MVMA QUARTERLY - SPRING 2021
Delegate Report AVMA Annual Summer HOD Meeting
In July 2020 Dr. Carol Ryan (AVMA Delegate) and myself, Dr. Chuck Barry (Alternate Delegate) participated in the virutal AVMA Summer HOD meeting. During this meeting the House of Delegates focused on issues regarding Covid 19, telemedicine, cannabis use in pets, student debt, the issue of diversity / equity / inclusion, improving veterinary access to FDA approved drugs and many more pressing issues.
AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference
Dr. Ryan and I recently participated in the joint virtual format Veterinary Leadership Conference / HOD meeting in Chicago on January 7th - 9th, 2021. Members of the AVMA House of Delegates met to discuss many of the ongoing pertinent issues in our profession and our Association. By all accounts, the AVMA’s first-ever virtual Veterinary Leadership Conference was a big success. Held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 VLC attracted more than 600 attendees who gathered to expand and hone their leadership skills with a mix of continuing education sessions, AVMA governance meetings, featured speakers, and networking over the course of three days. If you’re interested in seeing what this year’s VLC had to offer, you can still register and view all education sessions on demand through March.
Veterinary Information Forum
A highlight of the HOD’s leadership conference meeting is the AVMA’s Veterinary Information Forum (VIF), where delegates address issues of concern in the profession. The AVMA thanks the hundreds of members who answered our call for input on the topics addressed during this year’s forum: veterinary medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and the timing of canine spay/neuter. Delegates held constructive discussions on both topics during the full HOD meeting and smaller committee meetings. While no formal action was taken on either topic, delegates were able to share a wide variety of experiences and opinions, which helps the AVMA’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the Association is providing the resources, education, and guidance that AVMA’s more than 97,000 members need and expect.
Policies and Resolutions
The HOD took the following actions on AVMA resolutions and policies: • Resolution 1—Rules for officer election campaigns: The HOD referred the resolution to the House Advisory Committee for clarification of provisions relating to campaigning and endorsements. 12
• Resolution 2—Expansion of dues reduction for newer graduates: The HOD referred the resolution to the Board of Directors for consideration by the Strategy Management Committee and the Budget and Financial Review Committee. • Resolution 3—AVMA policy on advocating for necessary veterinary medical therapy: The HOD approved this new policy. • Resolution 4—AVMA revised policy on exempt biologics: The HOD approved the revised policy. • Resolution 5—AVMA revised policy on guidelines for use of autogenous biologics: The HOD approved the revised policy. • Resolution 6—AVMA revised policy on veterinary dentistry: The HOD approved the revised policy. • Resolution 7—AVMA revised Model Veterinary Practice Act: The HOD approved the revised model practice act.
Sharing Progress and Good News
HOD members also heard updates on many of the AVMA’s member-focused initiatives in 2020. These included the popular digital education platformAVMA Axon; the success of veterinary economics initiatives, including recordsetting attendance for the 2020 Economic Summit; and new products and services launched this year by the AVMA Trust (AVMA LIFE and AVMA PLIT). Representatives from the Student AVMA also provided 2020 updates and a look ahead at 2021
Heartland Veterinary Conference New Format
The Heartland Veterinary Conference is an informal gathering of 13 Midwestern states that make up AVMA Districts 5,6 and 7. Missouri is part of District 7. The Heartland Districts get together to discuss current topics, trends and concerns regarding their state associations and the profession. Due to the virtual format of this meeting the Heartland gathering did not take place, only separate district caucus meetings were held.
Membership News
As part of the HOD’s Plenary Session, delegates heard good news about AVMA membership and other developments that will benefit members. Your AVMA membership is stronger than ever, with the association’s official membership setting a record at more than 97000 individuals. The AVMA advocacy and support literally seems to grow each year spanning every age bracket and facet of a veterinarian’s career. You can check this out for yourself by logging in as a member on the AVMA website, AVMA.org.
AVMA PAC Reports Success
The AVMA PAC makes the collective voice of AVMA members heard in Washington by opening doors and starting conversations. Contributions to the PAC allow us to build relationships
