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 ...
According to the Veterinary Industry Tracker, a collaboration of AVMA and VetSuccess: Revenue per practice across the United States was up 12.3% in the 12-month period ending February 14, compared with a year earlier. Client visits were up 4.3% over the same period. The staff turnover rate at veterinary practices nationwide is about 15%. While COVID isn’t the only contributor to turnover, anecdotal conversations across the profession indicate morale have gone down during the pandemic. Veterinarians saw fewer patients per hour, and average productivity fell almost 25% in 2020, compared...
A new report by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) shows a vast majority of veterinary technicians want their title of “Veterinary Technician” to be protected by law, but most states do not provide such protection. The report, available here, shows that 31 states and jurisdictions have no title protection for “Veterinary Technician” within their veterinary practice acts, while another 10 states have limited title protection. “The veterinary technician profession has long been challenged by a lack of cohesion and standards in the United States,” said NAVTA President...
A group of veterinarians recently established the Veterinary Hope Foundation (VHF), a nonprofit focused on providing education and connection programs to benefit the veterinary community. Built on the belief that there’s hope for veterinarians in crisis, VHF’s mission includes funding small groups which provide veterinary professionals with resources, information, and community support to better handle the stressors and mental health issues. These groups, led by a licensed mental health professional, focus on topics meaningful to practicing veterinarians such as communicating with troubled clients, balancing family and work, handling grief, and...
In a recent ASAE Research Foundation study, association members identified a variety of activities as important to the future of their organizations. Highest rated were those that support professional knowledge and the credibility of the field. Case studies from the research highlighted ways that associations are fulfilling these roles in a changing world: Fortify Your Position as a Trusted Source Advance Understanding of New Standards Promote Your Industry The complete set of case studies, as well as insights into association stakeholders’ expectations for the future, are available in the study report. (Source:...
Did you know you that VMAE continuing education may be accepted for CAE credit? Those of us who are applying for or renewing the CAE credential certification may submit VMAE programs for credit if they relate to association management topics, rather than specific to veterinary medicine....
Dear VMAE Members - As you have undoubtedly heard from your members, the profession is facing a shortage of veterinary professionals that threatens the sustainability of the industry. That’s why Mars Veterinary Health commissioned a series of studies with Jim Lloyd, DVM, PhD of Animal Health Economics to better understand the scope of the problem and how we can contribute to solutions. Here are some key takeaways from the papers: The ~25,000 new graduates expected over the next 10 years will still leave a shortage of nearly 15,000 companion-animal veterinarians by 2030—an...
Dear VMAE Members: ARE COST OF CARE DISCUSSIONS WITH CLIENTS DIFFICULT FOR YOUR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS? WE’VE MADE IT EASY WITH THE ASPCA® PET HEALTH INSURANCE COST OF CARE WHEEL! The cost of veterinary care is often not discussed with clients until services are needed. This is a missed opportunity to help owners understand the potential cost of pet ownership and how to prepare for their pet’s future health care needs. The Cost of Care Wheel was designed to engage clients in proactive cost of care conversations. We hope that your association members find this tool helps...
The aspen leaves have turned golden in Colorado, providing a beautiful reminder of our transition into the fall season. I hope you have some wonderful summer vacation memories to keep that season in mind as well! Just a few items to bring to your attention for your calendar of upcoming opportunities: Monday, October 18 is the registration deadline for VMAE | Fall Conference 2021 before price increases take effect. You’ll find all the details HERE on an exceptional and highly interactive program with Gary LaBranche, FASAE, CAE – not to...
THRIVE: Enhancing Wellbeing Through Truth Bombs, Training, and MemberShares is the theme for VMAE | Virtual Summer Conference 2021, being held Monday and Tuesday (July 19-20) from 1-6 PM daily Eastern time. The wellbeing of veterinary professionals, including veterinary medical association executives, has been under even greater pressure as a result of the public health pandemic. Helping individuals and teams thrive despite such pressure requires resilience, resources, and Education – which is why the summer conference is focused on advancing personal and professional wellbeing. VMA executives occupy unique positions in organized veterinary...