keystone
veterinarian
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
VOLUME IV, 2012
www.pavma.org
pvma
pennsylvania veterinary medical association
advancing animal welfare and human health while ensuring the vitality of the profession
12_Vol_4_cover.indd 1
1/23/2013 3:11:36 PM
12_Vol_4_cover.indd 2
1/23/2013 3:11:39 PM
pvma
pennsylvania veterinary medical association
pennsylvania veterinary medical association
8574 paxton street hummelstown, pa 17036
advancing animal welfare and human health while ensuring the vitality of the profession
phone: 888.550.7862 fax: 717.220.1461 email: pvma@pavma.org website: www.pavma.org
what’s featured 12
Is Practice Ownership For You?
14
Animal, Vegetable ‌ Mineral?
in this issue 5
What's Happening on Your Facebook Page?
7
PVMA Welcomes Two New Members to Our Management Team
9
Build the Importance of Preventive Healthcare With Partners For Healthy Pets Power Tools
16
Changes to Cruelty Statute Head Agenda for 2011-2012 Legislative Session
18
Rabies Alert
2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
20
Thank You to Our 2012 Donors and Volunteers
Robert P. Lavan, DVM, ACPVM President
22
Native American Veterinary Services Enters New Frontiers With a Bright and Exciting Future
24
What's the Value of Your PVMA Membership?
26
Meet the PVMA 2013 Board of Trustees
29
Important Tax Information From PVMA
Kenton Rexford, VMD President-Elect Sherrill Davison, VMD, Vice President Ronald M. Kraft, DVM Secretary-Treasurer E. Mark Fox, VMD Immediate Past President Mary A. Bryant, VMD AVMA Delegate Charlene Miller Wandzilak Executive Director
12_Volume_4.indd 1
30 PVMA's 2012 Digital Photography Contest Yielded Creative Results 31
PVMA 2013 Digital Photography Contest Is Open
32
Welcome New Members
33
Remembering PVMA Past President Dr. David K. Rice
37
PVMA Welcomes the Class of 2016 to Penn Vet at Our First Year Picnic
1/23/2013 3:08:46 PM
Quarterly Columns 6 Observations
by Heather Berst, VMD
“Client Education is the Key to Getting More Pets Through the Door”
8
The President’s Two Cents
"A Look Back at 2012”
10
From Where I Sit
“Making a Difference”
by Robert Lavan, MS, MPVM, DVM, DACVPM
by Charlene Wandzilak
12
Practice Pearls
"Is Practice Ownership For You?”
19
by David McCormick, MS, and Sherry Everhart, BS, RVT
Veterinary Technology Corner by Barb McCullough, CVT
"Veterinary Technicians … Trusted Partners for Your Pet's Care”
34
Penn Vet News
25
Foundation Cornerstone
33
Member News
38
What’s Happening
40
The Grand Finale
"Penn Vet Opens Working Dog Center"
"Meet the 2012 Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation Scholarship Recipients" "Prestigious Bennett J. Cohen Award Given to Dr. Harry Rozmiarek" “Events and Education”
Advertising Index 29 AVMA-PLIT 9
Burzenski & Company, PC
17 DoveLewis 3, 11
Drexel University College of Medicine
21
Dr. Don Reeser—Decorative Bird Carvings
5
Hudson Digital Systems
32 iGive.com 35
Nate Lynch Veterinary Practice Sales & Appraisals
4
On-Hold Specialists
39
Pfizer Animal Health
7
ScoDen, LLC
18
Simmons Veterinary Practice Sales & Appraisals
21
The Last Chance Fund (TLC)
25 VetCor 36
12_Volume_4.indd 2
Classifieds
1/23/2013 3:08:47 PM
12_Volume_4.indd 3
1/23/2013 3:08:49 PM
keystone
veterinarian
2012 Board of Trustees (A= Alternate Trustee, T=Trustee)
District I Adam Hoover, VMD, Trustee Karen Martin, VMD, Alternate
District II Lloyd Reitz, Jr., DVM, Trustee Stacia McMahon Gilbert, DVM, Alternate
District III Robert Bishop, DVM, Trustee Mary-Lynn McBride, DVM, Alternate
District IV Henry Croft, Jr., VMD, Trustee John Showalter, DVM, Trustee Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, Alternate
District V Bill Croushore, DVM, Trustee Dan Zawisza, VMD, Alternate
District VI Andrea Honigmann, DVM, Trustee John Simms, VMD, Trustee Trent Lartz, DVM, Alternate Jeff Steed, DVM, Alternate
District VII Christina Dougherty, VMD, Trustee Jim Holt, VMD, Trustee Casey Lynch Kurtz, VMD, Trustee Theodore Robinson, VMD, Trustee Kimberley Hershhorn Galligher, VMD, Alternate Kim Kovath, VMD, Alternate Steven Prier, VMD, Alternate Tom Garg, VMD, Alternate
Editor: Heather Berst, VMD Staff Editor & Graphic Designer: Lori Raver Staff Editor: Charlene Wandzilak Editorial Correspondence Letters to the Editor should be sent to PVMA, Attn: Lori Raver, 8574 Paxton Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036, fax 717.220.1461, or by email at lraver@pavma.org. Advertising keystone veterinarian is published quarterly by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. Inquiries about display advertising should be directed to Lori Raver at the address and phone number listed above. Advertising information is also available on our website, www.pavma.org. Contracts and insertion orders should be sent to the address listed above by the appropriate submission deadline. Submission Deadlines All articles, classifieds, and display advertisements must be received by the deadlines listed to be considered for inclusion in the respective issue: Volume I, 2013—February 1, 2013 Volume II, 2013—May 1, 2013 Volume III, 2013—August 1, 2013 Volume IV, 2013—October 1, 2013 Subscriptions keystone veterinarian is mailed to all PVMA members at no charge as a member benefit. Subscriptions are available to non-members for $30 a year or $10 for a single issue. Notice to Readers Neither this publication nor PVMA assume 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 guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any facts, views, opinions, recommendations, information or statements contained within this publication. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the permission of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. Copyright 2012: Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.
District VIII Mike Barnett, DVM, MBA, Trustee Ferdinand Visintainer, VMD, Trustee Susan Ackermann, DVM, Alternate
AVMA Alternate Delegate Mike Topper, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Academic Veterinarian At-Large Colin Harvey, BVSc, ACVS
Veterinary Student At-Large Lauren A. Aldinger (V’12)
Production Animal Practice Veterinarian At-Large Darcie Stolz, VMD
Equine Veterinarian At-Large
On-Hold Specialists We specialize in customized veterinary on-hold messages starting at just $79. We are proud to be the only on-hold provider for PVMA! Is your current on-hold program outdated? Need a complete system? Visit our veterinary section online at www.onholdspecialists.com and click on “place an order” to create your script. Ask about group, multi-location, and PVMA member discounts.
Vacant
Public and Corporate Practice Veterinarian At-Large Jules Benson, BVSc, MRCVS
Veterinary Technician At-Large Joy Ellwanger, CVT
12_Volume_4.indd 4
No contracts, no monthly fees. Call us today! 1.888.546.3949
1/23/2013 3:08:51 PM
What's Happening on Your Facebook Page? Provided courtesy of Veterinary News Network (VNN)
I
f you are like many administrators of business pages on Facebook, you have probably seen a decrease in the “reach” that you are receiving from your regular postings. At the same time, Facebook has put renewed efforts into recommending that pages use their Facebook ads or Promoted Posts functionality. Coincidence? Probably not, according to most experts at social media sites like Social Media Today, Marketing Land, and Quora. As mentioned in past discussions, Facebook uses an algorithm (EdgeRank) in order to rate whether or not your page’s post will be seen by any single Facebook user who likes your page. The algorithm looks at the type of post (text vs. video, photo, etc.) as well as past engagement with the user and a specific time decay. At the end of September, Facebook modified the algorithm to throttle back the amount of organic posts showing up in user’s NewsFeeds. Now, most pages report that only about 15% of their fans actually see their posts. Should you worry about this or should you be using the “paid” advertising provided by Facebook? The answer, like most things in social media, is complex. First, you should be monitoring your posts through Facebook Insights. This will often tell you what types of posts work as well as what time you should be posting. By regularly posting good, relevant content, it’s not unusual to reach more than 50% or even 60% of your fan base. Many of our posts at the Veterinary News Network page often exceed 50% of our total likes. Next, understand that the bigger your page is, a lower percent-
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 5
age of fans are reached by your posts. That’s just a built in mechanism to stop huge brands (Coke, Nike, etc.) from clogging up everyone’s NewsFeed. Using Facebook Ads or even the Promoted Posts feature may sound intriguing, but you will need to weigh the costs (actually pretty low) with the return (also pretty low). In an experiment that is still ongoing, we used Facebook ads to promote another one of our pages and saw about 23,000 impressions over a two week period of time. Sounds great, but we only received 29 clicks on the ad and only four of those people took action (i.e. “liked” our page or looked at photos, etc.). Finally, remember that although Facebook is the largest social media network, others do exist and it is worth your time to go and claim your presence on those sites (Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, etc). You don’t have to immediately start posting at all sites, but consider this a step in building a more solid foundation, with multiple supports for your media outreach. That way, if Facebook stops working for you, you will have other options to reach people interested in your expertise. The Veterinary News Network can provide assistance in helping you navigate social media, as well as understand the value of traditional media and helping you protect your online reputation. VNN has partnered with PVMA and we encourage your practice to join us. Learn more at www.MyVNN.com. l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
5
1/23/2013 3:08:53 PM
observations
Client Education is the Key to Getting More Pets Through the Door By Heather Berst, VMD, Editor
A
t some point in veterinary school, I remember somebody telling us, “Just hang out a shingle with your name on it, and the clients will come.” How times have changed! Visits to the veterinarian have been declining for almost a decade. According to findings from the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) and a study by Brakke Consulting, pet owners report spending less on veterinary services, some practice owners have had to lay off at least one veterinarian and/ or staff, and up to 44 percent of veterinarians have canceled or postponed major purchases such as veterinary equipment. Where is this profession going? I started examining statics on new graduates to examine this topic closer. I found some eye opening statistics. Veterinary school annual tuition can range from about $9,000 to close to $60,000. The average debt load upon graduation is $133,873. As reported by the AVMA, the number of fourth year graduating veterinary medicine students with job offers or those continuing on to advanced studies has declined dramatically from 78.9% in 2010 to 61.5% in 2012. In addition, the AVMA is seeing a drop in average starting salaries based on results from its annual survey. That survey shows a 3% decline in the average starting salary of students who accepted employment in 2012. The average salary has dropped from $46,971 in 2011 to $45,575 in 2012. These statistics seem overwhelming for new graduates. The profession has resources to offer new graduates and the AVMA has taken steps to help them. The Early Career Development Committee was created this year. It will be responsible for helping develop resources for AVMA members early in their career by creating networking opportunities for these members and by actively engaging recent graduates to gather feedback for the AVMA on a real-time basis via an Early Career Online Community. I look forward to seeing what tools come about as a result of this program. I have always looked to NCVEI website as an economic resource. In September 2011, the NCVEI website was acquired by the American Veterinary Medical Association. AVMA will continue to develop and manage a wideranging group of businesses, economic and management resources including benchmarking, pricing and communications tools. These are available, free of charge, to AVMA members at the NCVEI’s website www.NCVEI.org. They have some excellent articles on social networking and creative ideas to bring clients into veterinary clinics. What a great way to utilize new graduates! They are frequently more in tune to social networking and may bring some creative and fresh ideas into the veterinary clinics. In addition, the AVMA joined forces with over 20 leading veterinary associations (including PVMA) and animal health companies to create the Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare™ or Partners for Healthy Pets as it is known. The partnership was created to ensure pets receive the preventive healthcare they deserve through regular visits to a veterinarian and to help reverse trends like: 1. 50% of veterinarians had fewer patient visits during 2010 vs. 2009.1 2. 24% of pet owners believe that routine checkups are unnecessary.2 3. 56% of pet owners said that their veterinarians do not clearly explain when they should bring their pets in for various procedures or tests.2 I encourage you to check out their resources at www.partnersforhealthypets.org. The challenging economic times have forced our profession to change and will continue to drive change in the future. I have heard the idea discussed to have more new graduates enter the public health sector and explore careers with global initiatives. This could be an exciting direction for veterinary medicine. This is an important sector and it's frequently not highlighted as much as it should be. I think we will all come out of this rough economy changed, but hopefully it will have forced some positive changes. l References: 1. Felsted K. NCVEI UPDATE: new insights in practice growth. Bayer Healthcare LLC, Animal Health Division, Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study; 2011. 2. Felsted K. How to address the problem. Bayer Healthcare LLC, Animal Health Division, Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study; 2011.
6
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 6
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:08:54 PM
PVMA Welcomes Two New Members to Our Management Team
P
VMA is excited to introduce the two newest members of its management team, Outreach and Events Coordinator Elaine Smith and Member and Insurance Services Assistant Vyonne Miller.
Elaine Smith
I am a native of Danville, Pennsylvania. I've spent most of my adult life in the Middletown area and currently reside in Lower Swatara Township. I have been married to my husband, Mike, for 32 years and we have a 20-year-old daughter, Kathleen as well as a cat named Kitty. My mother also recently moved in with us, so we have a busy household. I enjoy being creative in my home studio as a collage, mixed media, and encaustic artist. My work has been exhibited in many Pennsylvania galleries and shows over the past 20 years. I teach art classes at the Art Association of Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen in Lancaster. I'm currently working on a new body of work and writing a book about my collage and mixed media techniques. I also enjoy cooking for my family, reading historic novels and artist biographies, and watching old movies.
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 7
Vyonne Miller
I grew in Kutztown, PA, and lived there until 2003. In Kutztown, I lived on several different farms and we always had animals of all sorts including horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and of course, we had many barn cats. We also had several dogs and even tried raising rabbits, chickens, and ducks. In 2003, I moved to Wisconsin and lived in South Milwaukee for two years. I then moved to the Houston, Texas, area for approximately five years and then returned to Pennsylvania. While in Wisconsin, I adopted a kitten and she is still with me. I have two daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter. I worked in two different animal hospitals starting as a receptionist and worked my way up to office manager. I also worked at Air Products for nine years and did a lot of customer service work and training. Immediately prior to joining PVMA, I worked for National Pretzel Company as a sales administrative assistant until I was laid off in July 2012. I volunteered for a few months at the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum in Hershey before joining PVMA. I look forward to helping the staff in supporting the membership in 2013 and forward. l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
7
1/23/2013 3:08:56 PM
the two cents thepresident’s president’s two cents
A Look Back at 2012 By Robert Lavan, DVM, MS, MPVM, DACVPM, President
A
s we begin the new year, we examine our accomplishments for 2012 and look forward to 2013. As an organization, PVMA has a lot to be proud of and thankful for. We have a great management team led by our talented Executive Director, Charlene Wandzilak. Our new headquarters is a beautiful facility which will serve us well for many years. We are also blessed with several new leaders including Dr. Kenton Rexford from Pittsburgh of Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center who will take over as President on January 1. We recently completed a member and non-member survey and those results will be reported to our members in the next issue of keystone veterinarian. At the same time, we looked at our database of members and found the following: • 50% of our veterinarians earned a DVM and 50% earned a VMD. I thought the proportion of VMDs would be higher! • 46% are male with 54% female. Not a shock. This will continue to shift in favor of our female colleagues. • Members who listed their area of focus spanned 35 categories of practice. We are a varied bunch! • 89% of our members live or work within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 11% of our membership comes from 30 other states and Canada. Outside of PA, the largest number of PVMA members hailed from Virginia or Florida. I was honored to be included in the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine White Coat distribution on October 1, 2012, at the Hill Pavilion. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Mary Bryant, our AVMA Delegate and Student Liaison. The junior students were excited to take this step and it was great to be able to share that landmark moment in their development. The formal White Coat Ceremony, with parents in attendance happened November 2. The Executive Committee met at our headquarters on October 26 and 27 for our annual retreat which allowed us to review 2012 and to plan for 2013. We reviewed all of the comments from the member survey and used these to help us develop strategies and tactics to allow us to better serve member needs. I wanted to offer my thanks to those veterinarians who have selected pvmaAssure as their broker of record for their insurance needs. Our organization has made a commitment to provide unmatched service while diligently looking for the best price on a insurance products that will meet your needs. We want to be your broker and hope that you will give us the opportunity to provide a quote for your next insurance assessment. I think you will be surprised what pvmaAssure can do for you. As outgoing PVMA President, this will be my last column in this role. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Executive Committee for their support and full engagement over the last year. I realize that the kind of folks who are drawn to serve a large organization like ours willingly give their time, skills, and fortune to benefit the greater good. The members of the current Executive Committee walk in the footsteps of many great veterinarians who have served PVMA as servant-leaders. Collectively, we all work together to keep our organization relevant, up-to-date, and vital. I appreciate the opportunity to serve PVMA and look forward to future roles within the organization. Thanks to all of our volunteers and the PVMA management team who do the hard work in preserving the integrity of PVMA. I am honored to be a member of one of the most trusted professions in the world and I hope to see you at a PVMA CE event soon. l
8
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 8
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:08:56 PM
Build the Importance of Preventive Healthcare With Partners For Healthy Pets Power Tools
P
eople have a special relationship with their pets and most recognize that visiting a veterinarian enhances that relationship, but you see it every day in practice—pet owners who have been bombarded with incorrect and incomplete information and are confused about what’s best for their pets. So much so that they may not follow your clinical advice and may not bring their pets to critical preventive care appointments at all.
cations with pet owners about the value of and need for routine care and take preventive pet healthcare to an optimum level within your own individual practice. Make the decision to be a voice for vitality of the veterinary profession, of your practice, and of our nation’s pets!
As a profession, we have a great opportunity to help pets and pet owners enjoy longer and healthier lives together. Veterinary professionals work hard to provide the best possible care to pets so that they and their owners can enjoy long and healthy lives together. Partners for Healthy Pets was founded to help you make the preventive healthcare you provide even more powerful. We’ve developed tools and resources—available at no charge—that can help you build better relationships with owners and help them understand the value of preventive healthcare so that more patients can benefit from what you do best.
• Adopt and widely communicate Preventive Healthcare Guidelines to pet owners through your newsletters, website, and within each preventive care visit. • Focus on communicating the value and benefit of preventive pet healthcare to pet owners at all points of contact, from receptionist to technician to veterinarian. • Use the tools and resources available from Partners for Healthy Pets to help find communication gaps, train staff, and gather new ideas that will compliment current programs and plans.
Individual Practice Involvement Is Key
The Partners for Healthy Pets Practice Resources Toolbox was conceived to provide the profession with a sound mix of information and materials that collectively elevate the level of preventive care offered across the country. Each of the tools and resources provide dynamic ways to reinforce a practice-wide focus on preventive pet healthcare. Used collectively, they can help healthcare teams enhance communi-
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 9
It’s Easier Than You Think
Partners for Healthy Pets is dedicated to ensuring that pets received the preventive healthcare they deserve through regular visits to a veterinarian and is committed to working with you to enhance the health of your patients and your practice. The tools are available at no charge to all AVMA and AAHA members. Learn more about Partners for Healthy Pets and explore the Resources Toolbox at www.partnersforhealthypets.org. l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
9
1/23/2013 3:08:58 PM
from where I sit
Making a Difference By Charlene Wandzilak, Executive Director
I
want to begin my last column of 2012 by sharing a story you might know which has been adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley.
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement. She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!” The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined and all the starfish were saved. This story was told to a group of sixth grade students, including my daughter Olivia, by the principal of a middle school in Brick, New Jersey. Olivia was part of a group of ten middle school students who went to the NJ school to deliver store gift cards, encouraging notes from fellow middle schoolers, and festively decorated bags of Hershey kisses to students who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The benevolent effort was led by a 12-yearold girl who wanted to make a difference and let kids know that others are thinking about them. A small token in the face of such a big calamity; however, it allowed 300 middle school students to understand the importance of making a difference and—to the students we visited—it did just that. Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference to someone. It is an amazing gift and one that sometimes, we don’t even recognize.
As a Veterinarian In your role as a veterinarian in practice, you bring reassurance and comfort to clients who are concerned for their animals, especially when they need to make difficult decisions. Your influence over those decisions and how you handle them makes all the difference, not only to the client who is often heartbroken but also to you and your relationship with the client. Showing you care goes a long way. Depending on the encounter and the client’s perception of the interaction, it can also be the difference between whether or not the client files a complaint with the State Board of Veterinary Medicine or posts a negative comment online to his or her Facebook or Google+ friends. We in the PVMA office hear it all the time when the public calls to complain about a veterinarian. Nine times out of ten it is because of a miscommunication or because the veterinarian was perceived not to care. Show you care, it goes a long way. In your daily life in practice, you also have the opportunity to use your skills and expertise to help unowned animals who come in to your practice for veterinary care. Those cases that are brought in by a good Samaritan or local shelter are excellent opportunities to make a difference in the life of an animal that needs help. All veterinarians do this and most do not get enough credit for their pro bono efforts. The Last Chance Fund (TLC) of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF is our sister organization) is an excellent way to help you make this difference. It provides funding for veterinary care for unowned animals which are injured, abused, and neglected. It helps you make a difference in an animal’s life and lets them have a second chance at a good home and life.
As a Member of a Veterinary Practice In our roles as a co-worker, manager, or owner, we can make a difference by helping someone who is struggling by offering constructive criticism in a gentle way, pitching in to get things done, empowering someone who needs to be challenged, offering a suggestion to help our team be more effective, or leading change in our work culture. We spend so much of our lives at work (40+ hours a week) that we owe it to ourselves and to others to make a difference through even the simplest of efforts. Sometimes, simply being there for someone can be enough.
At the Capitol In the legislature, many of our elected officials seek office to make a difference too. They want to help their constituents and make Pennsylvania a better place. This past fall, I was invited to a meeting of stakeholders by a senator to see if we could collectively work together to make a difference for animals who are not adequately continued on page 17 10
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 10
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:08:59 PM
Cal for
When clients ask the question “What more can
my child do to get into veterinary school?”
refer them to...
The Animal Science Programs at
Drexel University College of Medicine
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Professional Education
Veterinary Medical Science Program (VMS) • An intensive one-year certificate program • Designed to help students enhance their GPA and applications to veterinary school • Students take first-year medical school courses and graduate-level animal science courses
Master of Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) • Only requires a second year of coursework and performance of a summer practicum after completion of the VMS program • A master’s degree will greatly enhance a student’s veterinary school application • Provides an alternative career option in the rewarding field of laboratory animal facility management • Many students elect to enter the MLAS program directly
Call 215-762-4692 or email medicalsciences@drexelmed.edu for more information, or visit our website: www.drexelmed.edu/ims
Philadelphia Health & Education Corporation d/b/a Drexel University College of Medicine is a separate not-for-profit subsidiary of Drexel University.
care • community • research • teach 12_Volume_4.indd 11
1/23/2013 3:08:59 PM
practice pearls
Is Practice Ownership For You? By Sherry Everhart BS, RVT, and David McCormick, MS, Simmons Mid-Atlantic, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania
F
or many veterinarians, the thought of being your own boss is quite appealing. This can be especially true depending on your current employment arrangement. Thoughts of making the rules and key decisions, practicing medicine your way, leading the charge, increasing your earning capability, etc., can be very attractive. The grass can look mighty green on the other side of the associate-owner fence. But is it really? What does it mean to be a practice owner? Are you owner material? We have worked with many practice owners from all types of practices: one doctor, multi-doctor, general companion animal practices, large animal, specialty, emergency, species specific, holistic and more. Many of the owners thoroughly enjoy owning and operating their practice. For others, while it is what they do, it may not necessarily be what they still love doing. A few others are simply surviving being the owner—they are counting the days to their exit, regardless of their age. So what seems to make the difference between a successful owner and the alternative?
The grass can look mighty green on the other side of the associate-owner fence. But is it really? What does it mean to be a practice owner? Are you owner material?
What is success? For this article, we focused on practice owners that seemed to have a balanced and (mostly) enjoyable ownership experience. Looking through our records, we found that successful owners tend to have strong capabilities and knowledge (natural or learned) in the following areas: (and they are in order of importance!) • People management • Medical management • Business management Yes, these are very broad terms. For those contemplating buying or starting a practice this is a good indicator of just how large the scope of responsibility they will have as a practice owner. If you are considering such a step, below are some of the challenge points and experiences that owners have shared with us.
People Management Skills Believe it or not, this is the first and foremost element of successful ownership. The hospital team is your (and the practice’s) most valuable resource. As the owner, it is important that you make the team a priority. You must meet the team’s needs before the team will willingly meet the needs of your clients. This often requires several skill sets.
Motivator
Effective motivation includes accountability/discipline, fair treatment, satisfying employee needs (which are not always their wants), goal setting, positive reinforcement, incentives and rewards. The challenge in working with your team is that what may be effective for one individual may not be effective for another – especially when you add to the mix the differing expectations of different generations – X, Y, Baby Boomer and so on. An unmotivated staff often results in lower productivity and efficiency. It can increase your staff turnover and absenteeism. This won’t go unnoticed by your clients. They too will feel the impacts of the absence of a motivated team. It changes their experience in your practice. Studies have shown that the number one reason why clients leave a veterinary practice is due to a perceived attitude of indifference by the employees.
Mediator and Judge
The owner is the ultimate decider when it comes to conflict resolution within the practice. Being the mediator and judge requires the ability to clarify and understand differing perceptions as well as the ability to generate options for overcoming the conflict without ignoring individual needs and the needs of the practice. Not every conflict needs to be resolved by the owner, but it is important that the owner maintain an understanding of what is happening within the team and between the team and the clients so he or she can skillfully intervene when necessary.
12
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 12
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:00 PM
Talent Scout To provide a positive pet health experience for your clients, you need a solid team. As the owner, you need to be an active participant in selecting the members of your team. Identifying appropriate talent is an investment in your practice. This is true at all levels—practice manager, kennel, assistants, technicians, and associates. What skills are most important for your practice and your team? It is attitude? Learning ability? Experience? Maturity? Owners must give thought to the team positions and then finding the talents to fill the positions plus the compensation package to recognize their value.
Mentor This role of the owner requires an investment of your self and your time (which is often in short supply) and the attributes of commitment, patience, and sensitivity. Providing too much help limits an employee’s independence and his or her ability to fully own a position. Conversely, providing too little help can result in a floundering and disillusioned employee who may never attain independence and will always require direct instruction. This can be especially difficult when the personalities involved are not necessarily compatible. As a future owner, learning about your personality type and learning style can help you learn how to reach out and connect with those who have different personality types and learning styles. The responsibility of the owner to be a people manager is true whether the practice is a solo practice or a large multi-doctor, multi-discipline practice. Managing everyone or managing the managers still requires the owner to be the leader, the motivator, the guide, and the nurturer—to help everyone progress toward the practice’s mission and vision (you do have one right?) Fortunately, many of these skills can be learned. It is never too late to start—and now is a great time to do so! There are many texts, CE courses (both veterinary and nonveterinary), Dale Carnegie, Fred Pryor and SkillPath workshops, practice management workshops and so on, that can help you learn and grow your people management skills.
Medical Management It is the responsibility of the owner to establish and enforce the medical protocols at the doctor level. For many owners this can be an uncomfortable position to be in, if only because they are aware that differing treatment protocols will often lead to same favorable result. Beyond the doctor level, this establishes the standard of care for your patients and WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 13
the foundation upon which your entire team agrees to operate. Deviation from the standards and inconsistent protocols for your practice can be confusing to the staff. It also can place the practice at risk. Should there be an unfavorable (or misinterpreted) outcome, the owner and the practice are the ones held accountable. Because of this, the owner has the right and the obligation to determine what the standard protocols should be as well as what is acceptable risk to take on when deviating from protocols. The standard of medicine that you believe in sets the pace for your practice. Also, the owner is often the conduit and leader through which the support team increases its medical skill and expertise. Your entire team must understand it and believe in it. This is fundamental for their ability to educate your clients. Additionally, the practice team’s skills, attitudes, and knowledge base are assumed to be a reflection of the owner. This can be especially true in smaller practices. After all, you hired them.
Business Skills This is a catch-all term for many different business environments. We’ve placed it in the third order of importance position because, of the three, this area is the one that a practice owner can most easily hire support in or advisors when necessary. However, it is still essential for practice owners to at least have a working knowledge in these fields.
Human Relations This is a constantly evolving field. Practice owners have shared that employee recordkeeping has become just as challenging as client record keeping. Employee benefit administration has become a major employment cost that needs to be managed closely, from health care and retirement benefits to employee discounts.
Legal Environment Business ownership brings many facets to the legal rights and responsibilities: the rights of clients, privacy issues, standards of care, safety, and so on. Additionally, the legal rights of employees and the responsibilities of owners to the employees are not this big ‘unknown’ anymore. The internet has increased awareness in these areas exponentially, so even if an owner doesn’t know their obligations and responsibilities, their employees do.
Financial Environment This is what most owners and future owners consider when they think of business skills: the fee setting, inventory control, cash control, the checks and balances, establishing (and using) a budget, etc. This should also include future
Resources for Skills Development Workshops & Seminars (held in multiple locations) www.DaleCarnegie.com www.SkillPath.com www.FranklinCovey.com/tc/ publicworkshops
Veterinary Conference Practice Management Sessions www.WVC.org www.NAVC.com PVMA Conferences Keystone Veterinary Conference
Texts Practice Made Perfect—Marsha Heinke The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and other texts in the series—Stephen R. Covey
planning for team development and practice improvements (in standards, services provided, equipment, etc.). We also should not forget owner exit planning and retirement. As the old adage says, the best time to plan your exit is when you are planning your entrance.
Marketing Environment Closely related to the financials via the revenues is the marketing of your self and your practice. This is becoming especially true as competition increases. Expansion in the use of technology and social media as advertising medium has this field presenting new challenges daily for practice owners. Even if a practice owner does not wish to utilize these methods, they still have the challenge of managing their online reputation as a result of client comments and reviews.
Preparing for Ownership There are increasing numbers of practice managers that can help ease the burden on owner. There are also many veterinary specific consultants covering a wide range of skills that can help bridge an owner or management chasm to keep you moving forward (visit www.VetPartners.org). However, it will always be true that the ‘buck’ still stops with the owner. If the owner does not fill these shoes or direct the filling, then the shoes may get filled by default. The default may not take you, the practice, the
keystone veterinarian
continued on page 39
VOLUME IV 2012
13
1/23/2013 3:09:00 PM
inside padls
Animal, Vegetable … Mineral? By Lisa A. Murphy, VMD, DABT, Assistant Professor of Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
A
t all of the Pennsyl vania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) laboratories we strive to keep you updated about the diagnostic tests we offer and how these tests can be used for the diagnosis of disease and herd management. The PADLS New Bolton Center Toxicology Laboratory offers many diagnostic panels and analyses when a small or large animal veterinarian is suspicious about a potentially toxic exposure to a metal or mineral involving a single animal or a herd. These tests are useful not only for the diagnosis of excessive exposures, but also for identifying nutritional deficiencies that can have equally significant impacts on animal health. The following examples illustrate just a few ways mineral analyses can be useful to veterinary practitioners.
Copper
• Essentiality/Consequences of Deficiency— Copper-dependent enzyme systems are involved in energy metabolism, collagen formation, antioxidant defenses, iron metabolism, and other critical biological processes. Deficiency signs vary with severity and species, but can include cardiovascular disorders, depigmentation and impaired keratinization of hair and wool, anemia, impaired growth, neonatal ataxia, bone abnormalities, and impaired immunity. • Sources of Excess—Even in the absence of copper over-supplementation, dietary molybdenum deficiencies can result in excessive gastrointestinal absorption of copper. The presence of monensin in a high-copper ration can also increase copper absorption. Sheep are considered very sensitive to copper among animal species and can be exposed through the feeding of higher-copper calf and horse feeds. Poultry
and swine feeds can also be relatively high in copper. Other potential sources of copper include fungicides, algicides used in ponds and water tanks, and footbaths containing copper salts. The PADLS New Bolton Center Toxicology Laboratory has also had two separate and unusual cases of excessive copper exposure in dogs, one involving a copper cooking vessel and another where the dog had been drinking contaminated water from an ornamental copper garden fountain. In general, dogs are fairly resistant to copper toxicity, although certain breeds such as West Highland White terriers, Bedlington terriers, Skye terriers, and Doberman Pinschers may have an increased susceptibility. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, copper is then distributed to the liver, kidney, and brain. • Signs of Toxicosis—Normally copper is stored and metabolized by the liver, making it the tissue of choice for analysis. When
Table 1. Clinical Signs of Lead Toxicosis
14
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 14
SPECIES
ACUTE TOXCITY
CHRONIC TOXICITY
Ruminants
Depression then hyperesthesia, tremors or muscle fasciculations, ataxia, blindness, seizures, head pressing, tenesmus, bloat, diarrhea, death
Similar to acute but may develop over a longer period of time and be of lesser severity, also arterial hypertension
Horses
Seizures, death
Depression, weight loss, dysphagia and dysphonia, laryngeal paralysis (“roaring”), facial nerve deficits, aspiration pneumonia, seizures, death, rarely gastrointestinal signs
Dogs and cats
Anorexia, behavioral changes, ataxia, tremors, seizures
Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, anemia, behavioral changes, intermittent seizures, rarely megaesophagus in cats
Psittacines
Seizures, death
Depression, behavioral changes, anorexia, regurgitation, diarrhea, polyuria, weakness, hemolytic anemia, seizures
Waterfowl
Death
Anorexia, depression, emaciation, muscle atrophy, weakness, dysphonia, coma, death
Raptors
Weakness, depression, limb paralysis, dyspnea, seizures
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:01 PM
copper reaches toxic levels in the liver necrosis occurs, releasing copper into the bloodstream causing erythrolysis and hemoglobinuria. In sheep, this often manifests itself during a stressful event such as shearing. If blood is drawn when this is occurring, increased copper levels can be detected in serum, but the free excess copper is then subsequently absorbed by the kidneys and both liver and serum levels can return to seemingly normal levels. For this reason, postmortem testing of both liver and kidney may be extremely helpful for confirming cases of suspected copper toxicosis. In dogs, chronic active hepatitis slowly develops with presenting signs that may include weight loss and anorexia, eventually progressing to ascites and central nervous system signs associated with progressive liver dysfunction and elevated hepatic enzymes.
Lead
• Essentiality/Consequences of Deficiency—Lead is an example of a heavy metal that is not considered an essential nutrient and does not appear to participate in any beneficial metabolic processes. • Sources of Excess—Lead is ubiquitous in the environment, but common sources for animal exposures include paint and plumbing systems in older structures, lead weights, lead-containing toys and ornaments, discarded batteries, crankcase oil, and linoleum. Young animals absorb lead much more readily than adults, and absorption can be enhanced in cases of dietary deficiencies involving calcium, zinc, iron, or vitamin D. Raptors may become clinicallyintoxicated with lead after feeding on contaminated carcasses. • Signs of Toxicosis—Clinical signs of lead toxicosis vary with animal species, as briefly summarized in Table 1.
Zinc
• Essentiality/Consequences of Deficiency—Zinc is considered essential for many biological processes, and is especially needed during growth, pregnancy, and lactation. Clinical signs of deficiency include reduced growth and feed intake, impaired healing, alopecia, and parakeratosis predominantly affecting the legs, neck, and head.
New PADLS Tests Aquaculture Dr. Donna Kelly offers services to veterinarians, industry, fish enthusiasts, and pet owners. Diagnostic services include necropsy, external and internal parasite examination, and histopathology. Diagnostic field visits can be arranged and consultation services are available.
Dog and Cat Necropsies Dogs and cats are accepted for necropsy at all three PADLS laboratories, but because agricultural species have priority, veterinarians must call ahead for availability. A complete history must be provided and all case correspondence will be conducted only through the referring veterinarian.
Veterinary Forensics Dr. Jason Brooks has been collaborating with the Forensic Science Program at Penn State University, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania SPCA, and other law enforcement agencies to develop services for the investigation of animal crimes.
• Sources of Excess—In dogs, an important source of zinc toxicosis is the ingestion of pennies minted after 1982 that contain 98% zinc. Zinc oxide-containing diaper rash ointments are also commonly consumed by dogs, but usually result in self-limiting gastrointestinal upset rather than true zinc intoxication. For all species, storage of food or water in galvanized containers can result in zinc contamination, particularly under acidic conditions.
Poultry Welfare
• Signs of Toxicosis—Acute zinc exposures in animals typically result in gastrointestinal distress. Severe intravascular hemolysis predominates in acutely-poisoned cats and dogs, potentially leading to multiorgan failure. Chronic zinc intoxication is associated with induced copper deficiency, decreased growth, decreased feed intake, and reduced immunity. Foals are susceptible to joint enlargements.
Bovine abortion diagnostics and IBR virus are now offered at Penn State.
continued on page 39
Where Are the PADLS Laboratories Located? Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University Orchard Road, University Park, PA 16802 Phone: 814.863.0837; Fax: 814.865.3907; adlhelp@psu.edu Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am–5pm (After-hours submission available daily)
Penn State’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory conducts seminars for correct and safe handling and transportation of poultry.
New PCR-Based Testing
New cost-effective BVD ear notch pooling and Johne’s fecal pooling tests, bovine pregnancy testing, brucellosis testing, and CEM and EHV-1 for horses are offered at the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg. Swine influenza virus testing is available at all three laboratories. For the most current PADLS news along with laboratory locations, contact information, fee schedules, and submission forms please refer to www.padls.org.
PADLS New Bolton Center Toxicology Laboratory New Bolton Center, Toxicology Laboratory 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Phone: 610.444.5800 Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 2305 North Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408 Phone: 717.787.8808; Fax: 717.772.3895
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 15
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
15
1/23/2013 3:09:02 PM
Changes to Cruelty Statute Head Agenda for 2011-2012 Legislative Session T
he Pennsylvania General Assembly completed its 2-year legislative session on November 30, 2012. Over the course of 2011-2012, PVMA reviewed over 60 legislative proposals and monitored and took positions on 22 legislative bills (to view a listing of the issues we monitored and our positions, visit www.pavma.org/images/12_LeaveBehind.pdf). Out of those we monitored, the bills which follow made it through the arduous legislative process and passed into law. As you can see by those that passed, many of the legislative bills that we review seek to amend Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty statute, Title 18. The 2011-2012 legislative session saw a number of bills that sought to increase and strengthen the penalties for acts of cruelty and require costs to be covered by the offending party related to seized animals’ care and keeping. In addition, there were bills aimed at opening the veterinary medicine practice act to create additional conditions of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. These included requiring manufacturer blood screening tests and distributing manufacturer generated client information sheets on medications. PVMA opposed both of these proposed bills. Two legislative proposals to increase sales tax in Pennsylvania to offset the property taxes were also introduced but failed to move forward into law. PVMA was opposed to these proposals and met with the sponsors to educate them on our position. These proposals both would have imposed sales tax on veterinary services, the only health provider which would be taxed. In addition to the legislative proposals, PVMA took an active interest in appropriations legislation related to funding for the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission (ADHC). This includes funding for the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS). We also advocated for funding for the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine.
2011-2012 Bills of Interest Now Passed Into Law
The following bills we were following were passed into law: Act 32 of 2011—Sponsored by Representative Curt Schroder and passed into law on July 7, 2011. This act amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses—the Animal Cruelty Statute) 16
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 16
to insert language providing a person who transmits or receives interstate or intrastate simulcasting of a greyhound race for monetary remuneration may be subject to a $10,000 civil penalty. Act 62 of 2012—Sponsored by Representative John Evans and passed into law on June 13, 2012. This act amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses—the Animal Cruelty Statute) to make it a misdemeanor of the third degree to own or co-own a dog that kills, maims, or disfigures a service dog. Knowledge is a required factor for commission of the crime and the owner/coowner shall have knowingly or recklessly failed to restrain or contain the dog. A convicted person shall pay a fine of not more than $5,000 and make reparations for veterinary costs in treating or replacing the service dog. The bill also provides for civil penalties and restitution. Act 182 of 2012—Sponsored by Representative John Maher and passed into law on October 24, 2012. This act amends the Animal Destruction Method Authorization Law by adding a chapter to further regulate the destruction of animals. It revises the law to: • State that no animal shall be destroyed by means of unacceptable agents and methods published in the most current version of the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Guidelines on Euthanasia; drowning; chloroform, ether, halothane or fluothane; and carbon monoxide gas from any source. • It also requires animals to be destroyed by the use of a method approved by the AMVA guidelines except when those methods are specifically prohibited in the act (drowning, chloroform, ether, halothane, fluothane, or carbon monoxide). • It requires that injectable euthanasia solution be used as the exclusive method of destruction for small domestic animals. • It also provides for a procedure for animal protection organizations' use of euthanasia drugs; the regulation and enforcement of this use; and creates euthanasia technicians who receive training on euthanasia and are under the governance of the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. • Exemptions to this law include: • Normal agricultural operations • A veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian;
keystone veterinarian
• Destruction of dangerous small domestic animals; • a medical school; a veterinary medical school; a research institution affiliated with a hospital or university; or a research facility that meets specific federal guidelines related to the humane treatment of animals. For a complete copy of the new law, visit www.pavma.org. Of all the bills we monitored, HB 2630 (Act 182 of 2012) was one which illustrates best PVMA’s ability to influence the legislative process and to assist the legislature in ensuring a better law is passed. Over the course of a variety of versions of the euthanasia ban bill during the 2-year legislative session, PVMA worked with the Senate and House Agricultural Affairs Committee Chairs and Executive Directors to develop language which would protect veterinary medical judgment in euthanasia decisions and allow for normal agricultural and research operations. We also advocated for the certification of euthanasia technicians for shelters to ensure that animals euthanized in this environment are treated as humanely as possible. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine is hosting a stakeholder meeting on January 30 to discuss the new law and related regulations they will be developing related to the Act. PVMA representatives will be present and provide input on the proposed regulations.
Other Legislative Activities In addition to our legislative monitoring, PVMA did the following in 2012 to ensure that the veterinary profession was represented and provided input on bills which could have impact on veterinary medicine, public health and food safety, and animal health and welfare: 1. Capitol Visits—we participated over 100 legislative visits with legislators and their staff. 2. Legislative Day and Friends of Veterinary Medicine Reception—we hosted our annual Legislative Day and Friends of Veterinary Medicine Reception to provide an opportunity for over 25 members to interact with representatives and senators. 3. Senate Ag Committee Educational Hearing—Through our partnership with Senator Elder Vogel, Chair of the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, sponsored an informational hearing on veterinary issues with the Senate Ag Committee. continued on page 17 WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:02 PM
From Where I Sit continued from page 16
protected by Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty statues. Why? Because the senator wanted to do something in honor of a horse in his district which was badly neglected and starved to death for no other reason than to be cruel. The owner had the means to care for her. He just decided he didn’t want her anymore so he put her in his junkyard to die with virtually no food or water. She and another horse were left to fend for themselves. To make this worse, people who worked in the junkyard allowed it to happen. They decided to walk past the horses everyday and do nothing. They decided to not make a difference to those two horses and one of them succumbed to death. The other horse was rescued by one of the senator’s staff persons who owns horses of her own. She took the horse in, cared for her, and tried to nurse her back to health. However, the horse’s condition was so poor it was impossible to bring her back to good health and she had to be euthanized. What happened to the original owner? The judge charged him with the limited charges he could under the current law and the owner paid minimal fines. Because of this injustice, the senator has chosen to pursue stronger language in the cruelty statutes to make sure that the next person who decides to torture an animal is provided just punishment. He has chosen to make a difference. To help support people in the legislature who do want to make a positive difference, you can ensure they get reelected. You can do this directly or support PVMA’s efforts to protect the profession, animal health and welfare, food safety, and public health through giving to our Pennsylvania Veterinary Political Action Committee (PVPAC). Our political action committee provides the opportunity to show our support and to get to know leaders who create the laws in this state. Your PAC contribution aids our ability to gain access to and to support legislators who want to make a positive difference.
In Your Association Within PVMA, we strive to make a difference every day for veterinarians like you in your daily lives. We develop continuing education programs to create opportunities for you here in Pennsylvania so you can learn new skills and hear about trends in medicine, surgery, technology, and practice management. Our hope is because of that, you can do a better job in your practice with your clients, team members, and most importantly your patients. We work to cultivate relationships with agencies and the legislature so that when legislation or regulations are introduced, we can have a positive influence on how it impacts your ability to practice veterinary medicine, run your small business, and the health and welfare of the animals you took an oath to serve. We are a resource of information, share news and important updates, and research issues for you and your staff so that you don’t have to take the time. We listen to your feedback. This year we did a Member Needs Survey to find out what you think about PVMA and what we should be doing. To date, we have moved our Winter Conference to the King of Prussia area on February 9 begun the process of developing new dues models to give you more options, will be surveying you more often to get your immediate input on proposals and issues, and building more services that help you in your daily life. We are listening and want to use this knowledge to make a difference. All that we do—the leaders, volunteers, and management team—is for the betterment of the profession and to make your life easier. We want to be there for you, we want to make a difference. We invite you to join us in the new year to make a difference in the veterinary profession by renewing your membership, becoming involved, and providing your feedback so we can be the best organization we can be. l
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 17
Legislative and Regulatory Review continued from page 16
4. Fundraiser for Senator Elder Vogel—Sponsored a fundraiser for Senator Elder Vogel to assist with his reelection.
On the Regulatory Side The State Board of Veterinary Medicine promulgated a new regulation which became effective on November 3, 2012. This regulation requires any veterinarian who keeps a client's animal while the practice is closed (including evenings and weekends) to inform the client, either orally or in writing, whether a veterinarian, certified veterinary technician or veterinary assistant will be on the premises and what level of monitoring the animal will receive during that time. This can be found in Chapter 31. State Board of Veterinary Medicine, §31.21. Rules of Professional Conduct for Veterinarians, Principle 7. Responsibility to clients and patients. For a copy of Chapter 31, contact Vyonne Miller, Member and Insurance Services Assistant, at vmiller@pavma.org.
Coming to a Legislature Near You It is expected that many issues related to the veterinary medicine practice act, animal cruelty statutes, sales tax, and more will be back in the new legislative session which will run from January 1, 2013–November 30, 2014. In addition to many new bills anticipated for 2013–2014, 33 freshman legislators join The Pennsylvania General Assembly in January 2013: 19 House Democrats, 10 House Republicans, three Senate Democrats, and one Senate Republican. Another priority of PVMA’s in the new legislative session will be to introduce ourselves to the freshmen and offer our services and expertise as they consider issues that cross their desks. continued on page 39 keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
17
1/23/2013 3:09:03 PM
veterinary technology corner
Rabies—Vaccination of Animals is Key to Prevention By Barb McCullough, CVT
D
epending on where you live you may or may not be experiencing a rise in rabies cases in your area. Last year, we saw two cases in one week in the northwestern part of the state. One was a bat and the other was a raccoon. Fortunately, no human exposures occurred, and the pets involved were undergoing quarantine as ordered by our local state veterinarian, Dr. Karen Martin. Remember that the pet population is the buffer zone between wildlife and humans. If pets are not properly vaccinated then the risk for human exposure increases. People don’t stop to think that they are putting their families at risk by not vaccinating their pets. But that is exactly what they are doing. What about that unvaccinated family dog that is out romping in the woods, chasing critters, and comes down with rabies three weeks from now? What about their 3-year-old child who is best buddies with that dog? Do they realize they may have just signed their child’s death warrant? All pets, indoors and out, need to be vaccinated. Sadly, Pennsylvania law does not
18
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 18
require the vaccination of those animals that are housed outdoors. If they never ever go in the house, then they are not required to be vaccinated. We typically think of them as barn cats, but horses, cows, and other farm animals are also at risk—more so than a supervised house pet. For that reason alone, you should strongly encourage your clients to vaccinate all pets and farm animals on their property. Those of you working in private practice may want to consider putting into effect a policy requiring all patients have a current rabies vaccination before being seen at your facility. This will help limit your staff’s exposure risks as well as the owners’ risks. How many times have you seen an unvaccinated cat come in with a bite wound abscess? We all assume it’s from a cat fight, but it could just have easily been inflicted by a rabid raccoon. How much risk are you willing to take? If you find a positive raccoon or other such wildlife entering your clients yards you
keystone veterinarian
can figure that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Typically, where there is one there are more. Many times, cases are reported in close proximity. Check out the rabies map from the Department of Agriculture (http://www. agriculture.state.pa.us) and see how many cases have been reported in your county. Just because your practice hasn’t seen any doesn’t mean it’s not out there. Be proactive with getting your clients pets protected. l
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:04 PM
veterinary technology corner
Veterinary Technicians …
Trusted Partners for Your Pet’s Care By Dr. Jim Humphries, Certified Veterinary Journalist, Veterinary News Network
A
nyone who has read James Herriot’s immortal novels about veterinary practice knows that much of the work he did with animals and pets he did by himself. The owners in the stories were either unable or unwilling to help and having any sort of assistant was reserved for extreme situations, like a difficult calving. Fast forward to today and many pet owners will see a wide range of people working at the veterinary hospital. Are these veterinary technicians just like nurses in a human hospital? The answer to that question is, to some extent, yes, but the reality is technicians actually perform a wider range of duties than do most nurses for people. Veterinary technicians end up being the nurse, laboratory technician, dental hygienist, phlebotomist, radiology tech, anesthetist and surgical assistant for your pet as well as helping provide essential information to animal owners. Although the first attempts to certify veterinary assistants go back more than 100 years, the very first program to provide training was actually started by the United States Air Force in 1951. This was followed by a civilian program in 1961 at the State University of New York. Now, interested individuals can find more than160 programs available across the US and even enroll in online education courses. To earn certification as a veterinary technician, a student must attend either a two year or four year accredited program in veterinary technology. This education will provide a broad background in everything from medical terminology and anatomy to pharmacology and animal nutrition. Some schools even include business and management courses. Although the term “technician” is often used to describe any veterinary assistant, most states’ practice acts do define a veterinary technician as someone who has obtained the education described above and then passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam. These folks are designated as Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs), Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) or Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs). Veterinary assistants, on the other hand, are usually trained on-the –job, but often have similar skills and duties. Again, each state defines what types of responsibilities and procedures assistants or technicians can perform. In either case, both of these vital team members function as the right hand for many veterinarians. By performing tasks such as collecting blood samples, capturing x-rays or even providing important education to clients about parasites, the technicians help make the veterinarians more efficient. Your pet’s doctor can now focus on doing examinations, prescribing needed medications, diagnosing problems and performing surgery. Of course, the overall well-being of your pets is a primary concern for all technicians. This means they are also very skilled at providing exceptional levels of nursing care to pets who might be scared, in pain or simply anxious about being at the hospital.
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 19
Some technicians will even further their education and skills by specializing in areas such as anesthesiology, nutrition, behavior, dentistry or even zoo medicine. According to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA; www.navta.net), there is a strong demand for graduates of veterinary technology programs. In fact, the Department of Labor lists veterinary technology as one of the top twenty fastest growing careers where education makes a difference. Another fun fact … 95% of all veterinary technicians are women! You know that your veterinarian is an important partner with you in the healthcare of your pets, but it is also crucial to get to know the other vital members of the veterinary care team. These are the folks who will be insuring that your cat stays warm after her spay surgery or that your dog’s pain medication is delivered on time. In many cases, veterinary technicians and assistants can also provide you with some rock solid advice about vaccinations, parasite prevention and even nutrition. l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
19
1/23/2013 3:09:04 PM
THANK
2012
The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) extend a big thank you to everyone who made a donation or volunteered their time to help us in 2012.
2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show Volunteers Dr. Dave Allgeier Ms. Liz Allgeier Ms. Matt Allgeier Ms. Paula Clifford, CVT Ms. Megen Cummings Dr. Sherrill Davison Dr. Robert Graybill Ms. Sarah Hall Dr. Nan Hanshaw Dr. Don Herr Dr. Jim Holt Dr. Lisa Murphy Dr. Brian Reed Dr. Lloyd Reitz Dr. Ben Rhodes Dr. Ines Rodriguez Dr. Larry Samples Dr. Elizabeth Santini Ms. Beth Shelby, CVT Dr. John Simms Dr. Trish Thomson Ms. Laura Turner Dr. Mark Walter Dr. Dave Wolfgang Dr. Jeanne Wordley Ms. Maggie Wreiole Dr. Dan Zawisza Mr. Mark Zebrowski
PVPAC Donors
PVMA Building Fund Daniel Dr. Stephanie Becker Dr. Robert Bishop in Memory of Devon Bishop Dr. Robert Bishop/Shoemaker Avenue Animal Hospital Dr. Kirk Breuninger Dr. James Cohagan Mr. William Edkins Dr. Nate Harvey Dr. Michael Herman Dr. Darrell Hoffman Dr. Adam Hoover Dr. Charles Koenig Dr. Ron Kraft Dr. Russel and Shirley Nyland Dr. Deborah Patt Dr. Charles Raker Dr. James Reed 20
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 20
Dr. Arthur Richards, Jr. Dr. Ronald Stas Dr. John Shissler Mr. Scott and Dr. Tammy Stone
Dr. Kirk Breunninger Dr. J. P. and Barbara Childress Dr. D.L. Daman Dr. Natalie Daniels Mr. John Delara and Dr. Tanya Lin Fronchzek Dr. John and Donna Dodson Dr. Barbara Dymond and Joseph Frederick Dr. Fred Guenther Hempfield Animal Hospital Dr. Michael Herman Dr. Erich and Kathy Hoffman Dr. Charles and Sandra Koenig Dr. Ronald and Linda Kraft Dr. Paul and Margaret Lambert Dr. Robert Lash Dr. Robert Lavan Dr. John Lee Dr. Edward Loewenstein Dr. Donald and Barbara Lowe Dr. Bradley MacNeill Dr. Dale and Jeannie Mantell Dr. Elizabeth McKinstry Dr. Deborah Patt Dr. John and Eileen Quatroche Dr. Daniel and Jeanne Reilly Dr. Conrad Roblejo Dr. Christine Runnels Dr. Bill Whittaker Dr. James Rush Dr. Gary and Anna Marie Senita Dr. Jitendra and Sudhra Sharma Dr. J.O. Simington Dr. Nadine Simms Dr. Sean Smarick Dr. Denny and Christine Stachmus Dr. Ronald Stas Mr. Scott and Dr. Tammy Stone Dr. Jason and Amy Tomes Dr. Helen McCahon Uhlman D Dr. Melvin and Martha Wenger Dr. Dave Wolfgang Dr. David and Elaine Young
keystone veterinarian
PVF Silent Auction Donors Dr. Susan Ackermann/The Cat Doctor Ms. Robin Bernstein/Ms. Michele Rosenthal Community Affairs Director Pittsburgh Steelers Dr. Heather Berst and Mr. Rich Puchalski Dr. Elwood Borger Mr. Sean Casey Mr. Ron Gantz Dr. Lawrence Gerson Ms. Judy Henn Dr. Don Herr Hershey Lodge Heska Dr. Ron and Linda Kraft Dr. Malcolm Kram Dr. Deborah Landis Ms. Liz Moquin Pfizer Animal Health/Phyllis Shaw Pfizer Animal Health/Susan Weber, CVT Dr. Ted Robinson Royal Canin Ms. Beth Shelby, CVT Ms. Elaine Smith Dr. and Mrs. Michael Topper Ms. Amy Tyler Ms. Charlene Wandzilak Dr. Cindy Albright Ward
PVF General Donations Mr. Eric and Ms. Lara Anderson Antietam Valley Animal Hospital Mr. Mike Drawbaugh Ms. Gail Fought Dr. Leslie Gall Ms. Amber Holt Dr. Ron Kraft Ms. Deborah Krupp Ms. Angela Latta Ms. Liz Moquin Mr. Robert Mull Ms. Nancy Murphy Mr. Robert Ordemann Ms. Julia Rich The Roemer Foundation Mr. Gregg Rosen Dr. Michael Topper Ms. Wendy Uba
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:05 PM
Mr. Gerald White Ms. Sara Zimmerman
PVF Scholarship Donations Ms. Robin Bernstein Dr. Malcolm Kram Dr. Deborah Landis Dr. Dan Murphy Pfizer Foundation Matching Gift Program Ms. Cynthia Albright Ward Dr. Tom Wiles
The Last Chance Fund (TLC) Donations Ms. Robin Bernstein Mr. Debra Chaiken Mr. Marvin and Ms. Melonia Charles Ms. Sandra Danoff Mr. Reuel Deppen Mr. Drew Graham Mr. Barry and Ms. Darlene Greenawald Ms. Candy Henry Ms. Patty Karn Mr. Eleanore Koreshy Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic Ms. Marilyn Merenstien Ms. Regina Milione
Ms. Bernardine Miller Nazareth Veterinary Center Check Ms. Betty Neary Ms. Marie Elena Ness Ms. Joyce Offerman Ms. Amy Pavlak Ms. Kimberly Penna Ms. Harriet Perlman Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic Ms. Kelly E. Reilly Ms. Elizabeth Simcox Stanglein Veterinar Clinic Mr. Theodore Martin Trooper Veterinary Hospital Ms. Lillian Welsh Ms. Linda Whitney Willow Street Animal Hospital
Ms. Donna Lizanich Mr. David and Ms. Mona London Ms. Sheila Mills Spring Mills Veterinary Hospital Ms. Betsy Summers Ms. Stacey Rister Trucksville Dog & Cat Hospital Wright Veterinary Medical Center
Memorial Gifts In Memory of Dr. Richard Detwiler
Native American Veterinary Services (NAVS) Donations Americans for Native Americans Bart, Inc./Frederick J. Bart Broadheadsville Veterinary Clinic Mr. James and Ms. Leeann Chiego Cumberland Valley Veterinary Medical Association Fort Washington Veterinary Associates Ms. Myra Corbet
Dr. Lawrence Samples Dr. Max Herman Ms. Molly Levan Mr. Paul Ehlerman Mr. Robert and Ms. Virginia Deem Mr. Robert Ciferri Shoemaker Avenue Animal Hospital Mr. Thomas Ordemann Western Veterinary Medical Association
In Memory of Dr. Charles Wunderlich Dr. Fred Guenther
In Memory of Dr. John Dryer Western Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association l
The Last Chance Fund of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation The Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) established the “The Last Chance Fund� (TLC) to help ensure a source of funding for the care of abused, neglected, or injured unowned companion animals that might otherwise be euthanized or surrendered to an animal shelter that is already overburdened. Find out how your hospital can become a participating practice today at www.pavetfoundation.org.
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 21
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
21
1/23/2013 3:09:06 PM
foundation cornerstone
Native American Veterinary Services Enters New Frontiers With a Bright and Exciting Future By Ted Robinson, VMD, Founder, Native American Veterinary Services (NAVS) and Vice-Chair, Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation
2
012 was a year of transition with the expansion of our southwest trip to include Monument Valley, Arizona, and Taos, New Mexico. Native American Veterinary Services (NAVS) now covers five reservations in the southwest: the pueblos of Zuni, Hopi, Santa Domingo, and Taos, as well as a new and exciting venture into Kayenta, Monument Valley, Arizona. What makes Kayenta exciting is the fact that we are now working with a first class veterinary facility within a high school on the Navajo Nation Reservation. Being the only facility of its kind, it offers high school students the opportunity to pursue a career in veterinary technology or an introduction to a pre-veterinary program. The facility, run by Clyde and Elisha McBride is a complete veterinary hospital contained within a high school. It has both small and large animal capabilities for surgical and medical cases. The only thing that was lacking was the presence of veterinarians to help in teaching the students. NAVS has helped to partially fill this void. During our time in Kayenta, we work with the students to help train them in both surgical and medical procedures. We perform spays and neuters on dogs and cats as well as various procedures on large animals, including gelding of horses. Also, it affords the students an opportunity to discuss with the both veterinarians and veterinary students the different opportunities available in the veterinary profession. Our work on the Zuni reservation has also been greatly enhanced. Due to the kind donation from the Bucks County SPCA of over 30 stainless steel cages and a gas anesthesia machine, we now have the capability of performing twice as many surgical procedures as we were previously able to perform. All in all, we attended to both the surgical and medical needs of over 350 dogs and cats in addition to hundreds of sheep, horses, pigs, and goats during our 5-day stay on the Zuni reservation. The stay also allowed all the participants to glean knowledge about the Zuni culture and to closely interact with the native population. Participants had a private tour of the unique eagle sanctuary located on the reservation. While on the reservation, we also lectured three classes of students at the middle school about the opportunities available in veterinary medicine. Work on both the Santa Domingo and Taos reservations consisted of vaccinating and worming hundreds of horses and cattle as well as performing numerous horse castrations. This gave an opportunity for both the veterinary and veterinary technician students to work on large animals. Our work on these reservations over the past few years has greatly enhanced the health and thriftiness of these domestic animals, thus giving them a better quality of life and a greater market value. During 2012, we received a $20,000 grant from PetSmart Charities ($10,000 a year for two years). We also received a grant from the Roemer Foundation to help cover part of the cost of the student participants. We would like to thank the Bucks County SPCA, the Roemer Foundation, and PetSmart Charities, and Americans For Native Americans (ANA) for their generous support. For without their support this project would not be possible. l Penn Vet student Hope Douglas gets a little help holding a horse still during examination.
22
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 22
keystone veterinarian
October 2012 Participants Veterinarians Dr. Suzanne Smith Dr. Jim McClearen Dr. Ted Robinson Dr. Don Skinner Dee Skinner Dr. Kari Titcher Dr. Darell Hoffman Anne Hoffman Dr. Mark Mendlowitz Dr. Jane Fassinger Dr. John Lee
Technicians Diane Thomas Kathy Nehoda Glenn Nehoda Sarah Griesel Barbara Lock
Students Hope Douglas Ashley Hard Ann Mitchell Bethany Fruman Adrienne Keller Amy Bogdan Party Knapp Elfriede Perner with Dr. Lee
Dr. Jane Fassinger examines a sheep from a local flock.
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:08 PM
Sometimes even the best clients need reminded. People in Zuni wait in line with their pets to enter the clinic.
PVMA FACT SHEETS Dr. Jim McClearen teaches Navajo students inside the clinic.
Client education is important, but how much do your clients remember after they get home? PVMA offers fact sheets on a variety of topics to help you educate your clients. Whether it's disaster preparedness, safety tips, or the dangers of internet pharmacies, our fact sheets are an easy way to make sure pet owners have the information they need at their finger tips. Visit www.pavma.org and click on 'For Pet Owners'. You can download and print the sheets or provide your clients with the link. Also, our selection of fact sheets is constantly expanding. Have a new topic you'd like to see covered? Email your suggestion to lraver@pavma.org.
Penn Vet student Hope Douglas, Manor College student Amy Bogdan, and Dr. Ted Robinson pose with a group in Zuni. WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 23
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
23
1/23/2013 3:09:11 PM
$ $ $ VALUE what's the
of Your PVMA Membership
educational discounts (based on non-member vs. member veterinarian full conference registration rate) • Winter Conference—$50 • Spring Clinic—$50 • Keystone Veterinary Conference—$75 • 3 Rivers Veterinary Symposium—$65 • EVE Webinars—$85-$510
Total Potential Annual Educational Discount Savings: $50–$750
?
additional savings for practice owners! • Energy Plus Buying Group average annual energy savings for practices—$506 • Discounted on-hold messaging systems—$25-125 • Discounted bank card processing services—$200-1,000+ • Website hosting and design services—$100-1,000+ • Insurance savings through pvmaAssure, PVMA's insurance full-service, in-house agency—$500-$1,000 + (includes employee benefit packages)
Additional total savings for practice owners: $1,331–$3,631
other benefits • keystone veterinarian (official publication of PVMA)—$30 • 20% discount on display ads in keystone veterinarian—$45-385 • Free classified ads in keystone veterinarian—$35-300 • Free VetBytes bi-monthly e-newsletter—$100 • Free Around the Capitol weekly e-newsletter—$200 • Discounted legal services/consultation—up to $500 (10% discount up to $5000 in services annually) • Free new graduate employment contract review (within first three years of graduation)—$300 • Free classified ads for relief veterinarians on website—$35-300 • Discounted classified ads on Veterinary Career Network— $25-200 • Reduced Cost Book Program with Priority Press— $14-55 (includes: Contracts, Benefits, and Practice: Management for the Veterinary Profession, Legal Consents for Veterinary Practice, Law and Ethics of the Veterinary Profession, and Job Descriptions and Training Schedules for the Veterinary Team)
• Insurance savings through pvmaAssure, PVMA's insurance agency—$50-$500+ (includes long-term care, disability, and term life) • Energy Plus Buying Group average annual energy bill savings for home-owners—$222 • Discounted Hersheypark tickets (average savings for family of four)—$48 • Discounted custom imprinting for cards and stationery (10% discount)—$25-100+ • 24/7/365 exclusive advocate to represent you and your interests with the legislature and regulatory agencies and with you in mind in everything we do!—PRICELESS
Total Potential Other Discount Savings: $1,619– $2,290
If you have questions regarding any of the benefits or services listed or have an idea for a new benefit, contact Charlene Wandzilak at cwandzilak@pavma.org.
24
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 24
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:12 PM
foundation cornerstone
Meet the 2012 Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation Scholarship Recipients
E
ach year the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF), the charitable arm of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), awards veterinary students with scholarships to help ease the burden of the cost of their education through generous donations from veterinarians and the public. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and financial need.
Denise Hardisky, V'13 Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine From Nicholson, PA, Denise grew up on a hobby farm which included 100-head herd of Shropshire sheep which she showed around the country. Joining 4-H at the age of nine, she was also exposed to animal husbandry and herd health. Now as an adult continues her involvement with 4-H by helping young people raise and prepare livestock for show. Through 4-H she also raised a market steer for her local fair and enjoyed the challenge of choosing a competitive feeder calf, working closely with local feed mill nutritionists, and being active in preventive health. In 2004, Denise purchased a small herd of Shorthorn show heifers and has widely expanded her cattle experience through a number breeding projects. Still active in community service, Denise hopes after graduation to become a diagnostician serving both bovine and small ruminant producers. Congratulations, Denise!
arship. Judging for this scholarship includes a review of the student's demonstrated leadership experience, education and work experience, extracurricular activities, membership in professional and student organizations, honors and awards, career goals and aspirations of Catawissa, PA, attended Penn State University and received her degree in Animal Sciences in 2010. She grew up in rural Columbia County in the shadow of her grandfather's farm where she developed her passion for animals. Since she began at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jolie has joined many clubs (including emergency and critical care, production medicine, behavior, surgery, and more) which help to expand her knowledge with wet labs and lectures. She is also a student member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Following her graduation, Jolie hopes to return to rural Pennsylvania and work as a mixed practice veterinarian. Mixed practice will allow her to combine her loves of both production animal and companion animal medicine. She also looks forward to being able to help educate clients and producers on the benefits of preventive care for all types of animals. Congratulations, Jolie! l
Amanda Wanner, V'14 University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine From Mohnton, PA, Amanda attended Penn State University and graduated with a degree in Life Sciences. Over the last nine years, she has held various jobs at veterinary practices doing small animal technician work and also small ruminant and exotics handling. She also volunteered at the Berks County Animal Rescue and developed a particular interest in shelter medicine. Amanda also worked at the Penn State sheep barn and fell in love with large animal medicine. She is a student member of both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), is the board secretary for the Illinois Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), the Behavior Club, and participates in several others clubs including shelter medicine, resident equine, and clinical pathology. In addition, she performs community outreach through the Veterinary Student Outreach Program by caring for the pets of abused women at the University of Illinois' A Pet's Place. Following graduation, Amanda would like to return to Pennsylvania and work in a mixed practice, eventually opening her own practice. Congratulations, Amanda!
Jolie Hunsinger, V'14 University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine Jolie Hunsinger is the recipient of the PVF/PVMA Young Leader ScholWWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 25
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
25
1/23/2013 3:09:13 PM
Meet the PVMA 2013 Board of Trustees PVMA held its election of officers and trustees in August 2012. The following individuals will serve on our Board of Trustees beginning January 1, 2013.
District III Alternate Trustee
District I Trustee District I includes Erie, Warren, McKean, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Forest, Elk, Jefferson, and Clarion Counties.
ADAM HOOVER, VMD FRANKLIN, PA Associate Veterinarian, Franklin Animal Clinic Did you know: Dr. Hoover is a member of the PVMA Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee.
District I Alternate Trustee BETH PIERSOL, DVM NORTH EAST, PA Associate Veterinarian, Animal Ark Pet Hospital Did you know: When Dr. Piersol is not working or spending time with her two children, she can usually be found reading, listening to music, and participating in triathlons and other outdoor activities.
District II Trustee District II includes Potter, Tioga, Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour, and Columbia Counties.
LLOYD REITZ, JR., VMD PAXINOS, PA Associate Veterinarian, Alpine and St. Francis Animal Clinic Did you know: He lives with his wife and two children in a century-old farm house along with two Newfoundland dogs and two pot-bellied pigs. Currently, he is President of the Board of Directors for pvmaAssure Insurance Agency, Inc.
District II Alternate Trustee STACIA MCMAHON GILBERT, DVM COAL TOWNSHIP, PA Co-Owner, Alpine and St. Francis Veterinary Clinic Did you know: When she is not working, Dr. Gilbert enjoys camping, gardening, skiing, and reading.
District III includes Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties.
MARY-LYNN MCBRIDE, DVM DRUMS, PA Owner, McBride Equine and Pocono Downs Reg. Did you know: Dr. McBride is married and has a 9-year-old daughter. She also has one dog, one cat, three horses, and two donkeys. VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 26
Associate Veterinarian, Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital Did you know: Dr. Fiedorczyk currently resides with her five cats and a veiled chameleon. In her free time, she does some insect collecting, likes to read, and enjoys live music.
District IV Trustees District IV includes Lawrence, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Indiana, Allegheny, Fayette, Westmoreland, Washington, and Greene Counties.
MICHAEL Q. BAILEY, DVM, DACVR EXPORT, PA Head Radiologist, Banfield Pet Hospitals Did you know: Dr. Bailey was an American Veterinary Medical Association/American Association for the Advancement of Science congressional fellow where he worked as a legislative aide to a senior member of Congress in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, and education.
JOHN SHOWALTER, DVM CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA Owner, Showalter Veterinary Services Did you know: Since 1989, he has been pursuing advanced training in the veterinary dental field and is a member of the American Veterinary Dental Association.
District IV Alternate Trustees AMANDA GLASS, DVM PITTSBURGH, PA Technical Service Veterinarian, Merial, Ltd. Auburn Did you know: Dr. Glass began working with Merial in 2007 where—as a technical services veterinarian— some of her duties include training and assisting the sales representatives as well as being a professional resource for the veterinarians that they serve.
SEAN SMARICK, VMD, DACVECC MONROEVILLE, PA
District III Trustee
26
DAWN FIEDORCZYK, VMD FORTY FORT, PA
keystone veterinarian
Owner, Allegheny Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty Did you know: With his two daughters now firmly in grade school and with his wife’s permission, Dr. Smarick is making more time to paddle whitewater, run in the woods, and get back into organized veterinary medicine. continued on page 27
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:15 PM
Board of Trustees continued from page 26
District V Trustee District V includes Clearfield, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon, Fulton, Bedford, Somerset, Cambria, and Blair Counties.
DAN ZAWISZA, VMD ROCKWOOD, PA Associate Veterinarian, White Oak Veterinary Clinic Did you know: Dr. Zawisza enjoys hunting and fishing, hiking and camping, reading, and old movies.
District VI Trustee District V includes Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Perry, Cumberland, York, Lancaster, Counties.
ANDREA HONIGMANN, DVM LANCASTER, PA Associate Veterinarian, Berks Animal Emergency and Referral Center
District VII Trustees District VII includes Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester Counties.
HEATHER BERST, VMD PHILADELPHIA, PA Practice Development Veterinarian, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Did you know: Dr. Berst is a member of the Board of Trustees and Fundraising Committee of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation and is the Co-Chair of the Bark in the Park 5k Run Planning Subcommittee. She is also the Chair of the PVMA Communications Committee and, in this capacity, is editor of keystone veterinarian.
CHRISTINA DOUGHERTY, VMD PHILADELPHIA, PA Manager of the Companion Animal Veterinary Team with Veterinary Medical Information and Product Support (VMIPS), Pfizer Animal Health Did you know: Tina is the mother of three children and currently lives with her husband and family in Philadelphia, PA.
Did you know: Originally from Troy, OH, Dr. Honigmann and her husband, Mark, reside in Lititz with their daughter, Addison, a yellow lab, and two cats.
CASEY LYNCH KURTZ, VMD POTTSTOWN, PA
JOHN SIMMS, VMD SHIPPENSBURG, PA
Did you know: Dr. Kurtz's interest and involvement in animal rescue led to her incorporating and obtaining nonprofit status for the group Cares4Pets, Incorporated.
Owner, Burnt Mill Veterinary Center Did you know: Dr. Simms has been recognized by PVMA for his many contributions with the prestigious Distinguished Veterinary Service Award and 2010 Legislative Leadership Award.
District VI Alternate Trustees NATHAN KAPP, VMD LANCASTER, PA Associate Veterinarian, Muddy Creek Veterinary Service Did you know: In his time off, Dr. Kapp enjoys restoring antique tractors and farm equipment, baling hay, and driving his vintage Studebaker.
JEFFREY STEED, DVM LANCASTER, PA Managing Partner and Owner, Manheim Pike Veterinary Hospital Did you know: Dr. Steed is married to Dr. Kathy Nyland Steed and has two children. He is owned by two dogs and one cat.
Associate Veterinarian, French Creek Veterinary Hospital
THEODORE B. ROBINSON, BS, MS, VMD RICHBORO, PA Owner, Unique Seminar Destinations for the Veterinary Profession Did you know: Dr. Robinson founded the Native American Veterinary Services program in 2000 in coordination with PVMA, the Bucks-Montgomery Veterinary Medical Association (BMVMA) and Americans for Native Americans.
District VII Alternate Trustees KIMBERLEY HERSHHORN GALLIGHER, VMD MALVERN, PA Owner, Phoenixville Animal Hospital Did you know: In her free time, Dr. Galligher enjoys cooking, gardening, golf, water skiing and long walks with her family.
TOM GARG, VMD MALVERN, PA Emergency Veterinarian, Hope Veterinary Specialists Did you know: Dr. Garg is an active member of PVMA and serves as Chair of the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee. continued on page 28
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 27
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
27
1/23/2013 3:09:18 PM
Board of Trustees
Alternate Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association
continued from page 27
KIMBERLY KOVATH, VMD PHILADELPHIA, PA Part-time Veterinarian and Assistant Professor, Delaware Valley College.
STEVEN PRIER MS, VMD MALVERN, PA Owner, Sugartown Veterinary Hospital Did you know: Dr. Prier is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, and PVMA.
District VIII Trustees District VIII includes Schuylkill, Berks, Carbon, Northampton, and Lehigh Counties.
SUSAN ACKERMANN, DVM HELLERTOWN, PA Owner, The Cat Doctor; Co-Owner and a member of the Board of Directors of the Valley Central Veterinary Emergency Hospital Did you know: In her spare time, she enjoys serving as President of the Hellertown Enhancement Project, as an Instructor for the Da Vinci Science Center Summer Camp, a mentor for the Minsi Trails Boy Scout Career Exploration Program, the chair of the Women in Medicine Career program for the Northeast Pennsylvania Girl Scouts Council, and performing as a Soprano I with the Pennsylvania Sinfonia’s Camerata Singers.
FERDINAND VISINTAINER, VMD NEW TRIPOLI, PA Partner, Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital Did you know: Dr. Visintainer is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association (LVVMA).
District VIII Alternate Trustees MEG ALONSO, VMD MACUNGIE, PA
MIKE TOPPER, DVM, PHD, DACVP HARLEYSVILLE, PA Director, Clinical Pathology, Merck and Company, Inc. Did you know: Dr. Topper currently serves on the AVMA’s House Advisory Committee and serves as the Chair of the PVMA Governance Committee.
Academic Veterinarian At-Large Trustee COLIN HARVEY, BVSc, FRCVS, DACVS, DAVDC PHILADELPHIA, PA Did you know: Dr. Harvey has written extensively for textbooks and journals, has written, edited or co-edited five books, and was the editor of Veterinary Surgery, the journal of the American College of Veterinary Surgery from 1982-1987, and of the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry for the American Veterinary Dentistry College from 1994-2000.
Public and Corporate Practice Veterinarian At-Large Trustee JULES BENSON, BVSc, MRCVS PHILADELPHIA, PA Vice President of Veterinary Services, Petplan Insurance Did you know: Dr. Benson enjoys music, movies and reading as well as cycling, Muay Thai kickboxing and hanging out with his four cats, bunny, four rats, and leopard gecko.
Production Animal Veterinarian At-Large Trustee DARCIE STOLZ, VMD STRASBURG, PA Owner, Darcie Stolz, VMD Did you know: Dr. Stolz was discouraged from becoming a veterinarian by her high school counselor and her college advisor but followed her heart and graduated from Penn Vet in 1982.
Retired Veterinarian Did you know: Dr. Alsonso served as President of the Lehigh Valley Veterinary Medical Association from 2008 through 2011.
CARLOS HODGES, DVM, MS, PC WHITEHALL, PA Co-Owner, Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center Did you know: Dr. Hodges co-hosts the Animal Doctor Show on Channel 69 WFMZ-TV Allentown, PA, with Kathy Craine. He is also a frequent participant on MyFox Philly 29 and WCAU-TV Philadelphia. Dr. Hodges has hosted a Wednesday Foster Child segment sponsored by Fannie Mae from WCAU-TV Philadelphia. The segment won PVMA’s Media Award.
28
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 28
keystone veterinarian
Certified Veterinary Technician At-Large Trustee JOY ELLWANGER, CVT, BS, AAS MOUNT JOY, PA Animal Operating Room Coordinator, Penn State Hershey, Department of Comparative Medicine within the College of Medicine Did you know: Joy also owns and manages Shear Elegance Dog Grooming in Mount Joy. When she is not grooming other people’s dogs, you will find her showing Kerry Blue Terriers and Wheaten Terriers in conformation and agility where she has achieved multiple titles on her dogs. Joy is acknowledged by the AKC as a Breeder of Merit. l
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:19 PM
Important Tax Information From PVMA
A
s you may be aware, Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Associa- tion dues may not be deducted on your federal income tax return as a charitable expense, but a portion of them may be deducted as a business expense.
Best wishes for a prosperous and happy new year. Sincerely yours, Ronald Kraft, DVM, Secretary-Treasurer
As a 501(c) (6) organization under the tax codes, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association is subject to a rule stipulating that the portion of a member’s dues which supports broadly defined “lobbying activities” may not be deducted by the member as a business expense. For 2012 tax purposes, this amount is 7.26% of the dues you paid to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, whatever that amount may be. Conversely, you may deduct up to 92.74%. For 2012, you may apply these percentages against the dues amount which you actually paid. If you pre-paid your 2013 dues in 2012 and your tax returns are calculated on an accrual basis, do not take the business deduction for the 2013 dues until you file your 2013 return. You will receive notice of the allowable amount for 2013 in January 2014. On the other hand, if your tax returns are calculated on a cash basis and you pre-paid the 2013 dues in 2012, you may include them (after subtracting 7.26%) on your 2012 return. If you have any questions about the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association dues amount you paid for 2012, please feel free to call our office at 888.550.7862. However, please contact your accountant or tax advisor for specific tax advice.
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 29
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
29
1/23/2013 3:09:21 PM
PVMA's 2012 Digital Photography Contest Yielded Creative Results! Please take a moment to admire some of the photography submitted by Pennsyvlvania students for PVMA's 2012 Digital Photography Contest. Winners and honorable mentions (HM) were presented with their awards and prizes during a Junior Hall of Fame Breakfast hosted during the 6th Keystone Veterinary Conference held at the Hershey Lodge in August. Congratulations to our young photographers! l GAVIN DRAWBAUGH, KINDERGARTEN HM ALYSSA TERZA, KINDERGARTEN
SAMANTHA BUCHER, 9TH GRADE
SARAH MANNHERZ, 4TH GRADE
SAMANTHA SCHULTEIS, 5TH GRADE
ABIGAIL BRUNER, 3RD GRADE JONATHAN SNYDER, 10TH GRADE
ABIGAIL STALEY, 5TH GRADE HM ABIGAIL ZYHOWSKI, 11TH GRADE
ELIZABETH FANG, 7TH GRADE ELIZABETH BRUNER, 2ND GRADE HM
CALVIN TERZA, 2ND GRADE 30
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 30
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:27 PM
PVMA 2013 Digital Photography Contest Is Open
Promote the Contest in Your Own Practice!
National Pet Week Is May 5-11, 2013 "A Photo Shot of Love: Celebrating Healthy Pets" It's vital to get the word out about the importance of veterinary care, and where better to start than with kids? In recognition of National Pet Week, PVMA is again running its annual digital photography contest for all Pennsylvania schoolschildren in grades K-12. Children must submit a photo which demonstrates the theme “A Photo Shot of Love: Celebrating Healthy Pets,” and they could win a $50 prize. Please help get the word out in your area and encourage children to learn more about veterinary medicine in a fun and creative way.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Photos must be digital, no more than 2 megabytes, and should be submitted via email to Lori Raver at lraver@pavma.org. Photos should be solely the work of the student, and emails should include the student’s name, address, phone number, school, and grade. PVMA will provide a $50 cash award and a plaque for the first place winner in each grade. The winners of the statewide photo contest will also be invited to receive their award in person at the Keystone Veterinary Conference on August 15-18, 2013, in Hershey. The winning photos will be on display at the convention.
Rules 1. The digital photography contest is for school age children, kindergarten through 12th grade. Children must be Pennsylvania residents. 2. The photo must be solely the work of the student. 3. The theme is “A Photo Shot of Love: Celebrating Healthy Pets.” 4. Photos should be NO LARGER than 2 megabytes. 5. Entries should be submitted by email to lraver@pavma.org. The email should contain the student’s name, address, phone number, school and grade. 6. Photos MUST BE RECEIVED via email by May 31, 2013.
They can show their friends! WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 31
Each entry to the PVMA Photo Contest will be added to our online gallery prior to judging in June so the students can share with their friends. Each photo will display the student’s first name, grade, and school name. Visit www.pavma.org! keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
31
1/23/2013 3:09:30 PM
member news
Welcome New Members
p
VMA welcomes the following new members and thanks them for joining PVMA! (September 26, 2012—January 8, 2013)
Active-Recent Graduate
Jennifer Asher, DVM, Aston, PA Caitlin Botes, VMD, Aston, PA Rebecca Caldwell, DVM, Monroeville, PA Nicole DeGrande, DVM, McKean Veterinary Hospital, McKean, PA Valerie Ebert, DVM, Honesdale, PA Alexandra Ford, DVM, Williamsburg, PA Christopher Gehman, DVM, Millerstown Veterinary Associates, PC, Millerstown, PA Apryle Horbal, VMD, Wynter's Circle, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA Heather Kellermann, DVM, Levittown, PA Michelle Kneeland, DVM, Coatesville, PA Jennifer Kotouch, DVM, Five Points Veterinary Clinic Aliquippa, PA Michael Miller, DVM, Diamond Creek Equine, LLC, Wellsville, PA Sarah Moser, VMD, Carlisle, PA Lindsay Schwartzmeyer, DVM, North Collins, NY
Academic Active
Beverly Gnadt, DVM, Temple University - ULAR, Philadelphia, PA Jennifer Shelly, Ridley Park, PA
Active
Robin Archer, DVM, West Finley, PA Lindsay Berardino, VMD, Philadelphia, PA
Justin Bienkewski, DVM, Met Vet, Pittsburgh, PA Sandra Chmiel, DVM, Corry, PA Dawn Eckert, DVM, Mechanicsburg, PA Barbara Flickinger , VMD, BJF Housecall Veterinarian, Inc., Spring City, PA Tegan Fuller, DVM, Always Compassionate Veterinary Care, Pittsburgh, PA Jose Gomez, DVM, BEVA, Glenmoore, PA Diane Harris, DVM, New Holland Veterinary Hospital, New Holland, PA Alan Hertz , DVM, Sunbury Animal Hospital, Sunbury, PA Deirdre Mason-Hauver, DVM, Waynesburg, PA Travis Meredith, DVM, PhD, Royersford, PA Nicole Palumbo , DVM, Franklin Animal Clinic, Franklin, PA Ingrid Rhinehart , DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic, Beaver, PA Amy Santonastaso, VMD, New Milford, PA Katharine Semmens, DVM, Lebanon, PA Laura Tancredi-Geary , DVM, Antech Imaging Services, Philadelphia, PA Laura Tseng, DVM, VSEC, Levittown, PA Judith Veghte, Anthracite Animal Clinic, Ashland, PA Christopher Warrington, DVM, Cranberry Township, PA Amy Will-Schlechtweg, VMD, King of Prussia, PA Justin Yesilonis, DVM, Oxford, PA
Associate
Molly Dixon, VMD, Philadelphia, PA Michael Odian, DVM, Equine Practice PC, Taneytown, MD
Industry Partner
Tamara Zubillaga, Pfizer Animal Health, Exton, PA
Part-time Staff Veterinarian
Elizabeth Sinclair Miller, DVM, Millersburg, PA
Practice Manager
Katherine Johnson, Butler, PA Sally Master, CVT, Nazareth, PA Terry Turck, CVT, Sellersville, PA Natasha Lake, Duncannon, PA Stephanie Popp, Edgebrook Veterinary Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA Sharon Hines, BS, Willow Run Veterinary Clinic, Willow Street, PA Julianne Smiley, Valley Veterninary Service, Belle Vernon, PA Jill Turner, Morrisville Veterinary Hospital, Morrisville, PA
Student
Leann Murphy, Lancaster, PA Michelle Dunn, Philadelphia, PA Maria Gorka, Philadelphia, PA Jonathan Madara, Philadelphia, PA Jeremy Maurer, Philadelphia, PA Jennifer Monkiewicz, Philadelphia, PA Ayla Musciano, Philadelphia, PA Stacy Taylor, Philadelphia, PA Alexandra Crooks, Philadelphia, PA Rachel Yenko-Martinka, Chester PA Steven Erikson, Newtown Square, PA l
Raise Money for the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation When You When You Search Or Shop Online!
Raise a penny (or more!) for the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) every time you search the web. www.iGive.com is the internet's first online search engine and shopping mall where a penny or more per search and a portion of each purchase is donated to your favorite cause. Over 1,000 of the web’s best stores participate in this free program, and up to 26% of each purchase benefits our cause!
TOTALLY FREE | NO HIDDEN FEES | NO LIMITS Monthly Donation Checks To PVF
Search and shop online at www.iGive.com! 32
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 32
keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:31 PM
member news
Prestigious Bennett J. Cohen Award Given to Dr. Harry Rozmiarek
A
t its annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International presented its highest honor, the Bennett J. Cohen Award, to Dr. Harry Rozmiarek, DVM, PhD, DACLAM. The Bennett J. Cohen Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional service and significant contributions to AAALAC International and have demonstrated a strong and abiding commitment to advancing science through the promotion of the highest standards of laboratory animal care in research, testing, and education. AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Dr. Rozmiarek has made significant contributions to the mission and work of AAALAC International. He served as an ad hoc consultant to AAALAC starting in 1971, served on the Council on Accreditation from 1979-1988, and was the council's Vice Chair for three of those years. Dr. Rozmiarek later served for more than a decade on AAALAC's Board for Trustees, where he held the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Chair and Chair from 2005-2009. His contributions to the wider laboratory animal science community are many. Dr. Rozmiarek joined the University of Pennsylvania in 1987 as professor of Laboratory Animal Medicine and director of University Laboratory Animal Resources. He has also served as university veterinarian and Associate Director of the Office of Regulatory Affairs and as director of postdoctoral residency training for veterinarians in laboratory animal medicine from 1987-2007. The recipient of numerous grants for facilities improvement, training, and research, he is currently a member of the Scientific Consultants Group for Malaria Research of the Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2004, he was appointed by the National Research Council (ILAR) as the national member and currently represents the United States on the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS) and was elected to the ICLAS Governing Board in 2007. Dr. Rozmiarek's contributions and leadership in laboratory animal medicine were recognized by his election as AALAS National president in 1983, president of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners in 1992, president of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) in 1997, and numerous other positions of leadership in these and other organizations. He was WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 33
awarded the AALAS Griffin Award in 1995 and the Charles River Prize of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1996, was appointed a Fulbright Scholar and studied at the University of Cambridge for the 2002-2003 year, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association in 2009. Dr. Rozmiarek is author of more than 60 scientific publications and presentations and was co-recipient of the AALAS Research Award in 1980. He has published extensively in the fields of immunology, toxicology, virology and infectious disease, and laboratory animal management and husbandry. He has been a member of the Editorial Committees for the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (1995) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook (1992 and 2002). He has served on the Editorial Advisory Committee and Scientific Review Board for the AALAS Contemporary Topics Journal, as Editor Emeritus for the Shanghai Laboratory Animal Science Journal, and referee for numerous other scientific journals. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus
and Director for the University of Pennsylvania and Fox Chase Cancer Center. Congratulations, Dr. Rozmiarek, on receiving this honor! l
Remembering PVMA Past President Dr. David K. Rice
D2012
avid K. Rice, VMD, passed away on November 30, . Dr. Rice was born in Arendtsville, PA, in 1921, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1945. He moved to Warren in 1947 and set up a large animal practice serving counties in both Pennsylvania and New York. Dr. Rice served as the PVMA President in 1955 and was a member of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Examining Board for six years. He also served in the Army Veterinary Corps and obtained the rank of captain. Dr. Rice was also very involved in politics in his community. In addition to serving in several school board capacities, Dr. Rice was elected as a Warren County Commissioner in 1966 and served for 20 years. He also was instrumental in the development of the county's Office of Human Services and, over the years, helped the Rouse Estate to diversify and offer many services to the community. Locally he also served on the Board of the Warren County Fair and was heavily involved in judging the horse pulling contests. Dr. Rice is survived by his wife, Alice, of more than 69 years; three sons: Dr. David (Mike) of State College, PA, Dr. Robert of Rockville, MD, and William of Kallispel, MT; a daughter Caroline Sorensen of Warren, PA; and 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
33
1/23/2013 3:09:32 PM
penn vet news
Penn Vet Opens Working Dog Center L
ate last spring, people went crazy for Cairo. The Navy SEAL dog played an integral role in the special operations team to find Osama Bin Laden, and was an instant celebrity in mainstream media after the May 1 mission. Talk about how well Cairo was trained, speculation on his breed, the gear he wore while parachuting into the compound and the quest for more details about his role that day, ran rampant. The role of working dogs in the U.S. hasn't been well publicized or well understood. These dogs, in addition to serving in the military, protect our ports and border cities as well as help officers on day-to-day patrols in many cities across the states. Until now, however, demand for these well-trained dogs has surpassed our ability to supply them domestically. The University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine Working Dog Center aims to change that. On September 11, Penn Vet, under the leadership of Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD, opened its new Penn Vet Working Dog Center in Philadelphia with the overarching goal to collect and analyze genetic, behavioral and physical data, and integrate the latest scientific information in order to optimize the success and well-being of detection dogs. Information collected can then be used to build a domestic supply of these dogs, which can be bred, trained, and kept within the states. In addition to the research arm, the Penn Vet Working Dog Center will
These dogs, in addition to serving in the military, protect our ports and border cities as well as help officers on day-to-day patrols in many cities across the states.
train dogs—from puppies through year two of their lives—to take on important jobs with police, federal agencies, and more. At the opening, the first class of seven puppies came together for the first time. The first class of puppies, all brought in between 8 weeks – 11 weeks of age and donated by breeders from across the country, are being brought to the center five days a week and learning basic obedience under the guidance of Training Director Annemarie DeAngelo. Ms. DeAngelo, a retired New Jersey State Trooper, founded the force’s K9 unit and will now be using her talents to train and shape these future detection dogs. When the pups aren’t at the center, they are living with foster families. “We are getting the pups at 8 weeks of age,” said Dr. Otto. “They live with foster families and they come to our center from 8am–5pm Monday through Friday for foundation training. The early developmental exposure is critical, but even more critical is the data we are collecting.” 34
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 34
keystone veterinarian
The puppies are each named after dogs who responded with their handlers to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Three of those responder dogs attended the ceremony this past September and met their predecessors. “September 11 was my inspiration for this center,” said Otto. “When I went to New York to serve as the on-the-ground veterinarian for these dogs, I knew that there was more that had to be done on the research side to ensure their overall health and well-being. I promised myself then that I wouldn’t rest until this center was realized, and now we are just beginning.” The seven puppies have come from working lines of dogs and include a golden retriever named Bretagne, a Dutch shepherd named Kaiserin, three yellow Labrador retrievers named Morgan, Sirius and Socks, and two chocolate Labrador retrievers named Papa Bear and Thunder. continued on page 35 WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:36 PM
Working Dog Center continued from page 34
“Working dogs are, in general, high-energy, focused, and eager to be active,” said Otto. “The type of work that best suits an individual dog varies in physical and mental demands. Some types of detection work, like search and rescue, require a very independent and agile dog, while other types of work, like USDA inspection dogs at the airport, are bestsuited for quieter dogs that work well in a team.” At the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Dr. Otto and Ms. DeAngelo will be observing the seven puppies to see what kind of work each of them may be best suited to pursue. After their 1-2 years of training, dogs will be obtained by any number of agencies who can use them in a working role depending on the strengths and talents of the dogs. Two of the female puppies will be employed by the University of Pennsylvania Police Department. In addition to the first class of seven, Otto hopes to bring in two additional classes of puppies in the next year so that a new class of puppies is always being started out. But it isn’t all work for the pups. “Our first step in training is to build play drive,” said Otto, “so we set up an environment in which the puppy can play and have fun and chase a toy. We have them do that in all sorts of places and on all sorts of surfaces to build confidence.” In addition to the training, the puppies undergo regular health checkups and data, including weight and height, are recorded. Eventually, Dr. Otto hopes to track genetic information in the most successful of the puppies to determine whether there is a biomarker that these
dogs have that other family-pet dogs do not. There is also the aim to begin a breeding program at the center. “People don't often realize that the dogs that we do have domestically are often bred, raised and trained in Eastern Europe,” said Otto. “As a result, while the dogs we have here are effective, we are generally getting dogs of a lower quality than what we can breed and train here. Also, knowing that we are breeding and training dogs domestically ensures a greater level of national security.” l
NATE LYNCH
A proud member of…
& ASSOCIATES LLC
Veterinary Practice Sales & Appraisals
Contact us TODAY if you are: ❏ SELLING ❏ BUYING ❏ MERGING ❏ SEEKING
your practice a new practice multiple practices an associate or partnership buy-in/buy-out
For A F R E E Confidential Consultation call:
800-567-1264 Nate Lynch & Associates, LLC PO Box 573 • Walpole, NH 03608
www.natelynch.com WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 35
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
35
1/23/2013 3:09:38 PM
Classified Ads Veterinarians SEEKING EMPLOYMENT—Senior citizen veterinarian, still hardworking and conscientious is seeking part-time employment in southcentral Pennsylvania. Dr. Deborah Stone. 717.334.9549. FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE veterinarian—buy-in potential. 3-doctor, full-service small animal hospital in scenic Berks County. Practices high-quality standard of care. Exceptional doctor/support staff ratio. Excellen benefit and compensation package. Visit www.antietamvet.com. Email resume to avah@dejazzd.com or fax to 610.779.6079. DO YOU like weekends off and no on call time? Busy, Four Doctor, small animal practice seeking a friendly, energetic, well-rounded veterinarian who wants to practice quality medicine and surgery. Potential to earn $100,000 plus per year, 401K, health insurance and many other benefits. New graduates welcome. Ultrasound experience a plus. Call Dr. Beth Crombie at 570.523.3640 or email lvh@dejazzd.com. LOOKING FOR great working conditions? Small animal hospital in south central Pennsylvania needs an associate. Long-term desirable. We have an experienced, skilled, and compassionate team to support you. Interest in surgery is a plus. We have visiting specialists in ultrasound, chiropractic, and surgery. Practice quality medicine in a semi-rural environment. No emergency, reasonable hours, and pro-sal. Schuylkill Veterinary Hospital—570.622.1098 or drstt@comcast.net. WINDING HILL Veterinary Clinic was established in 1982. We are a progressive full spectrum 3.5 veterinarian small animal day practice located in Mechanicsburg, PA. We are currently seeking a PT veterinarian with routine medical and surgical experience to join our established team. We pride ourselves by striving to offer a welcoming environment for our staff to provide the highest standard of care for our patients. Please email your resume to stephen.tagg@windinghillvet.com if you would like to learn more. FULL OR PART-TIME associate veterinarian—Our newly remodeled small animal hospital, located just 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking an associate to join our positive team of professionals. Established more than 60 years ago, our busy hospital is equipped with digital radiography and a full in-house diagnostic laboratory. Our staff is dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care in a compassionate manner. Ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills, strong interest in medicine, a desire to provide exceptional veterinary care, and the willingness to treat patients and clients in a respectful and compassionate manner. We offer competitive wages, medical/ dental benefits and CE allowance. Interested applicants should forward resume/CV and letter of interest to admin@ShraderVeterinaryHospital.com. ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN part or full-time for 2 doctor small animal practice in Erie PA. Excellent team and technology. After hours emergencies 36
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 36
referred to emergency clinic. Positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and dedication to customer service required. Strong interest in surgery a plus. Resume and letter of interest to Scott Johns VMD, Fairview Veterinary Hospital, 7733 W Ridge Rd. Fairview, PA 16415, or FairviewVet@verizon.net.
Veterinary Technician FULL-TIME VETERINARY technician: An experienced and dedicated full-time certified veterinary technician needed to join our great team. Visit www. leesportanimalhospital.com and Facebook. Interested? Fax cover letter and resume to 610.926.3860. NEEDED FOR busy, growing small animal practice in Burgettstown, PA (20 minutes west of Pittsburgh.): Veterinary technician/assistant/ receptionist. Family-like atmosphere requires a friendly, kind, caring individual. Experience very helpful. Please respond via email to cjklar@yahoo.com.
Practice Consultant PRACTICE SALES and appraisals—Why pay 8-10% in commissions to help you sell your practice? Our company has the knowledge and experience to produce significant savings for you. Call to inquire about our rates. No obligation. Practice valuations starting at $2500. Ark Business Consulting. Alan Glassman, VMD; David Cherst, CPA, MBA. 610.283.3476.
Relief Veterinarians ENERGETIC VETERINARIAN relocated to the area looking for part-time or relief work in small animal practices in Lancaster, Berks, and Lebanon areas, as well as portions of Dauphin, York, Schuylkill, and Lehigh counties. Comfortable providing both routine and emergency care to small animals, including birds and pocket pets. Please contact David J. Henzler, DVM, PhD, at 717.341.4357, henzlerdvmphd@aol.com. S. RAE BRAUDAWAY, DVM. OSU 2007, internship trained (University of Minnesota), 4+ years in small animal referral emergency practice. Available for relief and part-time work in small animal clinics within 100 miles of the Wilkes-Barre/Plains area. Competent medical and surgical skills, practices progressive high-quality medicine. 517.599.1221, rae.braudaway@gmail.com. RAJU KACHAM BVSc, veterinarian with 5 years of experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Licensed and available for relief veterinarian services in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey states. Please contact me at 484.560.7714 (cell) or by email at rajunaveen@yahoo.com. SAFI CHAND, DVM. Compassionate, productive small animal veterinarian, strong interpersonal, medical and surgical skills, >5 year experience in referral/ER,exotics, available weekends, weekdays and nights. 413.636.9209; safi_c2000@yahoo.ca. EXPERIENCED, SURGICALLY-COMPETENT veterinarian available for relief employment. York, Adams, Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland, and Franklin Counties. Allan Hill, VMD, 717.723.6559.
keystone veterinarian
BONNIE J. MILLER DVM. Veterinarian with 25+ years experience in small animal, pocket pets, avian, reptile and exotics. Licensed in MD and PA. APHIS certified and have a current DEA certification. Proficient in surgery as well. York, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and surrounding areas in PA. Northern Baltimore County and some parts of Hartford and Frederick Counties. 717.739.8400. DONALD W. STREMME, VMD. Experienced veterinarian (35+ years) available for small animal and exotic (birds, pocket pets, reptiles) relief work in Philadelphia area and South Jersey. Will consider other areas where licensed, too. Licensed (including DEA and USDA-APHS) in PA, NJ, NY, FL and CA. Email to CCACDWS@aol.com. KATHRYN WEST, DVM, UF ‘94. Small animal and exotic/non-traditional pet work, including sx. Central and SE PA. kswdvm@comcast.net. EXPERIENCED VETERINARIAN, 1987 Penn grad seeks part-time employment within 30-45 minutes of the Pottstown/Quakertown area. Special interests in surgery, diagnostic imaging, exotics. Professional, reliable, neat appearance. Call Jacqueline Burke, VMD at 610.754.1155 or email jacquib@dejazzd.com. LOOKING FOR relief: Veterinarian needed for Tuesday and or Thursday evenings. Approximate hours are 4 hour weekly with opportunity for further relief (vacations) Contact: Providence Veterinary Hospital, Chester, PA. 215.620.2407. MJ POTTER, UP 97. Experience in small animal internal medicine, critical care, oncology, and general surgery. Available for long or short term relief in Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, and surrounding counties. 610.357.5275 or drmjpotter@hotmail.com. WILLIAM KEER, DVM, Wisconsin ‘99 Providing veterinary relief services and improving colleagues’ quality of life in eastern Pennsylvania. Please contact me via email at bkeer@ptd.net or phone at 484.560.4338 for more information. THE VISITING VET! Experienced relief veterinarian available for quality coverage in Chester County, Northern Delaware, southern Lancaster County and southern New Jersey. Small animal and pocket pets. Soft tissue surgery and emergency coverage. Licensed three states and DEA current certificate. One day or regular short-term parttime. References available. Contact: Sandra Fargher, VMD '91, at 610.299.8593 or sandraatmillrd@aol.com. HOW DO you spell relief? Jerry Godfry, DVM! I have been a veterinarian for 38 years and have owned my own practice in Chester County for the past 30 years. I have sold my practice recently and I am currently available to work as a relief veterinarian in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. I am an experienced, reliable doctor that would fit your needs. My experience ranges from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I am licensed and accredited in PA as well as federally accredited. I work well with new staff and am able to work a busy schedule. Available for day continued on page 37
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:39 PM
penn vet news
PVMA Welcomes the Class of 2016 to Penn Vet at Our First Year Picnic
Above: Vice-President Dr. Jim Holt, Dr. Ted Robinson, and Executive Director Charlene Wandzilak pose for a photo; right: Dr. Holt and Dr. Robinson get to know some of the students over lunch.
Top center: Members of the class of 2016 relax on the sidewalk; top right: Trixie and her dad; left: Dr. Mary Bryant gets to know a student.
Penn Vet Students of V'14 Receive White Coats From PVMA Congratulations to the third year students at Penn Vet on their achievement!
Classified Ads continued from page 36 and evening shifts in addition to Saturdays and some holidays. Will travel 45-1 hour if needed. Please contact if interested. 610.506.6494.
Practices For Sale SMALL ANIMAL practice for sale in northwestern PA. 2400 sq. ft. with room to expand. Located on approximately 2 acres窶馬ice facility designed and built as a veterinary hospital. Owner has limited open hours and services. Large animal potential (some equipment). Practice, equipment, inventory, computer system and real estate offered. Please contact Brian Langdon, DVM, at 814.333.1313. WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 37
VETERINARY REAL estate, commercial and residential in Lancaster County, PA. This property has been a veterinary hospital for 39 years. Excellent location, one acre lot, barn, oversized two car garage, spacious two bedroom apartment. Real estate under $265,000. Equipment for sale separately. Email eah70@windstream.net or call 717.733.1078. WEST VIRGINIA窶年orthern part of state. Grossing 750K with pristine real estate. Well-equipped with digital x-ray and lab. After hour emergencies go to nearby emergency clinic. Buyer makes over 100k after debt service. Call George at TPSG: 419.945.2408 or email: george@tpsgsales.com. l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
37
1/23/2013 3:09:47 PM
what’s happening
Events & Education february 2013
May 22-23, 2013
February 20, 2013
14th Annual Spring Clinic Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA
PVMA District 6 Dinner Meeting Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA 5:30pm—Registration; 6:00pm—Dinner PVMA will host a District 6 dinner meeting at the Hershey Lodge sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. District 6 includes Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Perry, Adams, and Franklin Counties. Speaker Dr. John Pantalo will talk on Canine Lyme Borreliosis: An Update including what is Lyme Disease?; clinical disease management – diagnosis and treatment; and prevention – vaccination importance and options. President-Elect Dr. Sherrill Davison and Executive Director Charlene Wandzilak will also host an interactive presentation on PVMA. Online registration is available at http://www.cvent.com/d/ccq423.
march 2013 March 20, 2013 PVMA District 4 Dinner Meeting Bravo Cucina Italiana Restaurant, Cranberry Township, PA 5:30pm—Registration; 6:00pm—Dinner PVMA will host a District 4 dinner meeting at the Bravo Cucina Italiana Restaurant sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. District 4 includes Lawrence, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Indiana, Allegheny, Fayette, Westmoreland, Washington, and Greene Counties. Speaker Dr. John Pantalo will talk on Canine Lyme Borreliosis: An Update including what is Lyme Disease?; clinical disease management – diagnosis and treatment; and prevention – vaccination importance and options. Online registration is available at http://www.cvent.com/d/ccq423.
may 2013 May 20, 2013 PVMA District 5 Dinner Meeting Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA 5:30pm—Registration; 6:00pm—Dinner PVMA will host a District 5 dinner meeting at the Penn Stater. District 5 includes Clearfield, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon, Fulton, Bedford, Somerset, Cambria, and Blair Counties. Speaker and topic will be available at www.pavma.org. Online registration is available at http://www.cvent.com/d/ccq423.
38
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 38
keystone veterinarian
12 HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT The 14th Annual Spring Clinic is returning to Happy Valley. The program will include the following tracks: bovine, equine, integrative medicine, cervid, companion animal, practice management exotics, and veterinary technician. Full details and online registration will be available at www. pavma.org.
august 2013 August 15-18, 2013 7th Keystone Veterinary Conference (KVC) Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA 25 HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT Keystone Veterinary Conference will again be held in Hershey, the Sweetest Place on Earth. The program will include the following tracks: companion animal, production animal, equine, exotics, veterinary technician, practice management, integrative medicine, and shelter medicine. Full details and online registration will be available at www.pavma.org.
october 2013 October 27, 2013 4th Annual Bark in the Park 5k Run & 1 Mile Dog Walk City Island, Harrisburg, PA Fetch your sneakers, dog, and dog leash or come alone and run! If you and your dog are both able to comfortably go the distance, dogs are welcome to join their owners on the 5k run. Get pledges prior to race day to benefit The Last Chance Fund (TLC) of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation. The TLC Fund provides funds for the care of abused or neglected unowned companion animals. Full details and online registration will be available at www.pavetfoundation.org.
november 2013 November 2-3, 2013 6th 3 Rivers Veterinary Symposium Omni William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA 12 HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT 3 Rivers Veterinary Symposium will return to Pittsburgh in November. The program will include the following tracks: companion animal dentistry, critical care, orthopedic, surgery, internal medicine, bovine, equine, veterinary technician, and practice management. Full details and online registration will be available at www.pavma.org. l
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:52 PM
Practice Ownership continued from page 13
team, the clients and the pets where anyone wanted to go. Whether you are an owner already who is looking to improve and grow, or you are a future owner, these are the fundamental areas for self assessment. Improving your skills in these areas can help you reach your goals and be a dramatic boost in your ownership experience. When an owner truly enjoys operating their practice, everyone benefits—your team, your clients, and most importantly the pets you are serving. l David McCormick and Sherry Everhart are veterinary practice appraisers and practice management consultants at Simmons MidAtlantic. They can be reached at 888.881.7084 and by email at DMcCormick@TMcCG.com and SEverhart@TMcCG.com.
PADLS continued from page 15
The preferred samples for metal and mineral analyses are as follows: • Antemortem —Whole blood and serum —Liver biopsies for copper analysis • Dead Animal —Fresh or frozen liver and kidney • Suspect Sources and/or Environmental Samples —Feed (including mineral supplements), water, +/- bedding —Samples from other potential sources such as burn piles and paint chips can also be submitted for analysis. Results are reported and interpreted using species-specific reference ranges, but should also be considered in light of the case history, clinical signs, and the other diagnostic testing. Dr. Murphy can be reached for consultations at the PADLS New Bolton Center Toxicology Laboratory at 610.925.6217 or murphylp@vet.upenn.edu. l
Legislative and Regulatory Review continued from page 17
PVMA will keep you abreast of legislation and any call to action needed. We will also regularly poll you for your opinion on proposals to be considered by our Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee. For information on how to become involved on the committee, contact Charlene Wandzilak, Executive Director at cwandzilak@pavma.org. The Committee meets at least quarterly via
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
12_Volume_4.indd 39
phone conference on a weekday evening to discuss bills. Additional responsibilities including providing prompt feedback to emails about legislation and regulations that require quick turnaround time. If you are looking for a different way to get involved, we encourage you to attend one of our capitol visits or participating in our Legislative Day. Legislative Day is on May 7, 2013, in Harrisburg. More information will follow. For dates of other capitol visits or on how to get involved, contact Charlene. Here’s to a successful year advocating on your behalf! l
keystone veterinarian
VOLUME IV 2012
39
1/23/2013 3:09:54 PM
the grand finale
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
SAY CHEESE!
You Know You're a Dog Person When ... • You have more dog beds, chew toys, collars, leashes, harnesses, and dog crates than you have dogs.
• You meet other people with dogs, and remember their dog's call name after 30 seconds, but don't get the owner/handler's name until you've met them 2 or 3 times.
• You don't think twice about trading licks of an ice cream cone with your dog. • Your parents give up on grandchildren and start to refer to your dogs as "your kids" or your children." (Bonus: they start to call them "our granddogs.")
• 90 percent of your internet connection time goes to the dogs (seeing what's new when
you enter your breed into the browser, reading up on multiple lists, checking out photos, sounds and FAQs, etc.).
• You have hundreds of pictures of your dogs on your desk at work, in your wallet, etc., but none of your family or yourself.
• No one wants to ride in your car because they know they'll get dog hair on their clothes. • You reach into your pockets for change, and liver treats, dog kibble, and pick-up bags fall all over. (Bonus: you've done this in a classy establishment.)
• You've had long meaningful discussions with your friends on the best way to trim your dog's nails but have never had a manicure or pedicure in your lifetime.
• Books and movies are ruined for you if the dog references are incorrect. • The highlight of your day is spending time with your dog. • You watch simply awful movies because your breed is either featured in a cameo scene or there's a 3 second camera shot during a crowd scene.
• All of your clothes have dog hair on them, even
when they come back from the laundromat or dry cleaners.
• The only thing your friends, colleagues, and passing acquaintances say to you when they see you is, "How are the dogs?" or "How many dogs do you have now?"
• Your photo Christmas cards feature your dogs (humans optional).
final words of wisdom Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. 40
VOLUME IV 2012
12_Volume_4.indd 40
—ABRAHAM LINCOLN keystone veterinarian
WWW.PAVMA.ORG
1/23/2013 3:09:56 PM
12_Vol_4_cover.indd 3
1/23/2013 3:11:43 PM
PRSRT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 533
PVMA 8574 Paxton Street Hummelstown, PA 17036
Delivering service, loyalty, and commitment.
pvmaAssure Insurance Agency, Inc. PVMA's Own Full-Service Insurance Agency to Better Serve You PVMA has created its own in-house, full-service insurance agency, pvmaAssure Insurance Agency, Inc. pvmaAssure can help you protect everything that is important to you with its full range of products. Contact us today to see how we can serve you. Our promise. Your health.
AVAILABLE TO PVMA MEMBERS • Employee Benefit Programs — health, dental, vision, and group life and disability insurance • Business Property and Casualty Insurance
Scan this code to request information online immediately.
contact
US 12_Vol_4_cover.indd 4
— professional liability, building property and contents, and worker's compensation • Group Life and Disability Insurance
pvmaAssure
717.220.1502 PH; 717.220.1461 FX
8574 Paxton Street
info@pvmaAssure.com
Hummelstown, PA 17036
www.pvmaAssure.com 1/23/2013 3:11:45 PM