VMAE has been selected as a 2022 Power of Associations Silver Award winner for Journey: A Guide for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. The American Society of Association Executives’ Power of Associations Awards promotes awareness of innovative, results-oriented programs and initiatives undertaken by associations of all kinds. Journey was selected in the category of Power of Diversity and Inclusion. We recognize the VMAE DEI Committee for their inspiring work developing this resource for the veterinary association community. Chair Candace Joy and former CEO Ralph Johnson worked tirelessly with the...

A comprehensive and sustained initiative to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the veterinary profession was announced on July 30, 2022, in Philadelphia by AVMA and VMAE. The program builds upon the original Journey program developed by VMAE designed for VMA executives and elected leaders. The new Journey for Teams is designed for veterinary professionals and workplaces of all kinds and will engage veterinary professionals to increase their knowledge of DEI principles and foster individual and team behaviors that help advance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. "We want to mobilize...

Plan to join your colleagues for this year’s VMAE fall conference in San Diego, on Oct. 27-29. Presenters and facilitators Glenn Tecker and Matt Salois will help us explore what the data is telling us about where the profession is heading and what actionable, practical steps we can take to support our organizations in promoting and managing change. We will also discuss topics of common interest, hear updates on several key VMAE initiatives, and catch up with friends. The brochure, including registration and hotel information, is available on the VMAE...

The VMAE web site contains numerous tools and resources for you and your members. Check out the redesigned resource pages and see for yourself. An example is the recently updated area dedicated to supporting veterinary association executives and their members in advancing wellbeing in their personal and professional lives. The VMAE Wellbeing Committee, under the leadership of chair Mittie Williams, assembled and updated several recommended resources as part of VMAE’s commitment to foster a culture that supports individuals, teams, and organizations advance wellbeing....

At the 2022 Convention, outgoing AVMA President Dr. Jose Arce bestowed Phil Hinkle, former executive director of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, posthumously with an AVMA President’s Award in recognition of his leadership, commitment, and advocacy on behalf of the veterinary profession. One of three honorees, Phil was described as “a visionary leader, who continues to be admired by many in our profession, including veterinarians, University of Florida faculty and students, industry, and AVMA volunteers and staff.” Dr. Arce described Phil as a tireless supporter of Florida’s veterinary community. Phil,...

As part of recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month, AVMA Axon is offering two webinars to help veterinary professionals live their healthiest life at work and at home—and help colleagues do the same. The first webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, at noon CT, and will tackle communication-based challenges to suicide prevention and recommended approaches. A second webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 5 at noon CT, and will explore evidence-based approaches for reducing suicidal behaviors. Each live broadcast offers one hour of CE credit. Registration is free...

Three Reasons Why Introverts Can Be Good Leaders Diana Shi, Fast Company, July 5, 2022 What New Research Is Saying About Today’s Workplace Models Rasheeda Childress, Associations Now, July 27, 2022 Executive Research Perspective: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Association Governance Wendy-Jo Toyama and David A. Acosta, American Society of Association Executives, August 9, 2022...

Dear VMAE Members - I mentioned at the recent VMAE summer conference in Philadelphia that the cannabinoid issue is gaining traction. One of our clients is beginning FDA clinical trials and has supplement products on the market conforming to federal law in the 2018 Farm Bill. There is much confusion about where things stand, so we created a regulatory map which you and your members might value: https://chou2pharma.com/veterinarians/cannabinoid-map Mark Cushing Founder & CEO Animal Policy Group mark@animalpolicygroup.com...

Hey VMAE members – don’t forget about the VMAE Summer Conference this summer. We hope you “journey” to Philadelphia July 29-30 and partake in the VMAE Journey Workshop presentations, our Annual Awards and Membership Luncheons, reception, and camaraderie and networking with colleagues & friends…and some Wheeler cartoons as I pass the Presidential gavel! You can take advantage of reduced AVMA room block guarantee until May 20th (that’s in 3 days!) and early registration discounts for our conference until July 8th – Hope to see you there! Randy Wheeler, DVM Iowa VMA...

As we “spring” into summer (as was the case very quickly in Chicago), we are preparing for the summer conference (can’t wait to see MANY of you) and making significant progress on major initiatives. We continue to offer impactful, relevant content as part of the monthly Veterinary Practice Growth series, a benefit I hope you are utilizing to the fullest for your members. You will soon hear about another benefit from VMAE designed for VMAs to offer personal, professional, and business development content to their members. Our DEI collaboration with...