Dr. Sherri Field Gard and Dr. Courtney Conroy for representing VVMA!
2025 Virginia Veterinary Conference
SNABVAllBlackTieAffair
After the Virginia Veterinary Conference on Saturday evening, get dressed to impress and head to Blacksburg for the 3rd Annual SNABV Black Tie Affair, hosted by Virginia-Maryland CVM's SNABV Chapter.
Join SNABV for an evening of food, drinks, music and great company as they celebrate our incredible community. Whether you're connecting with mentees, reuniting with old friends, or making new ones, join us for a wonderful evening.
EventSponsorship
When:Saturday, February 22, 2025
Where: Owens Hall, Virginia Tech Campus, Blacksburg
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Attire: Come dressed to impress in your finest all-black outfit
Buy Tickets/Registration
This event aims to bring awareness and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals in veterinary medicine and for students to have an opportunity to build community with each other—your support could greatly enhance the impact and success of this endeavor.
Sponsoring this event presents a unique opportunity for your company or practice to engage the future of veterinary medicine. By partnering with SNABV at VM-CVM, your organization will not only demonstrate commitment to diversity and innovation, but also gain visibility among veterinary students, faculty, community, and guests of the event.
Sponsorship Information
DayattheCapitol
Allveterinariansandmembersareencouragedtojoinusforan informationalsessionandlegislativereview—evenifyouhave limitedpoliticalexperience/knowledge! This is a great opportunity to meet the VVMA executive committee, other members, and learn more about bills that could potentially affect the way YOU practice veterinary medicine.
Thursday,January16,2025
10:00am-1:00pm | Legislation review & working lunch
Maymont|GardenHall
1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220
Please remember to contact your state legislators also known as the General Assembly. They appreciate veterinarian’s experience and knowledge on animal-health issues! If you cannot get an inperson meeting, please try to connect virtually or by phone.
Tolocateyourlegislator,pleasevisit:Who’sMyStateLegislator?
Day at the Capitol Registration
AnnualMembershipMeeting
Join us for a quick recap of VVMA’s activities and accomplishments in 2024 and meet the 2025-2026 officers!
Additional information and meeting materials will be sent out in January.
Monday,February10,2025
7:00pm | Virtual, Zoom
VDH:EnhancedSurveillanceforSevereIllness inAnimalsFollowingTraveltothePresidential Inauguration
Dear Veterinary Colleagues,
The Virginia Department of Health is supporting DC Health’s longstanding efforts with enhanced human and animal disease surveillance associated with large-scale public events. By extension and in anticipation of the 60th Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025, we are contacting Virginia veterinarians to ask for your assistance with this effort. As with any large-scale public event, there will be heightened security, and the region will be on alert for signs of bioterrorism or other potential threats.
Currently, public health agencies have not received any reports of threats or bioterrorism-related human or animal illnesses. Enhanced surveillance is being conducted out of an abundance of caution. Veterinarians are asked to have a heightened awareness for their patients who travel to the National Mall area during the inaugural period or live in the area, and then present with unusual severe illness.
Out of an abundance of caution, Virginia veterinarians are asked to take the following steps:
Foracutelyillpatientswithsevereillnessandahistoryoftravel to the National Mall area during the inaugural period from January 19 and January 21, 2025, or live in the area, assess for clinical signs that could be compatible with a select agent* exposure (see list below), and Report the severe illnesses that developwithin14daysoftravel, to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Zoonotic Disease Program rapidlybyphonetoDr.Julia Murphy(804-921-5121)orDr.TracyWoodall(804-664-6279).
*Per the CDC and USDA Federal Select Agent Program, aselectagent is a biological agent or toxin that could pose a severe threat to public health, animal or plant health, or animal or plant products.
Given the many select agents and toxins that can be used during bioterrorism attacks, including HHS and USDA Select Agents and Toxins List and CDC High Priority Biological Agents and Toxins, there is not one constellation of signs to look for but rather it is recommended to assess for an increase in previously healthy animals presenting with similar signs of severe illness and clustered onset dates, with travel history to the inauguration. An abbreviated example list of signs and symptoms of illnesses associated with some Tier 1 select agent exposures that may affect companion animals such as Yersinia pestis (Plague), Francisella tularensis (Tularemia), Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax,) Clostridium botulinum (Botulism), Burkholderia mallei (Glanders), Burkholderia pseudomallei (Melioidosis), Ebolavirus and Marburg Virus (Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers), Foot and Mouth Disease, and others include:
Fever, vesicles, eschars, skin nodules, other skin rashes, internal hemorrhage, cough, dyspnea or hemoptysis, severe head and neck swelling, lymphadenopathy, paralysis or other neurological signs, gastrointestinal illness, sepsis, abscessation of organs, multi-organ failure, and high mortality rate.
Thank you for your partnership with this enhanced veterinary surveillance. If you have any questions about enhanced surveillance efforts, please contact Dr. Tracy Woodall at tracy woodall@vdh virginia gov or Dr Julia Murphy at julia murphy@vdh virginia gov
2025VDH/VVMAMentalHealthWebinar
EnhancingMentalHealthSupportandServiceUtilizationAmong VeterinaryProfessionals:ContinuingtheConversation
The changing landscape of veterinary medicine contributes to unique stressors for veterinary professionals. Fortunately, with the rise of telehealth platforms and online resources, there are more opportunities than ever to access support and mental health services. Despite these opportunities, challenges with service utilization still exist. The Coping Resilience and Challenges (CRC) research group recently surveyed veterinarians in the Potomac region to better understand 1) mental health help-seeking attitudes and intentions; and 2) barriers and facilitators associated with accessing support (see Darby et al., 2023; Russon et al., 2023). Findings from our local community of participating veterinarians illustrated unique experiences related to help-seeking that extend the national conversation on supporting well-being in the profession.
Thursday,February6,2025
7:00-8:00pm | Virtual, Zoom
WebinarDescription:
The purpose of this one-hour webinar is to share information on the barriers and facilitators related to mental health help-seeking identified by veterinarians in our Potomac region, compare these findings with results from national surveys (e.g., Merck, 2023), and offer recommendations for expanding workplace mental health. The presenters will also summarize gaps in our collective knowledge about ways to address barriers to mental health help-seeking among veterinary professionals At the end of the webinar, information about future CRC research plans will be shared along with optional opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to participate.
Presenters:
Webinar presenters include core members of the transdisciplinary Coping, Resilience, and Challenges (CRC) Research Group.
TheCRCteamincludes:Carolynn J. Bissett, DVM, MPH, DACVPM; Brandy J. Darby, DVM, MPH, DACVPM; Patricia P. Haak, MSW, LCSW; Sara Hassanpour, MA; Laura Hungerford, DVM, MPH, PhD, CPH; Julia Murphy, DVM, MS, DACVPM; Nivedita Ravi, DVM, MPH; Jody Russon, PhD, LMFT; Sarah T. Watkins, DVM, MPH, DACVPM; Duan-Ching Wu, MS
Webinar Registration
VeterinaryEstablishment RegistrationRenewalReminder
Thisisareminderthatallveterinaryestablishmentregistrationsexpire onDecember31,2024,unlessrenewed.
Please note that practicing out of a veterinary establishment without a valid registration may result in disciplinary action against a licensee, including but not limited to the actions listed in Guidance Document 1508.
Information about a veterinary establishment may be accessed through the License Lookup database, which shows the expiration date and the Veterinarian-in-Charge (VIC) registered for the establishment.
IMPORTANT:ThelicenseoftheregisteredVICmustberenewed
To renew a veterinary establishment registration online, go to www.license.dhp.virginia.gov. If you need help renewing a registration, please contact customer service by telephone at (804) 367-4444 or by email at CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov. If the VIC listed on the registration is not correct, applications for Change of VIC are available on the Board of Veterinary Medicine’s website under https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/VetMed/PractitionerResources/ Forms/. This application requires a $40 fee and there is no online option to submit it currently.
The Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine Section 18VAC150-20-185Renewalofveterinaryestablishmentregistrations, provides important information regarding renewal of veterinary establishment registrations.
The following fees apply when a veterinary establishment is renewed after expiration:
Renewed by January 31, 2025: $275 (renewal: $200 + late: $75)
Renewed after January 31, 2025: $650 (renewal: $200 + late: $75 + reinstatement $75 + reinspection: $300)
Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine
Classifieds
ReliefVeterinarians
KimDanoff,DVM (571) 212-5024 | kimdanoff@gmail.com
Serving: Northern VA, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties
JaclynErwin,DVM (408) 691-7192 | info@qualcareveterinaryrelief.com
Available in: Northern VA
KarolineFalcone,DVM (847) 902-1045 | karefalc@gmail.com | falconeveterinaryrelief.com
Available in: Northern VA
ToddHarrell,DVM (757) 932-7900 | harrellrelief@gmail com
Serving: Williamsburg, Newport News and surrounding areas
MatthewKelcourse,DVM (941) 416-8992 | vvrs2020@yahoo.com
Available in: Southeastern VA/Hampton Roads area
ToshaStarke,DVM (540) 239-8714 | info@allfourpawsvetrelief.com | allfourpawsvetrelief.com
Available in: Northern VA
