July 2013
By Dr. Tom Johnson
Executive Board Elections Executive Board Ballots were sent to members on June 20 with a deadline of June 29
CONGRATULATIONS!! All Current Executive Board Representatives from odd numbered districts were reelected!
Animal Welfare Committee The Animal Welfare Committee met on June 26th at the IVMA office in Ankeny. Items that were discussed: The committee agreed to hold a symposium on animal welfare issues at the 2014 IVMA Winter Conference. Development of a statewide network of veterinarians willing to respond to neglect/abuse investigations. The committee appointed a task force to develop a statement providing “Guidelines for veterinarians when confronted with a potential abuse/neglect situation”.
Carney Law Firm Meeting IVMA officers and staff met with the Carney Law Firm representatives on June 26th. Issues discussed include: Unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine Use of 2013 PAC Contributions Potential Legislative issues for the 2014 legislative session
Position Statement Review The IVMA staff is currently reviewing all IVMA position statements. They will be presented to the Legislative Committee at their meeting in August and to the Executive Board during their September meeting. Revisions will be made based on their recommendations.
AVMA Changes on the Horizon
The officers of the IVMA met with our AVMA House of Delegates Representative and Alternate Representative, Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle and Dr. Chuck Lemme to discuss the proposed AVMA bylaw changes, resolutions, and change in the AVMA Governance. IVMA members have an opportunity to comment on that change in Governance on the AVMA website.
Drs. Wheeler and Johnson met with Bernie Lettington from the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies and Tom Colvin the Executive Director of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa to discuss the possibility of at state wide spay/neuter referendum. Look for more information at the Executive Board Meeting in September.
Vet Camps Our Summer intern Maria Sjodin reported that the Vet camp at the State 4-H Conference in Ames June 25-27 was well received. Over 100 kids ages 14-18 participated and 7 students from the ISU CVM helped with the camp. Upcoming camps include: Dallas County Fair Hardin County Fair Buchanan County Fair Marcus City Fair Mississippi Valley Fair Encourage campers to sign up!
July 11th July 12th July 15th July 29th July 31st
We’ve got some questions for you‌ Maria, our IVMA summer student intern is conducting a short (15 minute) survey for veterinary practices that are considering adding an associate (or recently have), promoting an associate to partner or selling a practice. Please take a few minutes to take the survey and encourage your colleagues to take it also. A link to the survey can also be found in the June 18th CommuniquÊ.
In Other News… Plans continue for Annual Meeting Sept. 11-13. The Registration Book will mailed to members this week. Annual Meeting Registration is also now available online. Sports and Field day is Sept. 5 Sign up on the IVMA website.
Final words by Dr. Randy Wheeler