California Veterinarian July/Aug 2023

Ellie Wattles, DVM, President, Broker

Beka Herrera, Vice President, Broker

INLAND EMPIRE, PERRIS: Fast growing community with a high pet ownership & affordable housing. Unfortunately, DVM/Owner died in February 2023. Practice philosophy was high volume, affordable fees. 2022 Gross ~$928,000 was produced with very limited DVM hours. Priced at below a startup costs. Urgent situation, please call immediately. Any reasonable offer will be considered. N NEW LISTING! PRACTICE PRICE: $350,000

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, SUBURB OF SAN JOSE: Extremely affluent city within easy driving distance to the Bay Area or Coast. Located about 1 hour south of San Francisco. Excellent demographics! Free-standing practice consists of 2,500 sq. ft.. Additional 4,500 sq .ft. kennel facility with approximately 100 runs and a grooming facility. Equipment includes digital X-Ray, dental X-Ray and full in-house lab. 2022 Gross ~ $1.2 Million produced with limited DVM services. Additional sources of income available to a new energetic owner. N NEW LISTING! PRACTICE PRICE: $958, 000 Real Estate Available for Sale Call of Details

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, INLAND EMPIRE: Popular community with new residents because of its affordable and upscale housing. The community is only 45 minutes from Palm Springs & close to all the Southern CA’s attractions. PX is conveniently located in a high activity shopping center. Leased 2,100 sq. ft. facility includes 2 exam rooms as well as a large treatment area. Well-equipped practice includes digital X-Ray, digital dental X-Ray, ultrasound and IDEXX lab equipment. 2022 Gross ~$1.2 Million. N NEW LISTING! PRACTICE PRICE: $960, 000

NORTHERN CA: Pastoral, quaint community located away from the hustle & bustle. Just 30 minutes north of Chico & 2 hours from Sacramento or Davis. Beautiful 3,000 sq. ft. free-standing facility. Well maintained hospital built in 2005. 2022 Gross ~$1.4 Million produced with 1 DVM/day only 5 days/week. Exceptional profitability with growth. Owner open to remaining post sale if desired by new owner. PX PRICE: $999, 000 RE PRICE ONLY: $625, 000

KERN COUNTY: Situated in a growing community located ~1 hour North of LA with a strong agricultural, oil & general broad economic base including a new Amazon fulfillment center. There are many nearby amenities & affordable housing. This general Small Animal practice offers an ~3,000 sq. ft. facility with 3 exam rooms, 60+ cages and 10 runs. Equipment includes ultrasound & digital X-RAY. 2022 Gross ~$1,195,000. Potential to significantly increase hours of operation to grow productivity. P PRACTICE PRICE: $667, 000 REAL ESTATE PRICE: $425, 000

MADERA COUNTY: Slip away from the hustle and bustle to this enchanted covenant area of nature and wildlife situated in the San Joaquin Valley. This community is centrally located between Fresno and Yosemite National Park. Full service practice is located within a free- standing ~1,680 sq. ft. facility with a favorable lease rate. The facility includes 2 exam rooms, 20 cages & IDEXX lab equipment. 2022 projected gross ~$536,000 produced with very limited DVM hours, which still provides exceptional cash flow of about 39%. Buyer’s after debt income expected to be approximately $225,000. Minimal competition and significant growth opportunities with a new energetic owner. N NEW LISTING! PRACTICE PRICE ONLY: $451, 000

VENTURA COUNTY: Nestled in a flourishing valley boasting spacious mountain views and a perpetual vacation climate. The community itself is just less than 1-hour drive to Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. Spacious, organized leased practice underwent recent upgrades. The practice consists of 2,700 sq. ft with 2 exam rooms. Equipment includes digital X-Ray, digital dental X-Ray & ultrasound. 2022 Projected Gross ~$806,000 produced with limited services and hours. Multiple opportunities for growth, including a facility redesign, with a new energetic owner operator. PRACTICE PRICE: $655, 000.

SAN DIEGO, EAST COUNTY Suburban, affluent community with strong economic base offers an exceptional lifestyle.~3,500 sq. ft. leased facility w/ 3 exam rooms, in-house lab, ultrasound, digital dental X-Ray, digital X-Ray & class iv medical laser. 2022 Projected Gross ~$1.2 million. Current available income after all debt service is ~$417,000. Owner open to remaining post-sale, if desired. Excellent turn-key opportunity PRACTICE PRICE: $950, 000

SUTTER COUNTY: Turn-key opportunity! Located within an hour’s drive from Sacramento. Spacious ~2,700 sq. ft. free-standing facility offers 3 exam rooms, 20+ cages & 20+ runs. Equipment includes newer digital X-Ray, ultrasound unit, dental X-Ray & CO2 Laser. 2022 Projected Gross ~$1.2 Million. Currently operated as a 1 DVM practice with great staff. Exceptional profitability. P PRACTICE PRICE: $950, 000 REAL ESTATE PRICE: $560, 000

CENTRAL VALLEY, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY: Just 2 hours from major cities, the coast & the mountains. General, full-service small animal practice. The free-standing practice facility consists of ~6,900 sq. ft. offering multiple exam rooms & cages with room for future expansion, if desired. Equipment includes extensive IDEXX lab & 2 digital X-Rays. 2021 gross ~$1,750,000. PRACTICE PRICE: $750, 000 REAL ESTATE PRICE: $1, 750, 000

Features

Member Profile: Cristie Kamiya, DVM

CVMA Member Benefits

New CVMA Member Benefit: Clean Harbors Waste Management

Legislative Update

Get Involved with the CVMA House of Delegates!

Joint Board and House Report

New 2023–2024 CVMA Officers and Board Members Installed

2023–2024 CVMA Board of Governors

Relief Veterinarians: Employee or Independent Contractor?

Prompt Injury Reporting: A Winning Strategy for All Parties

Meet the President: Dr. Michael Karle

CDFA News: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus: The Dreaded ‘Look-alike’

PacVet 2023: Another One for the Books!

The 2023 CVMA Awards and Installation Ceremony

TELUS Health: What Is Neurodiversity?

The CVMA's Member Assistance Program, Lifeworks Becomes

TELUS Health

My Don Low/CVMA Fellowship Experience at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital

Something to Wag About

New CVMA Member Benefit: MentorVet

Departments

CE Calendar

Director’s Corner

News & Now

Compliance Corner: Medical Waste Management: Veterinary Practice Obligations

RVT News: CVMA’s Kristi Pawlowski Appointed to Serve on the Veterinary Medical Board

Working with Difficult Customer Behaviors

September 5, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM (1 CEU)

For more information, see page 35.

Cybersecurity Framework—Guarding Your Practice

From Cyber Threats

September 19, 2023 | 12:30 PM–1:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

September 27, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

For more information, see page 35.

CVMA Fall Seminar in Tahoe

October 6–8, 2023 | 12 CEUs for veterinarians, technicians, and CVMA CVAs

For more information, see page 20.

Personality Traps

October 17, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

October 25, 2023 | 12:30 PM–1:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

For more information, see page 35.

CAVMRC Disaster Response Training

November 5, 2023 (7.5 CEUs)

For more information, see page 7.

Registration for all CVMA events can be made online by logging onto cvma.net or by calling 800.655.2862.

CVMA-AFFILIATED PROGRAMS

California Veterinarian (ISSN 00081612) is published bi-monthly by the California Veterinary Medical Association, e-mail: staff@cvma.net. California Veterinarian is an official publication of the California Veterinary Medical Association. Annual subscription rates to non-members: $50 U.S., $60 Canada/Mexico, $70 overseas. Price per single copy: $10 current year, $12 back issues. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to California Veterinarian, 1400 River Park Dr., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815-4505. Phone: 800.655.2862

The CVMA and California Veterinarian assume no responsibility for material contained in articles and advertisements published, nor does publication necessarily constitute endorsement by them. ©2023 CVMA

The Publication of the California Veterinary Medical Association

Publisher Dan Baxter

Managing Editor Kristen Calderon

Editor Taryn DeOilers

Publication Designer Marissa Collier

Classified Advertising Laura Phillips

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

President Dr. Michael Karle

President-Elect Dr. Jennifer Hawkins

Member-at-Large Dr. Peter Bowie

Members

Dr. Kelly Byam

Dr. Patrick Connolly

Dr. Inez del Pino

Nicole Dickerson, RVT

Dr. Misty Hirschbein

Dr. Adam Lauppe

Dr. Peter Mangold

Dr. Diane McClure

Dr. Teresa Morishita

Dr. Shari O'Neill

Dr. Kevin Terra

Dr. Brent Wooden

Dr. Jodi Woods

Treasurer Dr. Ron Kelpe

Chair, House of Delegates Dr. Laura Weatherford

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

University of California, Davis Sarah Meil

Western University Nicole Lent

CVMA STAFF

Executive Director Dan Baxter

Director of Communications Kristen Calderon

Director of Finance Kathy Van Booven

Director of Conferences and Events Sarah Erck

Director of Regulatory Affairs Dr. Grant Miller

Membership and Student Services Manager Laura Phillips

Publications Manager Taryn DeOilers

Accountant Shanna Allen

Communications and CE Coordinator Nicole Campos

Finance Coordinator Sharmele Browne

Graphic Designer Marissa Collier

Conference Speaker Coordinator Lily Briggs

Conference Expo Coordinator Erica Ferrier

Membership Coordinator Jennifer Smith

Receptionist Mary Young

DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Please contact Taryn DeOilers at 916.649.0599 ext. 16 or email tdeoilers@cvma.net.

On p. 40 of this edition of California Veterinarian, you’ll see a story about two recent ceremonies held at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to honor those schools’ graduating seniors. CVMA President Dr. Mike Karle, several CVMA staff members, and I attended the UC Davis Senior Banquet on May 6, while CVMA past President Dr. Keith Rode attended WesternU’s Awards Ceremony and Family Barbecue on May 17. At both ceremonies, several outstanding graduates were honored with awards bestowed by the CVMA, the California Veterinary Medical Foundation, and Veterinary Insurance Services Company. You can read further about these award winners in the story mentioned above, and I wholeheartedly congratulate all of them!

More broadly, though, I’d like to devote a few words to all of this year’s graduates, and all of the other students currently wending their way through the scholastic and clinical programs that veterinary school has to offer.

By way of brief background, and as some of you know, I am not a clinician…at all. (Indeed, I witnessed my very first veterinary surgical procedure just a couple of months ago while shadowing Dr. Rode, who was kind enough to show me a day in the life of a small animal practitioner.) I am a lawyer by trade, and while that background did bring with it three intense years of law school, I am convinced that the demands associated with that post-graduate experience were but a drop in the bucket compared to what veterinary students go through. When I speak with the students I meet, notably including UC Davis and WesternU’s fantastic student liaisons to the CVMA Board of Governors, I am deeply impressed by all that veterinary school entails. The level of commitment and dedication required by a veterinary program—in such a wide spectrum of didactic and practical disciplines—is truly something to behold, and the transition from school to practice (so well-described by our First-Year Vet contributors to this magazine) seems equally or even more demanding.

At the UC Davis Senior Banquet, the keynote speech was given Dr. Sean Gadson, an emergency medicine veterinarian and recent UC Davis SVM alumnus

(and CVMA member!) who now practices in Colorado. Dr. Gadson’s speech was—no exaggeration—one of the best I’ve seen anywhere, in any context. In the course of 15 captivating minutes, Dr. Gadson offered several pieces of advice and one real-world vignette concerning a recent day at his clinic that perfectly synthesized the rigors of transitioning from academia to practice…things to expect, things to avoid, things to cherish. He also highlighted the importance of reflecting, taking stock, and being purposeful in charting a career path. Dr. Gadson’s comments strongly resonated with me and prompted reflection on the road my own career has traveled in 25 years. I wish I could bottle the speech up and send it to all of you, but one of my takeaways was that choices made intentionally, beginning with reflection and ending with decisiveness, are the ones calculated to produce the best outcomes. Sure, that may seem intellectually intuitive, but it can be a hard thing to remember once the career train starts moving down the track.

Of similar importance is finding time to marinate in the large and small victories that your professional life will bring. While my own career has been substantively different from virtually everyone reading this, I cannot be alone in noting that I have sometimes failed to give the positive moments I’ve experienced sufficient time to breathe. I don’t know if it’s the pace of professional life or just basic human nature, but we are frequently so busy moving on to “the next thing” that we forget to celebrate what we have already accomplished; then, before you know it, ten more “next things” have occurred and the accomplishment now seems too remote to celebrate. Don’t let that happen! When you do something in your career (or life) that is worthy of praise, give yourself a moment and praise it!

In any case, to the members of the Class of 2023 and all the classes coming up, each of you has my profound respect and admiration for what you have done and will do. Hopefully, I will meet many of you in the coming years at a CVMA event or otherwise; in the meantime, I wish you the very best, now and in the future.

Dan Baxter Executive Director

JULY 18–20, 2023

Veterinary Medical Board Meetings

AUGUST 30–31, 2023

Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) Board Meetings

OCTOBER 6–8, 2023

CVMA Board of Governors Meetings

OCTOBER 17–19, 2023

Veterinary Medical Board Meetings

News Now & CVMA

Call for First Year Veterinarian Writers

The California Veterinarian is looking for a recent veterinary school graduate to document their first year of practice! The first-year veterinarian should have good writing skills, be able to write six 500-word articles over the course of a year, and plan to practice in California. Interested new grads can email Taryn DeOilers, the CVMA’s publications manager, at tdeoilers@cvma.net for more information.

We’re Searching for Practitioners in Unique Professions!

Do you work in an interesting or unusual field? The CVMA would like to highlight the wide variety of practice types in the veterinary profession. We are looking to publish short articles written by veterinary professionals who have unique perspectives and experiences. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to Taryn DeOilers at tdeoilers@cvma.net. All material is published at our discretion and we reserve the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length with the author’s consent.

New CVMA Member Benefit: Mentorship for New Grads

The CVMA is offering a new member benefit for new veterinary grads: MentorVet. This benefit provides an exclusive discount on mentoring services. Interested new grads should sign up by September 10, 2023 for the next session. See page 39 for more details.

Upcoming Mentor Moment Sessions for Veterinary Students and New Grads

Join us for our free online Mentor Moment presentations led by CVMA member veterinarians eager to share their real-world experiences and advice. These presentations are interactive and include time for you to ask your burning questions!

Accentuate the Positive: Starting Your Veterinary Career on an Optimistic Note

September 11, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM

Adventures in Shelter Medicine

October 23, 2023 | 12:00 PM–1:00 PM

For more information and to register, click on Student Events under the Resources tab at cvma.net.

National Disaster Preparedness Month Is This September

Each September, National Disaster Preparedness Month is recognized to promote disaster planning across communities. Please visit ready.gov to make a plan and be prepared in the case of a disaster.

NOVEMBER 5, 2023

CAVMRC Online Disaster Response Training

In support of its mission to train and credential veterinary professionals to protect animal welfare and public health during disasters, the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (CAVMRC) is offering a lowcost, one-day continuing education course to member veterinarians, RVTs, and veterinary assistants.

The Animals in Disasters – Common Medical Conditions course will be offered via Zoom on November 5, 2023. It will provide 7.5 continuing education units.

Grant Miller, DVM; Ashley Patterson, DVM; Jessica Robertson, DVM, DACZM; John Madigan, DVM, DACVIM, DACAW. Additional speaker TBA.

SPEAKERS TOPICS

This course will cover crucial information on emergency and critical care that will benefit you in everyday practice as well as during a disaster response. Topics include:

• The Basics of Poultry Husbandry, Handling, and Veterinary Care

• Housing Considerations for Poultry in Emergency Shelters: Zoonotic Disease Considerations

• UC Davis CVET Team: Working with the CAVMRC to Help Animals in Disasters

• Deployment in the CAVMRC

• And more!

REGISTRATION

This course is only available to CAVMRC members. By registering for this course, you are automatically registering to become a volunteer member of the CAVMRC. CAVMRC membership is free and participation is entirely voluntary.

Registration opens mid-August. Please watch your email for updates or visit cavmrc.net and click on the Fall Training registration link when it becomes available.

I AM THE

Members are the heart of the CVMA

c Chief of Shelter Medicine

c Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 2005; Residency in Shelter Medicine—UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2013

c Practice type: Private non-profit animal shelter

The most gratifying moment at work was being told my technicians or assistants were accepted to veterinary school.

An unusual hobby or interest of mine is cultivating rare aquatic plants and raising poison dart frogs.

My first job was at 14, cleaning fish tanks and critter cages at the local pet store.

I try to make the world a better place by listening more and paying it forward.

My words of wisdom for new veterinary professionals would be don’t ever stop learning and be kind to yourself—you got this!

The most interesting place I have visited or lived is Parque Nacional Corcovado in Costa Rica.

My favorite guilty pleasure is watching all Star Wars movies and shows (including the cartoons) in chronological order.

I am a CVMA member because I want to be informed and involved in influencing legislation affecting the veterinary profession, especially shelter medicine.

Cristie Kamiya, DVM, MBA, CAWA

Continuing Education Information Student

Special member pricing on CE offered inperson at vacation destinations or online from the comfort and convenience of your home or office. Visit the Continuing Education tab at cvma.net.

Manage your continuing education records through the CVMA’s website and receive a reminder letter from the CVMA six months before your license renewal date. Visit the Continuing Education tab at cvma.net.

The CVMA’s Certified Veterinary Assistant Program increases your veterinary assistants’ education, experience, and skills. Visit the Resources tab on cvma.net.

Immediate access to critical information through California Veterinarian magazine, the CVMA’s Weekly e-newsletter, and the CVMA’s website, press releases, and action alerts.

The CVMA App allows access to instant legislative updates, CE offerings, regulatory information, and more—all in the palm of your hand.

The Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) connects students from UC Davis and WesternU with veterinary practices for summer employment.

Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) offers UC Davis and WesternU student members complimentary professional liability insurance.

Savings on Products and Services Wellness

CareCredit healthcare financing helps families manage veterinary costs through monthly payments.

Free legal consultation for member veterinarians. Take advantage of 30 minutes of free legal consultation each month with attorneys specializing in employment law, contract and business law, and administrative law, including the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) and other regulatory agency issues.

One-stop regulatory consulting resources help you stay in compliance with everchanging laws and regulations.

The CVMA InLine Program assists with workplace safety, legal issues, and laws and regulations affecting the profession. Visit cvma-inline.net.

The Relief Veterinarian Directory provides contact information for locum tenens veterinarians.

The Find-a-Veterinarian online listing allows potential clients to find you by name, city, and practice type. Visit the Resources tab on cvma.net.

Business Advocacy

Increased awareness and understanding of the impact of legislation on your profession through effective policy analysis and membership advisories. Visit the CVMA Legislative Action Center at cvma.net under the Advocacy tab.

Protecting your license by continually monitoring and reporting unlicensed veterinary activity in all areas of practice.

A full-service member assistance program (MAP) with TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) provides confidential consultations, information and resources, connections to community agencies and supports, and referrals to counseling (by video or in-person).

Discounts on over 30 home health tests with LetsGetChecked, including COVID-19 with RT-PCR/TMA lab analysis and 24-72-hour online test results.

Discounted membership to over 11,600 national fitness centers through Active&Fit Direct with no long-term contract and the ability to switch between gyms, ensuring members find the one that best suits their needs.

Insurance Coverage

Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) provides personal and professional lines of coverage tailored for the needs of veterinary professionals. Learn more at visc-ins.com.

Delta Dental Insurance plans to cover the needs of your personal and staff needs.

Vision Service Plan (VSP) provides affordable, high-quality eye care plans.

Career

The CVMA Career Center allows you to post and view classified employment ads and practice sales ads.

Network with colleagues and specialists through our members-only online CVMA Directory.

NEW! MentorVet delivers peer support coaching and mentorship to new veterinary graduates through a five-month virtual program. CVMA members save an addtional $100 off the discounted rate!

The Castle Press offers discounts on printing services and products, including controlled substance security prescription pads, regular prescription pads, name tags, stationery, appointment cards, and more.

CheckmarcUSA provides free check recovery services.

Epicur Pharma offers discounts on its 503B product line for in-house use and administration as well as secondary dispensation to clients.

GlobalVetLINK offers discount pricing for electronic prescriptions, health certificates, feed directives, and other products to help veterinary practices manage records.

HireRight provides discounted employee background screening.

i3 Merchant Solutions lowers your credit card processing rates.

National Pharmaceutical Returns offers discounts on mail-back disposal services for unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as reverse distribution of unwanted controlled substances.

NEW! Clean Harbors offers discounts on medical waste services packages, including biohazard, sharps, and pathology waste.

Entertainment

California Academy of Sciences provides a discount to its planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum…all under one roof.

Car Rental savings through Alamo, Avis, and National.

TicketsAtWork provides discounts for theme parks, including Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, Great America, Sea World, Six Flags, and more.

Medical Waste Management: Veterinary Practice Obligations

By Grant Miller, DVM, CVMA Director of Regulatory Affairs

Many veterinary practices find regulated waste statutes and regulations to be confusing, with misconceptions resulting in risk to sanitation workers, stress on the environment, and unnecessary costs to the veterinary practice when items not classified as medical waste are treated as such.

The Medical Waste Management Act (“Act”) defines medical waste in the California Health and Safety Code. The Act is enforced by the California Department of Public Health Environmental Management Branch and can be found online by searching for “California Medical Waste Management Act.”

The following are important clarifying points about the Act that pertain to veterinary practices.

Registering with Health Authorities

Because veterinary practices generate less than 200 pounds of medical waste per month, they are considered Small Quantity Generators and are thus required to register with local health authorities, provided the jurisdiction has a medical waste management program. Registration should be completed through local (city or county) public health departments and is commonly renewed every two years. Registration fees and inspection intervals will vary by jurisdiction. For practices operating in a jurisdiction that does not have a local medical waste management program, registration defaults to the State Medical Waste Management Program at the California State Department of Public Health.

Classification of Medical Waste Medical Waste is classified in the following categories:

Biohazardous: material derived from the medical treatment of a human or from an animal that is suspected by the attending veterinarian of being infected with a pathogen that is infectious to humans. Laboratory is a subcategory of biohazardous waste that includes animal specimen cultures containing pathogens that are infectious to humans; cultures and stocks of infectious agents from research; wastes from the production of bacteria, viruses, spores, and discarded Brucellosis and Contagious Ecthyma vaccines; and waste containing discarded materials contaminated with excretion, exudate, or secretions from humans or animals that are required to be isolated by the infection control staff, the attending physician and surgeon, the attending veterinarian, or the local health officer to protect others from highly communicable diseases or diseases of animals that are communicable to humans.

Biohazardous waste can be stored in sealed biohazard bags at room temperature for up to 30 days or in a freezer for up to 90 days. Biohazard bags must be red, but the containers in which they are kept can be of any color. Bags must be impervious to liquid and must be of sufficient strength to preclude ripping, tearing, or bursting under normal conditions of usage and handling when full. Bags and containers must be clearly labeled with the words “Biohazardous Waste” or with the international biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD” on the lid and all sides.

Pathology: surgery specimens or tissues removed during surgery or necropsy that are suspected by the health care professional of being contaminated with infectious agents known to be contagious to humans or having been fixed in formaldehyde or another fixative.

Pathology waste should be stored in white bags in an approved container marked "Pathology waste" or "PATH." Its storage and disposal rules follow that of biohazardous waste.

Pharmaceutical: unwanted, expired, surplus, or adulterated prescription or over-the-counter human or veterinary drugs not including controlled substances, radioactive drugs, or any drugs classified as hazardous substances.

Pharmaceutical waste should be placed in a plastic or cardboard box and should be labeled “Pharmaceutical Waste – Incineration Only.” It can be stored in a sealed container for up to 90 days prior to being removed by a registered medical waste hauler. Controlled substances do not fall into this category and must be disposed of via a licensed reverse distributor.

Sharps: refers to devices that have acute rigid corners, edges, or protuberances capable of cutting or piercing skin.

Sharps waste can be stored on-site in a sealed sharps container for up to 30 days. Containers must be made of a rigid, puncture-resistant material that, when sealed, is leak-resistant and cannot be reopened without great difficulty. Sharps containers should be labeled with the words “sharps waste” or with the international biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD” on the lid and all sides.

Trace chemotherapeutic: waste that is contaminated through contact with, or previous containment of, chemotherapeutic agents.

Trace chemotherapeutic waste must be segregated for storage. Such waste should be placed in a yellow bag inside an approved secondary container labeled with the words "Chemotherapy Waste" or "CHEMO." Sharps waste that is contaminated through contact with, or having previously contained, chemotherapeutic agents, shall be placed in sharps containers labeled in accordance with the industry standard with the words “Chemotherapy Waste,” “CHEMO,” or other label approved by the health department, and shall be segregated from other

New!

sharps waste for separate disposal. Trace chemotherapeutic waste must be treated by incineration or alternative treatment technologies approved by the health department.

To assist members with medical waste compliance, the CVMA is proud to announce a new member benefit with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. providing medical and hazardous waste transportation and disposal services at a discounted price to CVMA member veterinarians (see panel below for more information). Members may access this benefit through the CVMA member guide found under the Membership tab at cvma.net.

This article is for informational and general educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of legal advice nor should it be considered as a legal interpretation. Although significant effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of publication, the CVMA shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions, or any agency’s interpretation, application, or enforcement of the information presented herein.

CVMA Member Benefit

2023 California Legislative Update

The California legislative cycle has passed its halfway point with surviving Senate bills now being reviewed by Assembly committees, and vice versa. Unlike most previous sessions, a multitude of bills are still active in the legislative process. The CVMA’s legislative team is participating in frequent meetings to ensure that the voice of the profession is heard by lawmakers and other stakeholders. The CVMA’s lobbyists are also working hard to meet with legislative staff and committee consultants to address issues with each bill.

Below is a summary of the CVMA’s priority bills and their current status.

AB 814 (Lowenthal) Veterinary medicine: animal physical rehabilitation.

CVMA Position: Oppose

This measure will permit physical therapists to open their own practices to provide animal physical rehabilitation services to all species of animals by veterinary referral. The bill is an attempt to override current state law by proposing that direct veterinarian supervision be removed in practices run by physical therapists and avoid minimum standards required of veterinary practices by inclusion of a licensee manager and other consumer protection provisions. The bill does not address access to veterinary care as the sponsors have contended, but instead introduces a scope of practice creep by medical professionals with no formal licensing curriculum in animals. This would be unsafe for animals and deeply insulting to the veterinary profession, and if allowed would pave the way for incursions by other healing arts professions. In addition, the Veterinary Medical

Board (VMB) has estimated a $1.2 million implementation cost if the bill passes. Since the VMB’s operating budget is not augmented by the general fund and comes solely from licensing and permit fees, the CVMA is concerned about how this cost will be covered.

The CVMA has formed coalition opposition to AB 814, which includes the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association, the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association, and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association. The CVMA is actively lobbying members of the California Senate to oppose this bill and has sent multiple action alerts to members urging them to directly express their concerns to California legislators.

Status: This bill is scheduled for hearing in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on July 10.

AB 1399 (Friedman/Lowenthal): Veterinary medicine: veterinarian-client-patient relationship: telehealth.

CVMA Position: Oppose, Unless Amended

This bill will change California’s current veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) law to permit a VCPR to be established solely via electronic means. It will circumvent the current requirement for a veterinarian to physically examine an animal patient or make medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept in order to prescribe medication and treat patients.

In the late spring, both the CVMA and the VMB pivoted from “Oppose” to “Oppose, unless amended” positions, seeking amendments that would protect California’s animals and consumers from potential issues that can arise from the telemedicine practice model. Some of those issues include overuse and misuse of antibiotics and other medications, perpetual renewals of medications with no required lab work or in-person examinations, the potential for doctorshopping, and the possibility that a pet could potentially go for years without being physically examined by a veterinarian. The CVMA’s proposed amendments can be viewed at cvma.net in the 2023 Legislative Update in the Advocacy section.

Status: This bill is scheduled for hearing in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on July 10.

AB 1232 (Connolly) Department of Food and Agriculture: resilient and higher welfare grant program.

CVMA Position: No Position—Write Letter of Concern

This bill would have tasked the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) with creating and implementing a grant program to support the implementation of higher standards of care and more climate-smart farming practices. As originally written, the bill would have redefined how antibiotics are administered to food-producing animals.

The CVMA reached out to the Author of this bill with a letter of concern requesting that language pertaining to antibiotic use be amended to align with current California law. The CVMA is pleased to report that the Author committed to accepting the requested amendments; however, the bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and thus will not continue in the legislative process this year.

Status: Held in committee—bill will not progress this year.

SB 669 (Cortese) Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

CVMA Position: Support

This bill will permit veterinarians to utilize registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) as agents in establishing the veterinarian-clientpatient relationship (VCPR) for the specific purposes of administering prophylactic vaccinations and/or providing preventative procedures for parasite control.

The CVMA has extensively reviewed and discussed RVT licensing curriculum and recognizes the expanded ability of RVTs to provide these services to assist veterinarians in establishing their VCPRs with clients to provide vaccinations and parasite control. This measure will help to improve access to veterinary care by giving veterinarians authority to more extensively utilize RVTs in practice.

Status: This bill is awaiting review in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 373 (Menjivar) Board of Behavioral Sciences, Board of Psychology, and Veterinary Medical Board: licensees’ and registrants’ addresses.

CVMA Position: Support

This bill, when originally written, sought to prohibit the Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Board of Psychology from disclosing on the internet the full address of record of certain licensees and registrants, limiting those boards to disclosing only the city, state, county, and ZIP Code of the address of record of those licensees and registrants.

The CVMA contacted the Author and requested that the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) be added to the list of boards that must limit their public disclosure of licensee contact information. Many house call and ranch call veterinarians base their business at their home; as a result, some clinicians have experienced stray animals being left on their doorsteps, while others have reported angry clients coming to their home. In an effort to protect these veterinarians and their families, Senator Menjivar agreed to include veterinary licensees among the healthcare professionals whose contact information will be limited.

The CVMA wishes to thank Senator Menjivar as well as the VMB for their efforts in providing this important protection to veterinary licensees.

Status: This bill is awaiting review in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

More information about these bills, along with CVMA position letters and fact sheets, is available on cvma.net in the Advocacy section under “2023 Legislative Update.”

CVMA Legislative Action Center

For specific information on bills or to track CVMA-monitored bills through the legislative process, visit the CVMA’s online Legislative Action Center in the Advocacy section of cvma.net.

CVMA’s Kristi Pawlowski Appointed to Serve on the Veterinary Medical Board

will also participate in important decisions on VMB regulations and policies, and help guide public education and consumer protection activities.

Kristi is one of eight VMB members and will serve as the only RVT member. Her term will expire on June 1, 2025.

CVMA Board member Kristi Pawlowski, RVT, has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as a member of the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB). In this role, Kristi will provide oversight and direction on professional veterinary standards and enforcement, including the licensing of veterinary professionals and registration of veterinary premises. She

Kristi is the executive director of the Sacramento Valley VMA and the co-owner of Insight Veterinary Wellness Center. She has been involved in the CVMA for over a decade, serving as the RVT Member-atLarge of the RVT Committee, the CoChair of the CVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant Committee, and as a delegate to the CVMA House of Delegates. In early 2022, Kristi was selected by the CVMA’s RVT Committee and approved by the Leadership Committee to serve as the first-ever RVT voting member on the CVMA’s Board of Governors.

“I have a passion for working with others to tackle challenging issues that affect consumers, animals, and the veterinary

Nicole Dickerson Selected as New RVT Member on the CVMA Board of Governors

Nicole Dickerson, RVT, has been chosen to replace Kristi Pawlowski as the RVT member of the CVMA’s Board of Governors. Nicole currently works as the Animal Care Supervisor at the University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) Animal Resource Center, where she balances the well-being and care of animals with the university’s research mission. She is a member of the California RVT Association and devotes much of her time volunteering for causes like the San Francisco SPCA, international spayathons, and the Sonoma County Humane Society.

profession,” Kristi said. “Many difficult and potentially controversial laws, policies, and regulations that are ‘in the news’ require thoughtful examination and consideration. I look forward to serving California's pet owners by doing my part as the RVT Member on the Veterinary Medical Board.”

At the CVMA, Nicole serves on the RVT Committee, on the House of Delegates, and on the Inclusion and Diversity Committee. She was the 2022 recipient of the CVMA’s Linda Markland RVT of the Year Award.

"It's exciting to join the BOG," Nicole said. "I am humbled and honored to serve as a voice for the RVTs of California in this capacity and to continue to advocate for the profession."

The CVMA is proud of Kristi and Nicole, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in service of the veterinary profession!

"I look forward to serving California's pet owners by doing my part as the RVT Member on the Veterinary Medical Board."

–Kristi Pawlowski, RVT

Get Involved with the CVMA House of Delegates!

The CVMA is always looking for interested and engaged members to serve in its House of Delegates (HOD), a key component of the CVMA that serves as an advisory body to the Board of Governors (BOG). The HOD meets twice per year, typically in January and June, and each meeting includes a joint session with the BOG featuring a substantive, dedicated discussion on issues of concern to the veterinary profession. These meetings are interesting, informative, dynamic, and dare we say…fun!

What Does the HOD Do?

The HOD’s mission is to address local and regional interests and policies impacting the practice of veterinary medicine and its branches; essentially, it is the voice of the CVMA’s membership and local constituents

from across the state and the key communicative bridge between atlarge membership and the BOG.

Who Is Represented in the HOD?

HOD members are appointed by the CVMA’s 33 constituent organizations, 25 of which are geographically based and eight of which are affinity groups respectively comprised of RVTs, Holistic Medicine Veterinarians, Food Animal Veterinarians, Lab Animal Veterinarians, Shelter Medicine Veterinarians, Western University CVM faculty, Western University CVM students, and University of California, Davis SVM students.

What Does HOD Service Look Like?

Delegates serve two-year terms, which may be twice renewed for a total of six years of service. Delegates attend the

Joint Board and House Report

The CVMA Board of Governors (BOG) and House of Delegates (HOD) convened on June 9 at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in Long Beach for a semi-annual leadership meeting to discuss current issues facing the California veterinary profession.

In the morning session, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Associate Dean Dr. Joie Watson and Western University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Interim Dean Dr. John Tegzes gave updates on recent activities at both veterinary schools, respectively assisted by student representatives Sarah Meil and Inez Rivero. CVMA Executive Director Dan Baxter and Director of Regulatory Affairs Dr. Grant Miller gave an update on 2023 California

legislation. Of particular concern to the profession are AB 1399 (Friedman) regarding veterinary telemedicine and AB 814 (Lowenthal), which will permit physical therapists to provide services to animals without veterinarian supervision. The CVMA has actively voiced opposition concerns over these bills, yet legislators continue to progress both.

In the afternoon sessions, the BOG conducted its regular quarterly meeting addressing various items of business, while the HOD heard a legislative proposal from Stephen Cital, RVT, RLAT, SRA, CVPP, VTS- LAM (Res. Anesthesia). The proposal, slated for the 2024 California legislative session, would permit RVTs who hold specialty certifications to diagnose injuries

two meetings mentioned previously, both of which alternate yearly between appealing venues in northern and southern California. The summer meeting is held in conjunction with the CVMA’s Pacific Veterinary Conference (PacVet), allowing delegates to engage in CVMA leadership activities and pick up valuable CE in one convenient trip!

Join Us!

CVMA members interested in HOD service should contact their constituent group liaison or the CVMA’s HOD staff liaison, Dr. Grant Miller, at gmiller@cvma.net.

and illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform select surgeries by obtaining onthe-job training while working under the oversight of a veterinarian pursuant to a written agreement.

The next CVMA joint Board and House meeting will be held in Costa Mesa in January of 2024.

New 2023–2024

CVMA

Officers and Board Members Installed

At the CVMA Board of Governors meeting in June, the following individuals pledged to serve in their elected positions. Outgoing members were recognized and thanked for their many contributions to the CVMA, and Dr. Michael Karle was sworn in as the CVMA’s 2023–2024 President. Please visit page 24 of this issue of California Veterinarian to meet Dr. Karle!

Dr. Hawkins graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Dr. Hawkins has utilized her degree to work in a variety of veterinary roles, including as a small animal practitioner, an RVT instructor at Cal Poly Pomona, and a shelter veterinarian. She served as the chief veterinarian at OC Animal Care, one of the largest municipal animal shelters in the state, for seven years. Dr. Hawkins has actively participated in organized veterinary medicine since her veterinary school days, including serving as a CVMA delegate and as chair of the CVMA House of Delegates. She is currently the executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).

member of the Veterinary Insurance Services Company Board of Directors and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) PAC Board of Directors, and is the CVMA’s liaison to the AVMA Advisory Committee.

Dr. Inez Del Pino | District II

Dr. Del Pino works as an associate veterinarian at both Banfield Pet Hospital in Northridge and CampLA (Community Animal Medicine Project), a nonprofit group based in Los Angeles. She previously held the roles of treasurer, vice president, and 2019–2020 president of the SCVMA. Dr. Del Pino has also served as a member of the California Veterinary Medical Foundation Board since 2021 and on the CVMA’s House of Delegates from 2016 to the beginning of 2023. She earned her degree in 2008 from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kelly Byam | District III

Dr. Byam recently sold and retired from Abel Pet Clinic in Elk Grove, which she owned and operated for over 20 years. Her extensive history with the CVMA started in college, when she served as the UC Davis student representative to the CVMA’s Wellness Committee and Public Relations Committee. She has also served on the CVMA’s House of Delegates, Don Low/ CVMA Practitioner Fellowship Selection Committee, Political Action Committee, and Legislative Committee. Dr. Byam is the pastpresident of the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association (SVVMA) and was the longest-serving president of the SVVMA’s charitable foundation. She presided over the transfer of that foundation to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation in 2020 and served as President of the Charitable Giving Committee of the SVVMA until June 2023.

Dr. Wooden has served on the CVMA's House of Delegates, as House chair, as well as, the co-chair of the Legislative Committee, and as a member of the Finance Committee and Leadership Committee. He also volunteers for the AVMA with the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. When not volunteering, Dr. Wooden owns and works at Old Towne Animal Hospital in Fair Oaks and San Juan Veterinary Hospital in Citrus Heights.

Dr. Shari B. O’Neill, MPH, DACVPM District IX

Dr. O’Neill devotes her veterinary skills to the San Francisco Animal Care & Control, where she helps rescue, reunite, and rehome animals throughout her community. She channels her experience and passion for community service into the CVMA by serving as the Region 2 Coordinator for the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps, where she helps organize deployments to provide veterinary care to animals affected by disasters in the state. In 1999, Dr. O’Neill earned her DVM degree from Auburn University.

Dr. Bowie joined the Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin in 1999 after graduation from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine followed by a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, he became part owner of the hospital, where he practiced until 2022. Dr. Bowie now runs a consulting business called TowardHealth Consulting. He is a long time member of the International Veterinary and Emergency Critical Care Society and past-president of the Marin County VMA. At the CVMA, Dr. Bowie has served in the House of Delegates as both a member and former chair. He is currently a

Dr. Byam was the inaugural recipient of the Sacramento SPCA's "Humane-itarian" award and successfully led the lobbying effort that brought Elk Grove a municipal animal shelter. She received her DVM degree from UC Davis in 1997.

Dr. Brent Wooden | District VI

Dr. Wooden graduated in 2003 from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. His interest in organized veterinary medicine began right out of school thanks to the great mentorship of Dr. Tom Kendall, Dr. Ken Pawlowski, and Kristi Pawlowski, RVT. With their guidance, Dr. Wooden began serving on the Sacramento Valley VMA as a member-atlarge and continued on to serve as President.

Dr. Kelpe joins the CVMA as treasurer after having already served in myriad roles for the CVMA and its affiliated organizations, including two terms in the House of Delegates and Board of Governors, respectively, the latter of which culminated in his 2013–2014 CVMA presidency. Dr. Kelpe also served as a member of Veterinary Insurance Service Company’s Board of Directors from 2015–2022 (in his new role, Dr. Kelpe will also serve as VISC’s treasurer), and has extensive experience monitoring the financial dealings of both the CVMA and VISC. Away from the CVMA, Dr. Kelpe has been active in local veterinary medical associations including the SCVMA, where he served as president in 2006. Dr. Kelpe earned his DVM degree from Iowa State University in 1984 and was the CEO and medical director of Santa Margarita Animal Care Center from 1988 to 2019. Since retirement from full-time practice, Dr. Kelpe has served as a relief veterinarian, predominantly in Southern California.

Dr. Jennifer Hawkins | President-Elect

Dr. Peter Bowie | Executive Committee Member-at-Large

Dr. Ronald Kelpe Treasurer

1. Dr. Michael Karle

President

Governor-at-Large

2. Dr. Jennifer Hawkins

President-Elect

District II, Southern CA VMA

3. Dr. Peter Bowie

Executive Committee

Member-at-Large

Governor-at-Large

4. Dr. Jodi Woods

District I, San Diego County VMA

5. Dr. Inez Del Pino

District II, Southern CA VMA

6. Dr. Misty Hirschbein

District II, Southern CA VMA

7. Dr. Kelly Byam

District III, Kern County VMA, Orange Belt VMA

8. Dr. Patrick Connolly

District IV, Mid-Coast VMA, Santa Barbara-Ventura VMA, Monterey Bay VMA

9. Dr. Adam Lauppe

District V, Central CA VMA, Delta VMA, Merced-Mariposa VMA, Northern San Joaquin VMA, Tulare-Kings County VMA

10. Dr. Brent Wooden

District VI, Sacramento Valley VMA, Mother Lode VMA

11. Dr. Kevin Terra

District VII, Humboldt-Del Norte VMA, Marin VMA, MendoLake VMA, Northern California VMA, North Valley VMA, Redwood Empire VMA

12. Dr. Peter Mangold

District VIII, Alameda VMA, Contra Costa County VMA, NapaSolano VMA

13. Dr. Shari O’Neill

District IX, Peninsula VMA, San Francisco VMA, Santa Clara VMA

14. Dr. Diane McClure Governor-at-Large

15. Dr. Teresa Morishita Governor-at-Large

16. Nicole Dickerson, RVT Governor-at-Large

Student Representatives

Nicole Lent graduated from Oregon State University in 2014 with a BS in animal science. Nicole is deeply involved in her community at WesternU, including being the president of WesternU’s Student Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society (SVECCS), a board member of the National SVECCS, the event coordinator for the campus pathology club, and WesternU’s student delegate to the CVMA House of Delegates. After graduation, Nicole hopes to pursue her passion for fast-paced, high-volume small animal emergency care.

Sarah

Sarah Meil earned her BA in philosophy and gender studies from Yale University in 2000 and her JD from Colombia Law School in 2003. At UC Davis, Sarah serves as the president of the Behavior Medicine & Animal Welfare Club and as the president of the student chapter of the Humane Society VMA, where she helps organize its quarterly Street Dog Clinic in Sacramento. She also frequently participates in local access to care clinics, such as the Knights Landing One Health Clinic, Mercer Clinic for Pets of the Homeless, and Davis Pet and Animal Welfare Clinic. Driven to expand access to care for underserved communities, Sarah aspires to work in shelter medicine following graduation.

Nicole Lent | WesternU

Meil | UC Davis

Relief Veterinarians: Employee or Independent Contractor?

By Jizell Lopez, Wilke Fleury LLP

The worker classification of relief veterinarians has been a hot button issue for many years. Traditionally, relief veterinarians and veterinary practices have preferred the classic independent contractor arrangement. However, given recent changes in worker classification laws and the legal risks associated with misclassification, it is a good time for both relief veterinarians and veterinary practices to revisit their independent contractor agreements to determine whether currently classified independent contractors are, in fact, properly classified.

As a brief background, on April 30, 2018, the California Supreme Court issued its opinion in Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court (“Dynamex”), adopting new standards for determining whether a California worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor for the purposes of wage orders adopted by California’s

Industrial Welfare Commission. On January 1, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 5, expanding the application of Dynamex and making it more difficult for California workers to qualify as independent contractors. While this new standard has upended many traditional independent contractor industries, the California legislature acknowledged that some industries should be exempt from the AB 5 standard and, instead, the traditional analytical standard (known as the “Borello” test) should apply. Thus, AB 5 may have codified the Dynamex ruling, but it also carved out several exceptions, including for veterinarians.

AB 5 requires the application of the “ABC Test” to determine if workers are employees or independent contractors for purposes of the Labor Code, the Unemployment Insurance Code, and the Industrial Welfare Commission’s wage orders. Under the ABC Test, a worker is considered an employee and not an independent contractor unless the hiring entity satisfies all three of the following

conditions: (A) the worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact; (B) the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and (C) the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as that involved in the work performed.

By contrast, the Borello test relies on multiple factors, including whether the potential employer has all necessary control over the manner and means of accomplishing the result desired (although such control need not be direct, actually exercised, or detailed). This factor must be considered along with other factors, including but not limited to: (1) whether the worker performing the services holds themselves out as being engaged in an occupation or business distinct from that of the employer; (2) whether the work is a regular or integral part of the employer’s business; (3) whether the employer or the worker supplies the instrumentalities, tools, and the place for the worker doing the work; (4) whether the worker has invested in the business; (5) whether the worker hires their own employees; (6) whether the employer has a right to fire at-will; and (7) whether or not the worker and the potential employer believe they are creating an employeremployee relationship. Under Borello, no single factor controls the determination. Instead, the test relies on 13 different factors requiring consideration of the totality of circumstances attending the relationship. Accordingly, relief veterinarian classification can be complex, and subject to a case-by-case determination.

Both the Borello multifactor test and the ABC Test create a rebuttable presumption that the worker is an employee, and the hiring entity thus bears the burden

of establishing that the worker is an independent contractor. The ABC Test is designed to be more predictable than the multifactor approach used under Borello. While AB 5 itself may not have changed the classification test applicable to veterinarians, the analytical landscape has shifted, and there are practical implications to understand for relief veterinarians.

You may ask, what is the big deal, particularly if the worker wants to be classified as an independent contractor and the parties have agreed to this classification, and little to no risk flows to the worker? The party that bears the risk is the employer. In the event the worker is in fact misclassified, the employer could face significant liability—even if both the employer and employee agree to the classification. Employees are entitled to certain rights that independent contractors do not typically enjoy, such as overtime, benefits, meal and rest breaks, and more. Furthermore, federal and state agencies may look back to determine if employers correctly withheld taxes, disability, and other payments, and paid for workers’ compensation benefits.

In the veterinary industry, many practices rely on relief veterinarians and the classification of those veterinarians as independent contractors. This article does not conclude that all relief veterinarians must be employees. Instead, it is a reminder to review any and all independent contractor agreements and their performance to determine whether such veterinarians may be classified as independent contractors. With recent legislation adversely impacting independent contractor designations in multiple industries, many current independent contractors have been given a moment to pause and ask whether they are in fact properly classified. Again, the penalties associated with misclassification can be high and can lead to significant employer liability.

The bottom line is that although AB 5 has been in effect for nearly three years, California veterinarians are still largely left guessing whether their classification is proper under the Borello standard. Given the trends discussed above, it will likely become increasingly difficult and risky to classify workers as independent contractors. Consequently, it is important for practices utilizing relief veterinarian assistance to revisit their relationships to determine whether an independent contractor classification is correct. In uncertain cases, consult qualified legal counsel!

Jizell Lopez is a civil litigation attorney who primarily represents clients in federal and state court litigation and before administrative agencies regarding all manner of employment claims, including single plaintiff lawsuits, class action lawsuits, and wage and hour representative lawsuits. Jizell’s practice includes allegations of harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, wage and hour noncompliance, and more.

CVMA FALL SEMINAR!

OCTOBER 6–8, 2023

WHAT COULD BEAT COMBINING QUALITY CONTINUING EDUCATION AND ONE OF

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS ON EARTH?

Veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and CVMA CVAs are invited to spend their mornings soaking up CE from world-class speakers on the topics of pain management and emergency critical care. Afternoons will be left open for attendees to explore the region. Between sightseeing, hiking, kayaking, biking, and so much more, there’s no shortage of ways to make Tahoe your own!

SPONSORED BY:

HOTEL

EVERLINE RESORT & SPA (FORMERLY RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK)

400 SQUAW CREEK ROAD OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA 96146

Take advantage of a special room rate of $209 per night plus applicable taxes. This special rate is available until September 6 or until the group block fills up, whichever comes first.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

FRIDAY-SATURDAY • 6 CEUS

Mark Epstein, DVM, DABVP (C/F) Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner

• Trans Operative Pain Management for the LowSurgical Dose Patient

• Trans Operative Pain Management for the HighSurgical Dose Patient

• Locoregional Anesthesia—Part 1

• Locoregional Anesthesia—Part 2

• Oral Medications for Chronic Pain Management

• Parenteral Medications for the Chronic Pain Patient

EMERGENCY CRITICAL CARE

SATURDAY-SUNDAY • 6 CEUS

Elizabeth Rozanski, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM)

• Brachycephalics—The Worst Is Yet to Come

• Feline Respiratory Distress—It Is Not Always Bad!

• The Airway Is Your Air-Emy

• Geriatrics Pets in the ER

• Feline Trauma: How Are They Different?

• The Acute Abdomen

Not sure about joining us in-person? Sign up for our virtual option!* Virtual attendees will be able to communicate with speakers and moderators in real-time, all from the comfort of their home or office.

For full seminar information and registration, visit the Continuing Education tab at cvma.net or call 800.655.2862.

*The CVMA reserves the right to cancel the virtual option due to low registration, whereupon all virtual registrants would receive a full refund or the option to switch to in-person registration.

Prompt Injury Reporting: A Winning Strategy for All Parties

By Scott Burgess, CSP, CIE Director, Safety & Health, Preferred Employers Insurance

Even with a robust safety program in place, injuries sometimes happen at work. Animals can be unpredictable, and a frightened one may scratch or bite. It is important that staff and management know ahead of time what to do when an employee sustains an injury. Prompt injury reporting is essential and provides a number of benefits for the injured worker as well as the practice owner.

Immediate reporting of a workplace injury to management followed by the latter’s notifying the workers’ compensation insurance carrier means the best possible care for the injured worker can be provided quickly. Timely medical treatment by specialty providers familiar with work-related injuries increases the likelihood of proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Minor injuries, when treated right away, tend to stay minor and heal faster. Early treatment provides a greater opportunity for the employee to return to work sooner, which is better for the practice and for the employee’s overall well-being. Similarly, prompt reporting to the insurance company allows the claim representative to immediately communicate with the injured staff member, management, and the physician in an attempt to expedite treatment and facilitate a return to work. Doing so reduces the number of days of lost time paid.

Immediate reporting of an injury or even a “near miss” will additionally enable the practice to quickly examine any workplace hazards and unsafe employee behaviors with the goal of preventing similar future incidents. The practice’s safety coordinator should immediately conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine the root cause. The accident investigation is a fact-finding—not faultfinding—process that will determine how to prevent a similar occurrence in the

future. Talking to the injured employee and other staff members who may have witnessed the incident right away will help to isolate what actually happened before memories fade.

The laws that apply to reporting workrelated injuries have specific time frames that the employer and insurance company must meet. The clock begins ticking when the employer obtains knowledge of a work injury or illness that requires medical treatment beyond first aid or results in lost time. Under California law, the insurance company has 90 days from the employer’s date of knowledge of an injury to investigate the claim to determine if the injury is work-related. In some cases, a reason for not reporting an injury could be the fear of adverse consequences. However, it is important to remember that the response to an injury report must not be punitive. Team members must feel that reporting a workplace injury will not result in embarrassment, retaliation, or loss of employment. Management must demonstrate its commitment to a non-punitive system and should ensure that all employees know and understand reporting requirements if they are injured at work.

Work Injury Checklist

• Take care of the injured worker first by referral to your insurance company’s Medical Provider Network (MPN) or by calling 911 if it is a life-threatening situation.

• Report the injury immediately to your insurance company’s toll-free hotline.

• Provide the injured employee an Employee Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits form (DWC-1) within 24 hours of being notified of the injury.

• Record the injury or illness on the OSHA Log of Work Related Injuries (Form 300).

• Start planning your employee’s return to work by working closely with your insurance claims representative.

Emphasizing the importance of prompt accident reporting by staff and, in turn, management’s immediate reporting to the insurance carrier can help ensure that the team member receives appropriate care quickly, minimizing the injury and time lost from work.

Reminiscing about my past while writing this article was a fun re-grounding on why veterinary medicine is such a rewarding career path. While reviewing my veterinary school application, I came across the opening paragraph describing how as a young child I vividly remember running scared through the dark, cold night from my grandparents’ house to the warm milk barn where my uncle was milking cows. The smell of milk, the rhythmic sounds of pulsators, and the warm cows steaming in the barn still evoke strong memories. Uncle Jim was probably the strongest influence on my future career path working with food producers and their animals. 4-H would further refine that influence, allowing

the President Meet

me to raise rabbits, hogs, lambs, and a steer while giving me critical skills in leadership and public speaking.

My first real job was because Dr. Dean Brown at East Hills Veterinary Hospital in Antioch took a chance on a high school kid who said he wanted to become a veterinarian. I fondly remember the lessons I learned in his small animal hospital as a kennel helper and veterinary assistant. I was honored when Dr. Brown said he would install me as CVMA’s President 32 years after I started working for him!

During my undergraduate years at UC Davis as an animal science student, I worked at the UC Davis Veterinary

Medicine Teaching Hospital, primarily in equine surgery. While equine surgery was a career path I knew I was not going to pursue, I am thankful Richard Morgan and Bill Perkins gave an undergraduate student the opportunity to get his foot in the door and appreciate another aspect of veterinary medicine to which he had never been exposed.

Once in veterinary school at UC Davis, I found myself drawn to organized veterinary medicine. I served as our Class of 1999 delegate to the CVMA’s Legislative Committee and the House of Delegates, and later as our school’s representative to the CVMA’s Board of Governors. I realize now that I was being introduced to a wonderful group of

Dr. Michael Karle

PHOTOS BY MANDY REESE PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF DR. MICHAEL KARLE

veterinarians I would one day consider friends and colleagues.

Upon graduation, I worked for Dr. Greg Smith as an associate dairy veterinarian at Tule River Veterinary Services in Tulare. It was at this practice that I gained competencies which would carry me throughout my career. In 2001, I joined Mid-Valley Veterinary Hospital in Orland. Dr. Jerry Aguiar introduced me to the wonderful world of mixed animal practice in a rural community. I’ve never left. I started as his associate, became his business partner, then eventually purchased the entire practice from him in 2013.

Both practices I worked at as an associate exemplified the bond between veterinarians and their rural clients. As veterinarians in these practices, we became part of the communities we served. Clients became friends we saw at fiestas, fairs, and events. The hospitals were known for charitable giving and being an integral part of the community. We were seen as leaders in the community who served not just their animals but their way of life.

Servant leadership is something I try to practice as the owner of my hospital. I attempt to exhibit the three essential virtues in Patrick Lencioni’s book The Ideal Team Player: humble, hungry, and smart. The culture I have created in my hospital, and the core values my team has created, foster each team member’s

potential for personal and professional growth. The decisions we make as a team that are best for us, our clients, and our patients are those that are ultimately also best for our community.

Servant leadership and improvement of the cultures in our veterinary community will go a long way toward retention of DVMs and RVTs. These steps will also improve mental health and allow our profession to thrive while offering the critical services our profession provides to the world. As we improve working conditions, our national workforce shortage will diminish as well. Students and recent graduates will flourish under cultures that value the individual and provide necessary mentorship.

During my CVMA presidency, I vow to exemplify the best in servant leadership and hope that I make those who stood before me proud. I have had the pleasure of working with three executive directors, eighteen presidents, and countless other veterinarians. To be clear, our organization is run by our Board of Governors, not the president. Our Board is stronger and more diverse than I can remember, and I am proud to serve as president with this Board.

One of the Board's priorities this year that’s especially meaningful to me is a food animal continuing education event at our 2024 Spring Seminar. This conference will be held in conjunction with the traditional Spring Seminar and

will focus on topics of interest to food animal practitioners.

As I conclude, I must thank certain people in my life. First, I want to thank all the CVMA members, committees, the House of Delegates, and the Board of Governors for making the CVMA the organization it is today. I thank the small but mighty CVMA staff for all the work behind the scenes, and I look forward to working closely with them this year.

Thank you to my leadership team at Mid-Valley Veterinary Hospital—Ellie Denney, MBA; Nicole Underwood, RVT; and Marie Ussery, RVT—who continuously amaze me with their ideas and are the keepers of our culture and values.

Finally, without my wife Betsy at my side through thick and thin, good times and bad, I would not be who I am today. She has endured my long hours at work and the building of a home and a family together. We have two wonderful children: Carson, who is studying aerospace engineering in college, and Emily, who will be a senior in high school. As I watch Emily’s determination to become a veterinarian grow, I cannot help but be optimistic about our profession. I simply want to do my part in making our profession worth wanting to be a part of.

“During my CVMA presidency, I vow to exemplify the best in servant leadership and hope that I make those who stood before me proud.”

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus: The Dreaded ‘Look-alike’

By Emily Nietrzeba, DVM, MPH, CDFA Animal Health Branch Veterinarian Specialist

Unusual weather and precipitation patterns bring additional challenges to California’s human and animal residents, including early or sudden appearance of diseasecarrying insect vectors like biting flies and mosquitoes. The recent heavy rains in California and other areas of the southwest have hastened the northward migration of the Simuliidae black flies that can carry the virus which causes vesicular stomatitis (VSV).

Most animal health officials take a deep breath and count to ten at the mention of “vesicles” of any sort, but the appearance of any such lesions should also be immediate cause for action from veterinarians and livestock producers. Vesicular stomatitis is an

emergency condition in California and nationally, reportable within 24 hours of suspicion or detection because the lesions it causes in cloven-hooved livestock are visually indistinguishable from those caused by the devastating Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV). Horses are not susceptible to FMDV, but the possibility of VSV viral transmission from equids to livestock species and the inability to distinguish VSV and FMDV lesions without comprehensive testing causes any confirmed VSV detection in any species to trigger a state and federal coordinated disease mitigation response. Vesicular lesions in any large animal species should be immediately reported to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Animal health officials and regulatory veterinarians specifically trained as

Foreign Animal Disease Diagnosticians (FADDs) can assist with correct sample submission for accurate and timely diagnostics, implementation of disease control measures like prompt isolation and enhanced biosecurity measures, and usage of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants.

VSV is highly contagious and primarily affects equids and cattle, but it can also affect camelids, small ruminants, and occasionally swine. While rarely fatal, clinical signs frequently include hypersalivation and decreased appetite caused by the presence of painful blister-like lesions (vesicles) commonly around the mouth, tongue, oral cavity, and sometimes around the nares, teats, genitals, and coronary bands. Vesicles are caused by the biting fly vector depositing VSV directly into these

sensitive tissues, and the lesions can be highly contagious by direct contact for up to seven days following rupture of the vesicles. The enveloped RNA virus is rapidly inactivated by UV exposure like sunlight but can survive in water for a limited period of time; therefore, communal water troughs and waterers can be sources of ongoing indirect transmission. VSV is also potentially zoonotic, so appropriate PPE and safe sampling techniques should always be utilized when VSV is suspected. While self-limiting, VSV can cause fever, malaise, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms in humans.

The confirmation of VSV in any state triggers interstate and international movement restrictions because it is an FMDV “look-alike.” Mandatory quarantines on affected premises are in effect for a minimum of fourteen (14) days following the appearance of the last clinical lesions, but the majority of states impose additional restrictions on susceptible species originating from VSV-affected states and/or counties. Additional entry requirements for susceptible species originating from an affected state usually include a shortened inspection and validity period for a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), as well as a certification statement by the issuing veterinarian that the animal(s) have not been on a VSVaffected premises within a specified period of time and are free of any clinical signs of disease. International shipments usually require additional negative confirmatory testing. Exposed animals can have a VSV-positive antibody titer for up to twelve (12) years following exposure to the virus. While seropositive animals are no longer contagious after the resolution of lesions, this serological evidence needs to be taken into account, as it may impede future international travel.

Treatment of VSV is primarily supportive, involving pain and nutrition management and judicious treatment of secondary bacterial infections. No effective vaccine is currently available, but insect vector control and rapid isolation of clinical cases are critical measures of VSV mitigation. Veterinarians should routinely communicate with their large animal clients and producers regarding fly and mosquito control measures, especially during periods of insect migration and heavy burdens.

CDFA and USDA are ready and willing to provide direction on effective vector-control measures and biosecurity recommendations to ensure that California veterinarians are prepared to protect their patients and support their clients.

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PacVet

ANOTHER ONE FOR THE BOOKS!

This year’s Pacific Veterinary Conference (PacVet) was another resounding success! Taking place in Long Beach from June 9–12, the conference offered hundreds of hours of world-class CE, excellent networking opportunities, and a variety of fun events in between. Attendees enjoyed a two-day Vet Expo, laboratories, symposiums, a keynote speaker, a technician fair, alumni receptions, and the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony and President’s Reception.

The CVMA was pleased to offer attendees their pick from over 200 lectures from a comprehensive collection of CE topics tailored to many practice types. Keynote speaker Dr. Kwane Stewart, widely known as “The Street Vet” who offers free veterinary care to the unhoused population, delivered a rousing lecture on issues of access to care and the importance of maintaining kindness and altruism within the profession.

The Vet Expo continued to be a highlight of the conference, giving attendees the opportunity to relax, enjoy a complimentary lunch, socialize with colleagues from across the state, and learn more about services and products offered by over 140 exhibitors. Throughout the weekend, the CVMA raffled off sponsored prizes, including an Amazon Fire tablet, a Kindle Scribe, Beats earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, and more. Additionally, attendees got to meet potential future colleagues at the UC Davis and WesternU poster presentations, where veterinary students exhibited their research projects.

The CVMA offers a heartfelt thank you to our attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and the CVMA’s PacVet Program Committee and Allied Industry Committee for ensuring that this year’s conference was a triumph. We are excited to see you all in 2024 from July 11–14 in San Francisco!

Checking out the latest products and services in the Vet Expo hall.

Hoping Lady Luck would pay a visit at the raffles.

President's Reception

PHOTO BY FUKUSHIMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Food, fun, and connection at the technician fair.

Early morning risers enjoy a sponsored sunrise walk along the Pacific.

Vicky Ograin, RVT, one of our 55 fabulous PacVet speakers.

PHOTO BY FUKUSHIMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Keynote speaker Dr. Kwane Stewart making his moving presentation on the Power of Giving Back.

PHOTO BY FUKUSHIMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Avian speaker Dr. Heather Barron with moderator and PacVet Program Committee Chair Dr. Vickie Joseph.

PHOTO BY FUKUSHIMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Awards and Installation Ceremony

CVMA award recipients, and board members were recognized at the CVMA Awards and Installation ceremony on Friday, June 9 during the Pacific Veterinary Conference in Long Beach, California. The ceremony was hosted by 2023–2023 CVMA President, Dr. Keith Rode.

Photos by Fukushima Photography

Changing of the Guard—Outgoing President Dr. Keith Rode and Incoming President Dr. Mike Karle

Dr. Mike Karle sworn in as the 2023–2024 CVMA President by Dr. Dean Brown

Dr. Phillip Nelson accepting the Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Peter Weinstein accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award

Kristi Pawlowski, RVT (right) awarding Robin Post, RVT with the Linda Markland Outstanding RVT of the Year Award

Kristi Pawlowski, RVT presenting Jill Muraoka Lim with the RVT's Outstanding DVM of the Year Award

Dr. Keith Rode presenting Distinguished Life Membership to Dr. Chris Cowing (not present)

New CVMA Board Members sworn in by President Dr. Mike Karle (left to right: Nicole Lent, Dr. Shari O'Neill, Dr. Kelly Byam, Dr. Inez Del Pino, Dr. Peter Bowie, Dr. Brent Wooden, and Dr. Mike Karle)

What Is Neurodiversity?

By Katherine Johnson, MA, LP, Client Care Counselor, TELUS Health

What Is Neurodiversity?

People are different, and at work we all have to make allowances for our co-workers, just as our coworkers do for us. However, for the 15-20 percent of people who are considered neurodivergent, it’s not just about making allowances; it’s about understanding a person’s differences and making sure that they are able and encouraged to use their skills and attributes for the benefit of their team and the larger organization.

Neurological Differences

Someone may be considered neurodivergent if their brain learns, functions, or processes information differently than the majority of people. (Those whose brain functions as society expects are described as neurotypical.) Neurodiversity is a broad term that encompasses a range of cognitive styles including autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, and Tourette’s syndrome.

However, not every person who is neurodivergent will present in the same way. This is because it’s possible that individuals may experience different characteristics or mannerisms, which is sometimes referred to as being along a “spectrum.” For example, autistic people often have different mannerisms, characteristics, and life experiences from each other. It is also possible to be neurodivergent in a range of ways. It’s important to remember this to avoid stereotypes both in and out of the workplace.

Supporting Neurodivergence

There are clear benefits to having members of staff who are neurodivergent that go well beyond any legal obligations for fair treatment in the workplace. Those who are neurodivergent may be particularly strong in:

• creativity and innovation

• lateral thinking; imaginative, creative ways to solve problems

• strategic analysis

• bringing a “different perspective” to projects

• development of highly specialized skills

• high levels of consistency in repetitive tasks

Promoting and supporting neurodiversity within your workplace can also help enhance the performance of

existing team members while helping your organization recruit a highly capable, diverse, and innovative workforce.

The CVMA’s Member Assistance Program, LifeWorks, Becomes TELUS Health

The name might be changing, but the quality of mental, physical , social, and financial care continues. TELUS Health (formerly known as LifeWorks), the CVMA-endorsed member assistance program, provides CVMA members with free confidential consultations, information and resources, connection to community agencies and supports, and referrals to counseling.

SUPPORT FOR TOTAL WELLBEING

Mental —Helping individuals in times of crisis and coping with daily stressors

Financial —Providing knowledge, behavioral advice, design, strategies, and insights that support financial security

Physical —Promoting lifestyle choices that support current and long-term health and physical ability

Social —Encouraging strong social relationships that give people a sense of connection and belonging

This CVMA member benefit is complimentary! CVMA members have already been sent an invitation to join LifeWorks. As noted, LifeWorks has been changed to TELUS Health; however, the previously sent link will still take you to the new TELUS Health website for log-in instructions. If you have not received an invitation to join, please contact Jennifer Smith at jsmith@cvma.net.

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Dr. Erwin Foster, a CVMA Life Member, passed away on April 12, 2023. Dr. Foster graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1964 after studying avian diseases at UC San Francisco. In 1969, Dr. Foster built his own practice, Montecito Animal Clinic. He became one of the first U.S. veterinarians to treat Shar-Pei eye conditions and was sought out for his expertise on the breed. He was among the first investors and board members of Contra Costa County's first emergency after-hours animal clinic, now known as SAGE.

Dr. John Lyon, a CVMA Life Member, passed away on May 20, 2022. Dr. Lyon earned his DVM degree from UC Davis in 1968 and was a CVMA member since graduation. He moved to Ojai, CA in 1968 and practiced at Matilija Veterinary Hospital for almost 40 years. Dr. Lyon was an active member of the Ojai Rotary Club, where he served as the president in the early 1970s.

In memory of deceased members, the CVMA makes a donation to the California Veterinary Medical Foundation, whose mission statement reads: “Nurturing kindness, education, and well-being for all animals, people, and the environment.”

The CVMA extends our sympathy to the friends and family of those remembered.

Online Seminars

Working with Difficult Customer Behaviors

Ralf Schirg, MA

September 5, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM (1 CEU)

This course focuses on individual skill development in effectively managing challenging behaviors. There are three things we drive home in this course: respond to behaviors and not people, read and respond with rational thinking, and learn new ways of reading and responding to behaviors we consider negative or challenging. This course gives you a toolbox of strategies to deal effectively with challenging behaviors.

Cybersecurity Framework—Guarding Your Practice from Cyber Threats

Ismael Vite, ARM, CC, NIST CSF LI

September 19, 2023 | 12:30 PM–1:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

September 27, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

While many elements related to cybersecurity are technical, the goal of this presentation is to give you a plan of action to implement and maintain cybersecurity, ensuring your practice is protected and resilient in the face of non-stop threats from cyber-related harm, whether accidental, criminal, or malicious. You will learn cybersecurity basics, the role of risk management, a common cybersecurity framework to get you started, and free cybersecurity resources for business.

This webinar is FREE to CVMA members!

SPONSORED BY:

Personality Traps: Perfectionism, People-Pleasing, and the Imposter Phenomenon

Taylor Miller, Not One More Vet

October 17, 2023 | 5:30 PM–6:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

October 25, 2023 | 12:30 PM–1:45 PM (1.5 CEUs)

Some of the attributes that contributed to our objective success in school—and perhaps continue to contribute to our effectiveness in practice—have a dark side. Perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies mean that someone else is receiving the best of us, with little left over to invest in mental health or wellness. The imposter phenomenon amplifies this imbalance by telling us we must perform at maximum capacity or risk being found incompetent or unworthy. In this webinar, we will unpack each of these personality traps, review how to recognize them, and understand their current role in our mental landscape. We will imagine a life without the pressure of each and outline a strategy to work towards that goal.

Register online by visiting the Learning tab at cvma.net or by phone at 800.655.2862.

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks), the CVMA’s Member Assistance Program, is offering free webinars each month of 2023 addressing various wellness topics. Please note: TELUS Health webinars do not offer CE credit.

SPONSORED BY:

Getting Organized

July 28, 2023 | 11:00 AM–11:30 AM

If you need help getting organized, this program is for you. This webinar looks at the downside of being disorganized, helps you determine your own organizational quotient, and explores why we're disorganized. This session also examines the benefits of organization, identifies how to get started, addresses organization issues in both our homes and at work, discusses storage issues, and others resources.

Dealing with Serious Sleep Issues

October 13, 2023 | 11:00–11:30 AM

Do you have difficulty sleeping? Check out this webinar, where you'll explore sleep disorders and their causes (circadian rhythms, insomnia, and snoring/sleep apnea), discuss the benefits of sleep studies, and examine sleep's relationship to stress and the release of cortisol. Additionally, you'll identify ways to address insomnia and leave with helpful resources.

Addiction

October 27, 2023 | 11:00 AM–11:30 AM

This seminar will cover the definition of addiction, how someone becomes addicted, and signs of addiction. If you or someone in your life is dealing with addiction, this seminar will help you understand the symptoms, components, and myths surrounding the disease. It will conclude with tips and steps for recovery.

For more information and to register for the TELUS Health webinars, visit https://go.lifeworks.com/en-us/wellbeing-calendar-2023#july.

TELUS Health Wellness Webinars

My Don Low/CVMA Fellowship Experience at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching

By Serena Gannon, DVM, BVM&S BSc(Hons) MRCVS

Hospital

My interest in small animal surgery was sparked early on in my veterinary career during clinical lectures at vet school and grew during externships and rotations. This led me to selecting soft tissue surgery as my choice of elective during the last semester of vet school, and I have not looked back since! Eleven years after graduation, my fascination with surgery remains the same and I was thrilled to be chosen as the Don Low surgery fellow at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for the academic year of 2020.

As a surgery fellow, I spent my time with the soft tissue service from 2020–2022 on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Our days would begin with rounds in the soft tissue surgery office adeptly led by faculty surgeons Dr. William Culp (my fellowship mentor), Dr. Philipp Mayhew, or Dr. Michele Steffey, along with the wonderful surgery residents and fourth-year vet students. We would talk about the in-patients that we had, as well as the procedures that were planned for the day and detailed discussions of each case. This included the patient’s history, disease process, relevant anatomy, diagnostic imaging involved, decision-making in the choice of surgical technique, and possible post-operative complications. I really enjoyed this thorough approach, as it gave me the chance to refresh my knowledge and learn about new advancements and developments in cutting-edge surgery.

In addition to our own soft tissue rounds, once a week we would attend surgery oncology rounds—a specific interest of mine, and something we

see a lot of in general practice. These rounds involved the residents and faculty staff from multiple disciplines (including soft tissue surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and clinical pathology) who would collaborate on interesting and more unusual cases. To be involved in their clinical discussion and exposed to their wealth of knowledge and expertise was extremely humbling, and I learned a great deal.

After morning rounds, the rest of the day was spent receiving patients (for potential future surgery) and/or being scrubbed into surgery (my favorite part!). I was given the opportunity to scrub into any procedure, and I would always jump at the chance to do so. In my first day alone, we saw more interesting cases than I would have seen in months in clinical practice. Some of my favorite cases during my time at UC Davis included the correction of a cecal intussusception in a dog, the removal of an ileocolic obstruction in a dog, a mast cell tumor removal with a reconstructive skin flap in a dog, and brachycephalic airway surgery in a dog.

Throughout the fellowship, I kept a case log of what I saw and what I learned. I was able to take away various surgical principles, tips, and tricks, and I subsequently have been able to put these into practice, which has been extremely satisfying. In addition, I felt empowered to compile a short document called “Top 10 takeaways from the surgery fellowship” to share with my colleagues. I have been able to use these takeaways as part of my own teaching as I continue to train new

graduates and less experienced doctors in surgery at my general practice clinic.

The Don Low fellowship gave me exposure to an academic environment, allowing me to work alongside highly skilled surgeons, residents, and nurses and to develop invaluable professional relationships with them. I was also able to share my general practice experience with fourth-year vet students and answer questions they had about the next steps and options that are out there after graduation, which made me feel that I had come full circle.

All in all, my experience would not have been the same without the presence and guidance of Dr. William Culp (the most impressive surgeon with whom I have had the pleasure to work!) or the lovely residents

who were extremely supportive and helpful in answering the multitude of questions I would ask each day. By the end of my fellowship, I really felt like a member of the team and could not have asked for a more fulfilling and rewarding experience! I would certainly recommend the fellowship program without hesitation!

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Byron Farquer, DVM, CVA

“The Don Low fellowship gave me exposure to an academic environment, allowing me to work alongside highly skilled surgeons, residents, and nurses and to develop invaluable professional relationships with them.”

Something to About Wag

THE CVMA CONGRATULATES…

Jeffrey Boehm, DVM, for receiving the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s 2022 Professional Achievement Award. Dr. Boehm, Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, was honored for his outstanding contributions to improving the health of aquatic animals while considering aquatic populations and addressing welfare through enduring programs. Dr. Boehm has presided over the development and refinement of veterinary protocols and techniques to advance the humane care and welfare of aquatic species and marine mammals in distress. He has advocated for the conservation and welfare of marine mammals and the survival of endangered species as well as improved public understanding of the importance of aquatic ecosystem health. Dr. Boehm is a founding diplomate and past-president of the American College of Animal Welfare and was the 2021 recipient of the American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Award. Congratulations, Dr. Boehm!

Kate Behnke, DVM, for marrying her partner Dr. Rob DuFresne on June 3 in Healdsburg, CA. Dr. Behnke practices at Insight Veterinary Wellness Center as an emergency clinician, and her husband is a dentist who recently started a new position with the state. They celebrated their honeymoon in France. Their family includes their three cats Nola, Mila, and Evy. Drs. Behnke and DuFresne, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

Katey Wahlen Martinez, DVM, for giving birth to her new baby, Leandra Ruth Martinez, on May 23. At 7 lbs 2 oz, Leandra was born in the noontime and welcomed by Dr. Wahlen of Insight Veterinary Wellness Center and her husband, Brad Martinez. Dr. Wahlen, the CVMA congratulates you and your husband on your healthy little bundle of joy!

John Pascoe, BVSc, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS, for retiring as the longtime Executive Associate Dean for the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Pascoe's career with UC Davis began in 1983, when he joined as an equine surgeon and surgery instructor. His many accomplishments at the school include spearheading the school's program to provide spay and neuter services to local animal shelters, initiating the Community Surgery rotation, and expanding the school’s campus facilities. Dr. Pascoe has also been an ardent supporter of organized veterinary medicine, serving on the CVMA’s Legislative Committee and attending California Veterinary Medical Board meetings to voice an academic perspective on proposed laws impacting the veterinary profession. He is also active with the American Veterinary Medical Association and accreditation of veterinary programs, having served on the AVMA’s Council on Education (COE), including as Chair. He continues to serve as COE site visitor. The CVMA congratulates and thanks Dr. Pascoe for his contributions to California veterinary medicine and wishes him a wonderful retirement!

Let’s Celebrate Your Achievements!

The CVMA likes to spotlight the many accomplishments of our members and their practices, whether a professional development or a personal milestone. Don’t be shy! Please send in your good news and a photo to Taryn DeOilers, the CVMA’s Publications Manager, at tdeoilers@cvma.net to be considered.

Member Benefit New!

Mentorship for Early-Career Veterinarians

While the rewards of the veterinary profession are plenty, the transition into practice can be challenging. Designed to help early-career veterinarians thrive, MentorVet Leap is an evidence-based program that delivers the peer support, coaching, and mentorship you need to ease into the veterinary profession.

As a CVMA member benefit, CVMA member veterinarians receive an additional $100 off the discounted rate to participate in the MentorVet Leap Program!

About MentorVet Leap

This five-month virtual mentorship and professional development program aims to promote well-being in the transition to practice by providing a combination of training in professional

skills, financial and mental health coaching, and mentorship.

• MentorVet Leap offers five selfpaced online learning modules in professional skills and monthly one-hour small peer group Zoom meetings with 5-10 other earlycareer veterinarians.

• Ongoing individual support is available, if needed, with one of our highly qualified and trained mentors.

• Access to mental health and financial coaching.

• MentorVet is approved for 10 hours of continuing education credits in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

• Participants must be veterinarians who graduated between the years of 2018–2023.

• Participants must be able to dedicate 3-4 hours per month for five months.

The next session runs from September 10, 2023 through February 28, 2024, and the deadline to sign up is September 10.

To learn more about MentorVet, visit www.mentorvet.net.

How to Join:

Interested CVMA members can register and access the special CVMA discount code by visiting the Membership tab at cvma.net and clicking on the CVMA Member Guide or by calling the CVMA at 800.655.2862.

WesternU and UC Davis Students Honored at Awards Ceremonies

This past May, graduating veterinary students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine were recognized at banquets held in their honor. The CVMA celebrates the students’ accomplishments, perseverance, and hard work, and wishes them well as they begin their veterinary careers.

UC Davis

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) held its Senior Banquet on May 5. The CVMA’s 2023–2024 President Dr. Michael Karle hosted the CVMA-sponsored event and helped distribute the awards to the student recipients along with Molly Hallsten, UC Davis’s 2022–2023 student representative to the CVMA’s Board. Dr. Karle discussed his time as a UC Davis student representative to the CVMA House of Delegates and Board of Governors, which initiated his careerlong involvement in the CVMA. He also outlined the ways in which the CVMA advocates for its membership, from fighting for the profession at the State Capitol to providing a variety of continuing education opportunities.

Other speakers included UC Davis SVM’s Dean Michael Stetter and school alumnus Dr. Sean Gadson. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and a tribute for Dr. Lane Johnson, a beloved instructor who unexpectedly passed away in April.

Additional CVMA staff members present were Executive Director Dan Baxter, Director of Regulatory Affairs Dr. Grant Miller, and Membership & Student Services Manager Laura Phillips.

Lynnette Aggio, Executive Vice President of Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC), and Matt Smith, Vice President of VISC, were also in attendance.

Emily Bingham received this year’s CVMA Award for Practice Excellence for displaying excellent potential for efficient execution of high-quality medicine and outstanding personal integrity. Ashley Caron-Brummel was the recipient of the Lifelong Learning Award due to her efforts in promoting the importance of continuing education while in veterinary school. Dr. Mary Somerville, California Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) President, honored Tanner Talan with the CVMF Award, which is given to students demonstrating outstanding service in veterinary medicine at a city or county animal shelter or during a recognized California disaster response effort.

Matt Smith, Vice President of VISC, presented VISC’s 2023 scholarship award to Sara Lo of UC Davis. The VISC award honors fourth-year students who have demonstrated outstanding business and communication skills throughout veterinary school.

WesternU

On May 17, Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine held its Awards Ceremony and Family Barbecue to honor its graduates. CVMA Board members and WesternU faculty members Dr. Teresa Morishita and Dr. Diane McClure presented each award.

The recipient of the 2023 CVMA Award for Practice Excellence was Paige Lenz. Paige was recognized for her skilled and dedicated delivery of veterinary

medicine and excellent personal principles. The CVMA Lifelong Learning Award was given to Brian Painting for his laudable support of veterinary continuing education. Samantha Garcia earned the CVMF Award for her phenomenal service efforts.

Dr. Teresa Morishita presented the VISC award to Jessica Conner.

UC Davis' Senior Banquet

WesternU's Awards Ceremony and Family Barbecue

UC DAVIS 2023 STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

WESTERN UNIVERSITY 2023 STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

CVMA President Dr. Mike Karle presenting the Award for Practice Excellence to Emily Bingham – Class of 2023

Dr. Teresa Morishita (bottom center) presented the VISC Award to Jessica Conner (left) – Class of 2023, the Award for Practice Excellence to Paige Lenz (center) – Class of 2023, and the Lifelong Learning Award to Brian Painting – Class of 2023

Dr. Diane McClure presenting the CVMF Award to Samantha Garcia – Class of 2024

VISC Vice President Matt Smith presenting the VISC Award to Sara Lo – Class of 2023

CVMF President Dr. Mary Somerville presenting the CVMF Award to Tanner Talan – Class of 2023

Dr. Karle presenting the Lifelong Learning Award to Ashley Caron-Brummel – Class of 2023

VETERINARY MEDICINE California Veterinary Emergency Team

SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

Reach California’s Veterinary Professionals!

Reach thousands of veterinary professionals from across the state and connect with your target audience! With both print and digital advertising opportunities, we have something for all advertising budgets.

The California Veterinarian magazine is mailed to approximately 13,500 readers, including all California-licensed veterinarians.

The Weekly e-newsletter is emailed to approximately 7,000 CVMA members once a week and provides information about immediate issues affecting the veterinary profession.

The Upcoming CE e-blast provides CVMA members necessary information about our upcoming CE offerings and is emailed to approximately 7,000 recipients monthly.

POSITIONS OFFERED

Northern California

Veterinarians

Animal Medical Services is looking to hire a full-time Veterinarian for our small animal practice, stone's throw away from Heavenly Valley Ski Resort and a short drive to South Lake Tahoe. Great opportunity to live in open spaces and enjoy all the mountain amenities. Great schools, reasonable real estate and close to shopping. The practice is located in Gardnerville, currently operating with 2 DVMs and a great staff who are looking forward to welcoming a compassionate, hard-working Veterinarian. Offering Health and Dental Insurance with a yearly salary of $100,000 with paid time off. Current hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8-5. Please reach out to Dr. Sharon Burns to discuss details of employment 775.782.2297 or email sharonburns05@gmail.com.

Full or Part time opportunity at an established, profitable practice, featuring a flexible schedule, to allow plenty of personal time. Benefits can include generous signing bonus, housing and student loan reimbursement. The Clinic is privately owned, well loved by the community and offers an exceptional support staff. The emphasis is always on learning and quality of care. The facility itself boasts modern

updates, including digital x-ray, dental x-ray, full in-house lab and ultrasound. We also have a fully stocked pet store. Located in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains and with easy access to the all SF Bay Area, this job comes with a most desirable lifestyle. The right candidate can expect a generous compensation package, ongoing education and an assertive career path, including ownership potential. Email BCVet95006@gmail.com.

Looking for compassionate, enthusiastic small animal veterinarian to work at our 2-doctor practice in beautiful Lake Tahoe. General surgery, medicine, ultrasound, digital radiology, dentistry, and more. No after-hours emergency. IRA, Medical, Paid Vacation, and more. Excellent support staff. Commitment to our clients and patients an absolute must. Flexible hours, pay based on production. Live and work in paradise! Valid CA veterinary license. At least 6 months practice experience preferred. Email npowell@bluelakevet.com.

Our Purpose - To Provide a Sanctuary for the Healing and Well Being of Animals; To Care For Our Patients, Our Clients and Each Other. We are looking for a full time (4 10-hour shifts) or part time veterinarian to join our team. We are a 3-4 doctor small animal practice located on the gorgeous Northern California coast in the city of Arcata. Associate veterinarians are encouraged to pursue areas of interest and we will

provide mentoring and support. Requirements for this job are a current license to practice in California, ideally a year of veterinary practice experience, being a team player, a strong motivation to learn, grow and to practice high quality medicine. Email aah@arcatavet.com.

Dr. Timm is the practice owner and sole veterinarian at Dixon Veterinary Clinic https://sites.google.com/ view/dixonvetclinic/home. Dixon Veterinary Clinic is seeking either a part time or full time veterinarian to take over his practice. Mentoring will be available until fully comfortable to practice on their own. Must be comfortable performing routine surgical procedures with anesthesia. Dixon Veterinary Clinic is mainly a small animal clinic, with occasional pocket pet, exotic, and small livestock patients and located in Dixon, CA. Email dixonveterinaryclinic@yahoo.com.

HOSPITALS—SALES/LEASE/BUY

North Coast - Two Sole DVM practices for sale. Small Animal, highly respected, est. 30+ years. Time for the Owners to exit, will work back. Outdoor-OceanRedwoods-Lifestyle Opportunities. 1. Humboldt County, Gross $900,000. 2. Del Norte County, Gross $1.85 million. Financing and real estate are also available. Acquire one or both. Email jhruban@gmail.com.

Sniffing Out a Qualified Candidate or the Sale of Your Practice?

Let the CVMA help you find that perfect someone to fill your needs! Post your open position or practice for sale online at cvma.net and/or in California Veterinarian magazine. California Veterinarian is the premier place to get the word out! With nearly 14,000 readers made up of veterinary professionals throughout California and across the nation, we will help you find a qualified candidate.

To place a classified ad both online and in the magazine, visit the Resources tab at cvma.net. If you are interested in placing your classified ad in California Veterinarian magazine but not online, please contact Laura Phillips at lphillips@cvma.net.

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