January 29, 2025 • 24 mins
Tune in and learn about key issues that affect the veterinary profession in Illinois and, in turn, you and your practice!
Dr. Sandra Faeh, President, AVMA, discusses how a bill passed in Colorado in November 2024 now allows the existence of a mid-level veterinary practitioner in clinics and hospitals in that state. It is a position that the AVMA, ISVMA and other veterinary-related organizations had opposed prior to a vote in Colorado. At this time, the creation of such a position is not being pursued in Illinois.
This episode also reviews member approval of two new ISVMA membership categories, one of which allowing veterinary practice managers to now join the association. The second membership category, practice membership, goes live mid-2025.
Hear how the ISVMA is on sound financial footing, a review of key legislation the profession in Illinois faced in 2024, as well as proposals that are continuing into 2025. A review of educational opportunities and member benefits rounds out this episode.
Audio in this episode was recorded live at the ISVMA's 142nd Annual Convention's membership meeting presentation, held in November 2024.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Unknown (00:00):
Steve, hello and welcome to the Illinois State
(00:04):
Veterinary Medical Association'sveterinary today podcast.
Veterinary today presentsCurrents and developing trends
in the veterinary profession sothat veterinary professionals
can better serve clients andtheir pets and maintain
livestock and manage theirpractice, all with the goal of
establishing a more informed,knowledgeable and engaged clinic
staff. I'm Joey McLaughlin, yourpodcast moderator, and our host
(00:28):
is Dr Joan Carlson, ChiefMedical Officer at Loving Care
Animal Clinic in Palatine, andpast president of the ISV ms
board of directors. Dr Carlson,hello, hello, Joey. We've got a
different kind of podcast thistime around, one that we will
review looking back at our 2024annual convention. Will be
highlighting the ISVMAs pastyear's accomplishments, as well
(00:50):
as an update from the AV maypresident and my friend Dr
Sandra Faeh, all right, I loveit. Let's jump right into it.
Okay, yes. And let's first startwith that audio clip from Dr
Fauci in November, voters inColorado approved language to
allow the creation of a new midlevel veterinary position
situated between a veterinarianand a CVT, which could diagnose,
(01:12):
prognose, recommend treatmentplans and conduct surgery with a
licensed veterinariansupervision. AC may join the
AVMA and other veterinary andanimal related associations to
national opposition of thismeasure. Here's Dr Fauci
describing the outcome of theColorado election in November,
and the AV May's take on theelection results. AV may feels
(01:33):
that a mid level practitionerposition would really lower the
standards of veterinary servicesand risk animal safety, public
health and client trust. Thereis no clear need for a proposed
mid level practitioner, nopragmatic accreditation, no
national test or exam and nolicensure for this position. The
(01:54):
creation of such a positionwould allow inadequately trained
individuals to practiceveterinary medicine, including
performing surgery. We feel thisis very dangerous.
Unfortunately, on November 5,Colorado voters approved a
ballot proposition that willcreate what they call a
veterinary professionalassociate, the AVMA, the
(02:14):
Colorado VMA, and hundreds ofveterinary organizations,
veterinarians, clinics and petowners, advocated for pet owners
to oppose this dangerousproposition with the narrow
approval margin of 52.36covers administrative costs and
(07:23):
general expenses.
So it's your ISP a boards andstaff's fiscal responsibility to
ensure that membership dollarsgo far in promoting and
protecting our profession inIllinois, and we're effectively
accomplishing this mission. It'salways comforting know that any
organization's finances in whichyou are affiliated are being
(07:44):
managed properly. And that is asound standing right? Joey,
Yeah, always. Dr Carlson,indeed. Dr Johnson then reviewed
important legislation affectingthe veterinary profession that
was addressed during the year.
Here, she recaps several of themajor bills and measures that
affect us in our clinics andhospitals every day in 2022 your
board of directors met todevelop the ISV A's current
(08:07):
strategic plan. It was definedinto five different pillars of
action that supports theAssociation's mission of
advancing the well being ofveterinary medical professionals
while protecting animals publichealth and the environment. So
let's review those five tracks,to advocate serving as the
preeminent voice of theveterinary profession, to
(08:28):
engage, facilitatingopportunities for networking,
involvement and services toadvance careers, providing
educational opportunities andresources to ensure career
success, to inform improvingawareness and public image with
an offensive approach to animalcare issues and the veterinary
profession, and lastly, to leadan infrastructure goal to
(08:51):
support and advance the otherfour goals that deliver value to
the members. So first, let'stalk about advocacy and
reviewing an interesting year inSpringfield and on the federal
level. You are all very awarethat monitoring legislation is a
constant in any year for yourboard, your ISV may staff and
the government relations team,your isvma, worked very hard to
(09:14):
successfully pass legislation inNovember of 2023 to exempt
veterinarians from the mandatedelectronic prescribing of
controlled substances, whichwent into effect January 1 of
this year, there was a dangerousanimals bill, or House Bill,
4446, that amended the state'scriminal code to expand the list
of animals considered to bedangerous. It did not pass in
(09:36):
the General Assembly.
Xylazine is still top of themind in both Springfield and in
Washington, DC, we continue tomonitor efforts on the federal
level. Since it did not pass inthe Illinois General Assembly,
operationally, a measureincluded in the state's budget
and revenue package, approved bylegislators and signed by
Governor JB Pritzker prohibitscredit card processing fees.
(10:00):
On sales tax and gratuities.
This is commonly referred to asthe swipe twice measure. The law
is effective July 1 of 2026,however, there may be
opportunities to amend this lawin future sessions. That is a
big range of topics. Dr Carlson,yes. Joey, absolutely. Like any
profession, there are manytopics that come up in
legislation that can really acthow we conduct our profession
(10:22):
and how we run our businesses.
The veterinary profession is notexempt from that regard. Next,
Dr Johnson addressed the manyways that I svma provides its
members with top training tobolster and gain valuable
knowledge through itseducational office CE. The
ISVMA's CBT committee for thesecond year developed an
(10:43):
enhanced VT and E study seriesfrom February through April, an
introductory course for CBTs toprep for the veterinary
technician national exam. Weagain collaborated with dynamic
vendors to create six two hoursessions covering nine VT and E
domains over three weeks, thesecourses were extremely popular,
(11:04):
and the program went national,with students signing up from
across the country. RegardingCVT educational offerings, your
isvma also ramped up educationalofferings during National
Veterinary Technician week orCVT week, just last month,
offering three free CBT relatedcourses. We also provided half
priced Illinois mandated sexualharassment prevention training
(11:25):
for the CVTs, and offered freeregistration for DVMs to enroll
in our CVT utilization videopresentation course and get CE
for it too. The committee isalso working on expanding CVT
title protection in Illinois our2024 power of 10 graduating
class had an active day at theState Capitol in April. They
(11:46):
canvassed the Capitol promotinghealthy pet month and shared the
veterinary profession's view onlegislative issues. An important
milestone in the history ofisvma. Is power of 10 occurred
this year, our first ever 20232024 CVT class graduated in
April, so congratulations toboth the CVT and the DVM classes
(12:06):
for this year,the ISVMA's Diversity Equity and
Inclusion committee reached outto high school level students
who come from underrepresentedbackgrounds in our profession in
the Chicagoland area and heldtheir second veterinary
exploration day at last year'sannual convention. The event
brings in young people and theirparents or guardians from many
socio economic backgrounds andintroduces them to the world of
(12:30):
veterinary medicine.
If you happen to notice, youprobably saw some of those kids
this morning, the DEI grouprepeated this success again
today with its third consecutiveannual Illinois Veterinary
exploration day at thisconvention. Isn't it great to
see so many young, curious mindswanting to know more about our
(12:53):
profession. When it comes toeducation, your board of
directors wants you to considerthe variety of topics for
continuing education, our annualconvention provides you with
more than 100 hours of CEtraining this weekend at great
rates, while we continuallyoffer the state mandated courses
online for you to be compliantwith your required training.
(13:14):
Your isvma provides you avariety of course topics for you
to earn your CE and discountedrates, or even sometimes for
free, consider the CE you arenow receiving here at
convention, all in one place,all at one time, as well as our
virtual convention optionsoffered to you online later this
month. The efforts by youreducation committee are ongoing
(13:35):
and non stop throughout theyear. Thank you for keeping us
aware of the latest informationresearch, techniques and trends
we need to practice asveterinary professionals. We'll
be back to the veterinary todaypodcast right after this,
your isvma is always looking forand working towards new benefits
that best fit the everyday needsof its members. Corp Care offers
(13:58):
its Member Assistance andemployee assistance programs to
help address both professionaland personal concerns,
challenges we face every day,like anxiety, depression, work,
life, balance, financial andlegal concerns can sometimes be
weighty and can affect how wehandle stress in the clinic and
at home. We know this is a highrisk profession, and we need to
(14:19):
look out for ourselves as muchas we look out for those beloved
pets and animals, Corp care isan experienced professional
organization working inspecialized mental well being
for veterinary professionals.
Corp Care offers three hours ofcomplimentary mental health
counseling to every ISVMAmember, including students when
you enroll. Services for DVMsand hospital staff are available
(14:40):
through both of these programplans. For veterinarians, the
Member Assistance Program ishere to help you navigate life's
challenges. For confidential,caring and professional
assistance, 24/7,call 877-318-1717,
the employee assistance program.
Program is here to help yourhospital staff face their
(15:02):
challenges as well forconfidential, caring and
professional help every day ofthe week. Call 877-843-6036,
and now back to veterinarytoday. You know Joey having a
mentor to help as a guide in anycareer, is a wonderful
opportunity that a seasonedveterinarian can provide for
(15:25):
student or young graduate andfrom whom they could greatly
benefit. The ISV may offers thisopportunity for both mentor and
mentee. Here's how Dr Johnsonexplained it, and encouraged
both to get involved with theIASB Ma's mentorship program.
I'm pleased to report thatmentorship opportunities from
member to member, most usually,in the case, from seasoned
practitioner to newveterinarians, has seen an
(15:47):
increased participation in 2024the benefits of membership are
clear. Relationships play apowerful role in your career
development. Mentorshipincreases professional growth,
providing an internal supportmechanism between mentor and
mentee. It also creates aninternal knowledge base,
improves professional goals,provides accountability and self
reflection, offersencouragement, boosts
(16:09):
confidence, identifies strengthsand weaknesses, offers
networking opportunities, andthe positive lift goes on and
on. The ISV amaze, ability tomatch up mentor with mentee is
one of the main goals of ourStudent Engagement Committee.
It's clear they have been highlyactive this past year putting
together the right people sothat both knowledge, experience
and mentoring take place forboth parties, the Student
(16:32):
Engagement Committee alsocoordinates student engagement
at the U of I when we hostevents on the campus for DVM
students and for alumni. In thespirit of heritage, camaraderie
and association, alumni membersmay refer to it as roots we have
and will always strengthen ourrelationship with the University
of Illinois, College ofVeterinary Medicine, with
(16:53):
student engagement activities, Ican't think of a better
opportunity to learn and growfrom those who have the
experience, the real lifeknowledge, to share with someone
new to the to the profession. DrCarlson,
exactly. Joey, why wouldn't youwant to take advantage of such
an opportunity to learn fromsomebody such as myself? You
know, I am marking 32 years thisyear in May, as being a
(17:16):
veterinarian. And I must say, Ihave been through many
challenges and many obstacles,and I'm still superseding them
and working and functioning. Ido have an extern scheduled for
December, and I'm lookingforward to seeing her. The
student engage committee takesgreat effort to match a
veterinary mentor with a youngperson who has similar
(17:37):
interests. So there's a greatworking relationship. From the
beginning, it's likely that therelationship will continue for
both individuals entire life andcareer. Dr Johnson also lets
members know that ISVMAmembership benefits continue on
providing a myriad of servicesthat help veterinarians, CVTs
practice managers and thehospital teams receive what they
(17:58):
need to make their personal andprofessional lives better in
many ways. As veterinaryprofessionals, we all know there
is an ongoing need to offeressential services that address
both professional and personalconcerns. These challenges like
anxiety, depression, work, life,balance, financial and legal
concerns can sometimes beweighty and can affect how we
(18:18):
handle stress in the clinic andat home, your isvma continues
its relationship with Corp care,a professional organization
experienced working inspecialized mental well being
for our veterinaryprofessionals, by enrolling Corp
Care offers three hours ofcomplimentary mental health
counseling to Every ISVMA amember, including students.
(18:41):
These services are available forDVMs and for your hospital staff
through two program plans. Weknow this is a very high risk
profession, and we need to lookout for ourselves just as much
as we look out for those belovedpets. In efforts to provide more
well rounded services for yourbusiness, we continue to provide
sponsored, sponsored servicesthat can help your hospital run
(19:04):
smoothly and efficiently, likecard connect, credit care
processing services joining suchproviders like court care,
medics, waste, Guardian vets,all great services that help you
and your staff with benefits ofmembership. Wow, those are some
great benefits of membership. DrCarlson, they sure are. Joey,
I'm very proud of the IllinoisState Veterinary Medical
Association. Lastly, Dr Johnsonensured members that the IAS VMA
(19:28):
is out there sharing vital,important information with them
through communication channelslike today, the veterinary
podcast, and by informing ourclients and the general public
about who we are and what we do.
We are, after all, the supremeveterinary resource in the the
state of Illinois. We are outthere informing, improving our
public image and to be known asthe animal care experts in our
(19:51):
communities. We continue ourmarketing through events such as
healthy pet month, educatinglegislators and the public on
the.
Importance of veterinary carefor their animals. I hope you
can take the time to read ourweekly e source electronic
newsletter filled with isvmarelated information you need to
know about, or our quarterlyEpitome magazine that is now
(20:14):
offered to you online. And I amparticularly proud to say that
our veterinary today podcastseries is becoming popular with
our listening audience now,completing our second year of
podcasting,your ISVMA will always lead
ensuring our association has thesupport to be effective in our
communities and with ourmembers. An Association's
(20:34):
strength is in numbers withmembers, and as I mentioned
earlier, when talking aboutjoining others in supporting or
opposing our legislation, we'realways looking for allies as
valuable resources to better ourcause. Without your membership
support and involvement, wecould not be as strong as we
are. We need your continuedsupport in 2025 and beyond.
(20:58):
Because of your volunteercommitment to the ISVMA, we will
continue to provide what ourclients and public expect of us,
as members of the premierVeterinary Medical Association
in Illinois. Please visit withme, any board member, regional
representative or isvma staffmember, to find out more about
how you can make a difference bybecoming involved with the isvma
(21:19):
with another year ofaccomplishments, member benefits
and activities. We close out2024 as another positive year
for veterinary professionalsacross the state and for members
living and practicing outside ofIllinois, my career has been
energized and have been trulyhumbled by serving as your ISVMA
President, I thank you all forthis opportunity to lead and
(21:40):
serve what a great recap and agreat year. Dr Carlson Sure was.
Joey. Also important to note wasa special membership vote at the
same meeting with membersunanimously approving the
creation of two membershipcategories. Let's allow Dr
Johnson to explain your isvm, aboard of directors earlier this
year approved two new proposedmembership categories to be
(22:02):
introduced into theassociation's constitution. The
isvma is governing document. Thetwo new categories are
veterinary practice manager andpractice membership. Allow me to
review with you these twoproposals. The proposed language
and rationale for each categoryis on your table first, the
veterinary practice managershall be open to individuals who
(22:25):
are not licensed DVMs or CVTsand are actively engaged in
managing the operations of aveterinary practice or clinic.
This includes, but not limitedto administrative duties, human
resource management, financialmanagement and client relations.
Veterinary practice managermembers would enjoy the same
rights and privileges asprofessional members, except
(22:46):
that they will not be eligibleto hold office or vote however,
veterinary practice managermembers may be eligible to serve
on committees as non votingmembers.
Practice membership memberswould be open to all individuals
employed in a veterinarypractice or hospital, all DVMs
within the practice or hospitalare required to become members
(23:07):
to qualify the practice orhospital staff for this
membership category, CVTs andall employees are eligible for
practice membership. Thiscategory also allows full voting
rights for both DVMs and CVTspractice managers and veterinary
practice staff will not havevoting rights, although there
may be, they may be eligible toserve on committees as non
(23:29):
voting members. So according tothe IEC mace constitution, by
live vote, members had toapprove the adoption of these
two membership categories. Thevote was taken. Both new
membership types will beimplemented this year. That's
that's exciting. Dr Carlson, theopportunity for more veterinary
professionals to be part of thisgreat association is growing.
(23:49):
That's right. Joey, there ispower in numbers, which means
more can be achieved with newmembers and more can be offered
for the betterment of morepeople working in this
profession. There are alwaysgood things to come with worship
in the isvma Definitely. Thankyou for this informative recap,
Dr Carlson, and I'm glad youcould share all of this
essential information with us.
And many thanks to our listenersfor tuning in to this episode.
Join us again and check out ourprevious podcast episodes
(24:11):
available on the veterinarytoday, podcast home page, or
wherever you download yourfavorite podcasts. I'm Joey
McLaughlin. You.
Steve, hello and welcome to the Illinois State
(00:04):
Veterinary Medical Association'sveterinary today podcast.
Veterinary today presentsCurrents and developing trends
in the veterinary profession sothat veterinary professionals
can better serve clients andtheir pets and maintain
livestock and manage theirpractice, all with the goal of
establishing a more informed,knowledgeable and engaged clinic
staff. I'm Joey McLaughlin, yourpodcast moderator, and our host
(00:28):
is Dr Joan Carlson, ChiefMedical Officer at Loving Care
Animal Clinic in Palatine, andpast president of the ISV ms
board of directors. Dr Carlson,hello, hello, Joey. We've got a
different kind of podcast thistime around, one that we will
review looking back at our 2024annual convention. Will be
highlighting the ISVMAs pastyear's accomplishments, as well
(00:50):
as an update from the AV maypresident and my friend Dr
Sandra Faeh, all right, I loveit. Let's jump right into it.
Okay, yes. And let's first startwith that audio clip from Dr
Fauci in November, voters inColorado approved language to
allow the creation of a new midlevel veterinary position
situated between a veterinarianand a CVT, which could diagnose,
(01:12):
prognose, recommend treatmentplans and conduct surgery with a
licensed veterinariansupervision. AC may join the
AVMA and other veterinary andanimal related associations to
national opposition of thismeasure. Here's Dr Fauci
describing the outcome of theColorado election in November,
and the AV May's take on theelection results. AV may feels
(01:33):
that a mid level practitionerposition would really lower the
standards of veterinary servicesand risk animal safety, public
health and client trust. Thereis no clear need for a proposed
mid level practitioner, nopragmatic accreditation, no
national test or exam and nolicensure for this position. The
(01:54):
creation of such a positionwould allow inadequately trained
individuals to practiceveterinary medicine, including
performing surgery. We feel thisis very dangerous.
Unfortunately, on November 5,Colorado voters approved a
ballot proposition that willcreate what they call a
veterinary professionalassociate, the AVMA, the
(02:14):
Colorado VMA, and hundreds ofveterinary organizations,
veterinarians, clinics and petowners, advocated for pet owners
to oppose this dangerousproposition with the narrow
approval margin of 52.36covers administrative costs and
(07:23):
general expenses.
So it's your ISP a boards andstaff's fiscal responsibility to
ensure that membership dollarsgo far in promoting and
protecting our profession inIllinois, and we're effectively
accomplishing this mission. It'salways comforting know that any
organization's finances in whichyou are affiliated are being
(07:44):
managed properly. And that is asound standing right? Joey,
Yeah, always. Dr Carlson,indeed. Dr Johnson then reviewed
important legislation affectingthe veterinary profession that
was addressed during the year.
Here, she recaps several of themajor bills and measures that
affect us in our clinics andhospitals every day in 2022 your
board of directors met todevelop the ISV A's current
(08:07):
strategic plan. It was definedinto five different pillars of
action that supports theAssociation's mission of
advancing the well being ofveterinary medical professionals
while protecting animals publichealth and the environment. So
let's review those five tracks,to advocate serving as the
preeminent voice of theveterinary profession, to
(08:28):
engage, facilitatingopportunities for networking,
involvement and services toadvance careers, providing
educational opportunities andresources to ensure career
success, to inform improvingawareness and public image with
an offensive approach to animalcare issues and the veterinary
profession, and lastly, to leadan infrastructure goal to
(08:51):
support and advance the otherfour goals that deliver value to
the members. So first, let'stalk about advocacy and
reviewing an interesting year inSpringfield and on the federal
level. You are all very awarethat monitoring legislation is a
constant in any year for yourboard, your ISV may staff and
the government relations team,your isvma, worked very hard to
(09:14):
successfully pass legislation inNovember of 2023 to exempt
veterinarians from the mandatedelectronic prescribing of
controlled substances, whichwent into effect January 1 of
this year, there was a dangerousanimals bill, or House Bill,
4446, that amended the state'scriminal code to expand the list
of animals considered to bedangerous. It did not pass in
(09:36):
the General Assembly.
Xylazine is still top of themind in both Springfield and in
Washington, DC, we continue tomonitor efforts on the federal
level. Since it did not pass inthe Illinois General Assembly,
operationally, a measureincluded in the state's budget
and revenue package, approved bylegislators and signed by
Governor JB Pritzker prohibitscredit card processing fees.
(10:00):
On sales tax and gratuities.
This is commonly referred to asthe swipe twice measure. The law
is effective July 1 of 2026,however, there may be
opportunities to amend this lawin future sessions. That is a
big range of topics. Dr Carlson,yes. Joey, absolutely. Like any
profession, there are manytopics that come up in
legislation that can really acthow we conduct our profession
(10:22):
and how we run our businesses.
The veterinary profession is notexempt from that regard. Next,
Dr Johnson addressed the manyways that I svma provides its
members with top training tobolster and gain valuable
knowledge through itseducational office CE. The
ISVMA's CBT committee for thesecond year developed an
(10:43):
enhanced VT and E study seriesfrom February through April, an
introductory course for CBTs toprep for the veterinary
technician national exam. Weagain collaborated with dynamic
vendors to create six two hoursessions covering nine VT and E
domains over three weeks, thesecourses were extremely popular,
(11:04):
and the program went national,with students signing up from
across the country. RegardingCVT educational offerings, your
isvma also ramped up educationalofferings during National
Veterinary Technician week orCVT week, just last month,
offering three free CBT relatedcourses. We also provided half
priced Illinois mandated sexualharassment prevention training
(11:25):
for the CVTs, and offered freeregistration for DVMs to enroll
in our CVT utilization videopresentation course and get CE
for it too. The committee isalso working on expanding CVT
title protection in Illinois our2024 power of 10 graduating
class had an active day at theState Capitol in April. They
(11:46):
canvassed the Capitol promotinghealthy pet month and shared the
veterinary profession's view onlegislative issues. An important
milestone in the history ofisvma. Is power of 10 occurred
this year, our first ever 20232024 CVT class graduated in
April, so congratulations toboth the CVT and the DVM classes
(12:06):
for this year,the ISVMA's Diversity Equity and
Inclusion committee reached outto high school level students
who come from underrepresentedbackgrounds in our profession in
the Chicagoland area and heldtheir second veterinary
exploration day at last year'sannual convention. The event
brings in young people and theirparents or guardians from many
socio economic backgrounds andintroduces them to the world of
(12:30):
veterinary medicine.
If you happen to notice, youprobably saw some of those kids
this morning, the DEI grouprepeated this success again
today with its third consecutiveannual Illinois Veterinary
exploration day at thisconvention. Isn't it great to
see so many young, curious mindswanting to know more about our
(12:53):
profession. When it comes toeducation, your board of
directors wants you to considerthe variety of topics for
continuing education, our annualconvention provides you with
more than 100 hours of CEtraining this weekend at great
rates, while we continuallyoffer the state mandated courses
online for you to be compliantwith your required training.
(13:14):
Your isvma provides you avariety of course topics for you
to earn your CE and discountedrates, or even sometimes for
free, consider the CE you arenow receiving here at
convention, all in one place,all at one time, as well as our
virtual convention optionsoffered to you online later this
month. The efforts by youreducation committee are ongoing
(13:35):
and non stop throughout theyear. Thank you for keeping us
aware of the latest informationresearch, techniques and trends
we need to practice asveterinary professionals. We'll
be back to the veterinary todaypodcast right after this,
your isvma is always looking forand working towards new benefits
that best fit the everyday needsof its members. Corp Care offers
(13:58):
its Member Assistance andemployee assistance programs to
help address both professionaland personal concerns,
challenges we face every day,like anxiety, depression, work,
life, balance, financial andlegal concerns can sometimes be
weighty and can affect how wehandle stress in the clinic and
at home. We know this is a highrisk profession, and we need to
(14:19):
look out for ourselves as muchas we look out for those beloved
pets and animals, Corp care isan experienced professional
organization working inspecialized mental well being
for veterinary professionals.
Corp Care offers three hours ofcomplimentary mental health
counseling to every ISVMAmember, including students when
you enroll. Services for DVMsand hospital staff are available
(14:40):
through both of these programplans. For veterinarians, the
Member Assistance Program ishere to help you navigate life's
challenges. For confidential,caring and professional
assistance, 24/7,call 877-318-1717,
the employee assistance program.
Program is here to help yourhospital staff face their
(15:02):
challenges as well forconfidential, caring and
professional help every day ofthe week. Call 877-843-6036,
and now back to veterinarytoday. You know Joey having a
mentor to help as a guide in anycareer, is a wonderful
opportunity that a seasonedveterinarian can provide for
(15:25):
student or young graduate andfrom whom they could greatly
benefit. The ISV may offers thisopportunity for both mentor and
mentee. Here's how Dr Johnsonexplained it, and encouraged
both to get involved with theIASB Ma's mentorship program.
I'm pleased to report thatmentorship opportunities from
member to member, most usually,in the case, from seasoned
practitioner to newveterinarians, has seen an
(15:47):
increased participation in 2024the benefits of membership are
clear. Relationships play apowerful role in your career
development. Mentorshipincreases professional growth,
providing an internal supportmechanism between mentor and
mentee. It also creates aninternal knowledge base,
improves professional goals,provides accountability and self
reflection, offersencouragement, boosts
(16:09):
confidence, identifies strengthsand weaknesses, offers
networking opportunities, andthe positive lift goes on and
on. The ISV amaze, ability tomatch up mentor with mentee is
one of the main goals of ourStudent Engagement Committee.
It's clear they have been highlyactive this past year putting
together the right people sothat both knowledge, experience
and mentoring take place forboth parties, the Student
(16:32):
Engagement Committee alsocoordinates student engagement
at the U of I when we hostevents on the campus for DVM
students and for alumni. In thespirit of heritage, camaraderie
and association, alumni membersmay refer to it as roots we have
and will always strengthen ourrelationship with the University
of Illinois, College ofVeterinary Medicine, with
(16:53):
student engagement activities, Ican't think of a better
opportunity to learn and growfrom those who have the
experience, the real lifeknowledge, to share with someone
new to the to the profession. DrCarlson,
exactly. Joey, why wouldn't youwant to take advantage of such
an opportunity to learn fromsomebody such as myself? You
know, I am marking 32 years thisyear in May, as being a
(17:16):
veterinarian. And I must say, Ihave been through many
challenges and many obstacles,and I'm still superseding them
and working and functioning. Ido have an extern scheduled for
December, and I'm lookingforward to seeing her. The
student engage committee takesgreat effort to match a
veterinary mentor with a youngperson who has similar
(17:37):
interests. So there's a greatworking relationship. From the
beginning, it's likely that therelationship will continue for
both individuals entire life andcareer. Dr Johnson also lets
members know that ISVMAmembership benefits continue on
providing a myriad of servicesthat help veterinarians, CVTs
practice managers and thehospital teams receive what they
(17:58):
need to make their personal andprofessional lives better in
many ways. As veterinaryprofessionals, we all know there
is an ongoing need to offeressential services that address
both professional and personalconcerns. These challenges like
anxiety, depression, work, life,balance, financial and legal
concerns can sometimes beweighty and can affect how we
(18:18):
handle stress in the clinic andat home, your isvma continues
its relationship with Corp care,a professional organization
experienced working inspecialized mental well being
for our veterinaryprofessionals, by enrolling Corp
Care offers three hours ofcomplimentary mental health
counseling to Every ISVMA amember, including students.
(18:41):
These services are available forDVMs and for your hospital staff
through two program plans. Weknow this is a very high risk
profession, and we need to lookout for ourselves just as much
as we look out for those belovedpets. In efforts to provide more
well rounded services for yourbusiness, we continue to provide
sponsored, sponsored servicesthat can help your hospital run
(19:04):
smoothly and efficiently, likecard connect, credit care
processing services joining suchproviders like court care,
medics, waste, Guardian vets,all great services that help you
and your staff with benefits ofmembership. Wow, those are some
great benefits of membership. DrCarlson, they sure are. Joey,
I'm very proud of the IllinoisState Veterinary Medical
Association. Lastly, Dr Johnsonensured members that the IAS VMA
(19:28):
is out there sharing vital,important information with them
through communication channelslike today, the veterinary
podcast, and by informing ourclients and the general public
about who we are and what we do.
We are, after all, the supremeveterinary resource in the the
state of Illinois. We are outthere informing, improving our
public image and to be known asthe animal care experts in our
(19:51):
communities. We continue ourmarketing through events such as
healthy pet month, educatinglegislators and the public on
the.
Importance of veterinary carefor their animals. I hope you
can take the time to read ourweekly e source electronic
newsletter filled with isvmarelated information you need to
know about, or our quarterlyEpitome magazine that is now
(20:14):
offered to you online. And I amparticularly proud to say that
our veterinary today podcastseries is becoming popular with
our listening audience now,completing our second year of
podcasting,your ISVMA will always lead
ensuring our association has thesupport to be effective in our
communities and with ourmembers. An Association's
(20:34):
strength is in numbers withmembers, and as I mentioned
earlier, when talking aboutjoining others in supporting or
opposing our legislation, we'realways looking for allies as
valuable resources to better ourcause. Without your membership
support and involvement, wecould not be as strong as we
are. We need your continuedsupport in 2025 and beyond.
(20:58):
Because of your volunteercommitment to the ISVMA, we will
continue to provide what ourclients and public expect of us,
as members of the premierVeterinary Medical Association
in Illinois. Please visit withme, any board member, regional
representative or isvma staffmember, to find out more about
how you can make a difference bybecoming involved with the isvma
(21:19):
with another year ofaccomplishments, member benefits
and activities. We close out2024 as another positive year
for veterinary professionalsacross the state and for members
living and practicing outside ofIllinois, my career has been
energized and have been trulyhumbled by serving as your ISVMA
President, I thank you all forthis opportunity to lead and
(21:40):
serve what a great recap and agreat year. Dr Carlson Sure was.
Joey. Also important to note wasa special membership vote at the
same meeting with membersunanimously approving the
creation of two membershipcategories. Let's allow Dr
Johnson to explain your isvm, aboard of directors earlier this
year approved two new proposedmembership categories to be
(22:02):
introduced into theassociation's constitution. The
isvma is governing document. Thetwo new categories are
veterinary practice manager andpractice membership. Allow me to
review with you these twoproposals. The proposed language
and rationale for each categoryis on your table first, the
veterinary practice managershall be open to individuals who
(22:25):
are not licensed DVMs or CVTsand are actively engaged in
managing the operations of aveterinary practice or clinic.
This includes, but not limitedto administrative duties, human
resource management, financialmanagement and client relations.
Veterinary practice managermembers would enjoy the same
rights and privileges asprofessional members, except
(22:46):
that they will not be eligibleto hold office or vote however,
veterinary practice managermembers may be eligible to serve
on committees as non votingmembers.
Practice membership memberswould be open to all individuals
employed in a veterinarypractice or hospital, all DVMs
within the practice or hospitalare required to become members
(23:07):
to qualify the practice orhospital staff for this
membership category, CVTs andall employees are eligible for
practice membership. Thiscategory also allows full voting
rights for both DVMs and CVTspractice managers and veterinary
practice staff will not havevoting rights, although there
may be, they may be eligible toserve on committees as non
(23:29):
voting members. So according tothe IEC mace constitution, by
live vote, members had toapprove the adoption of these
two membership categories. Thevote was taken. Both new
membership types will beimplemented this year. That's
that's exciting. Dr Carlson, theopportunity for more veterinary
professionals to be part of thisgreat association is growing.
(23:49):
That's right. Joey, there ispower in numbers, which means
more can be achieved with newmembers and more can be offered
for the betterment of morepeople working in this
profession. There are alwaysgood things to come with worship
in the isvma Definitely. Thankyou for this informative recap,
Dr Carlson, and I'm glad youcould share all of this
essential information with us.
And many thanks to our listenersfor tuning in to this episode.
Join us again and check out ourprevious podcast episodes
(24:11):
available on the veterinarytoday, podcast home page, or
wherever you download yourfavorite podcasts. I'm Joey
McLaughlin. You.
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