American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Winter Session and The Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC)
Aloha to you all and a belated Happy New Year!
The House of Delegates convened for the Winter Session in combination with the Veterinary Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois, January 10-13. This years theme was Evolution of Leadership – Learn, Grow, Lead, Evolve your Leadership Journey. The purpose of the VLC was to provide veterinary professionals, at all stages of their career, personal and professional leadership that benefits the individual attendee and the Veterinary Profession. The conference included:
a) AVMA governance meetings
b) Continuing Education Sessions focused on leadership development
c) Network opportunities
At this conference, Rising Leaders are interacting with Experienced Leaders to expand leadership skills and gives everyone the tools to create a roadmap for our leadership journey.
Here is a summary of our AVMA House of Delegates Winter Session:
Membership
AVMA membership is strong with the association’s official membership at more than 93,400. AVMA retained a higher percentage of members to start the year. Three out of every four veterinarians are members of the AVMA.
Health Insurance is returning!
Beginning in July, members and their employees in the AVMA LIFE Trust, or a related entity, may be able to offer health insurance as an ‘association of employers.’ This means veterinarians who are employers – including those who are self-employed – might be eligible to purchase group health insurance for themselves, their families, and their employees through the AVMA family. The program is expected to build over time.
For more information and to sign up for the latest updates, go to: AVMALife.org or call 800-621-6360.
Enhancing the utilization of veterinary technicians
During the House of Delegates business meeting, the HOD’s Veterinary Information Forum was committed to the topic of enhancing the utilization of veterinary technicians. Prior to the forum, AVMA members were asked to provide their input on the topic to their House representatives, and more than 400 comments were received.
The value of veterinary technicians is certain and that efforts need to be made across the profession to increase technician use and boost job satisfaction. Members of the House of Delegate recommends that the AVMA Board of Directors convene a task force to design a plan to improve veterinary technician utilization and that a progress report be shared with the HOD within a year.
Governance: House of Delegate Actions
HOD members also acted on several resolutions and bylaws amendments, including:
- Model Veterinary Practice Act: Refer to the AVMA Board of Directors
- Consideration of a revised version that incorporates input from HOD deliberations conducted during the meeting.
- Membership Dues Increase: Approved
- A resolution submitted by the AVMA Board of Directors to increase annual membership dues $30 in 2020, and, if necessary, up to $10 in 2021 and 2022 for regular and affiliate memberships. Reduced dues memberships will be made equal to 50% of the annual dues of regular members.
- Bylaw amendment expanding the composition of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Services to include a credentialed veterinary technician. Approved.
- Bylaw amendment changing the name of the AVMA Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine to the AVMA Council on Public Health. Approved
- Bylaw amendment removing a statement of responsibility of the AVMA Council on Research. Approved.
- Bylaw amendment removing a statement of responsibility of the AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents. Approved
- Bylaw amendment that replaces the AVMA Judicial Council with an ad hoc hearing panel to adjudicate complaints of unethical conduct by AVMA members. Approved
- Bylaw amendment related to the maintenance of House status for House of Delegates member organizations. Approved
- Bylaw amendment expanding eligibility of membership on the AVMA Council on Public Health (formerly known as the AVMA Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine). Approved
Keynote speaker Drew Dudley: Day One Leadership.
Leadership is more than money, power and influence. Drew’s message is to focus on the “everyday leadership.” We have all changed someone’s life — usually without even realizing it. Let us celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other’s lives. Create those moments that have powerful impacts and growth and that can be life changing for you and your organization. To learn more about Drew’s message refer to his Ted Talk on Leadership or enjoy his book: This is Day One, A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters.
Future VLC Meeting
January 9-12, 2020
VLC benefits veterinary professionals at all career stages to take on new challenges and leadership roles that benefit both the individual attendee and the veterinary profession. The benefits of attending the combined VLC and House of Delegates winter session are:
- Evolve your leadership skills – Gain new insights, expand your personal tool set, and learn from those who’ve come before you.
- Connect with a diverse network of leaders from across the veterinary profession.
- Deepen your understanding of how the AVMA works and discover exciting opportunities to get involved!
- Earn up to 8 hours of continuing education credit.
Please feel free to contact your AVMA Hawaii Alternate Delegate – Carolyn Naun, or myself – Leianne Lee Loy if you would like to learn more about this meeting (avma_delegate@hawaiivetmed.org).
AVMA Convention: A Monumental Experience
Save the date: August 2-6, 2019 in Washington D.C.
Aloha!
Leianne K. Lee Loy
Hawaii Delegate for AVMA