AVMA Delegate Report

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. • 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

that ensure veterinarians’ voices are heard on legislation that impacts the lives of AVMA members and our patients. On issues from student debt to small business, the PAC strengthens the AVMA’s ability to shape the public policy decisions that affect veterinarians’ business and lives. The AVMA PAC is strictly non-partisan and supports candidates on both sides of the aisle to promote issues that matter to all veterinarians. Regulated by the Federal Elections Commission, the AVMA PAC is a transparent and legal way for AVMA members to participate in the political process and ensure that veterinary medicine speaks with a strong, unified voice. AVMA PAC reported their new monthly giving program has been a big success with members. Just like with out own state Association efforts, AVMA PAC dollars help open the door to provide a chance for the AVMA to have a seat at the table and speak for its members as they share scientific knowledge and real world perspectives with the political decision makers who impact animal welfare and the legal practice of our profession. It encourages each member to consider making some kind of AVMA PAC donation each year.

AVMA/AVMF

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation is the AVMA charitable arm. It continues to serve and support the profession by administering disaster aid, specific Covid 19 disaster aid and information, student scholarships, the Veterinary Care Charitable Fund with grants helping animals and clients in need, and support for research crucial to the future of veterinary medicine.

AVMA Health Insurance Expands

The AVMA Trust announced it is continuing efforts to expand the association health plan program to provide affordable, competitive health insurance to AVMA members and their employees. 12 State They are hopeful that the plan will be offered in Texas soon. Dr. Ryan and I will meet at the AVMA 2021 convention in Minneapolis MN, this summer. I’m sure we will continue to focus on these and other issues. Remember we are representing you. If you have thoughts or opinions on these or other pertinent topics we would love to hear from you. This truly is “Our Profession... Our Passion!” Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Barry AVMA Alternate Delegate

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