Pulse - August 2023 - 48

FROM THE SCVMA OFFICE
JENNIFER HAWKINS, DVM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JENNIFER HA
JHAWKINS@SCVMA.ORG
JHAWKINS@SCVMA.ORG
The Importance of Association Work
I
was in my third year of veterinary school and a board member of the Student AVMA Chapter. Our
veterinary school was up for reaccreditation and the AVMA Accreditation Committee joined our
SAVMA Board meeting. One of the AVMA representatives asked us if we planned to be in organized
veterinary medicine after graduation. The other SAVMA officers seemed to cringe in response to this
question. We looked at each other. None of us was sure what was being asked. Organized veterinary
medicine? Is that like a mob or something? Corporate work? Though we clearly were officers of an
organization, we had no idea we were participating in organized veterinary medicine!
In my first clinic as a practicing veterinarian,
my mentors grabbed me by the arm and
told me we were going to an SCVMA chapter
meeting. Within a few years, I was one of the
officers running the chapter. As such, I became
closer to both the members, the expert speakers,
and the allied industry people that sponsored
our meetings. A few years later, I found
myself on the Board of Trustees of the SCVMA
and in 2013, 4 months after my daughter
was born, I became its president. At the same
time, I participated in the CVMA's house of
delegates meetings and became chair of the
house in 2016.
Why, you ask, would I bother? The travel,
the meetings, the people. Ew, right? Wrong!
What I found was that I was energized after
attending these board or delegate or governors'
meetings. I feel a bit like I discovered a secret
society of like-minded leaders in veterinary
medicine. Fantastic people that want to hear
what I have to say. After days of talking to
owners who often choose to rely on the advice
of their neighbor/friend/groomer/breeder,
here I was in a room of really smart people.
And they actually listened to me. I would feel
a bit guilty leaving my family to travel to twice
annual meetings. Thankfully, my husband is
supportive as he has witnessed me countless
times come home suddenly energized from the
connections I had made and the feeling of being
valued.
In my current role as your Executive Director
(yes, I really drank the Kool-Aid!), I have
had the pleasure of attending seminars and
meetings intended for association executives
and those who support the veterinary industry.
Something someone told me stuck with
me: the work we do in shaping the veterinary
profession and serving as a constant resource
for our colleagues allows us to help our profession
and pet owning clients even more than we
do in the exam room.
48
If you want to have a say in the conversation
and help shape your profession, I strongly
recommend not only joining your VMA(s)
but also participating as an officer. As such,
you will have the opportunity to be heard and
participate in decisions about critical issues in
this profession. Telemedicine? Cannabinoids?
Wellness? Access to Veterinary Care? VMB?
These are all topics discussed by your VMAs.
You can help shape the association position
statement on these issues and even determine
the position your state VMA will take
on the legislation being brought forward by
many who aren't even affiliated with veterinary
medicine. You can even participate in drafting
language for state regulations that govern how
we practice!
How can I get started, you may ask? I realize
it may seem intimidating to take on a position
at your chapter or the Board of Trustees. But
talk to the officers of your local chapter meeting
and let them know you're interested in helping
out. Contact our office for information about
vacant or soon-to-be vacant leadership positions.
And feel free to contact me directly for
more information. I'll gladly chat with you over
the phone or over coffee. It's not as hard as it
may sound and you have many people to support
you along the way. jhawkins@scvma.org
AUGUST 2023
PULSE

Pulse - August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pulse - August 2023