VMAE recently joined the Mind Matters International (MMI) Joint Statement on Veterinary Mental Health & Wellbeing, a collaboration established by the AVMA and the U.K Royal College of Surgeons in 2018 as a global effort to help improve mental health in the veterinary profession. All members must demonstrate a commitment to addressing veterinary wellbeing. In addition to AVMA and RCVS, MMI includes the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, World Small Animal Veterinary Association, American Association of Veterinary State Boards, Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations,...

VMAE and the Veterinary Wellbeing Alliance launched a one-year pilot program to help veterinary professionals reduce stress and burnout. The Veterinary Wellbeing Alliance was created through a partnership between VMAE and the wellbeing platform Listeners On Call (LOC), with the generous support of 16 professional and industry organizations. Through the pilot, approximately 10,000 veterinary professionals in Georgia, New York and Texas have complimentary access to Listeners On Call. Members of those state VMAs are offered four hours per month at no charge to connect over the phone with one of...

Veterinary Visionaries is a collaboration of over 50 organizations that have come together to collectively solve issues facing the profession. Through Solving Events using a crowdsourced platform, everyone in the industry is invited to submit systemic ideas that are then evaluated by a panel of professionals unique to the Event’s singular question. The topic for the Spring Solving Event, which runs through May 27, is “How might we build systemic solutions and support for veterinary teams to continuously improve mental wellbeing, especially related to moral distress, ethical trauma, and compassion...

Individuals and organizations are invited to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to fund efforts that increase the medicalization of companion cats. Areas of interest could include telemedicine, animal welfare/sheltering, data collection, access to care and or preventive care. The CATalyst Council will accept applications through October 31, and awards will be distributed in January 2023. For grant guidelines and application information contact cats@catalystcouncil.org. The CATalyst Council enables the lifelong health and welfare of companion cats. Founded in 2008, they bring together data, knowledge and resources from shelter and...

The Pride Veterinary Medical Community announced that 556 individuals and 96 organizations have signed their support so far for the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR) as part of a focused effort to address inequality and inequity in the veterinary profession. The organization is calling on members of the veterinary profession to sign on by completing the signatory form. A follow up implementation guide will be published later this year and be available to all signatories. In addition, all members of the veterinary and animal health community are invited to...

MentorVet is an evidence-based mentorship and professional development program that promotes early-career veterinary wellbeing through mentorship, mental health and financial coaching, and online professional skills training. MentorVet is aiming to expand its reach to support more early-career veterinarians in the transition to practice and interested in exploring areas for collaboration with organizations. MentorVet is available to discuss potential partnerships with organizations considering offering a mentorship program as a member benefit. To learn more about the program visit the program’s web site and contact Dr. Addie Reinhard, Founder & CEO of...

What Do Your Sponsors Really Want? As many associations are looking to shore up non-dues revenue, a new survey reveals sponsors want to be back at in-person meetings. Experts say mixing in-person events with year-round content options will lead to more productive relationships between sponsors and associations. (Source: ASAE Associations Now Daily News, April 14, 2022) How Do You Price Your Virtual and Hybrid Offerings Correctly? As associations continue to offer online, hybrid, and in-person learning, many are struggling with how to price this mix of offerings. An expert recommends focusing on value, engaging...

In this time of continued uncertainty with concerns about the pandemic and world affairs, I am certain about one thing…VMAE continues to be an invaluable organization which provides great resources, valuable support programs, community insight and collaborative networking! The CEO transition from Ralph to Adrian has been remarkably smooth. Expect some awesome things to come and mark your calendars for a fantastic summer VMAE event in Philadelphia! Randy Wheeler, DVM Iowa VMA...

I just returned from Western Veterinary Conference, where I met with several current and prospective VMAE Strategic Initiative Partners. I was constantly reminded of our organization’s stellar reputation and the respect and interest we garner from the profession and industry. Wrapping up my first five weeks in my role as your CEO, I know how fortunate and blessed I am to work with all of you. Talking with you and your fellow executive leaders of veterinary medicine gives me inspiration and fuel to advance the goals and objectives of VMAE and...

VMAE has been invited to participate in Mind Matters International’s second annual roundtable on the subject of mental health and the sustainable veterinary workforce. The event, scheduled for March 15, will address employee turnover and retention, ways to encourage those who have left the workforce to return, and how we respond to mental health challenges and underpin a more sustainable workforce. Three VMAs will participate in a one-year pilot, starting next month, to provide their members with resources specifically designed for those in need of establishing a “human connection” with whom...