It has been an honor to serve on the Arkansas VMA Board of Trustees since 2004 and I look forward serving as president for the coming year. I’m a 1980 graduate of Oklahoma State and have practiced small animal medicine in Fort Smith since then. My wife, Beverly, and I have 2 daughters, Sarah and Belinda and three wonderful grandchildren, Katelyn, Madison and Parker.
It has been a busy legislative session the past two months with issues relating to our association and animal welfare. The Animal Cruelty Bill was enacted into law making animal cruelty a class D felony on the first offense. The AVMA has praised this bill citing that it brings Arkansas in line with laws in other states regarding penalties for animal cruelty. The Rabies Control Act was amended enabling the State Board of Health to establish reasonable vaccination requirements of dogs and cats against rabies.
House Bill 1406, which imposed a three dollar tax on every visit on veterinary services performed on dogs and cats in order to fund local animal shelters, was withdrawn by the bill sponsor. This was the result of massive opposition by the ArVMA, Arkansas State Board of Health, Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Pulaski County Humane Society, Beebe Humane Society and basically anyone who owned a dog or cat. Our lobbyists Bill and Bradley Phillips helped provide us with quick attention to this bill and aided in its withdrawal.
House Bill 2240, “Amending The Veterinary Practice to Allow Municipal Animal Shelters To Provide Veterinary Services to the Public “, was deferred from committee by the sponsor. Again, the overwhelming response in opposition to this bill by the Association, the Examining Board and our lobbyists were vital in persuading the sponsor not to run this bill.
Things are going well with the ASU Beebe Vet Tech Program. There was an on site visit from the AVMA Accreditation Team on March 4th.
I’d like to thank everyone who attended the Winter Meeting in Hot Springs. We had a great turnout and superb speakers. We tried out a new format this year starting the meeting Friday morning and adjourning at noon on Sunday. The addition of desk style seating made for more comfortable lectures and we also hosted the first Past Presidents Breakfast. Mr. Bill Phillips, our lobbyist, was the guest speaker.
We had praises from several of our speakers and guests for the efficient organization of the meeting, which was due to the hard work by our Executive Director, Maggie Milligan. Speakers also praised our members for their warm hospitality.
Our awards ceremony honored two members of the association. Awards went to the 2008 Veterinarian of the Year, Dr. Lyndon Tate and to Dr. Jim Achorn who was presented with a Service Recognition Award. They were recognized for their extraordinary dedication and devotion for service to the improvement of our association and our profession. Congratulations to these two fine gentlemen!
A new service our association office is setting up is an internet list serve to provide faster and increased communication between association members. Be sure to check the association website,(www.arkvet-med.org), whenever possible to keep abreast of this and the latest news of the association.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the summer meeting in Branson, August 7-9, when we return to the Chateau on the Lake.
To all of the members of this great association, remember, this is YOUR association. Our mission is to be the voice of this profession in this great state. It’s here to protect the integrity of the veterinarian by upholding the high standards set forth in our Practice Act and to be the standard bearers of animal welfare. Without your support we cannot exist!
Until Next Time
David Blount
President
Thanks to Dr. Underwood and Maggie Milligan for a very pleasant Summer Meeting
in Eureka Springs. A good time was had by all in attendance. The Awesome Opossums
were – well- awesome. The venue was convenient and comfortable. Hills
provided the speakers and underwrote the Saturday evening festivities.
Thanks
to Dr. Stroderd and District VI for inviting and hosting me at their meeting
August 21 in Hot Springs. The meeting was sponsored by Bayer Health Care
and was well attended by Southwest Arkansas veterinarians.
We have had
good reports from the Southwest Veterinary Symposium. Congratulations to
Dr. Tim Woody for being elected Vice-President for the 2007-2008 year. He
will assume his role as President at the 2008 Symposium. Congratulations
Tim!! We are proud of you.
I attended the coating ceremony at LSU-SVM August
22 in Baton Rouge. The auditorium was packed with students, faculty, staff,
and parents. Having not experienced such an event before, I was impressed
by the program. I would like to share with you PART of what I shared with
the group. None is it is really original as the sentiments expressed have
been shared with me by veterinarians I have worked with, visited with, and
learned from during my life.
“One of the
greatest gifts that I received from the LSU-SVM was the ability to handle
data, to think with it, and to know what to do next. This is the core of
competence. You will have to supply compassion and caring. I was also challenged
to become a lifetime learner, so that I would be a more effective doer. Before
I close, I would like to share with you some musings of a dinosaur. Veterinary
medicine is not about the money. Nor even about the lifestyle, really, at
the end of the day, the week, the year, the career, it is about the life
lived. It is about a life lived impacting the lives of others in a meaningful
way. To call it Noble is old fashioned, out of style and down right hokey.
None of that changes the fact that it is true. As I present career days at
schools and when I advise students about career choices – I find
that they are often taught how to analyze the various pros and cons of assorted
possible careers balancing the financial issues with the lifestyle ones.
But their approach assumes that the only role of a job in one’s life
is economic; the option that generates the most possible money in the least
unpleasant manner is what will come out on top every time when looked at
this way. But what about Passion? What about doing something with ones life?
Life should be about more than work, but work is not just something that
we pass through on the way to retirement. Being a veterinarian is our opportunity
to make a difference while earning a living. You see, I am not a veterinarian
because I thought it would be a good idea. I did not do it because I wanted
to. I did not do it because I loved it. I did it because I can’t possible
imagine myself being happy doing anything else. It is a beautiful life. Enjoy
it.”
I hope you all
will mark your calendars to attend the 101 st Winter Meeting, February 8-10,
2008 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Kindest Regards,
Mike Beard
Summer is a busy time and was made even more so by the pet food recall. It has been suggested that the food ingredients were adulterated in an effort to falsely increase the protein content of the gluten sold to the pet food manufacturers. I was fortunate that my practice and patents were apparently unharmed by the adulterated food (aside from the constant stream of phone calls.) I pray that you were similarly unaffected by the recall. The problem has been a loss of trust in the pet food industry’s ability to deliver a safe and wholesome diet. The AVMA and VIN have done a great job in keeping us informed as this story has evolved since March 16, 2007.
Dr. Debbie Cunningham has worked tirelessly as the Director of the new Veterinary Technology Program at Arkansas State University in Beebe. I understand that she will have as many as sixty students in August 2007. She has a building plan with blueprints approved to start the building program. ASU has also hired a Veterinary Technician to assist in teaching the students. Her task was monumental and her efforts Herculean to accomplish so much so fast. Thanks Debbie!
My goal is to visit each District during my tenure as President. I have met with District 2 veterinarians and my home group, District 8. I have accepted an invitation to speak at a District 1 meeting in September or October in Records Management. If you have a District meeting scheduled, please let me or Maggie know so that I can make plans to attend. I have been given the opportunity to speak to new licensees as they sit for the written State Board Exam on June 20, 2007. Some of these veterinarians will practice in your area and we want them to join our association, so please visit with them and encourage them to join. We provide complementary membership to the new graduates for the first year.
Meeting Chair Dr. Norette Underwood has an excellent program for us in August – Drs. Thibodeaux and Cutt will present Evidence Based Nutrition.
I hope to see LOTS of you in Eureka Springs – it should be a great meeting.
Mike Beard
It is with great humility that I accept the privilege and responsibility of guiding ArVMA through the 2007-2008 year. I trust that this first message finds you in good spirits and off to a good new year.
Just a personal thanks to Dr. Lyndon Tate for his quiet and steady leadership. He gave me a vision of what leadership looks like. Thank you to Maggie for her attending to day to day operation of our association and her ability to get things done.
It is an exciting time for our Association as I examine our core business and reflect on how we are doing. Our objects and purposes as defined in our constitution are:
Well, how are we doing?
Your Association provided five scholarships to students at the new ASU-Beebe Veterinary Technology program. Your Foundation provided four more, in addition to their ongoing commitments to the veterinary medical students that will continue to receive scholarships.
We had a successful winter meeting as evidenced by the participation and the comments offered by the participants and our distinguished speakers. Your association works hard to provide you with quality and cost-effective continuing education.
Dr. Jim Achorn works tirelessly to monitor the legislative process and keeps us abreast of how bills being considered will affect us. Thanks Jim. Thank you also to Sherry Glover for consulting and working with Jim.
Veterinarians consistently rank in the top three polls in which professionals that people respect. It does us well to remember that and protect that trust. ArVMA members should be proud of their Association. We do what we do largely with volunteer effort - - these volunteers who take time away from their families, their community and their practice to serve our membership and the profession at large. Such is the manner of the ArVMA, and it humbles me to be able to serve such a diverse and vibrant group of veterinarians. In closing, I want to personally thank all the volunteers who have contributed their time to serve the ArVMA. Without you, there would be no ArVMA.
I hope to see all of you in Eureka Springs this summer.
Kindest regards,
Mike Beard
ArVMA Members,
First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Beard for the excellent summer meeting in Hot Springs. Audience participation during a lecture is always an indication of interest to the individual attendee. There was great participation and interaction with the speakers, Dr. Jim Humphries on communications and Dr. Billy Scott on dentistry. The subject of communication, whether with family, client or mass media, is always a challenge, first, to say what you would like to relate to your audience and second, not being led in answering some question or making some statement for which you were unprepared. Just last evening, I was attending a banquet and had the opportunity to listen to Steve “Wildman” Wilson (Arkansas Game & Fish Commission). One of his comments made during the presentation, related to media speaking. He said the most intelligent and/or vocal person in a room could get before the camera or stand for a press interview and become totally “brain dead” and lose their voice. I have been there! It’s stressful! Maybe we all came away from Hot Springs with renewed interest and knowledge on communication, if the need arises. It’s always great to be able to communicate well for our profession.
I am writing this message just six days before the Southwest Veterinary Symposium begins in Fort Worth. By the time you read this, the symposium may be over. For those who attended, I hope you had a great time and gained some great CE. Arkansas is one of five member states and for every attendee registered, there is monetary value for ArVMA. It offers exposure to a wide range of speakers, vendors and numerous outside activities in the Fort Worth area. The Managing Board and CE committee are working hard to make this one of the best. If you were unable to attend, maybe next year
Speaking of CE and conventions, our Centennial ArVMA celebration will occur at the 2007 Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association’s Winter Meeting. That’s 100 years! You should have already received a reminder card announcing the occasion. Maggie and Dr. Beard are working hard to make this an enjoyable and memorable experience. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! PLAN TO ATTEND!
Thank you and until next time,
Lyndon
ArVMA Members,
I have had the opportunity to communicate with many of you since taking office in February, concerning various issues related to veterinary medicine, such as tax issues, which I am currently working on to get some published guidelines, public health and emergency response plans, and meeting with other non-veterinary groups that have concerns involving the veterinarian.
On May 10, I had the opportunity to meet with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM), state public health veterinarian, Dr. Susan Weinstein, state veterinarian, Dr. Pat Badley, state animal control personnel, and Arkansas's Game and Fish representative. This was to establish the operating procedures in case of a statewide emergency. One of the questions asked, what can the veterinarians in this state do, for ADEM, in case of such emergency? After discussing our role in ADEM's overall plan, I was moved to reflect on other aspects of service a veterinarian provides, not only to our practice, but also to our community, our state,our nation and perhaps most of all our families. We are rated very high in public perception. We can read almost every day about the expert care we give to our patients. Examples are the efforts given during last year's hurricanes. Veterinarians volunteered for service in the areas devastated by the wind and water. The large animal clinic at Texas A & M was converted to a human hospital with staff providing nursing care and bodily support to those of the human medical profession. Dr. Allen Roussel, Texas A & M, told me it was one of the most gratifying experiences he had ever had as a veterinarian or person. As you know, Hurricane Rita occurred during the 2005 SWVS in Fort Worth. Because of this, we were short several speakers for the convention. Where were the speakers? It wasn't because they couldn't get to Fort Worth, but they were coming to the aid of those in need. At the same time, many who were attending for CE, stepped up to fill the void and became qualified speakers. We had several individuals from Arkansas travel to Mississippi and Louisiana to give of their services and supplies. We have individuals who are involved in all areas of civic activities, be it 4-H, scouting, church, local government, or working with charity organizations. We have veterinarians who are involved in all levels of politics. We have veterinarians who give that special word and comfort when a client's pet or animal passes away, and whether we know it or not, we are involved in some aspect of public health on a daily basis. If this sounds like a pep talk or if I seem to be proud of this profession, I am. Thus, if the opportunity arises and you are asked, “what can you do”, just say, without being arrogant, “there are NO Boundaries”.
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Susan Weinstein, being the new Public Health Veterinarian and Dr. Lloyd Keck being awarded a Congressional Fellowship to work as a Congressional Staffer on Legislative issues related to veterinary medicine. I'm sure both will serve their new positions well.
We are still getting some of your responses on the rabies vaccine inquiry. I urge all to give the committee your thoughts and return the survey form to Maggie, and don't forget the summer meeting!!!!!!!!! Be sure to be included when registration begins.
SEE YOU IN HOT SPRINGS.
Best to all,
Lyndon
First of all, I would like to introduce myself. I am a born and raised Okie, attended Oklahoma State University and graduated with my DVM in 1970. My wife Sandy and I currently live in Mansfield. We have five children, (four daughters, one son) and five grandchildren.
After graduation, I was the "equine clinician" (if you can call a new graduate by such name) at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine while all the professors took their much-needed vacation. January of '71 found me starting a mixed animal practice in Oklahoma, where I stayed for five years, until moving to Greenwood in 1975, and a practice there until 1994. After selling this practice, we traveled, and ran a small farm until Sandy decided she wanted to go back to riding "cutting horses". Now you know why I'm back in practice. That's right, support the habit!
My civic and professional duties include, past board chairman and current board member of the Mansfield United Methodist Church, and serving on the rural advisory committee for St. Paul's School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo. I serve on the Sebastian Country Farm Bureau board, for which I was a national delegate in 2005, the Arkansas Extension's Equine Advisory committee, and the SWVS CE committee.
I have only heard positive remarks concerning the 2006 Winter Meeting. It was great, having it in Hot Springs for a change and looking forward to getting back to that facility in the not too distant future. We had a total of three hundred seventy-one registered attendees, thirty-two exhibitors, and to make it even better, great sponsorship support. I want to say "THANK YOU" to all the vendors, technicians, speakers, spouses and veterinarians. It is only with your support that this organization can continue to grow and provide those services each of you need and deserve in this great state. Compared to some other states, we are small in number, but year after year, our winter conference has one of the highest percentage membership registrations.
AVMA Trustees at the Winter Meeting
As was announced, we now have ASU Beebe putting the Veterinary Technician program in place. Thanks to Dr. David Oates and his committee for the many hours and interviews that were made in getting this to come about. Please put you support behind this and make it a successful reality.
Does anyone know this Dr. Thames who was name Veterinarian of The Year? Congratulations Mike!
Until next time,
Lyndon H. Tate, DVM