Convention Highlights Stay In the Game!

Over 500 veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians, and their families attended the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association’s 131st Annual Convention on January 26-29 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia, Mo. The convention offered over 60 continuing education lectures to participants. The convention was sponsored by numerous companies with major support from the MVMA Partners For Progress members: Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, J Hooker Construction Services, Amerisource Bergen/MWI Animal Health, ProPartners Wealth, Purina ProPlan, Bank of America Private Bank, Veterinary Practice Partners, Stopp & VanHoy CPAs, and Zoetis Animal Health. Also thanks to our Affinity Program, Payroc.

After two days of continuing education lectures, attendees enjoyed a fun Friday evening with hors d’oeuvres, Missouri wine, a silent auction, and friendly conversation while prize winners were drawn in the annual Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Drawing. Congratulations to Dr. Joann Kunz and Dr. Neal Roetemeyer, who decided to split the $10,000 prize, and to all of the other winners at this year’s drawing!

The Saturday afternoon General Membership meeting saw the installation of officers for 2023. Newly installed officers include: Dr. Matt Silvius, President, Riverside, Mo.; Dr. Kacie Ulhorn, President-elect, Hermann, Mo.; Dr. David Wilson, Vice President, Columbia, Mo.; Dr. Shelia L. Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer, Springfield, Mo. and Dr. Edward Migneco, Board Chair, St. Louis, Mo.

2023 MVMA Executive Board Members are as follows: Dr. Kenton Morgan, Northwest District Delegate; Dr. Jeffrey Sparks, North Central District Delegate; Dr. Laura Moon, Northeast District Delegate; Dr. Christi Belew, Greater Kansas City District Delegate; Dr. Jessica Stroupe, West Central District Delegate; Dr. Jessica Farris, Greater St. Louis District Delegate; Justin Berger, DVM, East Central District Delegate; Dr. Julie King, Southwest District Delegate; Dr. Sean Byrd, Southeast District Delegate; Dr. Chuck Barry, AVMA Delegate; Dr. Carol Ryan, AVMA Alternate Delegate; Dr. Carolyn Henry, Dean - MU College of Vet. Med.; Dr. Chuck Lemme, AVMA District 7 Representative; Dr. Cliff Miller, Ex-officio; Stephanie Gilliam, RVT, Ex-officio; and Robert Schmidt, Student Representative. At-large Delegates are: Dr. Lynn Martin, Columbia, Mo.; Dr. Sarah Reinkemeyer, Koeltztown, Mo.; and Dr. Jason Nickell, Parkville, Mo.

The convention offered a day-by-day registration with a nine-hour CE program on Thursday and five-hour program on Friday in addition to a six hour program on Saturday and four hours on Sunday for those who were unable to attend the usual four-day program. All convention continuing education and activities were open to veterinary technicians and practice staff throughout the weekend. The convention also hosted MUCVM students who were able to take a break from their classes and attend advanced educational sessions and visit with other MVMA members.

On Friday, veterinary students visited with practicing veterinarians during the Student: Vet Networking event. The new networking format was a hit with both students and doctors. The convention also offered a study hall room for students to “hit the books” without having to leave.

Prior to the banquet, the Missouri Veterinary Technician Association held a reception, sponsored by Hill’s, for technicians and practice staff members attending the convention. In addition, the Early Career Task Force hosted a forum where new veterinarians were able to sit down and share their post-graduation experiences, as well as, discuss early career myths, tips and tricks with guest speaker, Jessica Farris, DVM.

The highlight at Saturday evening’s Awards Ceremony, was the presentation of the 2023 MVMA Veterinarian of the Year award to Dr. Carol Ryan, Wentzville, Mo.. Dr. Robert Hertzog presented the award to Dr. Ryan. Others who received honors during the evening included:

The MVMA’s annual President’s Award is given to individuals who were instrumental to the President’s efforts to advance the veterinary profession for the betterment of animal health in the state.

Dr. Edward Migneco, MVMA past president, presented this year’s award to Marcy Hammerle, DVM St. Charles, Mo. and Mark Lux, DVM, St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Steve Strubberg Hermann, Mo. received the Robert E. Hertzog Veterinary Leadership Award. The award was presented to Dr. Strubberg by Dr. Robert Hertzog. The award is for outstanding vision, leadership and personal sacrifice for the betterment of the veterinary profession in Missouri. Dr. Sadina Scott, Shawnee, KS., received the MVMA’s Ortu Stella Award. The award for early career leadership was presented to Dr. Scott by Dr. Christi Belew. The award is presented to graduates up to 10 years out who are illuminating the path of veterinary medicine to those around them.

The MVMA 2023 Legislative Leadership Award was presented to Senator Justin Brown, Rolla, Mo. The award is in recognition for legislative leadership consistent with the MVMA mission; the protection of animal health and welfare; the relief of animal suffering; the conservation of animal resources; and the advancement of public health.

Dr. Shelia Taylor, Springfield, Mo., received the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF). Dr. Edward Migneco presented the award to Dr. Taylor.

Brandon Thornberry, DVM, Kirkwood, Mo., received the MVMA Academy Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented to Dr. Thornberry by Dr. Betsy Marziani, president of the MVMA Academy. We hope that all members had a great experience and that the convention will help them “Stay in the Game” into 2023. Plan to join us next year on January 25-28 for more great education, fellowship and fun in Columbia, Mo.