WELCOMING the returning president
A conversation with Dr. Richard Sutliff FVMA: Tell us about your experience so far with the FVMA.
Dr. Sutliff: I have been a member since I was a student at the University of Florida (UF) in the late 1990’s. Sadly, I am not sure I understood what “organized veterinary medicine” was upon the completion of my formal training. Once I was established in Jacksonville, Dr. Russ Snyder came to my clinic and informed me that I would be attending a local association meeting that week. Once I became involved on the local level and served in JVMS leadership, I was offered the opportunity to serve on the FVMA board and serve the veterinarians of the entire state. Over my years as the District 2 Representative and my previous three years in leadership, I was able to learn about the issues that affect our entire profession. During those years, I also saw how difficult it is to actually move issues in a positive direction in a timely manner.
FVMA: What made you interested in accepting the Dr. Richard Sutliff, DVM, was installed as the 94th president of the FVMA in March of this year. Unlike previous years, there was no pomp or an Annual Awards Ceremony. There was no FVMA Annual Conference or any of the usual flair. Like so many other firsts over the past year, for the first time in FVMA history, a previous president was returning to the helm—and he did so quietly. The business-minded new president slid into the old role with ease, welcoming René Plasencia as the new executive director while presiding over numerous important meetings. While the circumstances are new, the stresses of leadership are old hat to this seasoned pro. Dr. Sutliff obtained professional experience in numerous roles and decided to pursue his DVM. After a few years of associate practice, Dr. Sutliff purchased Scott Mill Animal Hospital in 2003, which he operated for many years with his wife, Kay. He became active in organized veterinary medicine in 2004, serving as secretary of the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society (JVMS) for two years. He then served as vice president from 2007-2008, then as president in 2008. Veterinarians in Northeast Florida selected him to serve as the District 2 Representative on the FVMA Executive Board in 2010. Dr. Sutliff served a year as president-elect of the FVMA in 2015, president in 2016 and past president in 2017.
10 | FVMA Advocate
responsibilities of FVMA president for a second term? Dr. Sutliff: I was honored that the current board believed I could once again help guide our association. The past year had placed many challenges in the path of veterinarians in our state. With the pandemic affecting the workloads of our members' businesses and their employees' lives, as well as the loss of my dear friend Phillip Hinkle, I saw a unique situation where I could again offer some stability and historical insight as the FVMA navigated 2021.
FVMA: Tell us a little bit more about the unique
circumstances leading to this second term. Dr. Sutliff: Subsequent to my previous time in FVMA leadership, I sold my practice to my young associate Dr. Zack Moore. This transaction was the culmination of a long relationship dating back to Dr. Moore’s undergraduate summer employment in my kennels and treatment area of the clinic. The time was right for the passing of the ownership torch, and he is gracious enough to allow me to continue working a few days a week. This opened some time in my schedule, and I am excited to apply that time to this organization.
FVMA: What are some of the best experiences that stick out
to you when talking about your past involvement with the FVMA? Dr. Sutliff: There was always a pride in serving my colleagues in Florida. Seeing The Gulf Atlantic Veterinary Conference (TGAVC) move from being an idea to the awesome conference it has become is one. Passing legislation to exclude our prescription pet foods from state sales tax gave me insight into
