Farewell to Past President ~ Dr. Michael Epperson ~
FVMA: Tell us about your experience as president of the FVMA.
Dr. Epperson: Well, I will say that it was a busy year, but it was a good year. I got to know a lot of people, see a lot of things and understand how the association runs, not only on a state level but on a national level. I was able to grow as a professional and serve this great association.
FVMA: What were some of the challenges you faced? Despite his busy schedule, the FVMA was recently able to catch up with the 92nd FVMA president, Dr. Michael Epperson, who stepped down from his role as president in March. Dr. Epperson will continue to serve on the association’s board of governors, executive board and as the FVMA Foundation president though March 2021. Previously, Dr. Epperson served as the FVMA District VIII representative (serving northwest Florida). He is also active locally as a member of the Miracle Strip Veterinary Medical Society, a group of veterinarians in District VIII who meet monthly to discuss the latest advances in veterinary medicine. Dr. Epperson is a twotime alumnus of Mississippi State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in animal and dairy science and, later, graduated from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. His special veterinary interests include dermatology, surgery and ultrasound. He and his wife, Dr. Heather Hartley, have owned Companion Animal Hospital & Boarding Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida since 2008 and acquired Destin Animal Clinic in Destin, Florida in 2018. They are a dedicated team focused on high-quality care, while embracing a strong doctor-patient-client relationship. Their philosophy is to treat each pet like their own and provide the best care and medical treatment possible.
6 | FVMA ADVOCATE
Dr. Epperson: Most of it is the amount of time you must dedicate to this. There is always something changing every month, scheduled or not scheduled, that you are going to have to react to, whether by a phone call or through being present. Things are ever-changing. Something happening in South Florida may be completely different than what is happening in north Florida. Our state is vast; it is really challenging to cover it all.
FVMA: What do you look back on that makes you smile?
Dr. Epperson: I felt like I gave back, not only to the profession but to future veterinarians. We were able to create a legacy of giving back. The momentum of the association continues to provide programs and protection for veterinarians. We are the voice of veterinarians in the state of Florida. One of the things I felt I got back the most was a sense of giving.
FVMA: What are some issues facing the veterinary profession
right now? Dr. Epperson: Income-to-debt ratio is an issue. We’re working on ways to help improve that. Mental wellness is now at the forefront and more people are speaking out about it. These are problems that are not going to get resolved in a year or two. They’re going to require a lot of dedication year after year, but we’re talking about these things more and more people are reaching out for help. That is one of the biggest changes I have witnessed over the last year.
FVMA: Why should more veterinarians and others in the
veterinary profession consider becoming FVMA members? Dr. Epperson: These days an association may be considered an older thought. There is so much information out there and for many professionals, “they don’t know what they don’t know.” This association brings us together; it helps us support each other and this profession in a variety of ways.
