AVMA Updates – Summer 2024

The AVMA House of Delegates approved revisions to the policy that provides ethical guidance for all veterinarians, restructuring it to improve clarity and usability. Among the changes, the policy now features a Code of Conduct with three sections: provide competent medical care, prioritize patient welfare in balance with client needs and public safety, and uphold standards of professionalism.
Read more

Two new surveys find lack of support for midlevel practitioner. Both the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and the Veterinary Management Groups said they support better utilization of credentialed veterinary technicians as part of the answer to workforce issues.
Read more

Revised CPR standards issued for dogs and cats. The first update to the life-saving RECOVER guidelines since 2012 emphasizes speed and standard techniques. Changes include a streamlined CPR algorithm and new drug dosing charts. 
Read more


AVMA MENTORSHIP

Any AVMA member with less than 10 years of professional experience can now get free professional mentoring through MentorVet Connect, brought to you by the AVMA. Learn more.

2024 HVMA Conference Registration Now Open

This year we are moving our annual conference to the Hawaii Convention Center! Labs will be offered on Nov 6-7, 2024, and a full slate of lectures will fill Nov 8-10, 2024. Lecture topics include behavior, cardiology, anesthesia, soft tissue surgery, exotics, and more! 

Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors. Remember to log in to your HVMA online account to receive the discounted registration rates for active members. Accommodations will be across the street from the convention center at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Check out our conference page where you can find lab details and our conference schedule. Please join us for great RACE-approved CE, our lively exhibit hall, food, and fellowship, and get to know your local vet community! 

In Remembrance: Lester Naito

Dr. Naito with Tomi, a chihuahua-terrier.
Photo by Craig T. Kojima

Lester Naito graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1959 and opened his 1st clinic in 1963, Animal Clinic Waimalu, followed by Animal Clinic Mililani, Moanalua, Waipahu, and Kapolei. These clinics are now VCA Animal Hospitals.

Dr. Naito studied for two years as a pre-med major at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He chose to further his education at OSU because the pre-veterinary requirements closely matched his pre-med course work.

He and his wife Grace have 4 kids, Steven, Joanne, Scott and Leslie.


I will always be grateful to Doctor Lester Naito for giving me the opportunity to gain experience and grow in the profession as a beginning veterinarian.  By example, he kept his optimism even during difficult circumstance.  His foresight and support were instrumental in developing my own professional vision .   Through the years his life touched many of us as employees, pet owners and friends.  Les will be missed.
– Dr. Isaac Maeda

Hawaii State Board of Veterinary Medicine Updates

New temporary permits are now in effect!

The Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine has recently increased its bank of test questions, and has reduce the waiting period to retest following a failed attempt to pass the Hawaii state veterinary examination from 90 days to 60 days. While the HVMA had petitioned for a shorter (30 day) waiting period, we are grateful for this small improvement.

In upcoming legislative sessions, the HVMA will be looking into revising the veterinary practice law to allow temporary permittees to continue practicing veterinary medicine during this waiting period following a failed attempt to pass the State veterinary examination.

Currently, Hawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”) section 471-8(c)(5), titled “Examinations; qualifications of applicants” states in relevant part:
“(c)(5) The temporary permit shall be valid until the results of the Hawaii state board examination taken by the permittee are known; provided, that failure of the Hawaii state board exam, the National Board Examination, or Clinical Competency Test shall immediately terminate the temporary permit;”

If you have suggestions or inquiries regarding licensure or regulation of veterinary medicine in Hawaii, please contact the Hawaii State Board of Veterinary Medicine at veterinary@dcca.hawaii.gov or (808) 586-2705.

CDC Importation Rabies Rule Update

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its final rule that it hopes will reduce public health risks of the dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) associated with the importation of dogs into the United States. The final rule addresses the importation of cats as part of overall changes to the regulations affecting both dogs and cats, but the final rule does not require that imported cats be accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination and does not substantively change how cats are imported into the United States.

In this final rule, CDC aligns U.S. import requirements for dogs with the importation requirements of other DMRVV-free countries by requiring proof of rabies vaccination and adequate serologic test results from a CDC-approved laboratory. Requirements that need to be met for dogs to be imported include: a microchip, six-month minimum age requirement for admission, and importer submission of a CDC import form. The rule also requires airlines to confirm documentation, provide safe housing for animals, and assist public health officials in determining the cause of an animal’s illness or death.

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 13 and is effective August 1, 2024.

AVMA articlehttps://www.avma.org/news/dog-import-requirements-strengthened-prevent-canine-rabies-return

Here are some resources released by the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

2024 Annual Business Meeting Notice

Our HVMA Hui annual business meeting will be held on Saturday Nov 9, 2024 at 12pm at the Hawaii Convention Center Room 325. Conference registration is not required to attend the meeting. 

We will be voting on several bylaws changes, detailed below:

1. ARTICLE III, Section 2a.

Current:
Location – Each county shall be entitled to a Representative on the Executive Board in accordance with the number of Active Members within that County using the following formula:
1-25 Active Members-One Representative
26-50 Active Members-Two Representatives
51-75 Active Members-Three Representatives
Up to a maximum of four Representatives per County.

Proposed Amendment:
Location – Each county shall be entitled to representation on the Executive Board in accordance with the number of Active Members within that County using the following formula:
1-50 Active Members – Up to two representatives
51-75 Active Members – Up to three representatives
Over 75 Active Members – Up to four representatives
No more than four Representatives will be allowed per County.

2. Section 2(f): Change “serving in Hawaii by the U.S. Army” to “serving in Hawaii by the U.S. Armed forces”

3. Article II, Section 2(c) Reword/reformat for clarity.

Current:
Section 2.  Election
a. All elections shall be conducted by written ballot unless there is only one nominee for an office in which case the Active Members registered and voting may instruct the Secretary to cast a unanimous ballot for the nominee.  
b. To be elected, a nominee must receive a majority of the votes cast.
c. Shall be appointed by the Executive Board.

Proposed:
Section 2. Election
All elections shall be conducted by written or electronic ballot unless there is only one nominee for an office in which case the Active Members registered and voting may instruct the Secretary to cast a unanimous ballot for the nominee. To be elected, a nominee must receive a majority of the votes cast.

4. Article III, Section 3. Reformat for clarity and consistency with remainder of document

Current:
The Executive Board shall hold six regular meetings during the period between the Annual Meetings of the Association.  These meetings shall be as follows:
1st – immediately following the Annual Meeting
Meetings 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, to be held every other month after the Annual Meeting, i.e. January, March, May, July, and September.
6th – immediately preceding the Annual Meeting

Proposed:
The Executive Board shall hold six regular meetings during the period between the Annual Meetings of the Association.  These meetings shall be as follows:
a. 1st – within 45 days following the Annual Meeting
b. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th – to be held every other month after the Annual Meeting, e.g. January, March, May, July, and September.
c. 6th – within 45 days preceding the Annual Meeting

5. Article V, Section 4. Notice; Reword for consistency with electronic communication allowed in rest of bylaws.

Current:
A written or printed notice stating the place, day, and hour of the annual meeting shall be mailed not less than thirty days before the meeting to each member of the Association.

Proposed:
At least thirty days prior to the meeting, uniform written notice, including electronic communication, shall be transmitted to all current members stating the place, day, and time of the annual meeting.


Additionally, this year we will be holding board position elections for the following positions (current nominees below):

President Elect – Alfred Mina
Vice President – Malia Lyons
Secretary – Jamie Furutani
Treasurer – Caren Tamura-Taira
Executive Vice President – Jill Yoshicedo
Kauai Delegate – Melissa Shaw
Oahu Delegate – Gabrielle Asay, Heidi Choy, Erika Sox

Nominations may also be made from the floor during the business meeting.
If you are interested in serving on the HVMA board or nominating a colleague, please email nominating_committee@hawaiivetmed.org.

Toxoplasma Research Recruitment

Do you want to be a part of a research study involving the evaluation of toxoplasmosis in people living in Hawaii? Do you want to make an impact in the community? 

If you said YES to either question, Dr. Jerrisa Ching Choe and her research team are looking for healthy volunteers who are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old for our research study.   

The purpose of the study is to measure the prevalence of Toxoplasma exposure in Hawaii residents and to evaluate the risk factors associated with human exposure to toxoplasmosis in Hawaii.  The information gained from this study will provide insight into how common toxoplasmosis is in Hawaii and will enable us to develop approaches to detect and prevent this disease in our community. 

To learn more about toxoplasmosis, please check out our informational brochure.

The study will involve one visit to the John A. Burns School of Medicine campus in Honolulu, HI where study participants will complete a survey and have ~5 mL (1 teaspoon) of blood drawn. The study visit will take approximately 45 minutes. ALL study participants will receive compensation for their time.

If you’re interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. Jerrisa Ching Choe at jching21@hawaii.edu. If you have any questions about the study, please contact Dr. Sandra Chang at 808-692-1607 or sandrac@hawaii.edu.

Thank you for your interest and consideration. We look forward to seeing you!

Mental Health Resources

Being a veterinarian can be both fulfilling and exhausting. Especially in challenging times. We’re here to help provide resources for you when you need them. Please take time to reach out to someone you trust. The resources below may be opportunities for you to connect and get help.

24/7 National Suicide and Crisis Hotline:
Call or text 988

AVMA Wellbeing Resources:https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing

Veterinary Mental Health Support (formerly VMHI) with Not One More Vet (NOMV) Website: https://www.nomv.org/vmhs/

In Remembrance- Patrick Ahana

Patrick Ahana, born on January 21, 1946, dedicated his life to the welfare of animals and the happiness of his family. He passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024. As a renowned veterinarian, he touched the lives of countless creatures and their human companions with his gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to their well-being. His clinic, Kapaa Animal Clinic, was not just a place of healing but also a sanctuary where pets and their families found solace and support. Patrick’s love for animals was matched only by his love for his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife Joanne, sons Alek (Nanett) and Bryce (Mistye), grandchildren Kaci, Ayden, Lexie, and Bryn, and siblings Robert Ahana, Phyllis Tokita, and Valerie (Yoshito) Narikiyo. His legacy of kindness, compassion, and devotion to both animals and family will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Tribute to Dr. Cordell Chang

It is an honor to share with you the veterinary life of our colleague, Dr. Cordell Chang.

A close friend, Mrs. Sue Miyahara described Cordell as being kind, gracious, thoughtful, “low key” kind of guy who remembered others and had a good sense of humor. Mrs. Miyahara met Cordell through her husband – Dr. Allen Miyahara. Dr. Miyahara was an advocate for the Veterinary Profession both in Hawaii and nationally – a road similarly taken by Cordell. Although Dr. Miyahara died in 2016, Cordell continued to “keep in touch” with Sue by visiting her often bringing peanuts or pastries. Mrs. Miyahara said Cordell was like their son and she couldn’t say enough good things about him.

Cordell: A friend

by Dr. Ben Okimoto

I first met Cordell as part of the Henke Hall gang in the mid-70’s. There was a group of about a dozen students who were in grad school and/or pre vet. We were all under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Nakamura (“Doc”, RMN) and Dr. Allen Miyahara (AYM). We had many good times together like when we had a luau, complete with an imu, at Tiny’s beach house in Waialua. I was studying the Pacific Golden Plover and Cordell was studying methylmercury contamination of swine. That was the first time I heard of Minamata Disease.

Back then we all had long hair and were much more liberal and progressive thinking, Cordell more so than me. I recall a time when a small potted plant with dark green palm shaped leaves was placed just outside the entrance to Henke Hall. And then a tray of brownies made with the same type of plant was provided. They were eagerly consumed by many after being placed between the tank with the lion fish and the ever present and full coffee pot in Doc’s lab. Cordell and I often drove to the Animal Science livestock station on the North Shore at Waialee. We would take one of the green Animal Science cars and Cordell always drove. We drove up there often enough that he developed a “trucker’s tan” on his left arm and I got it on my right arm. Driving a UH vehicle and with both of us having shoulder length hair, we would on occasion get a second glance from male drivers passing us, at least until they saw that we also had mustaches.

One day Cordell brought his Keeshond pup (“Jet”) to the lab and it was fun playing with him, until he disappeared. We spent hours looking for him until he was found at the Kanewai playground. Around that time I also met his girlfriend Deborah, who he would cherish for the next 50 years.

I always thought that Cordell was an unusual name. I researched it and found that there was a Cordell Hull, who was the longest serving Secretary of State, being appointed by FDR in 1933. In 1945 he won the Nobel Peace Prize, and FDR called him the “Father of the United Nations”. So perhaps our Cordell’s parents had some foresight into his future abilities and accomplishments.

Aloha my friend,
Ben Okimoto

Cordell was a Practicing Veterinarian and Part of Their Ohana

by the Waianae Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Cordell Chang wasn’t just a Veterinarian to us all at the Waianae Veterinary Clinic, he became embedded in our tight circle, our family. He was a mentor to our staff members through veterinary schooling and freely shared his knowledge & experience with us. Dr. Chang was a funny man that made us laugh a lot; was very helpful and would come to our rescue when we needed help. He was also very generous and would treat our whole staff to lunch of our choice each week, we’d have fun gathering in the lunch room all together. He cared about us and we cared about him. He was a good man, a friend and Veterinarian. He will be truly missed…we love you!

With deep aloha,
The Waianae Veterinary Clinic

In Remembrance of Cordell Chang

by Lissa Kam, DVM

I was first introduced to Cordell when I attended one of Honolulu Veterinary Society’s evening business meetings. At that time he probably was the President and he presided over the business portion of the meeting with confidence and professionalism. I was always impressed by his knowledge of parliamentary procedures which he later passed onto myself and others who joined the ranks of Executive Board officers. I remember he offered me his personal copy of Robert’s Rules of Order when I became President. Cordell’s friendly nature and his willingness to speak in front of crowds earned him his most popular position in the HVS as the official Master of Ceremonies at the annual installation banquet.

Cordell took this job seriously and prepared his introductory speech, gave the benediction, and practiced his famous “ice breaker” joke. He presented the recipient the award for the Best Friends Award and installed the incoming officers, but his most favorite duty was saved for the end. The announcement of the door prizes (which he helped to procure). Almost everyone attending was a winner.

I will always remember Cordell as a dedicated colleague who was always willing to share his knowledge and his time to support the veterinary profession.

Cordell was a Volunteer: Veterinary Licensing Board

Dr. Cordell Chang was also dedicated to Hawaii’s Veterinary Licensing Board and an Advocate for the Consumer. He served on the Board from July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1999. Dr. Chang became Board Chairman from July 1992 until his departure on June 30, 1999.

Dr. Chang’s dedication to the State of Hawaii continued by being on the Regulated Industries Complaint Office (RICO) Veterinary Advisory Committee from January 2002 to December 31, 2004.

Dr. Cordell Chang: A Champion for Organized Veterinary Medicine
HVMA/AVMA House of Delegates

Dr. Chang became my mentor when I joined the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and then I became the Hawaii alternate Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association – Cordell was the Delegate. We represented Hawaii and joined veterinary collegues from 70 states, territories and other veterinary groups to set policies for the association. When we attended these meetings twice a year – traveling to various parts of the continental United States, I watched and learned Cordell’s successful leadership style. Cordell made sure he greeted everyone with a smile and believed in the ability to connect with others for the good of the profession.

From our AVMA Organization: House of Delegates

Dr. Chang’s dedication was his 27 years at the AVMA House of Delegates.

“We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague, Dr. Cordell Chang. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s volunteers are critical to our success and to helping us fulfill our mission. They are driven by a shared passion to ensure that the needs of our members are met, and that the veterinary profession remains strongly positioned to effect positive results,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, AVMA President. “Dr. Chang embodied that passion, and his dedication to the AVMA was evident through his long and devoted commitment to our association. He began his AVMA membership immediately after receiving his veterinary degree from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, and he became an Honor Roll Member in 2018. His service to the AVMA House of Delegates spanned nearly 30 years, having been a delegate and alternate delegate from 1991 to 2018. We thank Dr. Chang for all he did for us and the veterinary profession. We are grateful to him for his service.”

Condolences from our AVMA District Representative

I met Dr. Chang at the AVMA House of Delegates as he was Hawaii’s delegate for years. California and Hawaii are both in District X, along with Nevada. Our District X caucus would meet twice a year at the January Veterinary Leadership Conference and in the summer meeting at the AVMA convention. Cordell always had a friendly greeting and a big smile whenever I met him. As the delegate at our caucus, he would give us an update on what was of concern in Hawaii about veterinary medicine and legislative issues related to the profession, always with a positive spin. A true professional that gave back to the profession through his work in organized veterinary medicine at the state and national levels. May he rest in peace.

Richard J. Sullivan, DVM
AVMA Board of Directors, District X

Dr. Chang’s Dedication to His Veterinary Family and His Own Ohana

Cordell was not able to attend his final AVMA House of Delegates meeting.
On his behalf, it was my honor to say his words for the invocation in July
2018:

“I am sorry I am unable to deliver this address personally. My aging, ailing mother needs my attention now, and prevents me from attending this meeting. After 27 years of service to the House of Delegates, this will be my last meeting. I am being honored for my service and have been asked to give the invocation. Before I give the invocation, I would like to recognize all of the members of the House of Delegates and say thank you for all you do for the AVMA. Thank you for bringing your thoughtful expressions to these sessions, and above all, I wish to acknowledge the giving of your time. Time to be here and time away from your families and time away from your employment. I honor you all today, so that you do not have to wait 27 years for this recognition.

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Lord,
May I ask for your blessing for this event, the gathering of the AVMA House of Delegates, summer session in Denver, Colorado.
May I ask that you bless and give guidance to our officers, as they meet all challenges this year and that their decisions all result in a fair and just manner.
May we pray for the victims of natural disaster.
May we pray for the victims and families of the recent student school shootings.
May we pray for the homeless, for those who are alone, and for those that have lost their way.

Oh Lord have mercy upon us, as we are forever grateful for abundance of life that you have provided for us.
And may we ever be mindful of the needs of others.

A hele aku oukou me ka maluhia e aloha a e malama i ka haku,
which translates into: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Amen.”

Thank you, Dr. Cordell Chang, for all that you have done for our Veterinary profession. You have been an advocate for us and for the animals we care for daily!

Aloha oe….until we meet again.

Leianne K. Lee Loy