Farewell to Past President

Farewell to Past President ~ Dr. Michael Epperson ~

Despite his busy schedule, the FVMA was recently able to catch up with the 92 nd 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. 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? 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.

FVMA: What would you say to somebody who has not become more involved but wants to? Dr. Epperson: I would say just give it a chance. Come and join us! One of the most eye-opening experiences for me was Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee. To be present, to work on veterinary issues and to see members of congress respect the profession; it will provide you with a sense of being, of making things better. Please come and join us!

FVMA: Look 15 years down the line. In 2035, are we envisioning a strong veterinary profession or are there issues that need to be addressed? Dr. Epperson: There are always going to be issues, but we are very important in the day-to-day lives of not only pets person’s face when an animal responds to but livestock, aquaria and, even, the food supply. We’re a very integral part of the community and we will continue to be relevant for years to come.

FVMA: Any advice you have for future incoming presidents? Dr. Epperson: Listen to the executive director and his vision and just keep that momentum going. What others have built before us, we continue to grow and grow. We are going to hopefully give a generation

Dr. Michael Epperson and his wife, Dr. Heather Hartley.

LIFE AS A VETERINARIAN

FVMA: What made you want to become her last year of veterinary school. We got a veterinarian? married about a year after graduation. Dr. Epperson: It was my first job, and it We both love what we do. It’s easy to go is going to be my last job. I love it. I am it. to work every day. We’re passionate and We own two practices in our community. dedicated to what we do. We give back It’s one of the ways that I feel like you can in our community. We participate in help people through their animals. It is associations. We want to leave our mark super enjoyable to see the look on that on the profession. of giving back to this profession. what you’re doing. There’s no better feeling in the world. FVMA: At what point did you finally feel comfortable with what you are doing every day as a veterinarian? FVMA: Why should more people attend FVMA conferences? second to none. Our wet labs are second to none. We’re supported by the industry. I think their needs as far as continuing education are going to be met at our association meetings. FVMA: Tell us about your history in the Dr. Epperson: Well, I do not know if you veterinary profession and what you have ever truly feel comfortable. You go in every done to get you to where you are today. day doing the best that you can. I always Dr. Epperson: I am a Mississippi State tell my clients: “I don’t know everything, graduate. My father was in the military, but I will find someone who does.” If you so we moved around a lot. My wife and work hard, and they know you work hard, I met in Pensacola. She was finishing and they appreciate that hard work and effort you give, then you will always be fine.

FVMA: Any advice to recent graduates who aren’t that confident yet? Dr. Epperson: Surround yourself with good people. Surround yourself with likeminded people who are willing to help you. If you fall, they are willing to pick you up. Help build that confidence. I see a lot of veterinary students that come out that just lack confidence. Their skill set is there, they just lack the confidence to always implement it. I think as older veterinarians [we] should recognize that. Realize we can impact one life at a time and make a huge difference, not in only the profession but

CONFERENCES HOSTED BY THE FVMA

Dr. Epperson: I feel like our education is also in that person’s life. FVMA: Do you have a favorite moment from past conferences? Dr. Epperson: Once I am [at a conference], I feel like I’m surrounded by family. I truly love every minute and I don’t have one moment that stands out above the others.