Keystone Veterinarian Fall 2023 by Hoffmann Publishing Group

Keystone

FALL 2023

Official Quarterly Publication of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association

PVMA p. 5

What You Need to Know About Student Loans as the Payment Pause Ends p. 6 To the Edge and Back p. 10

HERE WE GROW AGAIN! And we have YOU to thank for it

“Thank You for Your Referral”

Check out available courses at our partner for continuing education... Since we opened our doors in 2019, we have experienced Silo Academy Education Center consistent growth due to your confidence in us for the care of your patients. For that, we profoundly thank you.

Our clients come from all walks of life and many from miles away. But what they all have in common is a beloved pet with oral cancer or significant dental and anesthetic needs. We are honored to help, and our consistent 5-star online reviews show our commitment to concierge-level care and service. We’d like to introduce you to the VDS Chadds Ford clinical team, including our newest members: Dr. Kelly Saverino, Dr. Becca Feuer, and Dr. Melanie Jarrett. We welcome your call should you wish to consult about a challenging case, or, if you make a referral for care, please know we promise your clients and patients an exceptional experience.

VDS is the only referral practice in the nation dedicated to advanced dentistry and oral surgery for pets where a full-time board-certified veterinary dentist and a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist are on staff to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience… and the best possible outcome.

John Lewis, VMD DAVDC, FF-OMFS

Marissa Berman, DVM (Residency Trained in Dentistry)

Kelly Saverino, DVM DAVDC

Becca Feuer, VMD Dentistry Resident

Melanie Jarrett, DVM DACVAA

455 Old Baltimore Pike | Chadds Ford, PA 19317 | 484.775.0557 | chaddsford@vdsvets.com | vdsvets.com Practices also in Mount Laurel, NJ and Katy, TX

Fall 2023

Keystone

Official Quarterly Publication of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association

Subscriptions: The Keystone Veterinarian is mailed to PVMA Members at no charge as a member benefit. Subscriptions are available to non-members for $30/year or $10 for a single issue. Please contact Editor@PaVMA.org if you’re interested in receiving the Keystone Veterinarian magazine.

Notice to Readers: Neither this publication, Hoffmann Publishing, nor PVMA assumes responsibility for material contained in articles and advertisements published, nor does publication necessarily constitute endorsement or approval of the advertiser, product, service or author viewpoint by the Keystone Veterinarian, its editors and publishers or the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, neither this publication nor PVMA guarantees the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any facts, views, opinions, recommendations, information or statements contained within this publication.

A Message from the President

What You Need to Know About Student Loans as The Payment Pause Ends

20 A Unique Option for Hospital Debt – Alera Group Small Business Unit 22 AVMA House of Delegates

10 To the Edge and Back

24 Is a Regulatory Veterinarian a “Real” Veterinarian?

14 Legislative Update

27 In Memoriam

15 3 Rivers Veterinary Symposium

28 Classified Ads

18 Power of 10 Leadership Academy, Class of 2021-2023 19 Keystone Veterinary Conference

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the permission of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Western Region Trustee: Andrea Honigmann, DVM

w w w. H o f f p u b s. co m

Hoffmann Publishing Group Inc. 2669 Shillington Road, #438 Sinking Spring, PA 19608 For Advertising Information & Opportunities Contact:

Sherry Bolinger 610-685-0914 x202 Cell: 717-979-2858

Sherry@Hoffpubs.com

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association is dedicated to ensuring the vitality of the veterinary profession by promoting excellence in veterinary medicine, advancing animal health and welfare, and protecting and enhancing human health.

North Central Region Co-Trustees: Jody Kull, DVM, & Andrea Carr, DVM

8574 Paxton Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036 717.220.1437 | Info@PaVMA.org | PaVMA.org

Metro Philadelphia Region Trustee: Marisa Brunetti, VMD

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Thomas Munkittrick, MS, DVM President-Elect: Rhett Proctor, VMD Vice President: Andrea Honigmann, DVM Past-President: Dawn Fiedorczyk,VMD Secretary/Treasurer: William Croushore, DVM Board Chair: Marisa Brunetti, VMD

South Central Region Trustee: Gary Brummel, DVM

Equine Veterinarian At-Large: James Holt, VMD Production Animal Veterinarian At-Large: Robert Cloninger, VMD Academic Veterinarian At-Large: Alessandro Lamacchia, VMD Certified Veterinary Technician At-Large: Ashley Elliott, CVT AVMA Delegate: Tina Dougherty, VMD AVMA Alternate Delegate: Kate Boatright, VMD Student At-Large: Roxy Ackerman

MAGAZINE STAFF Editor: Kate Boatright, VMD | Design Assistant: Corinne Tolan EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence should be sent to Editor@PaVMA.org.

Message from the President

Dear Members,

Thomas Munkittrick, MS, DVM President, Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association

The PVMA is surrounded by competent and dedicated leaders. Our organization is strong. Since the pandemic, we have weathered the PERFECT STORM. Over the past few years, the PVMA lost significant revenue from decreased membership dues and lack of continuing education events. In 2022, we went from 10 employees to 2, losing 8 employees in a 3-month period. PVMA currently employs one staff member, and with no management leadership, the organization was forced to reorganize. Last year, the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees worked diligently to establish a new management team. There were many meetings and conference calls focused on restructuring and righting our ship. In February of 2023, the Board contracted with Atlas Management to run the daily operations and Continuing Education events. Denise Ott, of Atlas Management, is currently our Acting Executive Director. Denise and her staff have allowed for a smooth transition into this arrangement. I would like to thank and recognize our Executive Committee for the endless Zoom calls and emails through this transition: Marisa Brunetti (Board Chair) Dawn Fiedorczyk (Past President) Rhett Proctor (President Elect) Andrea Honigmann (newly elected Vice President) Bill Croushore (Secretary/Treasurer)

I would also like to recognize PVMA’s Board of Trustees: Andrea Carr (North Central) Gary Brummel (South Central) Marisa Brunetti (Metro Philadelphia) Western Region (Vacant) James Holt (Equine at Large) Robert Cloniger (Production Animal at Large) Ashley Mase (CVT at Large) Roxy Ackerman (Veterinary Student at Large) Alessandro Lamacchia (Academic Veterinarian at Large) Tina Dougherty (AVMA Delegate) Kate Boatright (AVMA Alternate Delegate) PVMA recently completed a successful Spring Clinic and Keystone Conference. Our Board of Trustees meeting at Keystone had many quality presenters. One of our Past Presidents, Dr. Mike Bailey, is currently running for the AVMA Presidency. We hope all PVMA members will support him for his candidacy. In closing, our ship was listing in the storm and we have weathered that storm. PVMA has set sail toward new horizons. Whether tacking or jibbing, we have a dedicated crew to serve you. I look forward to our challenges while serving you, the members, over the next year. Your Captain, Dr. Tom Munkittrick

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 5

What You Need to Know About Student Loans as The Payment Pause Ends

By Evaristo (Ever) Gonzalez, CFP®, CLU®, RICP®, WMCP®

Over my last 16 years helping veterinarians all over the United States, the biggest hurdle and biggest misconceptions have to do with Student Loans and the associated forgiveness programs which exist. While Student Loans and associated programs are complex and lengthy, the goal today is to shed some light on what is currently happening with Student Loans and how the Forgiveness Programs are supposed to work. Congress recently passed a law preventing further extensions of the payment pause enacted during COVID. Student loan interest resumed on Sept. 1, 2023, and payments are due starting in October. In preparation for the start of student loan payments here are a couple of things you should do: Call your student loan service provider and: •

Make sure that the payment program you were in prior to COVID has not been changed (I have had some clients who had their payment programs changed without them knowing).

•

Have them confirm what your payment will be when the payments begin in October. - Some loan servicers are saying that they will give you that number within 2 weeks of payments starting, but you should call and check so you are prepared.

•

Find out when you have to recertify your income and family size. - This needs to be done every year if you are in one of the income-driven repayment plans.

Another thing to watch out for is scams. Don’t accept unexpected offers of financial aid or help (such as a “pandemic grant” or “Biden loan forgiveness”). Always check directly with your student loan service provider.

Understanding Income-Driven Repayment Plans Let’s discuss student loan forgiveness under the Income-Driven Repayment program. If you are on any of the 4 Income-Driven Repayment Plans: Income-contingent repayment (ICR), IncomeBased Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE), your loans may be forgiven if you meet the forgiveness criteria. There is no cap on the amount of debt forgiven. You will owe income tax on the amount forgiven. The March 2021 American Rescue Plan made forgiven debt taxfree from December 2020 until the end of 2025 but after 2025, debt forgiven will again be taxed unless Congress extends the program. With respect to state taxation of loan forgiveness, many states have laws or policies that mirror the federal tax treatment of debt cancellation events, but this is not always the case. It is possible in certain situations that a borrower could incur state taxation as a result of student loan forgiveness, even continued on page 9 >

6 | Keystone Veterinarian

PracticeÊOwnershipÊOffers...Ê · Opportunity to create and live the lifestyle you desire · Have the capability to control your schedule · Finances flowing to pay off student debt more quickly · Control of your medicine & how your prac�ce is operated · Unlimited income potential versus a limited salary

David McCormick, MS, CVA

888.881.7084 • midatlantic@simmonsinc.com• www.simmonsinc.com

HereÊareÊourÊcurrentÊlistingsÊinÊPennsylvania… PA: C�� - G��, ��, �� H��, PA. 2000 ��. ��. �� -��. B�� . (PA919) PA: N�� - R�� ! S�� . T�� . (PA123) PA: N�� - 1-2 �� . H�� -�� 3,700 ��. ��. �� -�� -��. B�� . S�� . (PA111) PA: N�� - S�� PA-NY ��. W��-��, �� . G�� . B�� R�� E�� . (PA805) PA: S�� - S�� P��, �� -��, 2,000 ��. ��. ��. L�� , �� . B�� . T�� . (PA204)

PA: S�� - S�� P��, �� 1,300 ��. ��. �� . B�� . S�� . T�� . (PA242) PA: E��-C�� - �� I-78 �� H��, A�� . �� -��, 3,500 ��. ��. �� 3 �� , � �� , � �� . B�� . T�� . (PA241) PA: N�� - S��, �� S��-W�� -B�� . P�� -�� 2,400 ��. ��. ��. O�� . (PA311)

www.simmonsinc.comÊÊ The Conﬁdentiality Agreement link is on the bottom of the home page. You can also register for the SimmonsÊPracticeÊWatch—when we have a new listing, a notice is sent to the Practice Watch list ﬁrst.

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 7

20% OFF YOUR ORDER of Epicur Pharma’s 503B Medications

Order today! 888-508-5032

manufactured following FDA  100% enforced regulations

Mention promo code: PAVMA23

for dispensing and  Available unlimited hospital administration FDA Federal SEC. 503B. [21 U.S.C. 353b]

drugs ready to ship same day  All with 1 day in transit Scan the QR code for a list of available drugs

8 | Keystone Veterinarian

*One time use. Discount valid via phone only. Offer expires 12/31/23.

What You Need to Know About Student Loans as The Payment Pause Ends continued from page 6

if it is not taxed federally. Please consult a tax advisor for specific guidance. During the federal student loan payment pause, which began on March 13, 2020, each month is considered a qualifying payment for income-driven repayment forgiveness for borrowers with loans owned by the Education Department. For example, if the payment pause spans 36 months, these 36 months contribute to the twenty or twenty-five years of repayment, even without actual payments being made. My hope is the above provides a bit of insight into student loans and Income-Driven forgiveness programs while also providing some actionable next steps to help you prepare for the coming start of student loan payments. If you have any questions or you would like help in preparing a comprehensive plan dealing with not only your student loans but also preparing for your future, please contact me, and we can set up a call so that I can explain what it is that I do for my Veterinarian clients from a financial standpoint. Evaristo (Ever) Gonzalez, CFP®, CLU®, RICP®, WMCP® Phone: 717-715-0310 ever.gonzalez@yourfgp.com Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza III, Suite 202, Hunt Valley, MD 21031, (667) 318-0801. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS and Financial Growth Partners are wholly owned subsidiaries of Guardian. CA Insurance License #0K44287

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 9

10 | Keystone Veterinarian

To the Edge

and Back

“This article discusses suicide in the veterinary health profession. If you are struggling—or know someone who is—please reach out for assistance. The national suicide helpline is available by phone (Dial 988). Crisis help is available through text (Text HOME to 741741).” By Robert Cafaro, VMD I am a veterinarian. I am a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. I am a homeowner. I am in financial debt with student loans. I battle the work-life balance. I battle tough cases at work. I battle dirty diapers. I battle being a good husband, father, brother, son, and friend. I battle balancing finances. I also battle chronic, severe depression, anxiety, and suicide. I have been to the edge, looked over, nearly leapt, and then stepped back. Like many of you, I have read countless troubling stories about a colleague who chose to end their own life. Many were happy, easy-going professionals whose mental health issues only became apparent in their passing. “I had no idea they were suffering” is commonly heard. For all the stories I’ve read postmortem, I rarely hear stories of someone actively battling the struggle, or those who overcame it. We need to hear these from these survivors to learn what drove them to the edge. My voice is one of these, but I know I am not alone. One of my hobbies is painting and the attached image is one of my pieces. I implore you to recognize what emotions it brings to you. Peace? Hope? Beauty? This is a difficult one for me to look at now, because I painted it when I was feeling at my lowest of lows. To me, it depicted how it felt to live with depression. Beauty in the far-off distance, but with mental fog and physical barriers in place before you can reach it. It also shows how on the surface it (or someone) can appear peaceful and beautiful, when in truth, it harbored darkness.

Why are so many veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary client service personnel committing suicide? Why is our field so over-represented? Many psychologists and veterinarians are studying this and have much deeper insight than my one experience. The answer is multifactorial and differs with everyone, but there must be a common thread. But I will speak to what I have learned about our field while in the struggle firsthand.

Veterinary Specific Links to Suicide: The Role of Euthanasia In my opinion, there are a couple unique links in the veterinary field that hastens the jump from mental health crisis to suicide ideation. The first link is society’s bond with pets. We are at a transition point where pets and animals are not seen as animals, but instead as children, siblings, or significant others. While this is a profound step forward for animal rights, it has a huge impact on mental health for both pet owners and veterinarians. These animals now require treatment fitting for a child, sibling, or significant other. continued on next page >

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 11

To the Edge and Back continued from page 11

As we know, this treatment increases the cost of care, which most owners are not prepared or able to pursue. When all else fails, we must discuss euthanasia. While this is not new to our industry, we must now euthanize an animal that is viewed as a family member. This is hard for the owner, but we also must process this as feeling like we are euthanizing their child. This is a deep, hard emotion to process, if we even have the time to process. In my experience, we rationalize this in one of several ways: (1) we see this as a treatment option to alleviate suffering, (2) we reinforce in our minds that this is an animal and not a human, (3) we separate ourselves from this act. In my experience, I’ve gravitated toward seeing euthanasia as a treatment option when all other treatments are failing to provide good comfort and quality of life. I also find most owners seem to really connect with this rationale. The problem with this thought is that it becomes engrained in your mind and can carry over into your personal life, and vice versa. What happens when you feel like you’re suffering in your own skin? When all other treatment options are failing to provide you with good comfort, good quality of life? You consider euthanasia for yourself… suicide. The next link is that we glorify the euthanasia process. Glorify sounds like an odd choice of words, but we see suffering melt away. We see a peaceful passing. We see how it removes all hurt, all pain, all suffering. We see this daily. It becomes a learned pathway in our brains, whether conscious or subconscious. Euthanasia and suicide become one and the same when you have the means and knowledge to do so. But we are also forced to compartmentalize to some degree. We must move from a euthanasia to a first-time puppy owner appointment. From a cat that was hit by a car to a dog with a mild ear infection. But compartmentalization becomes an engrained, learned coping mechanism, when we are taught and learn to “just move on” without recognizing what we are doing to ourselves. It becomes something we excel at. It becomes something that leaks into our personal lives as well.

emotion. This chronic suppression of emotion eats up mental and physical energy. It wears you down. It burns you out. I urge you to find a licensed therapist or close friend to listen and help you process these difficult emotions. We say “erase the stigma” a lot, but it often stops with words. Instead, we need to put this into practice and truly remove this negative outlook and do something about it. Instead of judgment of our colleagues’ emotions, grant them the time and space to process. Rather than ignoring their evident cries – sometimes literal ones – for help, we must check in with them. Find the time, make the safe places, and stand up for one another. Covering an appointment or shift, finding another technician to help, and above all speak up, speak out, and speak often on the importance of this. The veterinary field is filled with compassionate people. We feel bad when we feel our emotions. We think, “How can I be sad when I’m not the one that lost a family member?” or “How can I be angry at that client then be happy with the next?” Someone always has it worse than us, but that does not diminish the feelings you are having. Feel it. Process it. Allow time to process it. Ask for a break; ask for time to process. Management needs to allow this to happen without hesitation, without a comment under their breath, without an eye roll. We need to be compassionate with ourselves and each other. The golden rule of “treat others how you’d like to be treated” can easily flip around for us. I think most of the time we treat others better than we treat ourselves. Be kind to yourself.

My Transformation

Necessary Changes

For me, all the above was true and manifested without my knowledge or consent. I found myself as a first-time father, rocking my infant daughter to sleep, but she was not the one crying. I looked around and saw everything I ever wanted and yet I was not happy. A colleague was battling cancer and fighting for her life. She had it so much worse than me. “I should be so happy.” Another friend lost their child as a miscarriage. “I should be so happy.” It is human nature to compare yourself to others. But as author Aubrey Sampson says, you really should stop “shoulding” all over yourself. This sounds easy enough to say, but it is extremely difficult to put into practice. Should implies a comparison. Comparison leads directly to discontent which can quickly spiral into depression.

We need to stress the importance of seeking therapy and counseling for all staff. Very few of us can naturally process these emotions alone. Support systems of friends, coworkers, and family help, but professionals need to have a place. When you do not fully process your emotions or if you save it for later, it is still an active process by your mind and body to not express the

The most pivotal moment of my story comes from when my practice owner and manager noticed I was not myself. They pulled me aside and simply checked in. I confessed that I knew something wasn’t right with me, but I couldn’t express it. They urged me to talk to a therapist. That seemingly simple moment may have saved my life. Through talking with my wife,

No wonder this is such a visible “treatment plan” to veterinary professionals. We’re stressed out, fighting our own demons in and out of work, and have the knowledge and means for an exit. So, what do we do about this?

12 | Keystone Veterinarian

I made the decision to seek help and eventually was placed on an antidepressant. I remain eternally grateful for my support system. Through therapy, I’ve learned the link between my depression and suicidal ideology. Depression is a condition that I have learned to think about like the weather. Some days are stormy, others full of light, and inevitably the weather will change. The key is being prepared for the storms, knowing your umbrella is near, and embracing the sunshine, without becoming dependent or entangled. Suicidal ideation is akin to the air quality; it’s there, but not at the forefront, and if we’re aware of it, we can prepare ourselves and address it head on. I believe my journey with these thoughts stemmed from my work experience in veterinary medicine, and I know that I am not alone in this. I am keenly aware that I will continue along this path for the rest of my life, but I am confident that those whom I surround myself with will stand by me regardless of the forecast.

Mental Health Resources for Veterinary Professionals 1. QPR Suicide Prevention Training – FREE for veterinary professionals through the AVMA. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/ wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training 2. Workplace Wellbeing Certificate – FREE for AVMA Members. https://axon.avma.org/local/catalog/view/ product.php?productid=22

…Now What?

3. AVMA Wellbeing Center – Includes resources

There must be systemic change throughout our profession. I ask that we start by making survival stories prevalent in veterinary journals, conferences, and publications. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather hear about a colleague’s strength than another lecture about Cushing’s disease or atopy. Share your story. I guarantee there are people around you who care to hear it!

for veterinary professionals including wellbeing

Practice owners need to normalize additional benefits like EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) or therapy programs. Health insurance rarely covers mental health, but your employees need to know that help is there if they need it. Consider mental health first aid training for management, if not all staff. Managers need to accept a potential loss of profit if an employee needs time to process their emotions. They need to have zero tolerance for verbally abusive clients and staff. We need to realize we’re in the trenches and need to sit, breathe, and check in on each other. We need to know that we’re in this together. I am aware that my experience is just one of many. I am aware that I don’t have all the answers. Through our collective experiences, we will be able to ask the questions and find professionals to answer them. We also must start small, in ourselves, in our hospitals, and with our peers to get the ball of change rolling.

assessment, QPR training, responding to suicide, continuing education, and more. Many of these resources are available to all veterinary professionals. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/ wellbeing 4. MentorVet and MentorVet Tech – Targeted mentorship for early career veterinarians and veterinary technicians that utilizes an evidencebased approach to supporting wellbeing. Free paired mentorship is available to Veterinary graduates in the class of 2018-2023. https://www.mentorvet.net/

I can now look at my painting and feel hope. I can feel the fog dissipating and the fence tearing down. I hope that by reading my story, you can see how imperative it is that we work together to uplift and empower our struggling, and dying, profession. Each one of us can see beyond the stigmas, encourage others to seek help, do so for ourselves, and ultimately overcome this darkness. I’ve been to the edge, looked over the edge, and nearly lost. I am confident that if I can change, then we can change, and this profession can change, for the better. Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 13

Legislative Update By Bill Croushore, DVM, PVMA Secretary/Treasurer

September 1, 2023: As PVMA begins to rebuild the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee (LRAC), there are several ongoing areas of focus.

Issue 1: Illicit Xylazine

Issue 2: Creation of an Animal Welfare Board PVMA is supporting the reintroduction of a bill to create an Animal Welfare Board composed of stakeholders from different fields with the goal of improving the lives of companion animals. The establishment of this board would give the veterinary community a seat at the table when it comes to reviewing proposed regulations affecting companion animals. The bill is Senate Bill 785 sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw.

The issue of illicit Xylazine is ongoing. Following Governor Shapiro’s executive rule scheduling illicit xylazine as a Class III controlled substance in the Commonwealth, there is now legislation about to be introduced in the legislature. Please note that the rule executed by Gov. Shapiro does distinguish between Issue 3: Workforce Shortages illicit xylazine and prescription xylazine for veterinary use. Prescription xylazine The LRAC continues to address the for veterinary use, that which is approved veterinary workforce shortage, especially for use through the normal veterinary in the realm of large animal medicine. The channels, is exempt from the rule, LRAC is drafting a proposal to amend the provided it is used on the order of a regulations of the Board of Veterinary licensed veterinarian. The new proposed Medicine to expand the scope of practice legislation would permanently remove of credentialed veterinary technicians the Class III designation yet still make working under the supervision of a possession of illicit xylazine a crime. Again, veterinarian. Potential duties that could legal xylazine used under the order of a be delegated to CVTs under this proposal licensed veterinarian is exempt under this include pregnancy determination, with current bill. As of the writing of this update, or without diagnostic imaging, routine the bill has yet to be introduced, but we treatments, vaccinations, disbudding and are hopeful it will be. We are monitoring dehorning, uncomplicated obstetrical the progress through the legislative procedures, and sampling for diagnostic channels through our lobbyist, Patty testing. CVTs would still be prohibited from Mackavage. This bill is important since it diagnosing, prescribing, and performing permanently exempts legal prescription surgery, and they would be prohibited xylazine from becoming a controlled from performing the above-mentioned substance in the Commonwealth of procedures except under the indirect Pennsylvania. supervision of a licensed veterinarian who has a valid VCPR with the herd.

14 | Keystone Veterinarian

Additional Activity PVMA is involved in working behind the scenes to prevent a declaw ban from moving in the legislature. This is a tricky issue, but it would be bad precedent to have the state government decide what procedures we cannot perform on our clients’ animals. The AVMA’s policy on declawing can be viewed at https://www. avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/ declawing-domestic-cats. It discourages the procedure but recommends the ultimate decision be left in the hands of veterinarians. PVMA continues to support the proposed Dog Law Fee increase as proposed in the legislature; however, the state budget snafu has stalled this item for now. PVMA also continues to monitor the progress of several other bills, including the proposed Meghan’s Law, legislation related to animal cruelty, legislation regarding CBD oil in canines, animal abuse registry, Beagle Bills, custody of companion animals in divorce proceedings, and others. We are in the early planning stages of scheduling a Friends of Veterinary Medicine legislative day in spring 2024. If you have an interest in participating, please reach out to the PVMA office.

JOIN US

NOV. 4-5

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Pittsburgh, Cranberry Mars, PA

KEYNOTE PANELISTS

John Anastasio DVM, DACVECC

Sandra Sargent DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology

Tracy Farone DVM

Peter DiGeronimo VMD, MSC, DIPL.ACZM

Antimicrobial resistance has been described as the “quintessential One Health issue,” with major implications for human, animal, and environmental health. Tackling One Health issues takes a multipronged approach and a broad understanding of practices across all sectors. This presentation will provide background on antimicrobial stewardship programs in veterinary medicine, steps taken to change veterinary antibiotic use, and the impact of antimicrobial use and stewardship in veterinary medicine on human health. continued on next page >

www.pavma.org/education/veterinary-symposium Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 15

GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS

www.pavma.org/education/veterinary-symposium SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 7:30-8:30AM Breakfast Location CHESTNUT WILLOW BIRCH ASPEN FIR/ELM HEMLOCK/ SPRUCE HICKORY Capacity 36 classroom 50 theatre 60 classroom 60 classroom 80 classroom 80 classroom 27 classroom Track Food Animal Production Exotics Prof Development Dermatology ER/Companion CVT 8:00-9:00AM

Dr. Heather PalmPA Dept of Ag Rabies- Regulations in PA & Submitting Samples to the Lab

Day at the ZooDr. Peter DiGeronimo

The Art of Patient Care Pt.1 Erica Brandt, CVT

Tina DoughertyTopic Pending

Approach to the Acute Abdomen John Anastasio, DVM, DACVECC

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections? Dr. Sandra Sargent

Retain Your Top Talent with Internal Career Paths Bethany Bankovich Mihalik, CVPM

9:10-10:10AM

Stephanie RinglerTopic Pending

Restraint & Sedation of Birds & ReptilesDr. Peter DiGeronimo

The Art of Patient Care Pt.2 Erica Brandt, CVT

Tina DoughertyTopic Pending

Diagnosis & Management of Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs John Anastasio, DVM, DACVECC

Stop and think before you “pack” those ears! Dr. Sandra Sargent

Where’s the Grit? Coaching Mental Resilience in Veterinary Teams Bethany Bankovich Mihalik, CVPM

Exotic Animal Nutrition Dr. Peter DiGeronimo

Anesthetic Emergencies Erica Brandt, CVT

Tina DoughertyTopic Pending

Fluid Therapy in the ER John Anastasio, DVM, DACVECC

Otitis in Cats- They’re no just small dogs Dr. Sandra Sargent

Reframing Your Client Relationships Bethany Bankovich Mihalik, CVPM

Feline Diabetes Management: What’s new in 2023? J. Catherine Scott-Moncrieff

Put Down the (pill) Bottle: Dealing with Infections in an Increasingly Hostile Bacterial Landscape Lindsay McAuliffe, DVM, DACVD

10:10-10:40AM Morning Break with Exhibitors 10:40-11:40AM

Stephanie RinglerTopic Pending

11:40AM-1:00PM Lunch 1:00-2:00PM

Dr. Marty Masterson

Reptile Husbandry Dr. Peter DiGeronimo

Incorporating Low Tina DoughertyStress Approach into Topic Pending Your Daily Routine Kimberly Shaffer, LVT, CVBL, FFCP, CCFP

2:10-3:10PM

Dr. Marty Masterson

Reptile Infectious Diseases: Diagnosis & Treatment Dr. Peter DiGeronimo

3:10-3:40PM

Afternoon Break with Exhibitors

How Low Stress Approach Can Improve Employee Morale - Kimberly Shaffer, LVT, CVBL, FFCP, CCFP

3:40-4:40PM

Dr. Marty Masterson

Diagnostics in Bird & Reptile Medicine Dr. Peter DiGeronimo

12 seated Board of Trustees PVMA Board of Trustees Meeting

PVMA Board of Trustees Meeting

Optimizing Tina DoughertyPRURITUS- Tackling Topic Pending Continous Glucose itch on step (or Monitoring in trigger) at a time Diabetic Dogs & Ashley Detwiler, Cats DVM, DACVD J. Catherine Scott-Moncrieff

How Low-Stress Tina DoughertyApproach Can Topic Pending Improve Overall Practice Success Kimberly Shaffer, LVT, CVBL, FFCP, CCFP

Pancreatitis and the Diabetic Cat J. Catherine Scott-Moncrieff

Ask the Derm DocWe’re all “Ears” Dr. Sandra Sargent

PVMA Board of Trustees Meeting

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 7:30-8:30AM Breakfast Location CHESTNUT WILLOW BIRCH ASPEN FIR/ELM HEMLOCK/ HICKORY Track

Food Animal Production

Surgery

Communications

Companion/Bees

CVT

8:00-9:00AM

The Accredited Veterinarian’s Role in Notifable and Foreign Animal Diseases Michael Korneich

Managing the Great Resignation Stacey Wheeler

Dr. Kevin Benjamaro Soft Tissue Surgery and Orthopedic

Critical Communication Jamie Dzurko & Laura Krack

Practioner’s Challenge: Diagnosing and Managing the Challenging Senior Patient (Pt.1) Nancy A. Sanders, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC

Dr. Kelsey CaseyTopic Pending

9:10-10:10AM

Vesicular Diseases Michael Korneich

Taking the Headache out of HR Stacey Wheeler

Dr. Kevin Benjamino Soft Tissue Surgery and Orthopedic

Brainfood Jamie Dzurko & Laura Krack

Practioner’s Challenge: Diagnosing and Managing the Challenging Senior Patient (Pt.2) Nancy A. Sanders, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC

Dr. Kelsey CaseyTopic Pending

Take the Cuss out of Customer Service Stacey Wheeler

Dr. Kevin Benjamino Soft Tissue Surgery and Orthopedic

Clinically Crispy & Dog Tired Jamie Dzurko & Laura Krac

Infectious Disease & You: Where You Live & Practice Matter Nancy A. Sanders, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC

Dr. Kelsey CaseyTopic Pending

10:10-10:40AM Morning Break with Exhibitors 10:40-11:40AM

Animal Disease Traceability Michael Korneich

11:40AM-1:00PM Lunch 1:00-2:00PM

Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Michael Korneich

Dr. Rick JosephTopic Pending

Dr. Kevin BenjaminoTopic Pending

Your Veterinarian’s New Best Friend… A Medical Transciptionist Boomer Pearsall, CVPM, MS

Honey Bee Basics Tracy Farone, DVM

Dr. Kelsey CaseyTopic Pending

2:10-3:10PM

Animal Health Emergency Response Michael Korneich

Dr. Rick JosephTopic Pending

Dr. Kevin BenjaminoTopic Pending

Utilization of “Key Person Policies” to Retain Staff and Veterinarians (Pt.1) Boomer Pearsall, CVPM, MS

Honey Bee Medicine and Diseases Tracy Farone, DVM

Dr. Kelsey CaseyTopic Pending

Utilization of “Key Person Policies” to Retain Staff and Veterinarians (Pt.2) Boomer Pearsall, CVPM, MS

Current Developments in Honey Bee Medicine Tracy Farone, DVM

Dr. Kelsey CaseyTopic Pending

3:10-3:40PM 3:40-4:40PM

Afternoon Break with Exhibitors Collecting and Shipping Swine Diagnostic Samples Michael Korneich

Bethany Bankovich CVPM, MHRM, CVT, CCFP

Dr. Rick JosephTopic Pending

Erica Brandt, CVT, VTS (ECC)

Dr. Kevin BenjaminoTopic Pending

Michael Kornreich DVM

Heather Palm DVM

Richard Pearsall

20+SPEAKERS, 6 BREAK-OUTS, OVER 2 DAYS J. Cathrine Scott-Moncrief Department Head Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine

Stacey Wheeler Practice Manager

For the full schedule and details scan the QR code or visit www.pavma.org/education/veterinary-symposium 17

Power of 10 Leadership Academy, Class of 2021-2023 PVMA proudly announces the following graduates of the Power of 10 Leadership Academy. Dr. Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva Dr. Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva is a versatile and enthusiastic veterinarian with an interest and several certificates in nutrition. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brown University, and attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, Dr. Ruiz Dasilva worked in general practice before creating a multilingual telehealth platform in response to the pandemic. As accessibility to in-person care returned, she pursued a certification in acupuncture, and gained expertise in the field of nutrition through numerous certifications and coursework. She is currently the veterinarian for a pet food company.

Dr. Kaitlyn M. Wyrick Kaitlyn M. Wyrick, DVM, is a 2013 graduate of Lebanon Valley College (BSc). She graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021 and completed her fourth-year clinical training at North Carolina State University. She remains a member of AVMA, PVMA, AAHA, and AAFP, and is a Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian. She works at Anthracite Animal Clinic, a small animal general practice located in Ashland, PA. She is passionate about small animal wellness/ preventative medicine and surgery. She enjoys spending time with her family, her husband Steven, and their two cats, Morris and Goose.

Dr. Savannah L. Merkel Dr. Savannah Merkel attended Delaware Valley College where she earned her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Directly after vet school she returned to her hometown and joined Highland Animal Hospital. Still working 18 | Keystone Veterinarian

there, she is grateful to continue to develop her leadership skills through working with an exceptional staff. Dr. Merkel’s hobbies include yoga, reading, and travel. Eventually she hopes to visit all of the United States National Parks. She has a Quarterhorse, Levi, and two Coonhounds, Dawson and Red.

Dr. Ashley Klein Ashley Klein graduated from PennVet in 2016 and went on to work at various general practice and emergency hospitals until she found her true passion for leadership. She spent a year working as an independent relief veterinarian to learn about a variety of hospitals and now works as an associate at Animal Medical Center, where she continues to develop her leadership skills. During her time outside of the hospital she loves to be outdoors with her family! Ashley and her husband, Kevin, welcomed their daughter, Esme, in January of 2023.

Dr. Korin D’Ascenzo Korin D’Ascenzo, BVetMED, grew up in Western Pa. just east of Pittsburgh. After graduating from high school, she attended Delaware Valley University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Large Animal Science. She received her acceptance letter to the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, and graduated from there in 2005 with her veterinary degree. After returning to the U.S., she worked in various practices as an associate veterinarian on the eastern side of Pennsylvania, eventually taking a Chief of Staff position for Lawrence Animal Hospital in Princeton, NJ. Family brought her back to Western Pennsylvania where she does relief work around Pittsburgh. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, going to Steelers’ games, and crafting. She has continued to grow in her veterinary career with the Power of 10 scholarship, as well as certifications in Hospice and Palliative care, the Human animal bond, nutrition, and Fear Free.

August 17 – 20, 2023 Hershey Lodge | Hershey, PA

The picturesque Hershey Lodge played host to the Keystone Veterinary Conference from August 17 to August 20, 2023, a remarkable event orchestrated by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA). With an impressive turnout of over 500 attendees, 47 distinguished speakers, 25 scientific continuing education credits, and a bustling exhibition floor housing 60 innovative exhibitors, this conference stood as a testament to the enduring commitment of PVMA to elevate the veterinary profession.

The conference hosted a mosaic of events and sessions that encapsulated the diverse dimensions of veterinary practice. Among the highlights was the esteemed University of Pennsylvania Alumni Luncheon. The luncheon offered a platform for alumni to reconnect, sharing anecdotes and insights while savoring delectable fare. Attendees were treated not only to updates on the latest developments at the Veterinary College from Dean Hoffman but also an opportunity to expand their network and bask in the camaraderie of their Penn Vet family.

The conference’s multifaceted nature was reflected in the array of topics covered by the diverse speaker lineup. With dedicated tracks catering to companion animal, equine, production animal, and CVT, as well as practice management, the conference was a nexus of learning and sharing. Subjects spanning behavior, dentistry, ophthalmology, and professional development were intricately woven into the fabric of the conference, catering to general practitioners and specialty practitioners alike. The keynote address by Heather Fowler, MPH, VMD, PhD, DACVPM, PMP, reverberated throughout the conference. Fowler’s captivating keynote, titled “A One Health Approach to Sustainability, Clients, and You,” illuminated the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. Her call for veterinarians to be One Health champions resonated deeply, highlighting the profession’s unique role in addressing complex global challenges.

Join us in Hershey for top-notch continuing education in the “sweetest place on earth.”

The exhibition floor buzzed with energy as 60 exhibitors Plus spend time in the KVC MarketPlace showcased cutting-edge products andwith services. The collective One of the pinnacle moments was the passing of the gavel innovation on display reinforced the industry’s commitment 50+ vendors toMeeting, learn about new products and services at PVMA’s annual Membership where the torch of to advancing veterinary care. Participants and speakers alike leadership was handed over to the new president, Dr. Tom enjoyed refreshments and light fare during Thursday’s Reception to and help you in your practice. Munkittrick, symbolizing continuity evolution within the and Happy Hour, getting a sneak peek to all that the vendors had organization. The introduction of a new Vice President, Dr. Andrea Honigmann, further added to the momentum, signifying fresh perspectives and dedication to the future of the profession.

to offer.

As the conference’s curtain fell, attendees departed with enriched knowledge, reinvigorated networks, and a renewed sense of purpose. The Keystone Veterinary Conference 2023, through its engaging sessions, dynamic speakers, and vibrant community, underscored PVMA’s unwavering dedication to steering the veterinary profession toward excellence. The conference, much like the veterinary field itself, blended science, compassion, and leadership to create an unforgettable experience.

Registration Includes

Notably, the Power of 10 Scholarship 2023 class received welldeserved recognition during the conference. The Power of 10 Scholarship Program, a cornerstone of PVMA’s commitment to leadership development, extended an enriching journey to 10 PVMA members. Over two years, these scholars were equipped with essential skills through face-to-face and virtual discussions, exposure to continuing education programs, and leadership training. The program’s structure, divided into “Learning” and “Leading” phases, underscored the holistic approach to grooming veterinary leaders.

• Continuing Education Tracks for: • Companion Animal • Equine • Large/Production Animal • CVT/VTS • Practice Management • 20+ Hours of PA-Approved Continuing (CE) Credits Please save the dates for 2024’sEducation Keystone Veterinary Conference, • Peer Networking and Activities August 15-18, 2024, which promises to be an even bigger year for the event! • Access to the Whova App, Offering Exhibitor and Attendee Interaction • Discounted Hersheypark tickets

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 19

A Unique Option for Hospital Debt

ALERA GROUP SMALL BUSINESS UNIT For the Alera Group SBU team, getting to spend time with PVMA members at the Keystone Conference reaffirmed how noble a pursuit the veterinary profession is. Not only a passion for animal care – but also a dedication to lifelong learning. As the field of veterinary medicine continues to evolve and expand, so do the opportunities and challenges faced by aspiring veterinarians, including the cost of education. We know this issue is covering that topic – how to leverage scholarship opportunities to pay for your continuing education and how to manage resulting debts. When it comes to the services we offer at Alera, we can certainly present many cost saving options in the world of insurance and HR – but we’ll forgo the sales pitch at the moment to present something new to help with your potential medical debt. Let’s first take a look at the problem: the cost of your health care. “Nearly four of 10 Americans said they had put off care in 2022 because of cost, the highest number since Gallup started asking people about delaying care more than 20 years ago. The percentage reporting they or a family member delayed health care because of cost rose to 38 percent from 26 percent in 2021. With the prices of prescription drugs, hospital stays and other treatments expected to increase significantly this year and next, some doctors expect families to have an even harder time affording medical care.”1

Very concerning statistics to be sure. It’s clear that cost is a big concern for Americans – to the point of avoiding care. But what if that care is necessary for your wellbeing? And what about care that has already been provided? How can you navigate the medical and hospital debt you already have? One option you may not have heard of is DollarFor.org. Dollar For is a “national nonprofit that crushes medical bills by helping patients access charity care. (They) empower patients and advocate on their behalf.”2 They don’t pay for bills, but they can help get the hospital to forgive them. From their website, here is how they can help: 1. See if you qualify, then fill out their patient questionnaire. Every hospital is different, but here are some examples of who qualifies. a. Household of 1 making $49,000 b. Household of 2 making $65,000 c. Household of 3 making $83,000 d. Household of 4 making $100,000 2. They’ll prepare your application for you and send it to the hospital. 3. They’ll work with you and the hospital to get you debt relief.

Abelson, R. (2023, Feb 16). Higher Bills Are Leading Americans to Delay Medical Care. New York Times, Health. 2 DollarFor.org (2023). What We Do.

20 | Keystone Veterinarian

Simple. It works, it’s free, and you can take a look at some real success stories on their website. Hospitals hold all the power and with no federal oversight on charity care, and they do the bare minimum to educate patients about these programs. With one theme of this magazine issue focusing on debt, we thought it important to present this option for those that may be struggling. It can be incredibly difficult to navigate the confusing, daunting, and expensive world of health care, so anything we can do to help – we will! Our team is full of knowledge, creative options, and we want to offer our expertise to PVMA membership. Even if it isn’t through one of our own products, the success of you and your practice is what we aim to help achieve so we will always present those solutions. Speaking of our own products, perhaps it is now time for that sales pitch… The Alera Group would love to help with more cost-saving opportunities for your business and your employees! Our portfolio of insurance and HR solutions can take a lot of pressure off practice managers and save time and money in the process. Whether you need assistance setting up health care or other employee benefits or are searching for property and casualty coverages for your business, the SBU team will find the best plans for your needs. Our team has unique and creative options for PVMA membership that are certainly worth exploring. Some plans even have solutions to avoid debt concerns entirely – through $0 procedures and specialty prescriptions. Get in touch with us today at cloudaia.aleragroup.com/pvma and learn what we can do for you!

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 21

AVMA House of Delegates Summary By Tina Dougherty, VMD, Delegate Kate Boatright, VMD, Alternate Delegate

The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) met on July 13 and 14, 2023 in Denver, Colorado for its annual meeting. The HOD had a busy session that included discussion of 2 Veterinary Information Forum (VIF) topics, updates from the AVMA as well as 15 foreign dignitaries from international veterinary organizations, leadership elections, and deliberation over 1 house manual change and 9 resolutions.

Resolutions and Results The full text of all resolutions is available on the AVMA website. The following resolutions were adopted: •

Resolution 10 – Safeguarding Care for Animals with Veterinarian-Led Teams (adopted with amendments)

•

Resolution 11 – Supersede Policy on Canine Devocalization

•

Resolution 12 – Revised Policy on Docking of Lambs’ Tails (adopted with amendments)

•

Resolution 13 – Revised Policy on Tail Docking of Cattle

•

Resolution 16 – Revised Policy on Physical Restraint of Animals (adopted with amendments)

•

Resolution 17 – New Policy on Canine Hybrids (adopted with amendments)

•

Resolution 18 – Statement to the Profession (adopted with amendments)

Resolutions 14 (New Policy on Sheep and Goat Castration) and 15 (New Policy on Sheep and Goat Disbudding and Dehorning) were referred back to the Board of Directors for further consideration by the Animal Welfare Committee.

Veterinary Information Forum At each HOD session, time is dedicated to the discussion of core issues in the veterinary profession. All AVMA members are invited to submit comments on the topics by email prior to the meeting. We encourage you to participate in these 22 | Keystone Veterinarian

conversations so that we can best represent your opinions and share your experiences. Watch for an email later this fall on the topics to be discussed at the Winter Session in January 2024. Topic 1: Spectrum of Care: The Why and Barriers to Implementation. Discussion on the HOD floor included a general support for the practice of spectrum of care, which is defined by Fingland et al as “a continuum of acceptable care that considers available evidence-based medicine while remaining responsive to client expectations and financial limitations.” This topic was referred to the Board of Directors (BOD) for consideration on the following actions: additional investigation, collaboration with stakeholders, potential research needs, consideration of development policy or position statements, and member resource development. Topic 2: Sustainability in Veterinary Medicine: The Greening of Veterinary Workplaces. This VIF topic was referred to the BOD to develop a best practice list regarding sustainability, explore collaboration with other One Health stakeholders and academic institutions regarding sustainability, develop a Sustainable Practices Certificate, and review internal processes and systems of AVMA to increase sustainability.

AVMA Leadership The AVMA President Elect was elected during the annual session. This year there were three candidates for the position. Dr. Sandra Faeh Butler was elected as the 2023-2024 President Elect. Additionally, Dr. Michael Bailey, past PVMA president and BOD District 2 representative, announced his candidacy for 2024-2025 President Elect. The Vice President holds a two-year term. As Dr. Jennifer Quammen is entering the second year of her term, there was no election for this position. Drs. Elisabeth Boggier and Gary Marshal announced their candidacy for Vice President starting in 2024.

Additional elections were held for the House Advisory Committee and various AVMA Councils. A vacancy remains on the Council of Public Health, Animal Health.

funds for programs and maintaining funding rather than taking cuts. You can get involved in advocacy through the following programs: •

AVMA Ambassador Program: A great way to encourage engagement. This program connects veterinarians directly with members of Congress, mobilizing local, individual leaders. Ambassadors visit with lawmakers in their home state, building and nurturing relationships and ensuring that legislators hear directly from constituent veterinarians about issues that are important to the profession.

•

AVMA Legislative Fly-In: The 2023 Fly-In was very successful as the event returned to in-person. The AVMA regularly hosts legislative fly-in events that bring veterinarians and veterinary students to Washington, D.C., for hands-on advocacy experience. Participants receive in-depth briefings about the top policy issues affecting veterinary medicine and meet with their members of Congress to advocate on those issues. These important events ensure that the voice of the veterinary profession is amplified on Capitol Hill.

Treasurer’s Report AVMA Treasurer Dr. Arnie Goldman is finishing his tenure as treasurer. Dr. Jon Pennell stepped into the treasurer’s position following the annual meeting. Dr. Goldman offered a 6-year snapshot since he took office in 2017. Since that time, AVMA has experienced an increase in non-dues revenue, up 54% or $7MM dollars. In that same time, AVMA grew total revenue by 34% or 12.7MM. Membership grew by 12%, or nearly 11K members. The AVMA‘s current operating net income is 2.7MM, broken down into an investment revenue of 9.8MM and approved strategic initiatives of 2.2MM with a total impact on overall bottom line loss of 9.3MM. This loss was driven exclusively by investment non-performance. AVMA programming will continue as normal since AVMA keeps 100% operating revenue for 12 months in reserve. The 2023 projected net operating income is 958K, investment revenue of 5.8MM, approved strategic initiatives 3.0MM, with a projected total impact on overall bottom line 2.8MM in the black. If projections prove accurate, the total impact will be far better than that.

Governmental Relations Division The AVMA Governmental Relations Division (GRD) is constantly at work to promote and protect the veterinary profession at the legislative level. They work at the national and state levels and have provided support to the PVMA in the past as we have navigated state-level issues. Currently, federal legislative focuses include: •

Combating Illicit xylazine act: The AVMA supported the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act which would help combat the emergency threat posed by illicit xylazine sources while protecting veterinary access to this important animal sedative. The bill’s provisions would equip law enforcement with additional tools to stop xylazine trafficking while maintaining veterinary ability to legitimately use xylazine.

•

Rural Veterinary Workforce Act: This is the VMLRP under a new name.

•

Farm bill: Discussions are heating up surrounding this bill, specifically the reauthorization for animal health lab network, national animal defense preparedness response program, veterinary services grant program and a number of research programs.

•

Healthy Dog Importation Act: The goal will be to get this folded into the farm bill.

•

Appropriations: AVMA has been successful in obtaining

Political Action Committee (PAC) Update Fondly nicknamed the Professional Advocacy Committee, the AVMA PAC enjoyed more contributions and contributors, allowing the 2021-2022 election cycle to be the best yet. However, only 2% of AVMA membership donates. This is a low number compared to other large associations (like ADA), which typically boast a 10-20% donation rate. WE can do better. Within the last election cycle, $205,000 was given to members of Congress. AVMA would like to remind you that we are not buying votes, rather we are buying access to a space where we can deliver our message.

Trust Update The AVMA Trust has been serving members for over 6 decades offering protection for students, personal coverage for members and family, and now with 3 important programs for practice owners and practices of all sizes including group health care, retirement, and voluntary employee benefits such as life insurance. The Trust is now offering webinars covering a wide range of topics such as the importance of record keeping, avoiding medication errors, obtaining owner consent, cyberbullying and many more. As always, it is our pleasure to represent the veterinarians and veterinary professionals of Pennsylvania on the floor of the AVMA HOD. We will return to Chicago in January for our next session. If you have questions or concerns, you may contact us through the PVMA.

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 23

Is a Regulatory Veterinarian a “Real” Veterinarian? By Amy Nesselrodt, DVM

While driving down a country road, enjoying the scenery, and thinking through my plans for the day, I received a call from an equine veterinarian. She was very concerned about two horses at a private stable, which also housed boarders. One horse had been found down in his stall and had a high fever. He was being treated symptomatically. The next day, a second horse showed hindlimb incoordination and started dribbling urine. “Could this be EHM (i.e., equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, EHV1)?” she asked. Suddenly, my plans for the whole week changed in a flash. As an animal lover, at a very early age I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian “when I grew up.” Dogs and dog training were my passion. I pictured myself someday as a small animal clinical veterinarian. However, almost everyone discouraged me from even trying to get into veterinary school because at the time veterinary school was harder to get into than medical school. But hard work and dedication paid off, and I was accepted into several veterinary school programs. After graduation, I started as a small animal veterinarian. I enjoyed a lot about practice but wanted more time for family and my dog training obsession. I eventually left practice and started working as a “Veterinary Medical Field Officer” or VMFO, under the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Service (BAHDS) with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

24 | Keystone Veterinarian

I still remember being at a dog show and having one of my friends introduce me as, “This is my friend Amy, she used to be a veterinarian.” I was taken aback by her words “….used to be a veterinarian”! Are regulatory veterinarians “real” veterinarians? What do regulatory veterinarians do anyway?

The Role of Regulatory Veterinarians It is challenging to explain, partly because the job covers a large variety of responsibilities. Also, very little of what I do mirrors the job description of a traditional practicing veterinarian. The easiest way to explain what a regulatory veterinarian does is: “I work with the scary diseases and serious issues – usually involving food animals – that might adversely affect the food supply, international trade, and/or human health, and which you might hear about in the news.” But even that does not really answer the question of what regulatory veterinarians do. What does a day in the life of a VMFO look like? One thing I like about this job is the days do not all look the same. Some days are carefully planned out and some days all my plans go out the window for an emergency! The Bureau is tasked with enforcing the animal health laws that the Department has legal authority to enforce. I oversee programs and regulations for a 10-county region and have two dedicated awesome Domestic Animal Health Inspectors who work with me.

Part of the job involves inspecting licensees, such as domestic animal dealers, haulers, pet stores, animal auctions, and live bird markets. BAHDS enforces the domestic dead animal disposal law by inspecting dead animal disposal businesses (commercial compost facilities, landfills, and crematoriums) and by responding to complaints about improper dead animal disposal. BAHDS regulates dangerous transmissible diseases of poultry and has laws to help prevent disease spread. In addition, there are two voluntary poultry programs: the PA Egg Quality Assurance Program, which was started to keep interstate egg markets open during a time when Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs was causing an increase in human salmonellosis (the bacteria had evolved to be able to survive inside an egg in the hen’s oviduct); and the National Poultry Improvement Program which helps poultry and poultry products move interstate. BAHDS is also tasked with responding to suspicion or confirmation of dangerous transmissible diseases (“DTD”s). BAHDS responds when suspected clinical signs of a DTD are reported by a veterinarian, or lab results are suspect for a DTD. The process involves implementing a quarantine to prevent spread of disease, ruling the DTD in or out, following a response plan, and tracing movement of animals in and out of the premises. Sound simple? It rarely is. While quarantines can be an effective means to slow or stop a disease from spreading, they do come with consequences. Impacted farmers have limited continuity of business meaning they can’t exhibit in animal shows or sales, they aren’t able to take their animals to the fair, and are unable to move eggs to the hatchery, etc. Additionally, quarantines impose financial constraints and come with an emotional price tag. By the time I arrive, people are already stressed out. I spend a lot of my job educating the animal owners, explaining why their animals must be quarantined, what it entails, and the potential best- and worst-case scenarios. It is never easy to tell someone they are quarantined. Back to the barn Unfortunately, the horses at the beginning of this article were confirmed with EHV-1 by PCR of nasal swabs and whole blood. The index horses were humanely euthanized. I posted a quarantine and spent a lot of time at the barn teaching the worried owners about biosecurity to minimize exposure of the virus to their other horses. Temperatures were monitored twice daily for several weeks. I did re-checks to monitor biosecurity and spent time just listening to the owner expressing her fears and heartbreak. The next year, I received a Christmas card from the owner. She wrote that she was still grieving, and it had been an awful experience, but she also stated she was glad I was there to help her get through it. I still have that card. DTD Management For some DTDs, there are “Quarantine Orders,” and a program required by law. For example, BAHDS published a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Quarantine, under the authority of which I inspect deer, elk, and reindeer farms and “preserves” (hunting ranches) for compliance, including looking for clinical CWD suspects. BAHDS is tasked with investigating and responding to suspect cases of Foreign Animal Disease (FAD). There are multiple triggers that might

The Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services (BAHDS) Mission statement: “The Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services is a group of dedicated professional public servants responsible for protecting and improving Pennsylvania’s critical animal agriculture infrastructure through: •

Preventing, detecting, eradicating, and mitigating the effects of dangerous transmissible animal diseases to assure continuity of sustainable agriculture.

•

Educating industry and the public on biosecurity measures and animal disease topics through outreach and administration of animal health programs.

•

Regulating and ensuring compliance under applicable animal health laws and regulations.”

BAHDS Vision Statement: “To be a trusted public service for an increasingly diverse and vibrant agriculture and all those we work to protect. To always be mindful of the innumerable ways society relies on or depends on agriculture and its products, and of agriculture’s intersection with the most important issues of our time. To act intentionally to ensure agriculture is inclusive and equitable to all and to inspire future generations of leaders for the industry.”

continued on next page > Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 25

Is a Regulatory Veterinarian a “Real” Veterinarian? continued from page 25

suggest a FAD, including clinical signs, rapid disease spread, and high mortality. When I have a FAD investigation, I pull out my “detective hat”: I create a list of possible disease rule outs; conduct interviews with the owner, the veterinarian, and others to get a complete history; examine the animals; collect and ship the samples; place a quarantine on the farm; and help to keep everyone calm as we hold our collective breath. Recently, there have been investigations in PA involving Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, Swine Vesicular diseases, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. One of the more interesting areas I work with is with Rabies, where I get the opportunity to help pet owners and assist the veterinary community, as few veterinarians have experience with rabies. When a pet is bitten by a rabid animal, owners are understandably scared. We have so many interesting rabies cases: a woman calling for help on her cell while standing on a coon that attacked her cat; an 80+-year-old “cat lady” (who owned more cats than anyone could count) who opened her sliding glass door to see why her cats were yelling, enabling a rabid coon to run into her house and attack her dog; a barn cat, never previously friendly, suddenly becoming very friendly and biting a young boy. The Amish family in this case refused to get him treatment unless the cat was confirmed rabid, so they hired a driver, showed up at the regional office with a live screaming cat in a box in the back of the truck. Yes, it was rabid. And guess who else it bit? Me! And no, they’re not supposed to bring us live specimens. Rabies is never boring. Additional Responsibilities of the BAHDS But what about non-compliance? What happens when a farmer refuses to take care of the dead cow laying in the field next to his neighbor’s home, or a hauler who refuses to get licensed, or a deer farmer who refuses to collect the required samples to test for Chronic Wasting Disease? BAHDS field staff members have the authority to enforce the Domestic Animal Law, Quarantine Orders, and Title 7 throughout the Commonwealth. The Bureau does not enforce animal cruelty laws, which are under the Crimes Code. However, we partner with, and relay that information to, the PA State Police and PA Licensed Humane Police Officers who enforce this law. For noncompliance cases, our goal is to work with the business and educate them on the importance of compliance. Sometimes, however, issuing a Notice of Violation is needed. If that is not sufficient, or sometimes when the noncompliance was grievous and deliberate, we may issue a citation. If the defendant pleads not guilty, BAHDS serves in the role of prosecutor, presenting our evidence in court, relaying the important details of our investigation, backed up with records, pictures, sworn testimony, or other evidence. I never take citing someone lightly, and I never choose to cite unless I am confident the evidence will prove their guilt.

26 | Keystone Veterinarian

BAHDS field staff also inspects and works with state-sponsored fairs and the major livestock events at the Farm Show Complex. Every year, PDA puts out fair requirements and recommendations. It is part of our job to inspect and make sure the requirements are being followed and help the fair livestock committee and participants to have a safe, diseasefree fair. We also verify that each fair is in compliance with the Animal Exhibition and Sanitation Act, including ensuring hand washing stations are accessible to the public, and verification of a veterinary-client relationship. I love when livestock committee members at my proactive fairs are happy to see me, chat with me, and ask questions. That is my goal—to be a welcome partner in protecting the health of the animals and people at the fairs. Educating and answering questions from stakeholders, veterinarians, and the public is also a big part of my job. I used to say that we should be called “the Bureau of Everything Animal” because every agency across PA refers all animal related calls to us, whether we have the authority to handle the situation or not! My policy has always been to try to help every caller, by either answering their question or finding someone who can. Meet the Team The Bureau has had some challenges in the last few years, including Covid, having several dedicated staff members move, retire or take new jobs and, to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak that began in April 2022.The good news is that the bureau is made up of a hardworking, dedicated team. Recently, BAHDS staff were pleased to have Dr. Alex Hamberg and Dr. Erin Luley join our staff as the State and Assistant State Veterinarians respectively. BAHDS also added Dr. Mina Kalley, who joined our current epidemiologist, Dr. David Zellner. The seven regions are staffed by dedicated Domestic Animal Health Inspectors and a VMFO team leader. However, there is always more to do. New threats and animal health challenges are on the horizon, and to be prepared BAHDS is looking for veterinarians to join our team. Do you have good people, teaching, detective, diagnostic, writing, documenting, triaging, and leadership skills? Do you enjoy challenges and creative problem solving? Would you like working both outdoors and in an office, and driving around Pennsylvania? Do you like working with a wide range of diverse people? Do you enjoy being a part of a motivated team? Then perhaps you would consider working as a VMFO for BAHDS. We look forward to when our team is built back up. And if you’re worried about not being considered a “real” veterinarian, remember that is just one of many hats regulatory veterinarians wear!

In Memoriam Robert C. “Doc” Dreisbach Robert C. “Doc” Dreisbach, 95, passed away at his home near Mercer, Pa. on July 1. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helene (Zimmerman). He is pre-deceased by his parents, Louis and Ida (Foell); two brothers, Lewis and Harry; and a son, Karl. He has four surviving children: Douglas (Alexjandra) of Turtle Creek, Pa; Dyan of San Francisco, Calif.; Patricia Stroup of Montreux, Switzerland; and Carol (Brett) Ward of Mercer, Pa. He has numerous well-loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After serving in WW II, he graduated from University of Maryland, then University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. He was a self-employed veterinarian for 50 years. He practiced in southeastern Pennsylvania for 15 years. During that time he was contract veterinarian for Graterford Prison where he also acted as visiting instructor for U of P veterinary students. Among other activities he was 4-H leader for a Veterinary Science group. In 1970 he moved to Hamburg, Pa. where, in addition to establishing a practice, he and his wife Helene developed a well-known herd of Jersey cattle. They also traveled extensively around the world with many trips related to the dairy industry. In addition to his family, his great loves were farming and veterinary medicine and he felt blessed to have spent his life doing both. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercer (Pa.) Area Library or Hamburg (Pa.) Historical Society.

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 27

Classifie d Ads VETERINARIANS Larkin Veterinary Center | Full Time / West Lawn, Pennsylvania Are you looking to refresh your career? Practice high-quality, progressive medicine? Have a flexible schedule that promotes work-life balance and taking vacations and CE time? Want to do it all in a modern, recently renovated facility? Larkin Veterinary Center is built on the belief that patient care and comfort come first, whether it be a dog, cat, or exotic pet. We pride ourselves on preventative care through routine vaccinations, twice-yearly exam recommendations, and preventative diagnostic testing. Our dental program is top-notch with digital dental X-rays for every patient, and all our surgeries receive full, advanced monitoring. Please call Arianna Dobroski at (845) 745-6860 and/or email arianna.dobroski@nva.com. Conrad Weiser Animal Hospital | Full Time / Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania Are you looking to work in a smaller practice that allows you to still have a large network of doctors that can provide mentorship? Do you want that hospital to still have high-quality medicine and advanced equipment? Conrad Weiser Animal Hospital offers pets expert veterinary care with small-town warmth and compassion. There are no rushed appointments or long waits to see our veterinarians, ensuring you have time to focus on providing excellent care. As a full-service animal hospital, we pride ourselves in offering a variety of services, including wellness exams, allergy testing and dermatology, pet dental care, and veterinary surgery. Please call Arianna Dobroski at (845) 745-6860 and/or email arianna.dobroski@nva.com. Oley Valley Animal Clinic | Full Time / Oley, Pennsylvania Oley Valley Animal Clinic is looking for a Managing Veterinarian to join their team! Oley Valley Animal Clinic is a wellestablished, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care. Our mission is to provide the Oley Valley and surrounding communities with advanced, compassionate, and comprehensive care. We aim to embody our core values of efficiency, compassion, responsibility, dependability, and professionalism in everything we do. The ideal candidate 28 | Keystone Veterinarian

places a high priority on fostering client relationships and will thrive in a busy, multidoctor practice, has a love of people and collaboration, and enjoys a progressive medical approach. Please call Arianna Dobroski at (845) 745-6860 and/or email arianna.dobroski@nva.com.

Coventry Animal Hospital | Full Time / Pottstown, Pennsylvania Coventry Animal Hospital is looking for a Managing Veterinarian to join their team in Pottstown. Coventry is one of the oldest continuously operating veterinary hospitals in the tri-county area. We offer comprehensive wellness exams, tailor-made vaccine protocols, in-house laboratory testing, radiology and routine surgery services, and an intensive care ward. The ideal candidate will be innovative, with strong leadership skills to lead our team of doctors. Coventry Animal Hospital offers many desirable benefits including generous sign-on and retention bonuses, medical, dental, and eye insurance, 401k with employer match, liability insurance, and so much more. Please call Arianna Dobroski at (845) 745-6860 and/or email arianna.dobroski@nva.com. Camboro Veterinary Hospital | Full Time / Edinboro, Pennsylvania Managing Veterinarian / Medical Director opening at Camboro Veterinary Hospital located near Erie, PA. We are looking for an experienced Veterinarian who is a good communicator, a team player who enjoys collaboration and contributing to the growth of our team through sharing knowledge and teaching. This is both a clinical and non-clinical position some of which involves surgery, dentistry, providing excellent medical leadership, creating an environment of teamwork, managing associate veterinarians and assuring regulatory compliance relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. We are a team of 4 FT and 2 PT veterinarians. Progressive clinic with lots to offer. Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818-309-3709 and/ or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@nva.com. Paw Prints Veterinary Clinic | Full Time / Morgantown, West Virginia Join Our Expansion! We currently built a brand-new facility and therefore, looking to add more doctors to our GP small animal hospital in Westover, West Virginia. Paw Prints Veterinary Clinic’s new (additional building) opened in the Summer of 2022.

We are currently a six-doctor practice. We have the capacity to do bone plating, TTA and TPLO surgeries. Our new facility will be equipped with a CT scanner. We have Storz laparoscopic and arthroscopic equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for a new grad or experienced Veterinarian. Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818-309-3709 and/ or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@nva.com.

Chester County Cat Hospital | Full Time / West Chester, Pennsylvania Searching for a cat-loving veterinarian to join our practice in West Chester. We are a state-of-the-art hospital in a beautiful city. West Chester is a great place to live and work with many restaurants, excellent schools, and easy access to Philadelphia. Our clients love their cats and want to have excellent care. The ideal candidate will have good leadership and communication skills. We proudly have a compassionate and caring environment for our clients and felines. Please contact Dr. Stadler at 215859-1648 or rachel.coyer@gmail.com. Best Friends Animal Hospital | Full or Part Time / Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Best Friends Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate Associate Veterinarian to join our progressive practice. We are currently a two doctor veterinary practice that offers preventative and surgical care to small animals and pocket pets. We offer wellness exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, soft tissue surgeries, elective surgeries (on pocket pets too!), diagnostic sick patient exams, in house or referral bloodwork, digital full body and dental x-ray, ultrasound and laser therapy. We are currently pursuing AI options for more advanced veterinary care. Please email Leah Smith at leah.smith@nva.com. Companion Animal Hospital | Full Time / Mount Joy, Pennsylvania Companion Animal Hospital was founded in 1995, and it has continued to grow and serve the community ever since. Our full-service staff of 8 doctors, 15 veterinary technicians as well as qualified receptionists and veterinary assistants still strive to provide personal care. As a team, we provide a broad range of veterinary services including wellness care, acupuncture, in house laboratory, digital radiology, nutritional counseling, orthopedic surgery including tplo, reproductive health and services, and a canine rehabilitation program. There are

Interested in placing a classified ad? Visit PaVMA.org/Classified-Ads for information on all classified ad placement opportunities. two high quality emergency clinics in the area that provide overnight and weekend emergency services for our patients. Please email Leah Smith at leah.smith@nva.com.

Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital | Full Time / Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital in Gettysburg, PA, is an AAHA-accredited hospital and is seeking an Associate Veterinarian who shares our passion for pets and their families. Our mission is to provide outstanding medical and surgical care to our patients and excellent client experience. For over 40 years, our staff has helped thousands of pets, including dogs, cats, and pocket pets, live healthier, longer-lasting lives. We focus on work, life, and family balance, with no on-call duties as after-hours emergencies are referred to a local ER. You will be a proactive member of a collaborative team of Veterinarians. Please email Leah Smith at leah.smith@ nva.com. Dover Area Animal Hospital | Full Time / Dover, Pennsylvania We are currently a 7 doctor practice with a recently expanded and upgraded hospital. At Dover you will enjoy a fast-paced environment supported by our experienced team of veterinarians, technicians, and receptionists. We are open to veterinarians of all experience levels. Our team would welcome the opportunity to mentor a new graduate as well. At Dover you can expect a diverse medical and surgical caseload. Our well-equipped hospital includes a surgical and cold laser, digital x-ray, ultrasound, and paperless records. Please email Leah Smith at leah.smith@nva.com. Little Gap Animal Hospital | Part Time / Palmerton, Pennsylvania Small animal practice. Part-time veterinarian is needed for one to two days a week. Days flexible. Compensation negotiable. We have two locations near the Blue Mountain Ski area – Palmerton and Walnutport, PA. Send resume to lgahbrvc@ gmail.com or call Dr Edward A Shelly at 610 826 2793. Buckingham Animal Hospital | Full Time / Doylestown, Pennsylvania Seeking full-time veterinarian in beautiful Central Bucks County for Buckingham Animal Hospital, a privately-owned five-doctor practice. Veterinarians are

supported by our highly trained and friendly staff within our well-equipped, bright and spacious stand-alone building. We are seeking a kind team member with excellent interpersonal and communication skills – sense of humor is a bonus! The owner is a 2003 Penn Vet graduate with experience mentoring new veterinarians. Generous salary and benefits. Schedule averages 35-40 hours/week, no after-hours emergencies. Close to the charming towns of Doylestown and New Hope and driving distance to Philadelphia and NYC. Please email Brad Kube, VMD at buckah1950@ gmail.com.

Keystone Veterinary Care | Full Time / State College, Pennsylvania Imagine a veterinary hospital with a team that practices progressive medicine, cultivates a growth mindset, encourages constant learning, and celebrates small victories. Imagine that veterinary hospital is located in a beautiful area flush with outdoor activities and amenities, while still maintaining a small-town, close-knit feeling. Now, imagine that veterinary hospital is looking for a passionate and dedicated veterinarian. Keystone Veterinary Care has a part- or full-time position for an experienced veterinarian with at least 1 year’s experience in practice. We are also open to mentoring new graduates with guidance and support from our talented team and formal mentorship program. Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818-309-3709 and/or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@nva.com. Blair Animal Hospital | Full Time / Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania Our hospital in beautiful central Pennsylvania is looking to add another part to full time veterinarian to our team. We are currently comprised of two fulltime veterinarians and one part-time veterinarian, along with an amazing support staff. Blair Animal Hospital is a cat and dog exclusive hospital, but our clientele and team would be happy to open our doors to exotics and/or pocket pets if there is an interest in this area. We look forward to mentoring a new graduate or learning from an experienced applicant that is looking to work within a team to care for our patients. Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818-309-3709 and/or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@nva.com.

The Animal Hospital on the Golden Strip | Full Time / Williamsport, Pennsylvania We are looking for another veterinarian to be a part of our well-established small animal practice. We treat dogs, cats and some exotics. We feel we do many things well but if we had to highlight a few it would be the ability of being very capable. Our technician team is out of this world and makes our doctors’ lives very manageable throughout the day. We also handle end of life care impeccably and care deeply about our community. Enjoy 4-day work weeks with no on-call. We serve the Lycoming and surrounding counties. Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818-309-3709 and/or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@nva.com. Butler Veterinary Associates, Inc., and Emergency Center | Full Time / Butler, Pennsylvania Butler Veterinary Associates is looking to hire an Associate DVM. We are a large group practice that provides general practice as well as emergency services in the Butler/North Pittsburgh area. We get many challenging cases to keep your diagnostic, medical and surgical skills sharp. All this in a strong team-based environment. We see ourselves as a step between most general practices and board-certified specialists in what we can offer clients diagnostically, medically and surgically. If you want to be a part of a dynamic team reach out today! Excellent mentorship for new grads. Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818-309-3709 and/or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@nva.com. National Veterinary Associates | Full Time / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Multi-site Associate Veterinarian opening for our GP small animal hospitals in Pittsburgh, PA. We are looking for someone to split their time between hospitals located on the Golden Mile Highway, in North Versailles, and on Frankstown Road. Schedule is as much or as little as you’d like and based on the hospital’s needs. We offer preventative wellness, dentistry, surgery, ultrasound, laser therapy, rehabilitation, and much more! If you want a place where your passion and skills as a veterinarian will be valued, and where your feedback, input, and ideas will be heard, please reach out today! Please call Kelli Dowhaniuk at 818309-3709 and/or email Kelli.Dowhaniuk@ nva.com. continued on next page >

Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 29

clas sifie d ads continued from page 29

TECHNICIANS Allegheny Veterinary Associates | Full Time / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Allegheny Veterinary Associates is a small animal clinic located in the Pittsburgh area. We are seeking a full time, Certified Veterinary Technician with two years’ experience working in the field. Our clinic operates Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, no evening, weekends, or holiday hours. Aside from the technical requirements of the position candidates must be reliable, self-motivated, compassionate, communicate well with clients and staff and fit into our culture. Benefits include competitive salary, 10 paid vacation days, 401K, dental, medical, continued education reimbursement, and employment discount. Send your resume to alleghenyvet@comcast.net. Wellsboro Small Animal Hospital | Full or Part Time / Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania We are seeking part/full time veterinary technicians. We provide routine healthy and sick care, soft tissue and limited orthopedic surgery, dental prophylaxis and surgery, digital radiography, and ultrasonography. We will soon have in-house CT imaging. Job responsibilities include assisting with wellness/sick exams, patient care, venipuncture, and radiograph acquisition. Additional duties include performing anesthesia/anesthetic monitoring, surgery prep, dental prophylaxis and radiography, and CT acquisition based on experience. Job training is provided. Benefits include competitive salary and paid time off, 401K with 4% match, elective short- and longterm disability, and employee discount. Full-time employees may elect employerpaid medical/vision/dental insurance. Please email resume (Attn: Dr. J. Salevsky) to mgmtwsah@ptd.net. Little Gap Animal Hospital | Full or Part Time / Palmerton, Pennsylvania Certified technicians needed full or part time. Small animal practice. Two locations near the Blue Mountain Ski area approximately 15 miles north of Allentown, PA. Compensation negotiable. Full time position includes medical benefits, holidays, vacation, paid CE license fees etc. Call Dr. Edward A Shelly 6108262793, resumes can be sent to lgahbrvc@gmail.com.

30 | Keystone Veterinarian

practices/equipment for sale Penn Hills, PA Small animal practice for sale. Owner retiring. Practice, building/real estate, equipment, and a house that sits behind the office in a private setting. Selling all for $525,000. For more information, please email puttens-kippies@verizon.net. Southeast of Erie PRACTICE FOR SALE (PA-9340) – Small animal practice southeast of Erie grossing $723K. Well-equipped with Idexx VetLab and LaserCyte, CR x-ray, digital dental, and ultrasound. Practice is offered at $550K and real estate is offered at $375K. Call for more information. Contact TPSG Great Lakes (www.tpsgsales.com) at 440-933-4522 – Dr. Kurt Liljeberg (kurt@tpsgsales.com) or Bret Halishak (bret@tpsgsales.com). East Side of Pittsburgh PRACTICE FOR SALE (PA-9120) – Small animal practice on east side of Pittsburgh grossing $815K. Two exam rooms and digital x-ray. PRICE REDUCED – Practice and real estate now offered at $780K. Buyer should make income of over $200,000 after paying for all practice expenses and mortgage. Call for more information. Contact TPSG Great Lakes (www.tpsgsales.com) at 440-9334522 – Dr. Kurt Liljeberg (kurt@tpsgsales. com) or Bret Halishak (bret@tpsgsales. com). East of Pittsburgh PRACTICE FOR SALE (PA-6050) – Small animal practice east of Pittsburgh grossing over $550K. Nice, well-equipped practice. Practice and real estate offered at $499K. Call for more information. Contact TPSG Great Lakes (www.tpsgsales.com) at 440-933-4522 – Dr. Kurt Liljeberg (kurt@ tpsgsales.com) or Bret Halishak (bret@ tpsgsales.com). Western Pennsylvania BUYING OR SELLING A PRACTICE – Buying or selling a veterinary practice? Confused about corporate consolidators? Count on the experience of Total Practice Solutions Group – Great Lakes. Contact TPSG Great Lakes (www.tpsgsales.com) at 440-9334522 – Dr. Kurt Liljeberg (kurt@tpsgsales. com) or Bret Halishak (bret@tpsgsales. com).

Relief Veterinarians Erin K Murphy, DVM Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, and Schuylkill Counties Outgoing, energetic, and professional veterinarian in search of small animal practices where I can utilize my 24 years of clinical experience. I enjoy surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, wellness visits, and participating with the human-animal bond. Excellent communication skills, active listener, compassionate, and empathetic. Email ekhj07@gmail.com. David J. Henzler, DVM, PhD Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks, Schuylkill, Lancaster, Lehigh, and York Counties RELIEF VETERINARIAN with 15 years of clinical practice experience, including 3.5 years as a full-time 24-hour emergency doctor. PhD in Veterinary Science. Serving small animal and exotic practices in Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks, Schuylkill, Lancaster, Lehigh, and York counties. Available to cover vacations, illness, maternity, and other needs. Energetic with a professional appearance and excellent communication skills. Integrous, dependable, and detailed. “I treat your practice like my own!” Call 717.341.4357 or email henzlerdvmphd@aol.com. Jacqueline Burke, VMD Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties 1987 Penn honors grad seeks relief work within 30-60 minutes of the QuakertownPottstown area. Fast and proficient in surgery. Very dependable, professional appearance and manner. See website at jacquelineburkevmd.com. Call 610-754-1155 or email at jacquib1018@gmail.com. Michael Reese, VMD, MS Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties Small animal veterinarian practicing in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. 13 years experience working in hospitals in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. I am knowledgeable, efficient, and personable, and I enjoy and highly value client education. I am also flexible and readily able to adapt to various hospitals’ protocols and procedures. Please let me know if I can be of help in providing shortor long-term relief services to your practice. Thank you! Email reeseveterinary@gmail. com.

Escape and

o a ç a r u C

JOIN US

FEBRUARY 10-17, 2024

INTERESTED IN PRACTICAL CE ON A

Our Speakers

tropical island

WHILE EVERYONE ELSE IS FREEZING? Join us for GP focused CE at a family friendly ALL-INCLUSIVE Marriott Beach Resort in Curaçao!

Dr. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC ECC

Dr. Matt Winter, DVM, DACVR Radiology

RACE APPROVED CE CREDIT HOURS to reserve your spot at UniqueSeminarDestinations.com

Please address any questions about the seminar to Yoon Chay, VMD at uniqueseminardestinations@gmail.com.

Dr. Julie Compton DVM, MS, DACVS