Advocate Issue 6, 2014

F V M A ADVOCATE ISSUE 6 - 2014 | www.fvma.org

8

th

Annual

Dr. Harvey Rubin

Memorial Food Animal Veterinary Medical Conference

March 14 -15, 2015 Register by March 6 & Save!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I

7207 Monetary Drive Orlando, Florida 32809 Phone – (407) 851‑3862 Toll Free – (800) 992‑3862 Fax – (407) 240‑3710 info@fvma.org | www.fvma.org

The year has gone by pretty quickly, and we are pleased with the successes of 2014. We’re looking to 2015 with great anticipation, as we begin to roll out strategies that were formulated in the strategic planning workshop held in November.

Officers Dr. Donald H. Morgan President Dr. Richard M. Carpenter President-Elect Dr. Richard B. Williams Treasurer Dr. Jerry L. Rayburn Past President Mr. Philip J. Hinkle Executive Director

District Representatives Dr. Alex M. Steverson District 1–Big Bend Dr. Richard C. Sutliff District 2–Northeast Dr. Marc A. Presnell District 3–Central Dr. Rachel Klemawesch District 4–Tampa Bay Dr. Marc D. Pinkwasser District 5–Treasure Coast Dr. Ronald W. Todd Jr. District 6–South Florida Dr. Mary Smart District 7–Southwest Dr. James M. Brechin District 8–Northwest Dr. Kelly J. Sloan-Wade District 9–Space Coast Dr. Stephen Shores AVMA Delegate Dr. Ernest C. Godfrey AVMA Alternative Delegate Dr. Amanda House FAEP Representative to the FVMA Executive Board Ex Officio Dr. James W. Lloyd, Dean College of Veterinary Medicine

am very happy to have the opportunity to wish you the best in the New Year on behalf of fellow board members and the staff of the FVMA.

The Executive Board, members of the Strategic Planning Committee, and the FVMA Executive Director met in Orlando and developed an FVMA Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2017. The workshop was facilitated by Robert “Bob” Harris, CAE, a member of the faculty of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, who is known around the world for sharing best practices and promoting sustainability of associations and chambers.

Mr. Harris gave the association an A+ based on its fiscal stability, and in his report confirmed, the FVMA is in a position of strength and stability with its “highly respected programs with an international draw, significant market share, dedicated leadership, sufficient resources and professional staff.”

After an orientation session in board responsibilities and duties, he led a review of the FVMA’s mission statement. This resulted in an adjustment to the association’s mission which was later adopted by the board at its December 6th meeting, and now reads: The mission of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association is to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and wellbeing, and protect public health.

The workshop culminated with the formulation of four areas of focus, with strategies for their achievement over the next three years. The areas on which we will focus are advocacy, education, member support, and association strength, and I look forward to continuing our strategic process which we have mapped for our association.

For the FVMA Executive Board and staff, 2015 awaits us with new challenges, and we hope you will join us and participate where you can. A report and details of our strategic plan are contained in this issue of the Advocate, and we ask you to read it, become familiar with your 2015-2017 roadmap, and let me hear your thoughts on the work ahead.

Yours in service, Donald H. Morgan, DVM

FVMA Staff

Sandra P. Brooks Accounting/Membership Director Kelly Callihan Director of Conferences & Events Amber Coon Executive Assistant Ann Deal Director of Administration & Communications Ralph E. Huber Industry Relations Director Alssa Mathews Multimedia Art & Design Director Beni Jean Price Financial/Membership Coordinator Betsy Pynes Meetings and Events Coordinator Ann Wade Communications & Public Relations Director

2 | FVMA ADVOCATE

In this Issue....

4 6 7 8 10 12

| In Remembrance... | Member Spotlights | 2015 Legislative Action Days | FVMA Strategic Plan | 2015 FVMA Elections | Recognizing and Managing the

Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue 14 | 86th FVMA Annual Conference

16 | 8th Annual Dr. Harvey Rubin 19 | 20 | 23 24 26 30

| | | |

Memorial Food Animal Conference Vets4Pets Minimum Standards For Veterinary Practice & Checklist VBMA Seminar 2015 Practice Pulse 2015 Annual Operating Budget Classified Advertisements

It’s a soft chew.

Kills both fleas and ticks.

It’s prescription only.

Now a pprove d to kill m ore ticks!

NexGardTM (afoxolaner) is the protection you asked for, and patients will beg for.

NexGard is FDA-approved to kill fleas, prevent flea infestations, and kill Black-Legged (deer) ticks, Lone Star ticks and American Dog ticks. NexGard is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription, and features anti-diversion technology monitored by Pinkerton® Consulting & Investigations.

NexGard and FRONTLINE VET LABS are trademarks of Merial. ®PINKERTON is a registered trademark of Pinkerton Service Corporation. ©2014 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. NEX14TTRADEAD (06/14).

TM

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For use in dogs only. The most common adverse reaction is vomiting. Other adverse reactions reported are dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.

In Remembrance

ALBERT BRAXTON FEW, DVM

Dr. Albert Braxton Few of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away on Friday, December 12, 2014. Dr. Few passed away after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn; daughters, Elizabeth Few of St. Petersburg, Nancy (David) Summitt of Mountain Brook, Alabama, Laura McLean, and Linda (Daniel) Stone of St. Petersburg; grandchildren, Hunter and Heather Cray, Caleb and Cameron Summitt, Jocelyn and Will McLean, Braxton and Grayson Stone; nephew, Larry Coleman, and niece, Chandra Greiss; and his beloved Himalayan cat, Mellie.

Dr. Few was a life member of the FVMA, and was a career-long advocate for his profession. He continued to be an active member of the association through 2007, at which time he had served on the association’s Fiscal Advisory Committee for the third time. During his years of service, he was also a member of FVMA’s Legislative Committee, Investment Committee, and Professional Veterinary Services Committee, and he served as a Legislative Key Contact.

He was active in the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association.

The FVMA awarded Dr. Few its Distinguished Service Award in 1996, in recognition of his outstanding services throughout his career, to the association, its members, and the veterinary profession.

Born and raised in Jackson, Alabama, Dr. Few and his family took up residence in Florida in 1972, when he went into private practice at Skyway Animal Hospital, Inc. in St. Petersburg.

He was a graduate of Auburn University, class of 1961, and obtained his Master's at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1964. He went on to Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine to earn his PhD in 1966. Dr. Few taught anatomy at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1970 and 1971, before going on to practice in St. Petersburg.

Visiting estate sales in his spare time was a favorite activity, where he enjoyed meeting and talking to others. He was a life-long Auburn football fan, and is said to have never missed an Auburn vs Georgia game in 50 years.

Dr. Few volunteered in his community, and was a Sunday School teacher and Deacon at the First Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, where funeral services were held in celebration of his life of service and fulfillment on December 16, 2014.

Messages of condolence to Dr. Few’s family may be sent to 4301 48th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711.

LELAND “SCOTT” MORLEY, DVM Dr. Leland “Scott” Morley, 83, of Tifton, passed away on November 4, 2014.

Dr. Morley graduated from the University of Maryland in 1954, and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1960. He was a long-standing member of the FVMA and an honor roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

While at the University of Georgia, Dr. Morley was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. He was a member of Tifton’s First United Methodist Church, and a veteran of the United States Navy.

Dr. Morley is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James and Betty Morley of Middleburg, Florida; daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Alfred Crabtree of Charleston, South Carolina; his brother, Donald Morley of Cape Coral, Florida; three grandchildren, Kayla Marie Morley Church, Kourtney Nicole Morley and Kinzie Elizabeth Morley; and a great-granddaughter, Addisynne Grace Church.

4 | FVMA ADVOCATE

SERGIO CARVAJAL-MANIEU, DVM FVMA has received news of the passing of a long-standing member, Dr. Sergio CarvajalManieu, of Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Carvajal-Manieu was a practicing small animal veterinarian at the time of his passing on April 26, 2014.

Dr. Carvajal-Manieu operated Amazon Animal Hospital & Laser Therapy Center in Clearwater, serving the Tampa Bay communities for more than 25 years.

He was also a member of the Pinellas Animal Foundation and Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Society. He served the veterinary profession on the FVMA Americas International Committee from 1995 to 2004, and was a Legislative Key Contact for the association. He also remained an avid supporter of FVMA’s Political Committee and the FVMA Foundation.

Dr. Carvajal-Manieu attended Miami Palmetto High School, and qualified as a veterinarian at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in Argentina in 1982. A Chilean by birth, he loved the United States that adopted him, and his family say he never let them forget that being an American was a privilege.

For a year and a half before his death, Dr. Carvajal fought prostate cancer, which he was diagnosed with some 15 years earlier.

At the beginning of 2014, he founded the Amazon Animal Hospital Charity Foundation, a non-profit program to aid with financial assistance to the needy to pay for veterinary care. In a letter to supporters of the foundation he published on the web before his passing, Dr. Carvajal-Manieu summed up what being a lifelong practicing veterinarian meant to him:“It has been a long and rewarding road for me, from my years of veterinary practice, to fighting for the rights, welfare and habitats of animals these last 25 years. It has been a lifetime of doing everything in my power to see that other species were, and are, treated with respect, dignity and compassion—that they be treated as far more than mere resources, commodities, property and things. What could be more rewarding for a veterinarian who cared so much, and owed so much, to the animal companions he grew up with and loved, who decided to do all that he could to follow in the beliefs and footsteps of caring people like Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, St. Francis of Assisi, Rosa Parks and Albert Schweitzer.”

Dr. Carvajal-Manieu is survived by his wife of 45 years, Leonor Carvajal, and two sons.

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Description: NEXGARD™ (afoxolaner) is available in four sizes of beef-flavored, soft chewables for oral administration to dogs and puppies according to their weight. Each chewable is formulated to provide a minimum afoxolaner dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). Afoxolaner has the chemical composition 1-Naphthalenecarboxamide, 4-[5[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-4, 5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl.

Indications: NEXGARD kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), and the treatment and control of Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) infestations in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 pounds of body weight or greater, for one month.

Dosage and Administration: NEXGARD is given orally once a month, at the minimum dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg).

Dosing Schedule: Body Weight 4.0 to 10.0 lbs.

10.1 to 24.0 lbs.

24.1 to 60.0 lbs.

60.1 to 121.0 lbs.

Over 121.0 lbs.

Afoxolaner Per Chewable (mg)

Precautions: The safe use of NEXGARD in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated.

Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures (see Adverse Reactions).

Adverse Reactions: In a well-controlled US field study, which included a total of 333 households and 615 treated dogs (415 administered afoxolaner; 200 administered active control), no serious adverse reactions were observed with NEXGARD. Over the 90-day study period, all observations of potential adverse reactions were recorded. The most frequent reactions reported at an incidence of > 1% within any of the three months of observations are presented in the following table. The most frequently reported adverse reaction was vomiting. The occurrence of vomiting was generally self-limiting and of short duration and tended to decrease with subsequent doses in both groups. Five treated dogs experienced anorexia during the study, and two of those dogs experienced anorexia with the first dose but not subsequent doses.

Table 1: Dogs With Adverse Reactions.

Treatment Group Afoxolaner

Chewables Administered

11.3 One 28.3 One 68 One 136 One Administer the appropriate combination of chewables

NEXGARD can be administered with or without food. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or refused. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within two hours of administration, redose with another full dose. If a dose is missed, administer NEXGARD and resume a monthly dosing schedule.

Flea Treatment and Prevention: Treatment with NEXGARD may begin at any time of the year. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment with NEXGARD should continue the entire year without interruption.

To minimize the likelihood of flea reinfestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with an approved flea control product.

Tick Treatment and Control: Treatment with NEXGARD may begin at any time of the year (see Effectiveness).

Contraindications: There are no known contraindications for the use of NEXGARD. Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a physician immediately.

Oral active control

N1

% (n=415)

N2

% (n=200)

Vomiting (with and without blood)

17

4.1

25

12.5

Dry/Flaky Skin

13

3.1

2

1.0

Diarrhea (with and without blood)

13

3.1

7

3.5

Lethargy

7

1.7

4

2.0

Anorexia

5

1.2

9

4.5

Number of dogs in the afoxolaner treatment group with the identified abnormality.

2 Number of dogs in the control group with the identified abnormality.

In the US field study, one dog with a history of seizures experienced a seizure on the same day after receiving the first dose and on the same day after receiving the second dose of NEXGARD. This dog experienced a third seizure one week after receiving the third dose. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. Another dog with a history of seizures had a seizure 19 days after the third dose of NEXGARD. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. A third dog with a history of seizures received NEXGARD and experienced no seizures throughout the study.

To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the MSDS, contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251 or www.merial.com/ nexgard. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at http://www.fda.gov/ AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth.

Mode of Action: Afoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline family, shown to bind at a binding site to inhibit insect and acarine ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby blocking pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes.

Prolonged afoxolaner-induced hyperexcitation results in uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system and death of insects and acarines. The selective toxicity of afoxolaner between insects and acarines and mammals may be inferred by the differential sensitivity of the insects and acarines’ GABA receptors versus mammalian GABA receptors.

1

Effectiveness: In a well-controlled laboratory study, NEXGARD began to kill fleas four hours after initial administration and demonstrated >99% effectiveness at eight hours.

In a separate well-controlled laboratory study, NEXGARD demonstrated 100% effectiveness against adult fleas 24 hours post-infestation for 35 days, and was ≥ 93% effective at 12 hours post-infestation through Day 21, and on Day 35. On Day 28, NEXGARD was 81.1% effective 12 hours post-infestation. Dogs in both the treated and control groups that were infested with fleas on Day -1 generated flea eggs at 12- and 24-hours post-treatment (0-11 eggs and 1-17 eggs in the NEXGARD treated dogs, and 4-90 eggs and 0-118 eggs in the control dogs, at 12- and 24hours, respectively). At subsequent evaluations post-infestation, fleas from dogs in the treated group were essentially unable to produce any eggs (0-1 eggs) while fleas from dogs in the control group continued to produce eggs (1-141 eggs).

In a 90-day US field study conducted in households with existing flea infestations of varying severity, the effectiveness of NEXGARD against fleas on the Day 30, 60 and 90 visits compared with baseline was 98.0%, 99.7%, and 99.9%, respectively.

Collectively, the data from the three studies (two laboratory and one field) demonstrate that NEXGARD kills fleas before they can lay eggs, thus preventing subsequent flea infestations after the start of treatment of existing flea infestations.

In well-controlled laboratory studies, NEXGARD demonstrated >94% effectiveness against Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis, 48 hours post-infestation, and against Amblyomma americanum 72 hours post-infestation, for 30 days.

Animal Safety: In a margin of safety study, NEXGARD was administered orally to 8- to 9-week-old Beagle puppies at 1, 3, and 5 times the maximum exposure dose (6.3 mg/kg) for three treatments every 28 days, followed by three treatments every 14 days, for a total of six treatments. Dogs in the control group were sham-dosed. There were no clinically-relevant effects related to treatment on physical examination, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistries, or coagulation tests), gross pathology, histopathology or organ weights. Vomiting occurred throughout the study, with a similar incidence in the treated and control groups, including one dog in the 5x group that vomited four hours after treatment.

In a well-controlled field study, NEXGARD was used concomitantly with other medications, such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics (including topicals), steroids, NSAIDS, anesthetics, and antihistamines. No adverse reactions were observed from the concomitant use of NEXGARD with other medications.

Storage Information: Store at or below 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F).

How Supplied: NEXGARD is available in four sizes of beef-flavored soft chewables: 11.3, 28.3, 68 or 136 mg afoxolaner. Each chewable size is available in color-coded packages of 1, 3 or 6 beef-flavored chewables.

NADA 141-406, Approved by FDA Marketed by: Frontline Vet Labs™, a Division of Merial Limited.

Duluth, GA 30096-4640 USA Made in Brazil.

1050-4493-02 Rev. 4/2014

™NexGard and FRONTLINE VET LABS are trademarks of Merial. ©2014 Merial. All rights reserved.

COREY D. MILLER DVM, MS, DIPLOMATE ACT

Leads the FAEP as Council President in 2015

Member Spotlights

Dr. Corey D. Miller will head the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP) Council in 2015. Council President, Suzan Oakley, will hand over the reins of the Council to Dr. Miller during ceremonies that are scheduled to take place at the 52nd Annual Ocala Equine Conference.

Dr. Miller is founding partner of Equine Medical Center of Ocala, and became active in the FAEP’s leadership in January, 2008. He served on the FAEP Executive Board as Director and Treasurer before its amalgamation with the FVMA in 2011. He continued as a member of the FAEP Council, has served as the Council’s representative on the FVMA Executive Board, and in the past year, has served as FAEP President-elect.

Dr. Miller’s practice focus is reproduction and general medicine at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala, which offers state-of-the-art specialty care to horse owners throughout the Southeast Region. The hospital provides a wide variety of orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries, advanced reproductive technologies, internal medicine diagnostics, state-of-the-art imaging, around-the-clock intensive care and after-hours emergency service. It is the only hospital in Marion County, Florida that provides clients with the services of boardcertified specialists in surgery, reproduction and internal medicine.

Dr. Miller is a boarded specialist, who was certified by the American College of Theriogenology in 1998.

He graduated Penn State University in 1991, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Bioscience.

He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1994, after which he undertook an internship with Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital of Lexington, Kentucky. In 1997, he completed the three-year residency and Master’s Program at Texas A&M University in equine reproduction. Dr. Miller returned to private practice in Oregon to manage an exclusively equine reproductive practice, and in October 1998, he moved to Ocala where he became founding partner in the Equine Medical Center of Ocala.

DR. MARTA LISTA IS FVMA EMERGING LEADER

Dr. Marta Lista has been chosen to represent the FVMA as emerging leader, at the AVMA’s 2015 Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC).

The VLC offers a robust three days of networking and workshop opportunities for veterinary professionals and leaders. This conference is open to member veterinarians of the AVMA, who are interested in learning more about leadership, team building and how the AVMA works.

Dr. Marta Lista has been a member of the FVMA since 2001. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 2000, and her B.S. from the University of Miami in1996.

Born and raised in Miami, Dr. Lista was selected by the Dean of the University of Florida as one of two practicing veterinarians in the state of Florida to serve on the College of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Committee. She is a former president of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association (SFVMA), and she currently sits on the board of directors of the SFVMA and the South Florida Veterinary Foundation (SFVF).

A strong advocate in her community, Dr. Lista has lobbied in Tallahassee and locally in support of the advancement of animal rights, as well as the veterinary profession. She currently heads the legislative task force of the SFVMA. Her other community service includes work with the Junior League of Miami, the Cat Network, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Humane Society and Miami Dade County Animal Services. She

6 | FVMA ADVOCATE

volunteers her time to help local rescue groups reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter surgeries. With the help of a supportive staff, her practice, Trail Animal Hospital, performs over 100 sterilization procedures for local groups every year. Dr. Lista participates in career days for local elementary schools including Epiphany and Sunset Elementary.

She has lectured at the University of Miami and Florida International University on veterinary medicine and is a mentor for local college students attempting to gain admissions to veterinary school.

During her career, Dr. Lista has been the recipient of numerous outstanding veterinary awards. In 2005, and again in 2006, she was recognized by her colleagues as South Florida Veterinarian of the Year. On April 17, 2009, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association awarded Dr. Lista the Gold Star Award. Recently, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed her as a member of the Dean's Circle of Excellence.

Save the Date

2015 Legislative Action Days Schedule of Events Wednesday, March 11, 2015 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Legislative Workshop Group Dinner

The FVMA will host a group dinner following the Legislative Workshop. If you are traveling with a spouse or guest, they are invited to attend.

Thursday, March 12, 2015 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Group Breakfast Final Review of FVMA Legislative Priorities and “Charge to Delegates” Delegates walk to Capitol to attend their legislative appointments

The FVMA will host a group breakfast Thursday morning prior to our visit to the Capitol. Following breakfast, we will recap our legislative agenda and then head to the Capitol for our scheduled appointments.

APPOINTMENTS WITH LEGISLATORS Registration for this event is free for members, but pre-registration is required. Should you have any questions on registration, please contact the FVMA office at (800) 992-3862 .

To gain the most out of our visit to the Capitol, FVMA staff will secure appointments for you with legislators from your respective district. These appointments are made subject to the legislators’ availabilities. Members attending Legislative Action Days for the first time will be paired with seasoned veterans to ensure you gain the most out of your Capitol visit.

We encourage all members to take the opportunity and participate in this important grassroots advocacy event!

HOST HOTEL

Aloft Tallahassee Downtown 200 N Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 The special FVMA room rate of $159 plus taxes ends February 9, 2015, subject to availability.

Book your room today by calling (866) 932-6282 and asking for the special FVMA room rate.

www.fvma.org | 7

FVMA

strategic plan

2015-2017

"If you don't know where you are going, you are certain to end up somewhere else." - Yogi Berra On November 1st and 2 , the FVMA Executive Board, Members of the Strategic Planning Committee and the Executive Director met to develop a Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2017.

the participants that the FVMA is an A+ association based on its fiscal stability.

The strategic planning session started with an orientation of the participants on their responsibilities and duties as a result of their service to FVMA. The next order of business was to review FVMA’s existing mission statement and determine if it needed to be revised in any way. The mission statement developed as part of this process was adopted by the FVMA Executive Board at the December Executive Board meeting and reads as follows:

Robert "Bob" Harris, CAE, FVMA Strategic Planning Workshop Facilitator

The mission of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association is to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and wellbeing, and protect public health.

nd

The FVMA was founded in 1928. Its founding values have prevailed through the years: • To promote good fellowship in the profession of veterinary medicine • To promote and protect the profession of veterinary medicine • To procure the enactment of laws regulating the practice of veterinary medicine, and the control of the diseases of animals • To direct public opinion regarding problems concerning the health of animals and sanitary practices of controlling diseases • To evaluate the standards of veterinary education • To further the education of its members • To further the humane treatment of animals by members and by the general public Preparing for the second half of the decade, it can be said that the FVMA is in a position of strength and stability. It has highly respected programs with an international draw, significant market share, dedicated leadership, sufficient resources and professional staff.

The strategic planning session was facilitated by Robert “Bob” Harris, CAE. Mr. Harris is on the faculty of the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, and has authored books on association management. He has received awards for promoting association excellence and working in professional development. He has been dubbed the “Martha Stewart of association management.” He also has had extensive interaction with the AVMA, and is therefore very familiar with the operations of a veterinary medicine association. He advised 8 | FVMA ADVOCATE

After reviewing FVMA’s 1928 founding values and the input of the participants, four areas of focus were formulated: 1). Advocacy- The powerful voice of veterinary medicine in Florida; 2). Education- World-class education and events supporting professional development and active engagement with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine; 3). Member Support- The support and services which benefit members; and 4). Association Strength- The leadership and resources to be the authority on veterinary medicine in Florida.

The participants followed this by drafting strategies and performance measures to facilitate desired outcomes and accountability.

The Executive Board, at its December meeting, adopted the 2015-2017 FVMA Strategic Plan. All FVMA members are encouraged to be actively engaged in the successful implementation of their Strategic Plan.

Advocacy

The powerful voice of veterinary medicine in Florida.

PRIORITIES: ■ Lobbying Influence ■ Political Action ■ Grassroots Relations ■ Issues Management

ACTION: ■ Lobbying team that advances and protects the profession ■ Proactively establish relationships with Legislative leadership ■ Maintain a mutual working relationship with the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine and position members in leadership roles ■ Sustain revenue necessary to be a significant force in state and national politics

■ Identify members with personal and professional relationships with elected officials and their staff ■ Strengthen monitoring and reporting on local, state and national issues ■ Enhance annual Legislative Action Days ■ Collaborate with allied organizations

Education World-class education and events supporting professional development, and active engagement with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

PRIORITIES: ■ Supporting Competency ■ Mentoring and Matching ■ Leadership Development ■ Diverse Delivery Methods

ACTION: ■ Continue to build upon the success of conferences and events by increasing national and international draw ■ Integrate technology delivery for our diverse membership ■ Actively engage with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, working together toward consistent graduation of world-class veterinarians

■ Provide educational resources and public policy statements to the public and news media and use social media to increase public awareness ■ Provide education for all disciplines of our profession ■ Coordinate continuing education events with districts and local VMAs

Member Support The support and services which benefit members.

PRIORITIES: ■ Serving All Members ■ Support from Entry to Succession ■ Unique FVMA Programs

ACTION: ■ Ensure all disciplines of veterinary medicine are served and represented ■ Expand member access to consultants (legal, financial, insurance, senior veterinary) ■ Establish an acquisition/exit resource network for those transitioning in/out of practice ■ Provide career networking and job fairs for new graduates

Strength

■ Develop and implement a publicity campaign to promote the Strategic Plan ■ Develop a professional media production center for development of FVMA PSAs and make services available to members ■ Maximize the Foundation’s student programs, especially in making grants and scholarships ■ Continue to provide new and relevant member programs and services

The leadership and resources to be the authority on veterinary medicine in Florida.

PRIORITIES: ■ Efficient Governance and Structure ■ Building and Stewarding Resources ■ Opportunities to Engage Members

ACTION: ■ Develop and implement a staffing and professional development plan for the Association ■ Update bylaws, policies and procedures and committee structure

■ Protect and enhance the FVMA’s capital and financial resources ■ Enhance support of district and local VMAs through staff contact, technology and communications

www.fvma.org | 9

2015 Nominations Now Being Accepted For Executive Board and Budget and Finance Committee NOMINATION DEADLINE : FEBRUARY 9, 2015

N

ominations are being received for election to the FVMA Executive Board and to the FVMA Budget and Finance Committee and they must be submitted by February 9, 2015.

The FVMA Bylaws establish an election procedure, a timeline which set a nomination deadline, when the general election ballots must be mailed, a deadline for when ballots should be received, and when those ballots are to be tabulated and recorded.

Election Procedure According to the Bylaws, nominations for President-elect shall be made by a Nominating Committee composed of four (in even years) or five (in odd years) District Representatives to the Executive Board, and chaired by the immediate Past-President. The Bylaws stipulate, “During the even numbered years the Representatives from Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 shall serve on the Committee and during the odd numbered years, Representatives from Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 shall serve.”

It is the duty of the Nominating Committee to submit the names of candidates for President-elect to the Executive Director at least sixty (60) days before the annual meeting of the association. All members of the association are encouraged to suggest

10 | FVMA ADVOCATE

names of possible candidates to the Nominating Committee.

Nominees for District Representatives to the Executive Board and the Budget and Finance Committee are to be submitted by the local associations located within the respective districts, to the Executive Director at least sixty (60) days before the annual meeting.

In the event there is no contested race at the time of the nomination deadline, no election ballots will be mailed, and nominees who qualify will be elected.

In the event a seat open for election is contested however, the procedure and timeline set by FVMA Bylaws must be adhered to.

2015 FVMA Election In line with the Bylaws, the 2015 Nominating Committee Members are Dr. Jerry L. Rayburn, Immediate PastPresident, Chairman; Dr. Steve Steverson, District 1; Dr. Marc A. Presnell, District 3; Dr. Marc D. Pinkwasser, District 5; Dr. Mary Smart, District 7; and Dr. Kelly J. Sloan-Wade, District 9.

With the 86th FVMA Annual Conference scheduled to take place from April 9-12, 2015, the nomination deadline is February 9, 2015.

The FVMA Executive Director will be receiving nominations through February

9, 2015, from the Nominating Committee for President-elect, and from local associations located within the respective districts, for open District Representative seats on the Executive Board and the Budget and Finance Committee.

In the event a seat is not contested at the time of the nomination deadline, no election ballot will be mailed and the qualified nominee will be elected.

However, if there are contested seats, ballots will be mailed for those seats, received and tabulated in accordance with the FVMA Bylaws.

The FVMA Executive Director will circulate ballots to the general membership of the Association on February 24. Ballots will be valid if they are returned to the FVMA Executive Director postmarked by March 11, 2015.

The Tallying Committee comprised of two (2) active members appointed by the President, and the Executive Director, will meet on March 26, 2015, to open and tabulate the results of the election.

Nomination Criteria To be eligible for nomination as President-elect, an active member of the FVMA “must have served as a District Representative to the Executive Board or as Treasurer and shall have been a member of the Association for the past

DISTRICT I DISTRICT II DISTRICT VIII DISTRICT IX

FVMA DISTRICTS

DISTRICT IV DISTRICT III DISTRICT VII

DISTRICT V

DISTRICT VI

five (5) years preceding nomination.”

District Representatives to the Executive Board must reside in the given districts, are elected for three year terms, and may be elected for two successive terms.

A District Representative on the Budget and Finance Committee is elected for a three-year term from a slate of nominees residing in that given district.

The representative may be elected to three successive terms.

Seats Open for the 2015 Election On the Executive Board  President-elect  District 3 Representative, now held by Dr. Marc A. Presnell, who is completing his first term. Dr. Presnell is eligible for re-election to serve a second term as provided for in the Bylaws.  District 6 Representative, from which Dr. Ronald W. Todd is retiring, as he is completing a second term of service.

Seats Open for the 2015 Election on the Budget and Finance Committee  District 1 Representative, held by Dr. Scott Richardson who is completing a second term. He is eligible for re-election to a third term.

 District 6 Representative, held by Dr. Archie S. Gordon, who is serving a second term. He is eligible for re-election to serve a third term.

The 2015 FVMA Nomination and Election Timeline: February 9, 2015 Sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting, the Nominating Committee shall submit to the Executive Director the nominee(s) for President-Elect.

February 9, 2015 Nominees for District Representative to the FVMA Executive Board and Budget & Finance Committee shall be submitted by local VMAs within the respective districts sixty (60) days before the annual meeting.

February 24, 2015 (If a race is contested) The Executive Director shall mail ballots to all voting members of the association at least forty-five (45) days before the date of the annual meeting.

March 11, 2015 (If a race is contested) For ballots to be valid, they must be postmarked no later than thirty (30) days before the date of the annual meeting.

March 26, 2015 (If a race is contested) Fifteen (15) days prior to the annual meeting, the Tallying Committee comprised of two (2) active members appointed by the President and the Executive Director, shall open and tabulate the results.

2015 OPEN SEATS Executive Board President-Elect

District Representatives District 3

District 6

Budget & Finance Committee District 1

District 6

Send Nominations To:

FVMA - 7207 Monetary Dr. Orlando, FL 32809

NOMINATION DEADLINE

FEBRUARY 9, 2015

www.fvma.org | 11

Recognizing and Managing the Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue

By Enid Traisman, CT, MSW

BUSY HOSPITAL + HOLIDAYS =

Compassion Fatigue

Did you know that caring too much can hurt? When veterinary staff members are exposed to others pain, they can succumb to symptoms associated with the secondary traumatic stress disorder now labeled compassion fatigue. In addition to the difficult and demanding tasks of the job, the holidays can add additional stress in the workplace, increasing risk for compassion fatigue. This disorder can severely influence individuals and colleagues of those suffering.

Veterinary professionals, like most caregivers, tend to be naturally compassionate people, but sometimes caring too much can hurt. It’s hard to remain emotionally unaffected by the trauma your patients (and their owners) are experiencing. Seeing and caring for severely injured and acutely ill animals day after day – some of which are untreatable, while others might be medically treatable but still need to be euthanized because their owners cannot afford treatment – takes its toll.

Many of the symptoms of compassion fatigue are similar to those of burnout: physical, mental and emotional exhaustion; an inability to find meaning in your life or work; and decreased interactions with others. Compassion fatigue can also manifest as irritability with others. You may continue to communicate in a professional manner with your clients but take out your frustration on your colleagues, family members, or even be less compassionate with patients. Understandably, this is not a healthy outlet.

The importance of work/life balance and self-care

So how do you keep compassion fatigue at bay? Self-care is critical. What people do away from work to take care of themselves and recharge their batteries varies widely from individual to individual, of course. It could be running, reading, meditating, watching a movie, spending time with friends – anything that helps you clear your mind and work through the stress of a difficult shift on the floor. Keeping your life in balance is important in preventing and treating compassion fatigue.

Workaholics tend to be particularly at risk because a lack of time away from their stressful job forces them to eliminate the very things that would help them recharge and recover.

If you think you might be suffering from compassion fatigue or burnout, go to http://www.proqol.org/ProQol_Test.html and take the free self-administered online test called the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). This tool will give you unbiased feedback about your situation and provide the self-awareness necessary to motivate you to improve your own self-care.

In general, maintaining the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle 12 | FVMA ADVOCATE

– regular exercise, a healthy diet, positive social interactions, making time for hobbies and adequate sleep – will help make you more resilient and less physically and emotionally vulnerable to the effects of your patients’ distress. Beyond restoring a healthy balance in your life, the following measures can help if you are experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue: • Be kind to yourself. Recognize your symptoms and don’t try to just keep powering through. Ignoring problems rarely makes them go away.

• Educate yourself about compassion fatigue. There is a great deal of helpful information available on the Internet. Symptoms and treatments can vary, so find suggestions that resonate with your personal circumstances.

• Regularly escape from the intensity of your work through recreation, creative therapies or other healthy diversions. These escapes are essential to replenish between shifts.

• Don’t medicate yourself with drugs or alcohol. Get professional help if necessary to get back on track.

Helping staff members cope

Practice managers can play a key role in helping their employees cope with compassion fatigue. If you’re a manager, you don’t want to see your staff members suffer emotionally, experience burnout or leave the profession.

What can you do to help prevent and deal with compassion fatigue in the clinic? The first step is to be aware of and alert to the symptoms. This is particularly critical when the overall work environment is being affected. For example, sometimes compassion fatigue may cause a staff member to demonstrate a lack of compassion toward his or her colleagues, or even worse, a patient. Left unchecked, this behavior can lead to a toxic culture in the clinic. If an employee is being unfairly critical of a colleague, try to help him or her identify and deal with the larger issue behind the immediate irritation.

Second, it’s essential that staff members have an outlet to talk about the challenges they face and how they feel – how sad it is, for example, when an animal comes in that can’t be treated

for financial reasons, or how difficult it is to see a pet suffering because the owner is taking too long to make a decision about care. Veterinary professionals need to have the opportunity to discuss these issues and figure out ways to overcome emotionally challenging situations, because cases like these are draining and can wear employees down over time.

Sometimes it’s helpful to let the team spend time together without managers, just talking, with no agenda. At DoveLewis we recently held an art therapy session for a team and asked them to discuss problems they were having with clients. Without prompting, the conversation naturally turned to staff members recognizing how client issues had affected their own behavior toward each other.

Finally, it’s important for you as a manager to model the

behavior you want to see in your staff members and support good self-care during their shifts. Emphasize the value of selfcare and set a good example when it comes to taking breaks to hydrate, eat and get a little breath of fresh air. Try not to schedule too many extra shifts so that they have time to rest and recharge their batteries and return to work refreshed.

Preventing, coping with and healing from compassion fatigue is an ongoing process, not a finite project. It requires continuing attention, but it’s worth the effort on both a personal and managerial level. Helping employees understand how their jobs affect them emotionally and giving them the tools they need to deal with the difficult issues they face will lead to enhanced wellbeing, greater job satisfaction and improved performance.

− Enid Traisman is the founding director of Pet Loss Support Services at DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, a nonprofit 24-hour emergency and intensive care animal hospital in Portland, Oregon, and a contributor to On the Floor @Dove, the hospital’s online training tool for veterinary professionals. She facilitates support groups and educates the community and veterinary staff about euthanasia, grief, memorializing and compassion fatigue.

We’re growing!

Come and grow with us as a

Chief of Staff.

Lead a caring veterinary medical team in a full-service hospital, practice human-quality medicine with state-of-the-art technology, and be rewarded for your talent and dedication.

Step into a Banfield hospital and feel the energy and compassion we bring to pet care.

We’re seeking highly engaged leaders who are committed to making an impact in the lives of pets and people every day – Those who are passionate about preventive care, as well as coaching and mentoring others to help them succeed.

Putting pets first, through partnership, is what sets Banfield apart. If you’re looking for an organization that ensures the highest level of veterinary care is practiced, as well as one that is devoted to your professional development, Banfield is the place for you!

Excellent compensation offered and one of the most generous benefits packages in the profession.

Apply today at Banfield.com/Careers

Your

Invitation Vets

to Attend

Earn 28 Hours upto

W o r l d - C l a ss CE

Techs

Earn 24 Hours

Featured Speakers

upto

Dr. Jonathan Abbott

Dr. Rick Alleman

Dr. Jason Arble

Dr. John Harvey

Ms. Shelly Johnson

Dr. Kelvin Kow

Dr. Brook Niemiec

Dr. Michael Schaer

Dr. Thomas Schubert

Dr. Andre Shih

Dr. Andrew Specht

Dr. Robert Swinger

Dr. Ernie Ward

Mr. Jason Wernli

Dr. Stephen White

Dr. Mary Gardner

Dr. Dennis T. Crowe

LECTURE & LAB TOPICS ■ Surgery ■ Clinical Pathology ■ Dentistry ■ Emergency & Critical Care ■ Practice Management ■ Gastroenterology ■ Dermatology ■ Urology ■ Tech Procedures ■ Physical Rehabilitation

■ Cytology ■ Cardiology ■ Radiology ■ Internal Medicine ■ Ophthalmology ■ Endocrinology ■ Neurology ■ Exotics ■ Anesthesiology ■ and much more....

Workshops

Distinguished Speakers Dr. Carsten Brandt Dr. David Bradley Dr. Mauricio Dujowich Dr. Wade Gingerich Dr. Darryl Heard Dr. Peter Helmer Dr. Andrew Hillier Dr. Adam Honeckman

Dr. Anita Kiehl Dr. Matthew Johnson Dr. Donna Manley Ms. Katrina Lafferty Dr. Nancy Loes Ms. Heidi Reuss-Lamky Ms. Denise Rollings

Dr. Sheri Ross Dr. Oreta Samples Dr. Bill Saxon Ms. Melissa Siekaniec Dr. Chris Smithson Dr. Heather Wamsley Dr. Anne Wortinger

◉ Canine Mast Cell Tumor Workshop

Heidi Ward, DVM, DACVIM Heather Wamsley, DVM, PhD, DACVP ◉ Hematology Workshop – Focus on Anemia Heidi Ward, DVM, DACVIM Heather Wamsley, DVM, PhD, DACVP

◉ Culture and Sensitivity Interpretation Workshop Elizabeth Bailey, DVM Heidi Ward, DVM, DACVIM ◉ Dental Radiography Reading/ Interpretation Lab Session Christopher Smithson, DVM, DAVDC

World-class Continuing Education for every member of the Veterinary team

The 86th FVMA

Annual Conference APRIL 9-12, 2015

Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

All-Day Wet Labs - April 9 General Sessions - April 10-12

Level 2 Dentistry Wet Lab

Brook Niemiec, DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC, FAVD & Michael Peak, DVM, DACVD

Rehabilitation & Laser Therapy

Wet labs

Suzanne Plamondon, DVM, MBA, CVA, CCRT, DABVP

Ophthalmic Surgery Robert Swinger, DVM, DACVO Carmen Colitz, DVM, DACVO

Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound – Normals Seminar and Wet Lab Jason Arble, DVM, DACVR

Extracapsular Suture Stabilization

Small Animal Abdominal Advanced Ultrasound

Medial Patella Luxation

Dental Extraction – Feline

Matthew Johnson, DVM, MVSc, CCRP, DACVS-SA Matthew Johnson, DVM, MVSc, CCRP, DACVS-SA

Jason Arble, DVM, DACVR

Wade Gingerich, DVM, DAVDC Christopher Smithson, DVM, DAVDC

Dental Extraction – Canine Christopher Smithson, DVM, DAVDC Wade Gingerich, DVM, DAVDC

Dental Radiography

Denise Rollings, CVT, VTS-Dentistry Jeanne Perrone, CVT, VTS-Dentistry

Dental Nerve Block

Heidi Reuss-Lamky LVT, VTS-Anesthesia, Surgery

Reserve Your Room Today Room Block Deadline March 19!

Call: 866-397-6516 and mention “FVMA”

Hotel Information Customize your stay from one of the following: Rates Include $14.95 Daily Resort Fee

Room Type Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Quad Rate Resort View Guestrooms $164.00 $164.00 $184.00 $204.00 Water View Room $174.00 $174.00 $194.00 $214.00 Downtown Disney View $184.00 $184.00 $204.00 $224.00 1-Bedroom Island Suite $264.00 $264.00 $284.00 $304.00 1-Bedroom Tower Suite $445.00 $445.00 $465.00 $485.00 Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa

Make Your Room Reservations Now!

Across the street from Downtown Disney 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

c o nt i n u i ng ed u c a t i o n c r e d i t This program has been:

 Approved by New York State Sponsor of Continuing Education Pending Race Approval -

 Approved by Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine DBPR FVMA Provider # 31

American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE Provider #532

This program has been submitted (but not yet approved) for 311 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education.

Call (800) 992-3862 for further information.

Building the Dynamic Veterinary Team

8

th Annual Dr. Harvey Rubin

Memorial Food Animal Veterinary Medical Conference

March 14 - 15, 2015 Register by March 6 and Save $$

99

15 CEU Credits

99

$125 Pre-registration

99

FREE

for CVM Students (Pre-registration is required)

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry; pharmaceutical and animal food industry partners, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, invite you to attend the Eighth Annual Dr. Harvey Rubin Memorial Food Animal Veterinary Medical Conference.

Our program provides 15 hours of continuing education obtained through quality food animal informational lectures presented by specialists in the field of food animal veterinary medicine.

We invite you to enjoy the steak dinner Saturday evening that also features native Southern foods compliments of our industry partners. Without their support, we could not bring you this high quality continuing education program.

To register, call the FVMA toll free at (800) 992-3862 or visit the FVMA website at www.fvma.org. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on March 14 at the Osceola County Extension Building, Kissimmee, Florida.

16 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Preliminary Program to Include

SPEAKERS ¾¾ Dr. Ricardo Chebel

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dairy Cattle Health and Wellbeing

¾¾ Dr. Cris Young USDA ¾¾ Dr. Mike Short State Veterinarian ¾¾ Dr. Diane L. Kitchen FDACS, Division of Animal Industry ¾¾ and more.....

Schedule At-A-Glance Registration Desk Hours

Saturday, March 14, 2015 Sunday, March 15, 2015

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m

EVENT LOCATIONS

Topics: •

• • •

• • •

Welfare Concerns - Introducing Dr. Ricardo Chebel, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dairy Cattle Health and Wellbeing Aquaculture-Another Food Production Industry – FDACS and USDA USDA Program Updates – Dr. Cris Young FDACS Potpourri – ■ New State Veterinarian, Dr. Mike Short ■ Updates at Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, ■ Identification and Documentation go ON & ON One Health Brucellosis and Feral Swine Concerns – Dr. Cris Young Accreditation Status - 2 Accreditation Modules And More!

Osceola County Extension Building (next to the Silver Spurs Arena) 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane Kissimmee, FL 34744 Florida Cattlemen’s Association 800 Shakerag Road Kissimmee, FL 34744 (Saturday’s Social Hour, Dinner, Cases & Roundtable Events)

Saturday Evening: •

Social Hour, Entertainment and Steak Supper and the Roundtable Discussion at The Florida Cattlemen’s Association Headquarters

4

Easy Ways To Register MEALS & REFRESHMENTS SPONSORED BY

7207 Monetary Drive Orlando, Florida 32809 www.fvma.org | 17

8

Annual

th Dr. Harvey Rubin

Memorial Food Animal Veterinary Medical Conference

March 14 & 15, 2015

MEETING VENUE: Osceola County Extension Building 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane Kissimmee, FL 34744 (321) 697-3000

SATURDAY EVENING EVENTS: Florida Cattlemen’s Association 800 Shakerag Road Kissimmee, FL 34744 (407) 846-6221

TO REGISTER: Call: (800) 992-3862 Fax: (407) 240-3710

Online: www.fvma.org

Clinic Information

Address City

State

Phone

Fax

Email

Zip

(Make copies of this form for additional registrations) On or before 3/6/2015

After or on-site 3/6/2015

Veterinarian

$125.00

$150.00

A

$

Food Animal Industry Professional

$125.00

$150.00

B

$

No Charge

No Charge

C

$ 0.00

Number of Attendees

Registration Categories

Student (UF CVM)

Total

Total Registration Fee (Total A, B, & C) Name(s)

Payment Information

(Print name(s) of registrant(s) & check appropriate box(s) below)

Make checks payable to the FVMA (U.S. Funds drawn on U.S. Banks)

qDVM qSTUDENT

qDVM qSTUDENT

qDVM qSTUDENT qDVM qSTUDENT

qDVM qSTUDENT qDVM qSTUDENT

qDVM qSTUDENT

qDVM qSTUDENT

Remit to: FVMA, 7207 Monetary Drive, Orlando, FL 32809 • Email: info@fvma.org • Web: www.fvma.org Phone: (407) 851-3862 • Fax: (407) 240-3710 • Toll Free: (800) 992-3862

q Check enclosed made payable to Florida Veterinary Medical Association q Charge my credit card the total qVISA qMC qAMEX qDISCOVER Credit Card No. Name on Card Signature

$

Exp. Date

2015 REGISTRATION

Name

VETS4PETS

Serving The Underserved In Hillsborough County With a grand opening of January 29, 2015, the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation’s (HAHF) Charitable Clinic, Vets4Pets, will begin to serve the indigent populations of Hillsborough County, Florida.

An intriguing model for veterinary medicine, Vets4Pets is a non-profit clinic that will provide low-cost and pro-bono services to the truly needy, as well as working with legitimate local rescue groups to provide spay and neuter services. With the full support of over 40 private animal hospitals in the county, Vets4Pets is a new and unusual business model in the veterinary field.

Vets4Pets was birthed by an innovative, “thinking out of the box” process of the current leadership of HAHF. The Foundation was established in 1987, by a community-minded group of veterinarians in the Tampa Bay area to foster the human/ animal bond and promote improved pet health and pet care.

Emphasizing pet owner education, the Foundation traditionally focused on sharing information with the public designed to promote responsible pet ownership, and healthy, happy pets.

Vet4Pets adds a critical dimension to the Foundation’s program. It presents an option for the portion of the pet owning public who are aware of the need for preventative care, but simply cannot afford access to that care. Importantly, the new clinic will be partnering with human charity groups to ensure the services provided are being directed to the population it was created to serve.

This new initiative was created for several critical reasons.

Most importantly, the first area of concern is uncared for pets in low income neighborhoods of Hillsborough County.

According to the US Census Bureau, 19% of the county is living in poverty (defined as a family of four earning less than $24,000/yr). Consequently, many companion animals are not getting any preventative health care. The Foundation sees this as a significant public health concern, which must be addressed.

Executive Director of Vets4Pets, Don Thompson, J.D., CVPM, explains that pets that do not receive health care pose a threat to the owners themselves. “The lack of care has a cost not just to the pet; but more importantly, to the owners and the community at large. Indigent families own pets at the same ratio as other economic groups, and in many cases that pet is all they have to give them meaning and comfort. But without basic care, that pet presents zoonotic risks. Thus, it is not just a matter of pet care, but of public health, to ensure our lowest income residents have access to basic care for those pets.” For indigent clients, the clinic will provide basic preventative care and examinations, spay and neutering, vaccines, intestinal parasite & blood parasite screening, and micro-chipping.

Another mission of Vets4Pets turns on working with legitimate rescue groups. For those groups, the clinic will function as a resource by providing spay and neuter services.

The clinic will also be working with forward thinking cat rescue

groups who are interested in responsibly addressing the feral cat problem in the county.

Finally, HAHF sees the new clinic as a method of addressing the challenges associated with the blending of animal care, control, and welfare. Once three distinct areas, that blending has led to questions created by non-profit organizations that have begun offering full veterinary care to anyone, regardless of need or means testing. Charities offering low cost care to anyone, supported by donations and tax breaks, have increasingly challenged the veterinary profession and created an uneven playing field. In establishing Vets4Pets, the veterinarian community is responding to the challenge by first ensuring the truly indigent in the community are actually being helped, and second by establishing a model that can be followed by responsible communities around the state. “A huge part of this facility is that the services will forever be limited only to rescue groups and those individuals in our community that have been means tested and proven to be truly in need of low cost care for their animals.” says the Treasurer of the clinic’s board of directors, Christy Layton, DVM, further explaining the clinic’s mission.

The board, which is comprised of only for-profit hospital owners, is keen on preventing the facility from becoming another non-profit full service clinic. The Foundation recently changed its bylaws to require membership be limited to forprofit veterinary hospital owners or their designee. This ensures the continued operation of the clinic for the purpose to which it is established, rather than becoming just another low cost competitor. “This is very important to all of us that we maintain our true charitable mission. Right now, too many supposed non-profit animal facilities are providing care to anyone while unfairly benefiting from tax breaks and donations. We believe those donations and charitable efforts should go to those individuals who are truly in need.” says Dr. Layton.

For Hillsborough veterinarians, the task is clear: regain the lead in all things animal, including that of providing basic preventative care for the pets owned by truly indigent families.

“Veterinarians have always been a very humble group of hard working individuals. Most do charitable cases without media attention, and consequently the community has no idea the amount of charity work actually done by veterinarians.

Vets4Pets is another perfect example of the charitable heart of veterinarians” says Mr. Thompson.

Dr. Layton stresses, “Public health and providing basic preventative health care to pets will be a focal point of HAHF, and will allow us to continue on our path of keeping all citizens and animals in our county as healthy as possible. I am very excited to be a part of such a huge step in the right direction for our profession. The veterinarians that are on the ground floor of this program have put their hearts and souls into this hospital, and I look forward to seeing the clinic achieve its critical mission” www.fvma.org | 19

Minimum Standards for A VETERINARY PRACTICE

In the State of Florida, all extablishments where veterinary medicine is practiced must have a permit that is issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Application for a permit must be filed at least fourteen days before the opening of the establishment. And before a permit is issued, the establishment must be inspected to ensure it is compliant with the required minimum standards established by the Department though statute, F.A.C. 61G18-15.002.

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 61G18-15.002

Minimum Standards for Premises Where Veterinary Medicine Is Practiced (1) Exterior. (a) All establishments where veterinary medicine is practiced must have the following: 1. Legible sign to identify location.

2. Facility clean and in good repair.

3. Telephone number for emergency veterinary care shall be visible and legible from the exterior. (b) If premises where veterinary medicine is practiced have grounds, they must be clean and orderly.

(2) Interior. (a) All premises where veterinary medicine is practiced must have the following: 1. Restroom – clean and orderly.

2. Office. a. Clean and orderly. b. License renewal and premise permit displayed.

3. A telephone must be answered 24 hours a day which one may call for emergency service.

4. Examination areas. a. Clean and orderly. b. Lined waste receptacle. c. Sink and disposable towels. Sinks located in restrooms may not be used to satisfy this standard. d. Examination table constructed of smooth impervious material.

5. Pharmacy. a. Clean and orderly. b. Blood storage or blood donor available. c. Existence of accurate controlled substance log and individual patient records. d. If controlled substances are on premises, a locking, secure cabinet for storage.

20 | FVMA ADVOCATE

e. DEA certificate on premises. f. Segregated area for the storage of expired drugs. g. Disposable needles and syringes. h. All drugs stored in the pharmacy must be properly labeled with drug name, strength, and expiration date. i. If drugs are dispensed to the public the drugs are to be distributed in child-resistant containers unless a specific written request for non child-resistant containers is made by the animal owner. All containers distributed must be labeled with the name of the drug contained within, the strength and quantity of the drug, the expiration date of the drug, instructions as to the use of the drug, the name and species of the animal for which the drug is intended to be administered, the last name of the animal’s owner, and the name, address and telephone number of the veterinarian prescribing the drug.

6. Medical records as required by Rule 61G18-18.002, F.A.C. 7. Laboratory. a. Microscope. b. Centrifuge. c. Urinalysis equipment or outside laboratory services available. d. Hematology facilities or outside laboratory service available. e. Blood chemistry facilities or outside laboratory service available. f. Microbiological capability or outside laboratory service available.

8. Facilities and equipment to render immediate resuscitative care. a. Clean and orderly. b. Sterile instruments, drapes, caps and masks. c. Operating table appropriate to the proposed use constructed of smooth impervious material. d. Oxygen and equipment for its administration. e. Anesthesia equipment.

9. Holding areas shall be capable of sanitation and shall be maintained by including proper ventilation, sufficient lighting and be of a size consistent with the welfare of the animal.

10. Garbage and trash disposal. a. Sanitary cans lined with disposable bags. b. Effective insect and rodent control.

11. Carcass disposal – any adequate method used in area, provided the sanitary code is not violated.

12. Emergency lighting which must include at least a functioning rechargeable battery-operated light.

13. Fire extinguisher, with current annual inspection.

14. Refrigeration of stored drugs, biologicals, lab samples, reagents and other perishable items.

15. Comply with the requirements of Rule 64E-16, F.A.C., concerning the handling and disposal of biohazardous waste. (b) All premises must have facilities for radiology, surgery and long-term hospitalization, as described below or, in lieu thereof, written evidence that arrangements have been made with a local clinic or hospital must be available for inspection. For the purpose of this chapter local is defined as within 30 minutes or 30 miles whichever is greater to provide the service outside the premise.

1. Radiology. a. X-ray machine; 100 MA preferred minimum. b. Developing tanks. c. Monitoring of exposure of personnel to radiation required.

2. Surgery. a. Clean and orderly. b. Method of sterilization of surgical equipment, either by autoclave or gas sterilization.

c. Operating table appropriate to the proposed use constructed of a smooth impervious surface. d. Well lighted. e. Oxygen and equipment for its administration.

3. Hospital wards. a. Clean and orderly. b. Holding areas shall be capable of sanitation and shall be maintained by including proper ventilation, sufficient lighting and be of a size consistent with the welfare of the animal. c. Well lighted. d. Proper ventilation. (c) Establishments where veterinary medicine is practiced are not required to have the following facilities. However, if they do have them, the facilities must meet the standards set forth.

1. Reception area – entrance shall be free from hazards.

2. Grooming area – Clean and orderly.

3. Kitchen or food area – Clean and orderly.

4. Exercise runs. a. Clean and secure. b. No hazards.

(3) Veterinarians must furnish a permanent address at which they can be reached by clients in order that clients may obtain veterinary medical records.

Specific Authority 474.206, 474.215(1) FS. Law Implemented 474.202(7), 474.215(1), 474.216 FS. History–New 7-14-79, Amended 4-6-81, Formerly 21X-15.02, Amended 10-14-86, 11-288, 8-29-89, 5-27-91, 3-24-93, Formerly 21X-15.002, Amended 7-4-95.

FVMA’S Veterinary Clinic Inspection

Check List

IMPORTANT NOTICE – If you are unable to check any box on this Inspection Check List, you need to IMMEDIATELY address that area, so your establishment can pass an unannounced state inspection.

This inspection checklist is provided as a service to FVMA members. This document is a useful tool to help our members prepare their establishments for an unannounced inspection. For additional information on the state inspection rules and regulations, con‑ tact the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Regulation at (850) 487-1395, or feel free to contact the FVMA toll-free at (800) 992-3862, or visit our website at www.fvma.org.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Veterinarian(s) at this establishment possesses a current, active Florida license

This establishment has a current, valid premises permit

License(s) of each veterinarian(s) is conspicuously displayed

This establishment’s valid premise permit is conspicuously displayed

This establishment does not employ unlicensed person(s) in the practice of veterinary medicine PREMISES REQUIREMENTS (MANDATORY) Exterior

Exterior signs legible and easily identifies location

Facility is clean and in good repair

Emergency care telephone is visible and easily seen from exterior

Grounds are clean and orderly Interior

Restroom(s) is clean and orderly

Office is clean and orderly

Emergency telephone answering service is available 24 hours a day Examination Room

Examination area is clean and orderly

Lined waste receptacles are in all exam rooms

Disposable towels and sink are available (sink in the restroom is not acceptable)

Examination table is constructed of smooth impervious material Pharmacy

Clean and orderly pharmacy area

Blood storage or donor is available

Accurate controlled substances log

Accurate patient medical records

If controlled substances are on the premises, a locking, secure cabinet for storage

DEA certificate kept on premises

Segregated area for storage of expired drugs

Disposable needles and syringes

All drugs stored on the premises are properly labeled with drug name, strength, and expiration date

All drugs are properly labeled and dispensed in child-proof containers unless otherwise requested in writing

Medical records as required by 61G18-18.002 Florida Administrative Code [61G18-15.002(2)(a)6.]

LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS

Microscope

Centrifuge ON PREMISES OR CONTRACT MANDATORY

Urinalysis equipment or outside lab available

Hematology facilities or outside lab available

Blood chemistry or outside lab available

Microbiological capability or outside lab available

FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RESUSCITATIVE CARE

Area and equipment are clean and orderly

Sterile instruments, drapes, caps and masks

Operating table appropriate for proposed use and constructed of smooth and impervious material

Oxygen and equipment are available for immediate use

Anesthesia equipment FACILITY REQUIREMENTS

Holding areas capable of sanitation/proper ventilation/sufficient lighting/size consistent with welfare of animal

Sanitary cans lined with disposable bags

Effective insect and rodent control

Carcass disposal meeting local sanitary codes

Emergency lighting which includes at minimum, a functioning rechargeable battery-operated light

Fire extinguisher with current annual inspection tag

Refrigeration to store drugs, biologicals, lab samples, reagents and other perishable items

Handling and disposal of biohazardous waste in accordance with Rule 64E-16, Florida Administrative Code [61G18-15.002(2)(a)15.]

Veterinarians must furnish clients with permanent address for obtaining medical records FACILITIES FOR RADIOLOGY OR OUTSIDE SERVICE

X-ray machine; 100 MA minimum

Developing tanks

Monitoring of exposure of personnel to radiation required FACITILITES FOR SURGERY OR OUTSIDE SERVICE

Must be clean and orderly

Sterilization of surgical equipment by autoclave or gas method

Operating table appropriate for use and constructed of smooth, impervious surface

Well lighted

Oxygen and equipment for its administration HOSPITAL WARDS OR OUTSIDE SERVICE

Area must be clean and orderly

Holding area(s) size must be consistent with the welfare of the animal

Well lighted

Proper ventilation OPTIONAL ITEMS REQUIRING INSPECTION

Reception area is free from hazards

Grooming area is clean and orderly

Kitchen/food area is sanitary EXERCISE RUNS (OPTIONAL)

Clean and secure

No hazards

UF VBMA Plans Business Conference on February 21, 2015

By Sarah Carey

The University of Florida Veterinary Business Management Association will host its third annual business conference on Feb. 21, 2015, offering continuing education aimed at building and enhancing practice management within the veterinary profession.

Attendees will receive five free continuing education credits by attending talks that will be offered by three dynamic speakers, each offering a unique perspective on how to make a practice successful, what successful entrepreneurship looks like, and best practices for effective management strategies.

Practitioners, veterinary students and practice managers are all invited to attend the event, which will take place in the new auditorium behind the academic building at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville.

This year’s first speaker will be Dr. Anthony DeCarlo, the CEO and co-founder of Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and current president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. DeCarlo also serves as a trustee for The Seeing Eye Foundation, is a member of the advisory board for Project Animal International and volunteers for the Ronald McDonald Cancer Camp for Children, as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County. He will discuss opening and expanding your own practice.

The second speaker will be Dr. Amanda Donnelly, president of ALD Veterinary Consulting. The owner of ALD Veterinary Consulting in Tampa, Donnelly’s areas of consulting include financial management, human resources, marketing, client service training, and leadership coaching. She will speak about communications that foster teamwork.

Elise Lacher, owner of Strategic Veterinary Consulting, Inc. is our third speaker. A social worker by training, Lacher nonetheless successfully completed the CPA exam on her first attempt and is well versed in the language and function of business. In her role as consultant and owner of a practice management consulting firm, she puts both

skills to use on a regular basis. Today, she only works with veterinarians to help them become successful business owners who enjoy coming to work each day. Lacher’s topic will cover financial literacy for practicing veterinarians.

New this year, will be a question and answer panel with members of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

Participation in this session is optional, and will take place over the lunch hour. This will be an informal opportunity for veterinarians, practice managers and students to bring up any questions or ideas they might have in the realm of veterinary business.

“The lectures and presentations throughout the day provide students with an excellent environment to become aware of and develop the business management skills necessary to enhance their future veterinary careers,” said Jacklyn Melicharek, a second-year veterinary student and current VBMA president. “Additionally, practitioners, practice owners and practice managers are also able to further develop their business knowledge and gain valuable continuing education credit.”

She added that the cocktail hour at the end of the event gives students the opportunity to interact and network with practitioners from across the state of Florida.

“This benefits all attendees and fosters the growth of business management in the veterinary profession,” Melicharek said.

"This event has been wonderfully successful in its first two years," said Caitlin Spindler, past VBMA president, who is planning this year's event. “We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone who attended, including our speakers."

Sponsoring the event for the second year in a row will be Patterson Veterinary. Representatives from Patterson will be present at the conference to encourage further growth of the veterinary profession in both medicine and business.

Registration for the conference can be made online via the VBMA’s website, www.ufvbma.com. The deadline for registration is Jan. 31. Anyone seeking more information can email ufvbma@gmail.com.

www.fvma.org | 23

PRACTICE PULSE Got a question? The FVMA can help.

One of the benefits of membership in the FVMA is our Helpline, (800) 992-3862, available to members daily, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Our Helpline also provides insight to the FVMA staff, of the challenges and concerns of our members.

In this feature we will highlight topics from the questions we received in preceding weeks, in an effort to keep our members up-to-date on current concerns as well as regulatory and legislative changes.

Question: What should the practice owner do when a loss of scheduled drugs is discovered?

A: The DEA requires that any significant loss of controlled substances be reported in writing within one business day of discovery of such loss or theft. It is also required that a “Report of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances” DEA form 106 be completed and forwarded to the local Field Division Office. The form and further DEA information may be found at the following link: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr_reports/theft/ index.html The DEA requires thefts and significant losses to be reported regardless of whether the controlled substances are subsequently recovered or the responsible parties are identified and action taken against them.

The Florida Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (Chapter 893, Florida Statutes) contains a similar reporting requirement to that of the DEA. However, it adds the requirement that the sheriff of the county in which the theft occurred be notified within 24 hours of discovery.

893.07 Records.— (1) Every person who engages in the manufacture, compounding, mixing, cultivating, growing, or by any other process producing or preparing, or in the dispensing, importation, or, as a wholesaler, distribution, of controlled substances shall: (5) Each person described in subsection (1) shall: (a) Maintain a record which shall contain a detailed list of controlled substances lost, destroyed, or stolen, if any; the kind and quantity of such controlled substances; and the date of the discovering of such loss, destruction, or theft. (b) In the event of the discovery of the theft or significant loss of controlled substances, report such theft or significant loss to the sheriff of that county within 24 hours after discovery. A person who fails to report a theft or significant loss of a substance

24 | FVMA ADVOCATE

listed in s. 893.03(3), (4), or (5) within 24 hours after discovery as required in this paragraph commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

775.083. A person who fails to report a theft or significant loss of a substance listed in s. 893.03(2) within 24 hours after discovery as required in this paragraph commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Accordingly, practice owners should report the theft to the county sheriff and keep records detailing the controlled substances that were stolen; the kind and quantity of such controlled substances; and the date that the theft was discovered.

There are six Field Division Office locations for the DEA Miami Division in Florida: Miami Divisional Office Division: Miami 2100 North Commerce Parkway Weston, FL 33326 Tel: (954) 306-4650

Tallahassee Resident OFFICE Division: Miami 1410 Commonwealth Business Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303-3170 Tel: (850) 350-7350

Jacksonville District Office Division: Miami 4077 Woodcock Drive, Suite #210 Jacksonville, FL 32207 Tel: (904) 348-7415

Tampa District Office Division: Miami 4950 W. Kennedy Blvd, Suite #400 Tampa, FL 33609 Tel: (813) 287-4765

Orlando District Office Division: Miami Heathrow Business Center 300 International Parkway, Suite #424 Heathrow, FL 32746 Tel: (407) 333-7046

West Palm Beach Resident Office Division: Miami 444 West Railroad Avenue Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Tel: (561) 653-4050

Question: What are the requirements for the issuance of multiple prescriptions for schedule II controlled substances?

A: Requirements for issuance: • Each prescription issued is for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual

course of his/her professional practice.

• The individual practitioner must provide written instructions on each prescription indicating the earliest date on which a pharmacy may fill each prescription • The issuance of multiple prescriptions is permissible under applicable state laws.

• The individual practitioner complies fully with all other applicable requirements under the Controlled Substances Act and implementing regulations, as well as any additional requirements under state law.

Question: What are the requirements for a written prescription?

A: A prescription is an order for medication which is dispensed to or for an ultimate user. A prescription is not an order for medication which is dispensed for immediate administration to the ultimate user (for example, an order to dispense a drug to an inpatient for immediate administration in a hospital is not a prescription).

A prescription for a controlled substance must be dated and signed on the date when issued. The prescription must include the patient’s full name and address, and the practitioner’s full name, address, and DEA registration number. The prescription must also include: 1. Drug name 2. Strength 3. Dosage form 4. Quantity prescribed 5. Directions for use 6. Number of refills (if any) authorized A prescription for a controlled substance must be written in ink or indelible pencil or typewritten and must be manually signed by the practitioner on the date when issued.

An individual (secretary or nurse) may be designated by the practitioner to prepare prescriptions for the practitioner’s signature. The practitioner is responsible for ensuring that the prescription conforms to all requirements of the law and regulations, both federal and state.

Question:

Are veterinarians required to use tamper-proof prescription pads when prescribing controlled substances?

A: The statute that requires using tamper-proof prescription pads is found in Section 456.42(2), F.S. and is only applicable to a ‘healthcare practitioner’ as defined in Chapter 456 HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS AND

OCCUPATIONS: GENERAL PROVISIONS. That definition is found at Section 456.001(4) and it only includes healthcare practitioners who treat human patients, not veterinarians.

Although veterinarians technically are not required to use the tamper proof pads, these tamper proof pads have become the norm, and pharmacists may reject a vet's prescription simply because it does not "look right".

Unfortunately, due to this, veterinarians sometimes are required to argue the law with pharmacists or get tamperproof prescription pads 456.001 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term: (1) “Board” means any board or commission, or other statutorily created entity to the extent such entity is authorized to exercise regulatory or rulemaking functions, within the department, except that, for ss. 456.003-456.018, 456.022, 456.023, 456.025456.034, and 456.039-456.082, “board” means only a board, or other statutorily created entity to the extent such entity is authorized to exercise regulatory or rulemaking functions, within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance.

(2) “Consumer member” means a person appointed to serve on a specific board or who has served on a specific board, who is not, and never has been, a member or practitioner of the profession, or of any closely related profession, regulated by such board.

(3) “Department” means the Department of Health.

(4) “Health care practitioner” means any person licensed under chapter 457; chapter 458; chapter 459; chapter 460; chapter 461; chapter 462; chapter 463; chapter 464; chapter 465; chapter 466; chapter 467; part I, part II, part III, part V, part X, part XIII, or part XIV of chapter 468; chapter 478; chapter 480; part III or part IV of chapter 483; chapter 484; chapter 486; chapter 490; or chapter 491. (Does not include veterinarians who are licensed under Chapter 474) (5) “License” means any permit, registration, certificate, or license, including a provisional license, issued by the department.

(6) “Licensee” means any person or entity issued a permit, registration, certificate, or license, including a provisional license, by the department.

(7) “Profession” means any activity, occupation, profession, or vocation regulated by the department in the Division of Medical Quality Assurance.

History.—s. 33, ch. 97-261; s. 72, ch. 99-397; s. 36, ch. 2000-160; s.

2, ch. 2002-199.

Note.—Former s. 455.501.

www.fvma.org | 25

FVMA EXECUTIVE BOARD APPROVES 2015 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET

T

he Executive Board of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association has approved FVMA’s operating budget of more than $2.3 million for 2015. The new budget reflects the continued growth and expanding services of the association.

The proposed budget was reviewed and approved by the FVMA’s Budget and Finance Committee during a meeting on November 9, at FVMA Headquarters in Orlando. The committee examined the association’s fiscal operation in the past year alongside the approved 2014 budget. It also evaluated the FVMA’s membership services programs for the year, and assessed its annual membership recruitment and retention campaign, before formalizing a final presentation to the Executive Board.

The board unanimously approved the 2015 operating budget during its meeting on December 6, 2014.

The approved operating budget for 2015, is balanced at $2,354,468. It will enable the FVMA to continue to provide enhanced, quality services to members while exercising fiscal stewardship of the membership’s resources.

Over the past seven years, the FVMA has experienced growth of more than 31% in new membership. The organization’s future continues to be molded as it solidifies its role as a leader in organized veterinary medicine. CE operations have been expanded with the annual Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference added to the FVMA’s Annual Conference, three equineexclusive meetings, Promoting Excellence Symposium, The Foot Symposium and the Ocala Equine Conference, and the Harvey Rubin Memorial Food Animal Conference.

The FVMA is in a strong fiscal position, enabling its ability to serve its growing membership for years to come, and to defend and protect the veterinary profession. Going into 2015, the association’s leadership and staff are assiduously engaged in beginning a process of implementation of the FVMA Strategic Plan 2015-2017, which was formulated during a strategic planning exercise held in November. Among other things, the Plan calls for improved technological and public information resources to enhance and increase membership services, and the expansion of legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts to aggressively protect the veterinary profession and the health and well-being of the animals entrusted to our care.

The work continues to redesign and improve the FVMA website and to optimize our social and media presence, which will

26 | FVMA ADVOCATE

greatly improve communication with all aspects of our diverse membership demographics. Available technological resources will be utilized to assist in developing our young professionals, team members, and the emerging leaders of the veterinary profession.

Let us be inspired by the FVMA’s new mission statement, “The mission of the Florida Veterinary medical Association is to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and wellbeing, and protect public health.”

It has been an honor working with the following Budget and Finance Committee Members, for their dedicated service to our profession.

FVMA Budget and Finance Committee Members President-Elect, Dr. Richard M. Carpenter, Chair Dr. Scott C. Richardson, District 1 Representative Dr. Julia Golden Conway, District 2 Representative Dr. Julia Jones Reynolds, District 3 Representative Dr. Douglas J. Spiker, District 4 Representative Dr. Dana Juillerat, District 5 Representative Dr. Archie S. Gordon, District 6 Representative Dr. Jack E. Beal, Jr., District 7 Representative Dr. James A. Zettler, District 8 Representative Dr. Christine M. Storts, District 9 Representative Philip J. Hinkle, Executive Director If you have any questions regarding the 2015 fiscal operating budget they may be directed to Phil Hinkle, Executive Director, or to me.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this great profession.

Respectfully,

Richard B. Williams, DVM Treasurer

Administrative & Financial Affairs

Administrative & Financial Affairs Membership Dues Interest Income Special Project Funding from Reserves

$ 644,323 25,000

Legislative & Financial Affairs FVMA Political Committee

$ 30,000

Membership Services Program Member Services Income

$ 92,100

Inter-Professional Relations FVMA Foundation

$ 4,000

Educational Affairs Annual Conference FAEP Operations Food Animal Conference Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference Pharmacy Laws & Rules Online Course Veterinary Technician Program CVA Certification Program

$ 500,000 433,000 15,000 490,000 2,180 900 52,965

Communications & Public Relations Advocate Advertising FVMA Website

Total Income

$ 50,000 15,000 $ 2,354,468

$ 18,000 9,000 35,000 35,000 20,800 3,400 22,000 2,500 6,500 5,000 3,000 25,000 29,300 39,800 23,000 7,500 1,000 5,700 3,500 1,500 20,000 2,000 744,446 63,112 14,889 6,550 95,195 27,222 1,936 5,000 30,000 248 10,200 25,000

Educational Affairs Annual Conference FAEP Operations Food Animal Conference Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference Pharmacy/Laws & Rules Self Study Veterinary Technician Program

$ 260,000 215,000 8,000 315,000 600 120

Inter-Professional Relations AVMA Support FVMA Foundation Payout North American Veterinary Conference

Expenses

Communications & Public Relations

Legislative & Financial Affairs Legislative Services Lobbying Expenses Legislator Contact Program Legal Counsel Legislation Legislative Contingency FVMA Political Committee

$ 22,000 4,000 3,500

$ 38,000 3,000 15,000 10,000 15,000 30,000

Advocate Expenses FVMA Website Develop/Maintenance FVMA Awards FVMA Leadership Conference FAEP Council

Total Expenses Net Income or (Loss)

$ 42,000 15,000 3,000 10,000 2,950

Florida Veterinary Medical Association • 2015 Approved Budget

Income

Telephone/Fax/Emails Postage Office Supplies Office Equipment Utilities Professional Liability Insurance Property Taxes Dues & Subscriptions Accounting Services Legal Counsel C.E. Staff Repairs & Maintenance Equip. Lease/Service Contracts Board & Officers Travel Committee Travel/Expenses Staff Travel Outreach President's Expenses FVMA Elections Memorials/Flowers/Gifts Membership Retention/Recruitment Staff Support Staff Compensation Payroll Taxes Benefits Administration-PBS Executive Director H S A Employee Health Insurance Retirement - Staff Workers Compensation Sub-Contract Sr. Veterinary Consultant Credit Card/Bank Fees Operating Contingency Property Casualty Insurance Special Project Funding

$ 2,354,468 $ –

www.fvma.org | 27

Strength since 1962

Solutions for your practice Business Property/Liability • Data Breach • Flood • Umbrella Liability • Workers’ Compensation • Commercial Auto • Employment Practices Liability Solutions for your livelihood Professional Liability • Veterinary License Defense • Professional Extension (Animal Bailee) • Embryo and Semen Transfer Services Coverage • Safety and Risk Management Resources Solutions for your home Personal Auto • Homeowners • Renters • Excess Liability

Call 855.228.PLIT (7548) today for an evaluation of your insurance portfolio and a free premium quotation.

Trust Broker and Administrator:

HUB International Midwest Limited

www.avmaplit.com

PLIT Ad 7.5 x 5 4C equine.indd 1

12/30/2013 4:42:03 PM

The Science of Compassion, the Technology for Hope.™

3884 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Greenbrier Your Afterlife Pet Care Specialists

24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

Surgery Emergency/Critical Care Internal Medicine Neurology/Neurosurgery Cardiology Oncology Radiology Ophthalmology On-Site CT/MRI Radiation Therapy Sports Medicine Pain Management Mobile Surgery Service Blood and Tissue Bank Continuing Education Bereavement. Services

561-434-5700 Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists is locally owned and operated.

www.PalmBeachVetSpecialists.com

The service you need to increase your bottom line... #1 in Quality Care & Professionalism Grief counselors & dedicated grief line for your clients Twice a week service Special package pricing A proud sponsor of continuing education programs New Packages 407 407--886 886--2620 | 800 800--257 257--2107 www.greenbrierpets.com www.fvma.org | 29

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Not your typical

Reptile

RELIEF VETERINARIANS

Experienced Veterinarian Available – Small animal veterinarian with 25+ years experience available for relief or parttime work in Seminole, Orange, Lake, and Volusia counties. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on client education and pet care with compassion and integrity. Special interest in dermatology.

References available upon request. Contact Dr. Edward Dworkin at Eddworkin@gmail.com or 407-435-3200. (Exp. Issue 6/14 &1/15:287) EXPERIENCED SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARIAN-Available anytime, anywhere! R. A. Swiezy, DVM-(772) 418-1939. (Exp. Issue 5 & 6/14:557) Central Florida Relief Vet Available -25 yrs. small animal experience. Good with people. Call Dr. Christopher Thompson at (863)533-6040 or visit www.polkreliefvet.com. (Exp. Issue 6/14:3202)

Associates wanted

Associate NEEDED - Associate needed for well established animal hospital in Land O Lakes, Fl. Great support staff and clientele. Work schedule will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and every other Saturday. No emergencies. Contact Dr. James Farr at lolah6drfarr@verizon.net or 813-453-3774. (Exp. Issue 6/14:858) Associate position available - small animal practice.

Applicant must be efficient in medicine, and surgery. Long-term relationship preferred. Contact Dr. John Stevens, Animal Medical Clinic, 2716 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Florida, 33952; phone

Florida Practices for Sale (941) 629-2126 or fax (941) 629-5850, jdstevet@gmail.com

(Exp. Issue New6/14:1470) Listings! Treasure Coast. Close to beaches. Solo doctor, small animal practice located in 2,160SF facility amidst shopping and restaurants. Gross in excess of $754K in 2013. $180K+ income to new owner. $855K for Practice and Real Estate.(FL27H)

Veterinarian Wanted! If you are motivated to work in a busy New would Listings!

Elegant facility surrounded practice and likePasco to liveCounty. in a great area 3,500+SF in Florida, check us out. by Weaffluent neighborhoods, commercial properties, and industry parks. Solo doctor, small animal have a 5400 Sq Ft. clinic that has been growing since 2001, the year it first practice with rehabilitation element grossed in excess of $500K in 2013. Minimal boarding, opened. no Send Resume 4 Paws Pet Clinic, Dr. Sheila grooming, and notoemergencies offered. $940KAttn: for Practice and RealNorstrud, Estate. (#FL33O) 850694 U.S. Highway 17, Yulee, Fl 32097. www.petcarecenter.us (Exp. Polk County. 3,000SF facility on busy 4-lane highway. Gross in excess of $2M with continual Issue 5 &growth.

6/14:4989) New owner’s income to exceed $370K! $2,530K for Practice & Real Estate. (#FL72S) Duval County. 2,400SF facility in residential neighborhood minutes from I-95. 1.5 doctor,

small animal practice with some acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. $825K for Full-time associate veterinarian needed to join busy Practice and Realin Estate. (#FL18D) mixed animal practice the Panhandle of Florida. Position requires 4-day work week, one Saturday perSouthwest, month, and split emergencies. based Contract Negotiations: FL. 4,000SF facility located onSalary US-41. Solo doctor, small animal. emergencies. $880Kincluded. for Practice Looking & Real Estate. on experience withNo normal benefits for(#FL15K) an energetic, motivatedContract personNegotiations: with large and small animal Area is wonderful Hillsborough County.experience.

Attractive facility on main thoroughfare collecting from neighboring tenant.

Solo doctor, small animal practice, no emergencies. for families; greatrent schools; beautiful beaches, rivers and woods for outdoor buyer exceeds $1,090K for Practice and Real Estate(#FL13A) activities.Income Emailto response to$150K! horsedoctors@bellsouth.net . (Exp. Sold!- Congratulations to Dr. Mike Harris on the sale of her practice, Wells Road Veterinary Issue 6/14:3739) Medical Center, to Dr. Michelle Sands! (#FL25C)

Sale Sold!- Congratulations toFor Dr. Jan Weiher on the sale of her practice, Cedar Bay Veterinary

Clinic, to Anesthesia Dr. Holly Valentine! machine-$1400. (#FL35G) FOR SALE: Lasercyte vet lab station-$2800.

Various stainless steel oximeter Sold! Congratulations to Dr. Susan Petroinstruments; on the sale of herpulse practice, Kindness Animal Hospital, to Dr. Mary Connor! (#FL30S) $200. Universal x-ray machine $2500. X-ray developer $1200. 2 Sunnex surgery lights $2200. Hydraulic lift table with scale $2000.

Stainless steel cages $225. each. Toshiba phone system $800. Call 352-464-0342 . (Exp. Issue 6/14:1719) 1610 Frederica Road * Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 Toll Free: 800.333.1984 * www.simmonsinc.com Email: southeast@simmonsinc.com Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

30 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Not your typical education.

AAHA’s veterinary education stands out.

Join us at AAHA Tampa 2015 to see why. aaha.org/aahatampa2015

Florida Practices for Sale New Listings! Treasure Coast. Close to beaches. Solo doctor, small animal practice located in 2,160SF facility amidst shopping and restaurants. Gross in excess of $754K in 2013. $180K+ income to new owner. $855K for Practice and Real Estate.(FL27H) New Listings! Pasco County. Elegant 3,500+SF facility surrounded by affluent neighborhoods, commercial properties, and industry parks. Solo doctor, small animal practice with rehabilitation element grossed in excess of $500K in 2013. Minimal boarding, no grooming, and no emergencies offered. $940K for Practice and Real Estate. (#FL33O) Polk County. 3,000SF facility on busy 4-lane highway. Gross in excess of $2M with continual growth. New owner’s income to exceed $370K! $2,530K for Practice & Real Estate. (#FL72S) Duval County. 2,400SF facility in residential neighborhood minutes from I-95. 1.5 doctor, small animal practice with some acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. $825K for Practice and Real Estate. (#FL18D) Contract Negotiations: Southwest, FL. 4,000SF facility located on US-41. Solo doctor, small animal. No emergencies. $880K for Practice & Real Estate. (#FL15K) Contract Negotiations: Hillsborough County. Attractive facility on main thoroughfare collecting rent from neighboring tenant. Solo doctor, small animal practice, no emergencies.

Income to buyer exceeds $150K! $1,090K for Practice and Real Estate(#FL13A) Sold!- Congratulations to Dr. Mike Harris on the sale of her practice, Wells Road Veterinary Medical Center, to Dr. Michelle Sands! (#FL25C) Sold!- Congratulations to Dr. Jan Weiher on the sale of her practice, Cedar Bay Veterinary Clinic, to Dr. Holly Valentine! (#FL35G) Sold! Congratulations to Dr. Susan Petro on the sale of her practice, Kindness Animal Hospital, to Dr. Mary Connor! (#FL30S)

1610 Frederica Road * Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 Toll Free: 800.333.1984 * www.simmonsinc.com Email: southeast@simmonsinc.com Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Veterinary Practices for Sale (800) 636-4740 psbroker.com Florida: Dixie County - 3,500sf on +1 acre, Unlimited Possibilities. FL20.

Florida: Levy County – 2,200sf on +1 acre. Gross income >$500K. FL72.

Florida: Pinellas County – 1,500sf full service SA w/3-exam rooms.FL74.

Florida: Pinellas County – 2,700sf Emergency w/4-exam rooms. FL73.

Florida: St Lucie County - 2,200sf on +1/2 acre on major hwy. 2-Dr. FL71.

Florida: Sarasota County – AAHA – 1-1/2 Dr. Gross >$1M. SA w/RE. FL76.

California: Fresno County – 2,500sf w/RE., San Joaquin Valley! CA7.

Guam – SA in US Territory! 3,000sf, 4-exam rooms.Tourist area! GUAM1.

Illinois: Chicago Suburb – Multi-Dr. 2,200sf w/RE. 3-exam rooms. IL2.

Maine: York County - 2,000sf on +3.6 acres prime real estate. ME5.

Michigan: Bay County – Reduced Price. 2,500sf on +1/3 acre RE.MI1.

New York: Onondaga County - 2,400sf ER in Great Family Area! NY7.

N. Carolina: Brunswick County – 4,000sf SA on +1.5 acres. NC10.

Oregon: Linn County – 1,800sf w/RE in town center. Gross >$330K. OR2.

Pennsylvania: Westmoreland County – 4,300sf on +4.7 acres. PA5.

Vermont, Orleans County – 4,400sf on +3 acres. Immaculate! VT3.

W. Virginia: Cabell County – AAHA, 1,800sf w/RE. 2-exam rooms. WV2

> Buyer Representation > Seller Representation > Practice Appraisals > Free Non-Binding, Confidential Consultations

Florida Practice Listings!

FREE PRACTICE CONSULTATION North Florida– Solo Dr. small animal, 2013 gross $750k, Well established, well equipped, well staffed. Quaint small town atmosphere. Prx. & RE. Eastern Panhandle– Solo Dr. Small animal, 2014 Gross $900k, 2400sq. ft. office, 3 exam rooms, approx. $270K after debt income to owner. Prx. & RE. New– Dermatology Practice– Solo Dr. Board Certified Derm. Prx. With 3 locations in NE Fl. Boasts great reputation.

Has established clients and referrals. 2013 gross $660k.

New– West Coast of Fl.– For the Feline enthusiast...an all Cat hospital. Solo Dr., AAHA freestanding office, great staff.

2014 gross $840K. Near the Gulf Coast! Prx. & RE. New– Pinellas Co.– Solo Dr. in great location. 2500 sq.ft.

Office, experienced staff, well established. 2014 gross $575K. Prx. and Real Estate available, close to the Beach.

Contact Dr. Richard Alker for further practice information.

850.814.9962 or Richard@tpsgsales.com Showcase Properties of Central Florida, Broker

Save the Dates

3rd Annual

The

Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference

Gulf-Atlantic “Experience the Difference”

Boca Raton resort & Club, a waldorf astoria resort

October 29-November 1, 2015 | Boca Raton, FL

Equine-EXCLUSIVE

52

nd

th 11 annual annual Promoting Excellence

ocala equine conference Hilton Ocala January 23-25, 2015 | Ocala, FL

symposium

Naples gr ande beach resort October 15-18, 2015 | Naples, FL

For More Details Visit www.faep.net www.fvma.org | 31

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Orlando, FL Permit #793

Florida Veterinary Medical Association 7207 Monetary Drive Orlando, FL 32809

It’s the procedure you perform only once in your career.

So it’s important to have the right people by your side.

You wouldn’t walk into a complicated surgery without an expert team, so why do it for this once-in-a-lifetime event?

Buying or selling a practice is the largest financial transaction of your life. That’s why you should partner with Simmons. As the most experienced brokerage firm in the business, we’ve helped more veterinarians realize their dream than any other firm out there. In fact, we wrote the book on it.

We really did write the book on buying and selling your veterinary practice. Scan the QR code or visit our web site to learn more. w w w. s i m m o n s i n c . c o m ©2013 Simmons, Inc.

your future

|

our business