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...

This is a reminder that VMAE developed the Journey guide for use by executive directors and elected leaders at veterinary medical associations. We encourage you to use this great resource, meant to inspire pur organizations to undertake the journey and provide the tools you need to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It will support you in becoming a more effective leader, a more visible ally, and a more articulate voice on why advancing DEI is critical to the future of the veterinary profession. Next, VMAE is collaborating with several other...

Another VMAE initiative you will be hearing more about in the coming months is “GENUS,” promising to deliver to veterinary professionals a digital newsletter of curated content on leadership, communication, people development, and business. This content would be distributed by your organizations, which will have several options from a simple RSS feed to more customized choices. Look for more on GENUS soon....

Mark your calendars for the VMAE Summer Conference taking place at the AVMA Convention in Philadelphia this July! We are lining up a great program and will release details soon. Here is the schedule of events: Friday, July 29 VMAE Annual Awards Luncheon Advancing DEI: From Understanding to Action - Bring your VMA President/President-elect VMAE Member Reception Saturday, July 30 VMAE Professional Development Program VMAE Membership Meeting Luncheon ...