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Lending a helping hand
February 2010 A publication of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
For the past 11 years, Pro-Bone-O of Eugene hasprovided free veterinary service, food and supplies forthe pets and people who are homeless in Lane County.
Dr. Doreen Hock and Dr. Roberta Boyden foundedthe nonprofit organization with three primary goals inmind:
1. Imrpove the health and well-being for pets ofthe homeless who can’t afford veterinary care.
2. Prevent unwanted litters through education,and, when possible, offering financial assistance forspaying and neutering.
3. Stop the spread of infectious diseases andparasites in the community.
Twice a month during this decade-plus period, Pro-Bone-O volunteers -- including veterinarians,technicians and veterinary students -- attended to theneeds of pets. Now the organization is taking a giantstep forward and collaborating with the CommunityVeterinary Center to extend its service to a three-dayper week schedule.
This past December, Pro-Bone-O broke groundfor a clinic on land donated by St. Vincent de Paul.The clinic will be a refurbished modular classroomthat has been donated by the Creswell School District.
The Community Veterinary Center, which has itsown staff and board of directors, including OVMAboard member Dr. Sandy Smalley, will continuefundraising to add staff and necessary supplies to meetthe needs of additional service to the wider communityin Lane County.
In 2002, the OVMA recognized Pro-Bone-O forits community service by presenting it with theassociation’s Veterinary Service Award.
Rose City ServicesAnother nonprofit stepping up the presence in its
community is the Portland Animal Welfare Team(PAW).
The all volunteer organization -- also including amix of veterinarians and technicians -- is dedicated toimproving the health and well-being of the pets andpeople experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.
PAW Team was formed in 2004 by concernedveterinary professionals (among them Drs. Heather
Dillon, Wendy Kohn, Sal Jepson and Larry Sams, andtechnicians Barbara deManicor and Lynn Lippert ) andother animal lovers to make veterinary care accessible tothose unable to afford such services. Clinics have beenheld about six times a year at various locations, butPAW Team has just expanded to monthly clinics.
Central Oregon SupportCharitable work wasn’t part of Dr. Keri Lynn
McDowell’s business plan when she and Dr. GregBlack opened Mt. Bachelor Veterinary Hospital in Bendtwo years ago. But one day a homeless man who hadbeen walking his dog brought his pet to the clinic afterit was hit by a car. While treating the dog, the practicerealized that it wasn’t altered and had not receivedvaccinations or general care. They treated the dog at nocharge. According to an article in the Bend Bulletin,that was the beginning of the practice’s treating pets ofhomeless mostly at no or nominal cost.
Dr. Deborah LaPaugh, owner of LaPaw AnimalHospital in west Bend, has been helping the homelesswith their pets for the past nine years. It was noted inthe newspaper article that Dr. LaPaugh has volunteeredto run the veterinary component of Central Oregon’sProject Connect program, an annual one-day event inwhich many organizations collaborate to help homelessand low-income people. At the 2009 event, Dr.LaPaugh treated approximately 250 animals.
In response to the challenging economic times andthe hardship many equine owners have faced in caringfor their horses, Dr. Doug Evans and his wife, Meghan,founded Grassroots of Central Oregon. Theorganization was started to help struggling horse ownersfeed their animals through the winter months.
At the upcoming Oregon Veterinary Conferencethe first of March, the OVMA will present Dr. Evanswith its Animal Welfare Award for his dedication andservice.
Willamette ValleyThis past year, Dr. Sheri Morris, owner of Willamette
Valley Animal Hospital in Keizer, attended to petsduring a one-day event at a nearby park that wascoordinated by Marion County Dog Control.
ViewpointCompensation and
Benefits SurveyIn response to frequent requests
throughout the year for compen-sation and benefits informationspecific to Oregon, the OVMA hasprepared a followup survey to onewe conducted in 2008.
The survey will focus onveterinary associates (not owners)and other members of the practicehealthcare team.
Results will be published for themembership, allowing you toevaluate your compensation andbenefits packages compared to otherpractices in your area and aroundthe state.
We anticipate the survey willtake about 30 minutes to complete.The detailed nature of the surveywill allow us to provide the type ofdata that members have asked for.
To help us gather solid infor-mation, we encourage practiceownerrs and/or practice managers ofclinics to complete the survey.
Please note that the informationbeing collected is not identifiablewith your specific practice, so yourresponses are completely confiden-tial.
Also, please look for a forthcom-ing letter that will include a Website link to the survey.
The deadline for the survey tobe completed is April 15, 2010.
Contactthe OVMA
Our Mission
NewsYou Can Follow OVMA on
Twitter & FacebookSocial media provides us with the opportunity to
reach out to new audiences as well as to providemembers with breaking news and importantinformation.
Twitter: Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/oregonvma. If you sign up for a Twitter account, our“tweets” will appear in your feed when you login toTwitter. We have 200+ followers on Twitter.
Facebook: Search for us on Facebook(www.facebook.com/pages/Oregon-Veterinary-Medical-Association/89514725811) and become a fanof your OVMA. You would need to join Facebook inorder to be a “fan” of your OVMA. If you are not aFacebook member, or do not wish to become one, youcan still view some of our posts on Facebook at theabove URL. Our Facebook fans have surpassed the 200mark and include many OSU CVM students.
We are using these social networking sites inconjunction with our Web site to provide news andinformation of interest to veterinarians, the practice teamand the general public.
Welcome New Industry Sponsor!Dr. Dave Gerber (Simmons & Associates) is a new
industry sponsor of the OVMA. He works exclusivelywith veterinarians, representing buyers, sellers, orfacilitating transitions for both practice and real estate.He performs practice appraisals for a variety of purposes.Dr. Gerber is the only DVM and accredited practiceappraiser (Accredited Valuation Analyst) in the NW.He also maintains broker licenses in OR, WA, and ID.He owned a small animal practice for 15 years. Formore information, visit simmonsinc.com.
Elanco Now a Plus Level PartnerElanco, a division of Lilly, is now an OVMA
industry partner at the Plus level. At this level ofsupport, Elanco will be a main sponsor of the OVMA’sAnimal Care Forum for veterinarians, animal controland humane organizations.Elanco will also receiverecognition for their support of the OVMA at allassociation events, as well as on our Web site, in thenewsletter and in the Membership Directory &Resource Guide.
If your company is intersted in Plus Levelpartnerships, please contact Raina Dey, Public RelationsDirector, at [email protected].
Thank you, Elanco, for your support of the OVMAand the veterinary profession.
Career DaysDrs. Jaclyn Aschim and Tina Johnson of Newberg
Veterinary Hospital will be introducing the field ofveterinary medicine to potential future practitionersat two upcoming events. Dr. Aschim will speak toDayton High School students about careers inveterinary medicine. Dr. Johnson will participate inthe Yamhill County Career Day in March, a career fairfor local high school juniors. Thank you to theseOVMA members for volunteering their time! Bothschool visits were arranged through the OVMA’sparticipation in BizConnect.
Client Education PosterThank you to OVMA President Rob Shimek for
reviewing the client education poster on what petowners can expect from their puppy or kitten’s firstvisits to the veterinarian and why those visits are soimportant.
The information is also available on our Web site inthe Animal Care & Health section as well as in PDFformat in our Client Education section for downloadby member clinics. A press release on this topic wasalso sent out to media statewide.
Love Your Pet EventDr. Sheri Morris, Willamette Valley Animal
Hospital, will represent the OVMA at a “Love YourPet” event for employees of the Department of MotorVehicles at their headquarters in Salem. She will be onhand to answer questions about pet health care.Representatives of the Willamette Humane Society andMarion County Dog Control will also be in attendance.Thank you, Dr. Morris, for volunteering your time forthis event!
Reward for Hard WorkThe Veterinary Hospital Managers Association
recently certified four new veterinary practice managersfrom Oregon. We want to extend our heartycongratulations to each for earning their CVPMdesignation:
◗ Heather FrancisCedar Mill Veterinary Hospital, Portland
◗ Libby KramerMcKenzie Animal Hospital, Springfield
◗ Jessie MerrittOswego Veterinary Hospital, Lake Oswego
◗ Rasha Van BeekCompanion Animal Clinic, Roseburg
Two others who have been certified practicemanagers are: Michelle Campoli, now with Idexx andin Eugene, and Andria Saxon, The Veterinary Hospital,also in Eugene.
To serve veterinarians, the
veterinary profession and the
public through public
relations, continuing
education and
political action, and by
promoting among
veterinarians the highest
standard of animal care and
professional standards.
Oregon VeterinaryMedical Association1880 Lancaster Dr. NE
Suite 118
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: (800) 235-3502 or
(503) 399-0311
Fax: (503) 363-4218
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: oregonvma.org
Twitter: twitter.com/oregonvma
Facebook: Search for us and
become a fan!
Executive Director
Glenn M. Kolb
Executive Assistant
Jenny Page
Public Relations Director
Raina Dey
February 20102
Board ofDirectors
Delivering bad news about patientsNote: The following article was written by Dr. Jane
Shaw who is with the veterinary program at ColoradoState University and the Argus Institute. It is one of manyarticles and other information the OVMA has collectedwith Recent Graduates in mind. This article and morecan be found on the OVMA Web site in the new RecentGraduates section.
Bad news has been defined as “any news thatdrastically and negatively alters the person’s view ofher or his future”. A more inclusive definition of badnews is “…situations where there is either a feeling ofno hope, a threat to a person’s mental or physical well-being, a risk of upsetting an established lifestyle, orwhere a message is given which conveys to an individualfewer choices in his or her life”.
The SPIKES model is based on a six-step protocolfor delivering bad news.
1. Create a supportive Setting◗ Ensure privacy, attend to client and patient
comfort, minimize distractions, allow for time, sit downat the same level with the client and invite supportiveindividuals.
◗ Identify who should be present for theconversation.
Example: “I am wondering if there are other personswho care about Max, who may want to take part inthis discussion.”
◗ Take time to establish initial rapport with theclient, using open-ended questions, compliments, andempathy statements.
Example: “How is Max doing?” and “How are youdoing?”
Example: “I am glad that you brought Max in, sothat we could address this problem.”
PresidentDr. Rob ShimekSalem
President ElectDr. Keith SidesRedmond
Vice PresidentDr. Laird GoodmanBeaverton
Immediate Past PresidentDr. Scott LoeppHillsboro
TreasurerDr. Jay FinemanNewport
AVMA DelegateDr. Marty DeWeesSpringfield
AVMA Alternate DelegateDr. Doug McInnisKlamath Falls
District 1Open
District 2Dr. Sandy SmalleyEugene
District 3Open
District 4Dr. Todd McNabbClackamas
District 5Dr. Tom KeckDallas
District 6Dr. Charles MeyerGrants Pass
District 7Dr. Deborah HoddesonBend
District 8Dr. Jean HallCorvallis
AVMA District XI RepDr. Thomas F. MeyerVancouver
Industry / Ex-officio Bruce AshenbrennerMerial
Practice Managers / Ex-officioMichelle Campoli CVT CVPMEugene
Technicians / Ex-officioJean Breiling CVTMilwaukie
3February 2010
Example: “The last 24 hours have been reallytough.”
2. Understand the client’s Perspective◗ Explore the client’s perspective about the pet’s
illness, using open-ended questions.Example: “What are your concerns regarding Max’s
condition?’Example: “What do you think is causing Max’s
illness?”Example: “Tell me in your own words what you
understand about Max’s cancer?”◗ Determine the client’s desire for information.
People have different ways of coping with bad news.Example: “Some clients like to know a lot about
their animal’s illness and others prefer the basic facts.What would you prefer?”
3. Ask permission to proceed with information-giving(Invitation)
◗ Ask permission to share the information with theclient.
Example: “I am wondering if it is alright with you ifI discuss some of the specifics regarding Max’s illness.”
4. Provide the explanation (Knowledge)◗ Deliver the bad news in stages.◗ Provide a warning shotExample: “Mary, I have some news that may be
upsetting for you to hear.” (Pause)Example: “Mary, I have some difficult information
to share with you regarding Max’s condition.” (Pause)◗Give information in small easily understandable
pieces. Share only 1-3 sentences at a time. Pause andcheck for understanding prior to proceeding.
(Continued on page 4)
Recently, e-News subscribers received an exclusive update on the new NationalVeterinary Accreditation Program sent only to e-News subscribers.
Sign up today to receive the OVMA’s electronic newsletter!
Send your name and e-mail address to: [email protected] register, or call the OVMA office at 800-235-3502.
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OVMACE Meetings
OtherCE Meetings
Purchasing group is launched
(Bad News - continued from page 3)
Example: “The cancer has spread to Max’s lungs.This will continue to make it very hard for Max tobreathe and will eventually cause his death.” (Pause)
* Ask for the client’s permission to continue todisclose the details of the medical condition
Example: “Would you like me to tell you more aboutMax’s condition now?”
Example: “This is a lot of information and we cantalk about it in stages and take one step at a time.”
Example: “Would you like to talk more when youcan bring a friend with you?”
* Check for the client’s understanding, using open-ended questions.
Example: “What questions does that leave youwith?”
Example: “What additional information may behelpful to you?”
Example:“Tell me how you understand the choicesfor Max’s care.”
Example: “What do you think are the mostimportant points to present to your family?”
◗ Avoid use of technical jargon and define medicalterms.
◗Use supplemental tools, such as written materialsor audio-recordings.
5. Empathize◗ Throughout the conversation acknowledge,
validate and normalize the client’s emotional responses.◗ Use silence, empathetic statements and display
compassionate and caring non-verbal cues (i.e. sit closeto the client, caring facial expressions, gentle and calmtone of voice, slow pace of speech, leaning forward,and use of touch).
Example: “I'm right here for you. Take your time.”
Example: “I imagine how hard this is for you to talkabout. This news is overwhelming.”
Example: “This is a lot of information to absorb andit came unexpectedly.”
Example: “It sounds like you are making decisionsin Max’s best interest.”
6. Summarize, plan follow-up and offer support◗ Summarize what has been discussed.◗ Negotiate a plan for treatment or follow-up◗ Identify client support systems.Example: “I am wondering who else cares for Max
and will support you in making decisions.”◗ Provide information on support services (i.e. grief
counseling and support groups)
Practice Share LLC has launched a purchasing groupfor privately owned veterinary practices in Arizona,California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington andUtah.
Practice Share Group Purchasing Organization(PSGPO) does not require members to change howthey currently order products and supplies. All internalprocesses remain the same, with PSGPO working withsuppliers to offer better pricing. PSGPO does notprocess orders, does not warehouse products and isnot a distributor.
According to Jan Miller, president of PSGPO: “Theindependent veterinary practice owner has long beenat a significant disadvantage with regard to their abilityto negotiate favorable pricing due to theirr inability tobuy in volume. The purchasing group uses collectivebuying power of the membership to secure betterpricing.”
Membership in PSGPO is similar to joining a Costcoor Sam’s Club. The purchasing group works withsuppliers and vendors to negotiate favorable pricingon behalf of members. Annual membership begins at$300 for practices of three or fewer veterinarians. As amember of the purchasing group, the services andbenefits are available to the business owner and theirfamily and their employees, as determined by the
practice owner.
Interested independent practice owners can go towww.practicesharegpo.com and learn more.They canalso look at the PSGPO marketplace as a guest by goingto the products and services area of the Web site. Thissection highlights the companies that are representedand available to PSGPO members. Some of theproducts and services include:
◗ Dosimetry services
◗ Office supplies
◗ Printing services
◗ Payroll services
◗ IT products and services
◗ Shipping
Practice Share LLC is based in Hillsboro, Oregon.Miller has 30 years experience in management andconsulting in both human and veterinary medicine.She is owner of Veterinary Best Practice LLC, aveterinary consulting firm, an author, speaker andsoftware developer for products designed to assistveterinary practice owners manage the financial aspectsof their businesses.
Mackenzie Martin is vice president of the company.She has been a financial planner in the Pacific Northwestfor five years.
March 6 - 8, 2010Masters in Behavior
ConferenceMultnomah County Animal
ControlMcMenamin’s Edgefield,
Troutdale
March 10 - 14, 2010Association of American
Veterinary Medical CollegesAnnual Meeting
Alexandria, VA
March 13 - 15, 2010American Association of
Feline PractitionersSpring Conference
San Diego, CA
March 18 - 21, 2010American Animal Hospital
AssociationLong Beach, CA
April 18, 2010Radiology
Rogue Valley VMA
More CE listings on our Website at: oregonvma.org/continuing-education
March 5 - 7, 2010Oregon Veterinary
ConferenceCorvallis, Oregon
oregonvma.org
For more information,call the OVMA office at
(800) 235-3502 or visit ourWeb site at oregonvma.org.
4 February 2010
OVMA Web site:oregonvma.orgWhat’s New
�USDA Accreditation
Update
�Proposed Rule Changes for
Communicable Diseases
Reporting
�Update on Ketamine
Recall
�Helping the Animals of
Haiti
�Client Education Video:
How to Brush Your Pet’s
Teeth
�Oregon Veterinary
Conference Brochure &
Registration Forms
�And more!
Members-Only Content
Members who had a login set
up with our old Web site
can login to the new site by
entering your new user name:
FirstnameLastname (all one
word, case sensitive) and your
password. If you forgot your
password, click on the Forgot
Password link on the Member
Login page and instructions
on how to reset your
password will be sent to the
e-mail address we have on file
for you.
Members who need
assistance logging into the
OVMA Web site can also
contact us by e-mail at
time or by phone at 800-
235-3502 during business
hours.
5February 2010
Policy issues of interestAs legislative work winds down for the year, 18
states are accepting prefiled bills for 2010. The AVMAwill be issuing and posting its year-end summary oflegislative highlights for 2009 shortly, including apreview of major issues in veterinary medicine statelawmakers will likely face in 2010. All state legislaturesexcept Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and Texasare scheduled to meet in 2010. Bills will carry overfrom the 2009 session to 2010 in 26 states, District ofColumbia and Puerto Rico.
New legislationWisconsin became the fifth state in 2009 to pass
legislation addressing standards and licensing ofcommercial dog breeders. With a few exceptions, AB250 will require licensing for individuals who sell 25or more dogs in a year, operate a dog breeding facilityfrom which 25 or more dogs are sold in a year, oroperate an animal shelter that is used to shelter at least25 dogs in a year. The measure also provides forinspections and standards of care, while authorizingan advisory committee to assist with writing theregulations implementing the new law. (Oregon’s lawon commercial dog breeders, limiting them to having50 sexually intact dogs for the express purpose ofbreeding, went into effect on January 1, 2010).
California legislators approved Assembly Bill 241,making it a misdemeanor for an individual or businessthat buys or sells dogs or cats to have more than acombined total of 50 dogs and cats with intact sexualorgans. The bill would authorize certain officers toinvestigate a violation and to lawfully take possessionof any animal kept in violation of the provision.
AB 241 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger,who ssent back the bill with the following message:“This measure would make it a crime for any person orentity to own or control more than 50 unsterilizedadult dogs or cats for breeding or raising for sale aspets.
“I support measures designed to prevent animalcruelty and that punish people engaged in the abuseof animals. However, this measure simply goes to far inan attempt to address the serious problem of puppymills. An abritrary cap on the number of animals anyentity or can possess throughout the state won’t endunlawful, inhumane breeding practices. Instead, thismeasure has the potential to criminalize the lawfulactivities of reputable breeders, pet stores, kennels, andcharitable organizations engaged in raising service andassistance dogs.”
Local newsOn Nov. 18, 2009, the Las Vegas City Council
approved, by a 5-2 vote, an ordinance which requires
most pet owners to spay or neuter their cats or dogs byfour months of age. North Las Vegas passed a similarordinance in Jan. 2008. The ordinance was supportedby a number of local veterinarians and animal rescuegroups in response to a significant increase in thenumber of impounded dogs and cats in the city'sshelters over a three-year period. Opponents of theordinance mainly objected to the age requirement,stating that four months of age is too early for spayingand neutering. Those owners and individuals withbreeder, animal handler, or fancier permits, and petsqualifying for a temporary or permanent medicalexemption will not be required to comply with theordinance. Violation of the ordinance will be amisdemeanor. The ordinance will take effect on April1, 2010, and will be reviewed annually to measure itseffectiveness.
Veterinarians practicing in Houston, Tex. received aletter recently, informing them that the city will beginenforcing a 1985 ordinance providing that whenvaccinating dogs and cats against rabies, veterinariansmust provide information about the pet and its ownerto animal control officials or license the animalthemselves. According to the letter, violations of theordinance are subject to a fine of up to $500, and eachday that the violation continues constitutes a separateoffense. Texas and Harris County VMAs have indicatedthat they oppose enforcement of the mandate on clientconfidentiality grounds, as well as fear that it will drivesome owners to seek veterinary care outside the citylimits or worse, stop having their pets vaccinatedaltogether.
Court watchA decision by the U.S. District Court for the Western
District of Kentucky could prove to be of significanceto dog owners nationwide. The case, Louisville KennelClub. v. Louisville/Jefferson County MetroGovernment, involved a challenge to the city'sordinance requiring owners of unaltered dogs to getthe city's written approval for those dogs' enclosures.The court declared this part of the ordinance as anunconstitutional violation of equal protection andsubstantive due process because there is no rationalbasis for why owners of unaltered dogs should betreated differently than the owners of altered dogs. Onthe ground that dogs are personal property, the judgealso found unconstitutional the provision allowing theforfeiture of animals of persons accused of animal crueltywho are not able to pay for the seizure bond regardlessof whether or not they were later determined to beguilty.
-- Prepared by AVMA Department of State Legislativeand Regulatory Affairs
ClassifiedGuidelines
Classified ads will appear in
one issue of this newsletter
and on the OVMA Web site
for 2 months.
We cannot honor requests to
run ads “until filled.” Ad
placement and renewal
deadlines are: January 15,
March 15, May 15, July 15,
September 15, and
November 15.
Word Limit: 75 words per
ad, including contact
information
.
Members: FREE
Non-Members:
$100 per ad per issue
Relief Veterinarians:
Ads placed by OVMA
members are exempt from the
renewal policy; ads will be
run continuously.
Word limit applies.
How to submit your ad:
E-mail your ad to classifieds
@oregonvma.org or fax it to
the OVMA office at (503)
363-4218. OVMA members
can also login to the Web site
to submit an ad online. If you
are submitting an ad on
behalf of an OVMA member,
please note the member’s
name and clinic in your
communication to us.
6 February 2010
ClassifiedsVeterinarians
PORTLAND METRO AREA
FT Associate. Practice located in Forest Grove, a small townatmosphere just 30 miles from Portland, and a great place toraise a family. Well-equipped, established clinic with goodstaff and loyal clients. Interested in long term association withfuture buy-in opporunity. Fax cover letter and resume to(503) 357-3575 or mail to Dr. Greg Bean, 2835 19th Ave.,Suite 100, Forest Grove, OR 97116.
Associates. SA doctors wanted for a friendly, growing, well-established practice. Are you a doctor wanting a country settingwhere no two days are ever the same? Knowledgeable, friendlysupport staff and loyal clients. Large, well-equipped SA andnew LA facilities. Close to Portland, the Pacific Ocean, and theCascade Mountains for all types of social or outdoor activities.New graduates welcome. Clinic has housing available. Ownerapproaching retirement, buy in/out possiblities. Send resumesto Valley Veterinary Clinic, Attn: Brenda Potter, 26072 Hwy.30, Rainier, OR 97048. Fax: (503) 556-8635 Phone: (503)556-3084
FT Associate. For new clinic in Gresham, opening March 1,2010. Great staff, clients and facility. No emergencies orSundays, 4 day work week. Benefits include medical, dental,CE, retirement plan and minimum 4 weeks' paid vacation.Highly competitive salary. Experienced veterinarians only.Contact Dr. Dan Koller by e-mail at [email protected] or byphone at (503) 641-9151 or (503) 705-0397.
PT/Relief Veterinarian. Personable veterinarian with excellentcommunication skills wanted for vaccination clinicsthroughout Portland/Vancouver/Roseburg/Eugene/Salem/Yakima/Wenatchee metro areas. We provide the highest qualityhealthcare to the pets that need it most. Work anywhere from6 to 24 hours per week. No surgeries. Competitive salary.Licensed in both WA and OR a bonus. Please send resume [email protected], fax to (888) 234-1350 or call(360) 624-7423.
Veterinarians. Looking for a rewarding and satisfying careerwith a practice that understands work/life balance, providescontinued education classes and allowance, supports theirdoctors through mentorship and a team of medical advisorsavailable to assist every doctor in our hospitals? Interested inpracticing quality medicine and surgery in a well-staffed andequipped hospital? Banfield, The Pet Hospital has wonderfulcareer opportunities in several locations in Oregon andWashington. For more information, contact (866) 620-9885or [email protected].
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
PT Veterinarian. Part-time veterinarian wanted for Sundaysin AAHA small animal hospital in Keizer, Oregon. 5 hourday, general medicine, no surgery except triage/emergent cases.Also looking for individual for more hours starting May 1,2010 for 2 concurrent maternity leaves, 6 month term withpossibility of long-term part or perhaps full-time work. Busywell equipped general practice, lots of surgery. ABVP diplomateowner. Send inquiries to [email protected] or call JohnMaddigan at (503) 307-9240.
Experienced Associate. Our four-doctor, progressive, friendlyAAHA hospital is seeeking an associate. Our focus is on clienteducation, daignostics, preventative medicine, and superiorclient and patient care. Exotic and/or dental interests are aplus. Our hospital is well equipped and staffed. We supportour local emergency hospital. Please send resume or contactMcKenzie Animal Hospital, 5303 Main St., Sprinfield, OR97478. Our Web site is: www.mckenzieanimalhospital.com
OREGON COAST
FT Veterinarian. We are looking for an enthusiastic veterinarianfor a progressive 3 veterinarian rural mixed practice on theSouthern Oregon Coast. Interest in cattle preferred. Supportstaff friendly, hard working and knowledgeable. New gradswelcome. Shared on-call, benefits. Surrounding areas provideyear round recreation and outdoor enjoyment. Contact Dr.Lisa Cornell at (541) 572-2636 or [email protected].
CENTRAL OREGON
Veterinarian. Wonderful opportunity to join 3 DVM mixedanimal practice in Central Oregon. 40% equine, 60% smallanimal with a few farm animals now and then. Ample time offto enjoy all that our area offers. Special interests encouragedand accommodated. Long-term vision and friendly attitudedesired. Compensation varies based on experience. Personaland professional growth guaranteed. Fax resume to (541) 389-3104 or mail to: Martin Warbington DVM, PO Box 5522,Bend, OR 97708.
OTHER STATES & CANADA
Associate. Experienced associate veterinarian wanted forpartnership with progressive, state-of-the-art small animalpractice in Vancouver, BC, offering traditional and holisticmedical services. The successful candidate, in additional toconventional diagnosis, will be open to complimentarymedicine: acupuncture, homeopathic, chiropractic. Seeking aneasy-going, hard worker with excellent communication skillswith both clientele and hospital staff. Salary commensuratewith experience. Loyal clientele. Great work environment.Contact Pam at [email protected], toll-free at (877) 838-6384or fax resume to (804) 733-9100.
Associate. South Bay Veterinary Hospital is a 2 doctor smallanimal and exotic practice looking for another DVM to add tothe mix. Our services include preventative measures such asvaccination and parasite control, as well as, soft tissue andorthopedic surgery, endoscopy, hospitalization, dental care,laboratory analysis, radiology, and emergency care. We have awell-experienced, outstanding staff. We offer competitive wagesand flexible schedules. Please contact Dr. Shoemaker [email protected].
FT Veterinarian. Discover the beauty and recreationalopportunities of Mount Shasta, California while working at ajob you love. We are looking for a FT veterinarian to join ourteam. Our goal is to provide high quality care while establishinggood client relationships. We have a strong client base and aregrowing rapidly. Our team loves working together and we arelooking for someone with a good work ethic, integrity, and agood sense of humor. New grads welcome. Please contact us at(530) 926-5233 or email to [email protected].
Relief VeterinariansArthur Lahm, DVM. Available for relief work in Oregon.Call (503) 784-8224.
Bridget Duroche, DVM. Amber River Veterinary Care, LLC.Reliable, compassionate, efficient, strong medical and surgicalskills, great customer service skills. Offering SA relief servicesto Portland and surrounding areas. Email:[email protected] or call (503) 891-3171.
C. René Fleming, DVM. Relief veterinarian living near LaGrande and available for MA or SA work throughout Oregon.Compassionate, thorough and reliable, with good clientcommunication skills. Call (541) 805-5756 or send e-mailto [email protected].
Carol Beck, DVM. Excellent SA and emergency relief work inOregon (statewide) and southern Washington. Easy commuteto the Portland area. Please call my cell phone at (541) 908-3289 (Salem).
IndustrySponsorsThank you to the sponsors
who support the OVMA,
including our public relations
and education program:
*Plus Sponsor*
�Elanco, a division of Lilly
elancopet.com
�Architectural Werks
awerks.com
�AVID
www.avidid.com
�AVMA PLIT
avmaplit.com
�Boehringer Ingelheim
Vetmedica
bi-vetmedica.com
�BnK Construction, Inc.
bnkconstruction.com
�Butler Schein Animal
Health
accessbutler.com
�Founders Financial Group
rbusby.com
�IDEXX
idexx.com
�McCoy Foat Wealth
Management
mccoy-cpa.com
�Merial
merial.com
�Michael Kovsky, DVM &
Steve Correa, DVM (IBA, Inc.)
ibainc.com
�Simmons & Associates
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7February 2010
Cathy Annunziata, DVM, VMR 1998. Available for SArelief work in the Portland metro area. Progressive,reliable,compassionate care. Call (503) 810-9284 or e-mail:[email protected].
Dana Bailey, DVM, ORS 2004. Relief veterinarian living inBend, available for SA work throughout Oregon. Four yearsexperience as a small animal practitioner in Oregon, Montana,and Washington, including after-hours emergency work.Conscientious, easygoing, personable, and adaptable. Call(541) 647-8143 or send an e-mail: [email protected].
Deborah Seemann, DVM, WSU 1996. Licensed in Oregonand Washington. Excellent medical and soft tissue surgeryskills on dogs and cats. I really enjoy communicating withyour staff, and retaining your clientele is my priority! E-mail:[email protected] or call (503) 695-3542.
Diane Alexander, DVM, ILL 1990. Available for SA relief inthe mid-to-northern Willamette Valley. Compassionate,reliable care. Please call (503) 363-9727. References available.
Frank Robison, DVM, CSU 1980. Available for SA relief orPT work in OR and WA. Call (406) 490-3228 or e-mail to:[email protected].
James Weikum, DVM. 15 years experience in Portland Metroarea. Available for small animal PT time/relief work in PortlandMetro area. Call (503) 675-1927 or e-mail:[email protected].
Janette Wells, DVM, OK State U, 2001. Compassionate,reliable, personable SA veterinarian available for relief work inCentral Oregon. Will travel throughout Oregon. Call (541)610-6280 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Jason C. Nicholas, BVetMed(Hons), RVC 2004. NorthwestRelief Veterinary Services, LLC. Internship-trained (AMC2006-07) small animal clinician. Extensive experience in bothGP and ER settings. Strong clinical skills in internal andemergency medicine. Excellent client relations/communication, record keeping and rapport with supportstaff. Assured independent contractor status and full PLITcoverage. Available for relief in PDX area, Willamette Valley,North/Central Coast, Hood River area, and Central Oregon.E-mail: [email protected] or call (503) 953-3232.
Jill Suess, DVM. SA relief doctor available in WA and OR.Graduated from WSU 2005. Phone: (360) 918-1700 or e-mail [email protected].
John Bachmann, DVM, UC Davis 1985. Over twenty yearsexperience with dogs, cats, and some pocket pets. Seekingrelief work in Oregon beginning 8/1/09. To contact me, pleasee-mail [email protected].
Jonathan Perchick, DVM, KSU 2005. Licensed in Oregonand Washington. Providing reliable and efficient SA medical/surgical and emergency relief coverage. Short notice okay.Resume available upon request. Call (206) 818-4017 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Jonathan Williams, DVM. Available for SA and pocket petrelief work in Portland Metro and Willamette Valley areas. Iam reliable, easygoing, and enjoy working with clients andalso have an interest in surgery and radiology/ultrasound.Call or e-mail for details and inquiries. (541) 760-9855 [email protected].
Lisa Williams, DVM. Small animal veterinarian.Compassionate, reliable and professional. Genuinely caresabout your clients, their pets and your revenue. Works greatwith staff! Call (503) 260-8142 or [email protected].
Lori Herrold, DVM, UC Davis 1989. Small animalpractitioner with proven ability and experience providing high-quality medical, dental, and ST surgical services. Exceptionalpeople and patient skills, with caring manner and conscientiouswork ethic. As a former practice owner, I am prepared to keepyour patients healthy, your staff happy, and your clients satisfied.Available for relief/part-time work. Based in the Rogue Valley- will consider travel within Oregon. Please contact
[email protected] or call (541) 890-3240.
Lorraine Beaumont, DVM. Available for relief work inOregon and Northern California. Twenty plus years experiencein SA and emergency veterinary medicine. [email protected] or call (530) 795-3080.
Melinda Ann Knox, DVM, Tufts 1998. Experiencedveterinarian available for SA and Feline-exclusive relief workin Oregon. Conscientious, flexible, reliable, will uphold yourpractice standards and relate well with your clients and staff.Resume and rates provided upon request. Please reply by e-mail to [email protected] or you may call (503) 675-8061.
Nicole Chamberlin, DVM, ORS 2000. SA, ER and pocketpets in the Portland area. Experienced, competent, caring,easy-going and friendly. Strong communication, medicineand surgery skills. I will uphold your standards and helpyour practice run smoothly. Call (503) 799-3333 or [email protected].
Patti Smith, DVM, COL 2000. Compassionate,hardworking, efficient and reliable SA (dogs and cats) reliefveterinarian available in Portland and surrounding areas.Flexible schedule. Send e-mail to [email protected] call (503) 467-8127.
Rebecca Bozarth, DVM. You deserve some time off!Experienced small animal DVM available for relief work inthe Willamette Valley and Central Oregon. Please call me at(503) 545-9559 or e-mail [email protected].
Rex Urich, DVM, CSU 1979. Prior ownership of 5 personhospital in Bay Area gives you confidence I will protect yourinvestment while you get needed time off. Strong surgical andinternal medicine skills. Techs like my cleanliness, organization,self sufficiency. Cover all Oregon. Have mobile housing. Call(541)383-0679.
Robert J. Nix, DVM, UGA 1992. I have 17 years ofexperience in small animal primary and emergency practicefrom rural to urban environments. I provide excellent serviceto your clients and great teamwork to your veterinary staff. Iam licensed in both WA and OR. E-mail me with your needsfor short to long term relief work at [email protected] or call(503) 956-0133.
Shelley Barlow, DVM. Providing excellent SA relief servicein the Willamette Valley for more than five years. In SA practice10 years prior to beginning relief service. At home in theexam room or surgery suite. Call (503) 831-0592.
Sheri Hensley, DVM. Relief especially west of Portland andMcMinnville, Newberg, Salem, coast. Licensed in OR, WA,ID, CA, VA. Travel to Boise, LaGrande, CA, other areas OK.Small animal, moderate equine, enjoy clients and staff. 15years of vet relief. Call (503) 537-8465 ATT cell or [email protected]
Tim Ramsey, DVM, UC Davis 1978. Available for SAmedicine and surgery relief work in Oregon and Washington.Proficient in soft tissue and routine othopedic procedures.Call (541) 923-2172 or (541) 729-2885 or send an e-mailto [email protected].
Vicki L. Thayer, DVM. Relief veterinarian available for felinepractice in Oregon, Washington and Northern California. 25years experience in clinical feline medicine/surgery, includingpractice management/ownership. Resume provided uponrequest. Please call (541) 409-1313. Visit my Web site:www.purrfectpractice.com
Paraprofessional Staff
PORTLAND METRO AREA
CVT or Experienced Technician. Needed for our general andcardiology specialty small animal practice. We are seeking askilled individual who combines a passion for pets andcompassion for their owners, with the experience to accomplish
8 February 2010
experience necessary. If interested, please call (541) 682-3643 (voice mail) or (541) 682-3395 (weekdays 9 amto 4 pm)
LVT. Stayton Veterinary Hospital is looking for a licensedveterinary technician for our mixed animal practice inStayton, OR. Benefits include medical, vision, CE, paidvacation and holidays, profit sharing, and uniformallowance. Please contact Dr. Mike Reynolds or Dr. JeffBrubaker for further details. Phone: (503) 769-7387E-mail: [email protected]
OTHER STATES AND CANADA
CVT and Veterinary Technician/Assistant. SmallAnimal/Exotics practice in Lacey, WA seeking licensedveteirnary technician with strong interest in dentistry forMon-Fri, 8 - 5 shift. We are also seeking veterinarytechnician/assistant for Mon/Tues 12 - 8, W/Th/Fr 11- 6 shift. We're a friendly and hardworking group andare looking for the right team player. Contact Tristin [email protected] or (360) 459-6556.
Equipment for Sale2005 Port-a-Vet Crown Jewel. Fits 6 1/2 ft pickupbed. Gently used. Water tank and pump, lights, blowers,refrigerator and remote entry all included and in goodworking order. Located in Gilliam County. $6900 OBO.Please contact Cari if interested at (541) 384-2010 [email protected].
AFP Mini Med Processor purchased in 6/06: $400.Comes with fluids, film and cassettes. Well cared forwith yearly maintenance. Recently switched to digital. Ifinterested e-mail [email protected].
LogicRad Radiographic Digital Converter. 1 year oldand still under warranty. $1200 AFP Mini-MedAutomatic X-ray Processor. Essentially completely rebuiltin the last year. Comes with X-ray plates and film. Wewent digital and I just want to find it a home. $400.Dental X-ray Chair-side Darkroom. $50 If interested,please e-mail [email protected] or call (503) 246-4660.
Halothane. Recently expired halothane for sale. $9/bottle,discount possible for larger volumes. Contact WillametteValley Equine at [email protected],phone (503) 678-4225 or fax (503) 678-4265, attn:Dr. Smith.
Idexx Vet Stat, 2 portable battery pack. Value $3,500.Idexx Vet Lab, 8 GHP tests, 6 PreAnest tests, New nozzlepipetter in case needs replacement, whole box of pipettesand sample cups. Value $5,000. 8 GHP tests, 6 Preanesttests, 2 electrolyte tests, opticheck for blood gasses, newnozzle pipetter, whole box sample cups, whole boxmetering tips. Value $326. $8,826 value for $5,000.It's a deal! If outside Bend, Julie, the Idexx Rep, canprobably bring it to you! Contact LaPaw Animal Hospital,Bend, Oregon at (541) 389-3902.
Large X-Ray Generator. 200 kvp, 110 ma, mobile GEX-ray machine. Make offer. If interested, please call (503)663-1515 or e-mail Kim at [email protected].
Surgical Laser Unit. Cutting Edge 30 watt surgical laserunit. This unit was purchased in late 2005 and has lowhours of use. Please contact Dr. Mark Omann at (541)963-2748 Monday - Thursday for a good deal on thismachine.
Various Equipment. Suburban SS Runs (8) at 3’ x 6’ +(1) 4’ x 6’ w/ flooring $11,000. Fiberglass KirchnerKennels (8) 27” to 31” x 27” $200 ea., (3) 3' x 4' $300ea. Shoreline floor scale $500. Toledo baby scale (2)$100 ea. Stevens Iso. Anesthetic Machine $1,500. HenrySchein dental machine $1,000. Double K dog dryer w/stand $275. Double K clippers w/ stand $150. Human
Surgery Table $250. Leave contact information for JeffRoberg, DVM at (503) 682-6000.
Wanted: Otoscope and SA Ultrasound. Looking for aused video-otoscope and small animal ultrasoundmachine in very good to excellent condition. Please contact:[email protected]
X-Ray Processor. Mini Medicle AFP Imaging X-Rayprocessor and tanks, 3 14X17 cassettes, 2 10X12cassettes, 2 8X10 cassettes, plus some film. Value $7566,asking $4500 OBO. Contact LaPaw Animal Hospital,Bend, Oregon at (541) 389-3902.
Practices for Sale or LeaseSeattle. Ready to continue growth. Consistent incomeproducer. Solo doctor with easy work schedule. Largemodern freestanding building with easy freeway access.Could serve as extended hour clinic. Call Dr. MichaelKovsky at (425) 681-8842.
Western Oregon. 85 miles west of Portland. Collegetown, 1.5 doctors. Well equipped. Leased facility. Sellerwould consider employing purchaser with option tobecome a partner or buy out. Call Dr. Michael Kovsky at(425) 681-8842.
Washington. 65 miles southeast of Seattle, 3.5 doctors.Well equipped AAHA hospital. Real estate available.Area could use a large animal practitioner. Ideal forhusband and wife. Call Dr. Michael Kovsky at (425)681-8842.
Washington. 75 miles north of Seattle. Smaller cityshared with only 1 other practice, 1.5 doctors, wellequipped facility, real estate available. Area needs equinepractitioner. Ideal for husband and wife who want a nicecommunity lifestyle. Call Dr. Michael Kovsky at (425)681-8842.
Washington. 25 miles east of Seattle. Planned communityand this is the only clinic. Located in shopping center. 1doctor with growth potential. Call Dr. Michael Kovskyat (425) 681-8842.
Eastern Oregon. Small animal practice with real estate.Call Dr. Michael Kovsky at (425) 681-8842.
Western Washington. 20 miles east of Seattle. Felineonly practice. Located in shopping center. Call Dr.Michael Kovsky at (425) 681-8842.
Oregon Coast. New listing. SA practice in highly-desirable, Oregon coastal town.1,800 s.f, clean, pleasantclinic. 2009 gross about $520K. Price including practiceand real estate $610K. Contact Simmons & Associates at(208) 664-3100 or (800) 846-0062. (LOR53)
Washington. SA practice in free-standing hospital onOlympic Pennisula adjacent to Puget Sound. Kick backand enjoy kayaking, sailing, whale-watching, or just thedrop-dead gorgeous scenery. Grossing about $900K.Practice and real estate are available. Price pending. ContactSimmons & Associates at (208) 664-3100 or (800)846-0062. (LWA46)
Southern Oregon. Newly listed SA practice available.Well-equipped, well-established, 1+ DVM hospital inscenic area with many outdoor recreational opportunities.Leased free standing building fronting busy street.Facility is large enough to accommodate growth withoutadditional construction. Licensed technician on staff. Cashflows well on 5 day workweek. No after hour emergencycalls. Contact Dr. Steve Correa (IBA) at (253) 548-4578.
LaGrande, OR. Turnkey operation, includes practice,equipment, supplies and real estate. Small animalpractice, but large animal opportunity exists and couldbe developed. A wonderful area for outdoor enthusiasts:skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing are all at your doorstep.
duties required of a veterinary technician. This is a full-time position that includes Saturdays. Please hand-deliveryour resume, hand-written cover letter and a completeapplication from our Web site at www.barburvet.com.Apply to Barbur Boulevard Veterinary Hospital.
FT/PT CVT. Sunnyside Veterinary Hospital seekingFT or PT experienced CVT for small/exotic work.Applicants must be confident, self motivated, reliable,work independently and as a team member, multitaskand communicate well, and be personable with a senseof humor. Medical, dental, IRA, paid vacation andholidays, sick leave, daycare and more. Fax or mail resumewith a cover letter. 16416 SE Sunnyside Rd., HappyValley, OR 97015 or fax: (503) 658-3454
FT/PT Technician. Meridian Park Veterinary Hospitalis currently looking for a PT experienced technician thatmay turn into a FT position. Successful applicants mustbe hardworking and have the ability to juggle multiplepriorities at once. The ability to work well as part of ateam is critical as are excellent patient care and clientcommunication skills. Please fax your resume to Attn:Office Manager, Melanie Brown, (503) 691-9518 ordrop off in person at 6650 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin,OR 97062.
Licensed Technician. Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital inPortland is looking for a licensed veterinary technicianfor our SA practice. New graduates welcome. Benefitsinclude: medical, dental, vision, life, CE, and paidvacation. Please fax your resume to (503) 574-3141.Or send an e-mail to: [email protected].
PT/FT Experienced CVT or Assistant. Familiarity withsurgery, nursing, client education and multitaskingpreferred. Candidates should possess stronginterpersonal, communication and technical skills. Theyshould be committed to quality animal care. Someweekends/holidays. Medical and dental insurance. Petcare discount. (Would consider experienced assistant.)Please fax resume to M'lissa at (503) 614-9960.
PT/FT Experienced Technician. Certification preferred.Hours negotiable and include rotating weekends. Youwill have the opportunity to work with 3 well-experiencedtechnicians and 2 considerably experienced doctors. Weare a general practice as well as a cancer referral practice.Salary is dependent on skills and experience. Benefitpackage available. Fax or drop off your resume to SunsetAnimal Clinic/Animal Cancer Clinic, 14740 NWCornell Rd., #20, Portland, OR 97229. Phone: (503)690-8249 Fax: (503) 690-4626 Contact: KristaLabavitch or Dr. Fred Labavitch.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
CVT. Licensed technician needed FT for dermatologyclinic in Springfield. Our practice emphasizes clienteducation and communication. We strive for a pleasantworking environment. Experience as a tech a must;dermatology knowledge not necessary but must learn onthe job. Wage DOE. Uniform allowance. E-mail resumeand cover letter to [email protected] or fax to (541)746-0599.
FT CVT or Assistant. McKenzie Animal Hospital isoffering a fantastic opportunity! Our AAHA certifiedhospital provides wellness care; cutting edge medicine,dentistry and surgery; and acupuncture and herbalmedicine. We are looking for an individual who hasexcellent communication techniques, and is productiveand caring. Please hand deliver a resume to 5303 MainSt., Springfield, OR 97478, including a hand writtencover letter and references. Only qualified applicantswill be contacted.
Licensed Technicians (Relief). The City of Eugene Spayand Neuter Clinic (established 1978) is looking forlicensed technicians for relief work. Surgical room
Please call (541) 963-0287.
British Columbia. High quality medicine, surgery anda higher quality life is waiting for you in Nelson BC.Profitable, thriving, 100% small animal hospital. Annualgross 950K. In house lab, ultrasound, orthopedics anda happy staff. Shared on call with local practice. Practiceand real estate available. Owner financing available.Owner motivated to sell. Open to offers. Web site:www.nelsonvet.com Contact: Dr. Andrew Jones, NelsonAnimal Hospital at (250) 352-7861 or [email protected]
Willamette Valley. Small animal clinic in northWillamette Valley, 30 minutes from downtown Portland.I’ve only been working it part time for the last severalyears due to health problems; now it’s time to retire.Way more potential. Equipped, and loyally staffed. Let’stalk, Reply to OVMA, reference Box 100.
Bend, Oregon. Small animal practice for sale. Practicehas experienced steady growth. Nicely equipped clinic.Three exam rooms, surgical suite, large treatment area,full pharmacy, and lab. 2,400 sq. ft. leased space. Owneris retiring. Priced to move quickly. $99K. Respond [email protected] for details.
9February 2010
Services & ConsultantsPractice Sales/Associate Buy-In. Practice evaluations andsale representation for sellers and buyers. Licensedcommercial real estate broker in Oregon and Washington.Prior practice owner. Dr. Michael Kovsky (IBA) at 800218-4422 or e-mail: [email protected]
Now assisting with practice sales or purchases.Business/legal. Practice valuations and practice salesrepresentations, for buyer or seller. Plus rent-a-CEOservice to raise profits. Start CEO work a minimum oftwo to three years before the sale. Karl R. Salzsieder,DVM, JD. Call (360) 577-8115. E-mail:[email protected]
Veterinary Anesthesia Specialists, LLC. Offersconsulting, training and clinical services related to painmanagement and anesthesia. Contact Heidi Shafford,DVM, PhD, DACVA at (503) 805-5515. Please visitwww.vetanesthesiaspecialists.com for more information.
Southwest Animal Hospital: The Exotic AnimalPractice is offering consultations for your exotic animalcases. Our staff has over 42 years of combined experiencewith exotic pets and will share our expertise for a nominal
fee. To schedule a consultation please call us at (503)643-2137 or e-mail us at [email protected] visit ww.swanimalhospital.net for more information.
Compassionate Care Home Pet Euthanasia Service: Forthose requests that you just can't do yourself, refer to acaring, experienced, dependable and responsiveveterinarian who will respect your existing patient/clientrelationship and will support them as you would.Available 24 hours. Please contact Lori Gibson DVM at(503) 880-1172.
Practice Sales/Purchases/Buy-ins/Appraisals.Representation of sellers, buyers, or facilatation oftransaction. Practice appraisals. Dr. Gerber is the ONLYDVM and accredited practice appraiser (AccreditedValuation Analyst) in the NW. We work exclusively withveterinary practices. Broker licenses in OR, WA, ID.Owned small animal practice for 15 years. Dave Gerber,DVM, AVA. Call: 208-664-3100 or 800-846-0062E-mail: [email protected] Website:www.simmonsinc.com
Remembrances, and congressional leadershipDr. Jackson Minar, a longtime member of the
OVMA, died this past fall in California.
A past president of the association, Dr. Minarhad lived most of his life in Burns, where heestablished a close relationship with ranchersthroughout Harney County. In 2001, he washonored by the Oregon Cattleman’s Associationfor his distinguished service to the food animalindustry.
In addition to serving as OVMA president,Dr. Minar was involved with the development ofthe veterinary program at Oregon State University.
Dr. Minar received his veterinary degree in1948 from Colorado State University. He was 90years old.
Contribution’s in Dr. Minar’s memory may bemade to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Another Life Member, Dr. Warren Wegert,passed away in early January at the age of 88.
Dr. Wegert was the owner of the originalBanfield, The Pet Hospital. A 1953 graduate ofWSU’s veterinary school, Dr. Wegert wasrecognized internationally for his work with racinggreyhounds and dogs from around the world werebrought to his practice.
According to his obituary in a local newspaper,Dr. Weger was very active within his community.He also personally guaranteed the mortgage thatallowed Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospitalto get started.
One of Dr. Wegert’s regular quotes was: “I never
met a dog I didn’t like, except the one that chasedme around the surgery table.”
The family asks that donations made in Dr.Wegert’s name be made to The Banfield CharitableTrust, Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospitalor the Oregon Humane Society.
Rep. Kurt Schrader, (below, right) OVMApresident in 2004 and now a member of Congress,representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District,
discusses the many challenges facing thecountry with veterinary students from around thecountry.
Rep. Schrader is the only veterinarian servingin the House of Representatives in the nation’scapital.
Sen. John Ensign of Nevada is the loneveterinarian in the U.S. Senate. Unitl his retirementfrom Congress two years ago, Dr. Wayne Allard ofColorado had also served in the Senate. Previously,Dr. John Melcher of Montana was in the Senatefrom 1977 to 1989.
10 February 2010
Addressing national issues and concernsNote: In November, the AVMA hosted a
public policy symposium in Tampa that addresseda wide range of issues pertinent to the veterinaryprofession. I attended the symposium and co-facilitated one of the breakouts. A summary ofsome of the discussions follows. - Glenn Kolb,Executive Director.
Regulating Non-DVM Service ProvidersThose who attended this workshop agreed
that all the modalities of care discussion --dentistry, animal chiropractic, animal phsyicaltherapy, acupuncture, massage, and reproductivetechnologies -- are included in the practice ofveterinary medicine.
Non-veterinarians routinely and increasinglyprovide service in these modalities, generating anumber of concerns about:
◗ Optimizing animal health & welfare◗ Protecting the public (e.g. zoonotic diseases,
safety of owner and providers without appropriaterestraint of patients, consumer fraud)
◗ Worsening the shortage of ruralveterinarians when non-veterinarian serviceproviders affect the economics of practice
◗ Legimizing non-regulated providers◗ Creating the “slippery slope” of parceling
out veterinary medicine to non-veterinarians◗ Diminishing the state’s disciplinary
authority and purview over unlicensed individuals
There was agreement that the veterinaryprofession has been slow to respond to societalneeds and desires by providing practitioners whoare trained in these modalities. Various optionswere discussed that reflect different approachesto satisfying demand for services:
◗ Declariing that all modalities are the practiceof veterinary medicine and therefore must beprovided by veterinarians -- period!
◗ Allowing non-veterinarians to provideservices under the direct supervision of theveterinarian.
◗ Prescribing treatment by a non-veterinarianthat is regulated by the state.
◗ Allowing non-veterinarian service providerswith direct access to animal patients.
Emerging models from Indiana, Oklahomaand Colorado were cited as ways to maintain theveterinarian’s position as diagnostician and as the“front end” of the system. Attributes of thesemodels include:
◗ Applicable to other professions that arelicensed by the state (e.g. physical therapy,chiropractic)
◗ Allows a licensed professional who meetsdefined and animal-specific education and clinicalexperience requirements to be listed on a registryof providers
◗ Requires a veterinary medical clearanceallows the veterinarian to specify treatmentprogram duration and re-check intervals
◗ Requires a valid VCPR prior to referral◗ Specifies attributes of the relationship
between the veterinarian and collaboratingprovider (e.g. medical records andcommunication)
◗ Provides disciplinary authority to theprofessional licensing board for any animal relatedcomplaints (with consultation on such complaintswith the veterinary licensing board)
The workshop also identified a number ofstrategies that could be pursued in addressing theissue of non-veterinarian service providers:
◗ Educate the public and legislators aboutthe scope of veterinary services that are currentlyavailable
◗ Quantify the level of public demand forservices in these modalities, the capacity forveterinarians to provide the services, and thecapacity for non-veterinarians to provide theservices
◗ Require, if possible, professional liability ofALL providers as a means of public protection
◗ Make it less attactive (e.e. through tougherpenalties) to provide unlicensed services
◗ Provide licensing boards the authority andresources to effectively cite and fine offendingindividuals
◗ Prioritize the use of limited VMA resourceson those issues with the biggest economic impacton veterinary medicine
◗ Address not only competency but alsoaccountability
◗ Encourage veterinarians to submitcomplaints about non-veterinarian serviceproviders who are operating outside of legalstructures created in statute
◗ Advocate for veterinary education to buildcapacity to provide service in these modalities.
Non-Economic DamagesThe workshop began with an overview of the
types of damages that are addressed:◗ Compensatory Damages
-- Economic damages. In the case ofanimals, this usually entails either “market” valueor “actual” value.
-- Non-economic damages. Under thiscategory, it includes “pain and suffering,” “loss ofcompanionship” and “emotional distress.”
◗ Punitive Damages
With few exceptions, courts in the UnitedStates have not allowed animal owners to claimnon-economic damages because of the status ofanimals as property.
Two states have became proactive several yearsago and passed legislation that allows for therecovery of non-economic damages: Illinois andTennessee.
Illinois’ law applies only when the animal issubjected to an act of aggravated cruelty or tortureor when the animal is injured or killed in badfaith when seized or impounded.
Tennessee’s law specifically exemptsveterinarians.
Within the last three years, legislation thatwould allow for the recovery of non-economicdamages has been filed in 11 states, including inOregon. Thus far, such efforts have failed.
There are a number of arguments againstallowing the recovery of non-economic damages.This include, among others:
◗ Increased costs (e.g. veterinary care, animalrelated services and products)
◗ Increased litigation◗ Elevation of human-animal relationships
above human-human relationships◗ Negative impact on society
Because recent legislative efforts have beenunsuccessful, those advocating for the recovery ofnon-economic damages may begin focusing onthe courts once again. While very few courts haveallowed for such damages, the number of “animallaw attorneys” who are advocating for such changeappears to be on the rise.
The AVMA’s Legal Outreach Programcontinues to provide law students, veterinarystudents and attorneys around the country withbackground information on the unintendedconsequences of awarding non-economic damages.
◗ A roster of 20 plus speakers has beencompiled by the Outreach Program
◗ Eight presentations were made in the fallof 2008 and spring of 2009
(Continued on page 11)
11February 2010
(Issues & Concerns - continued from page 10)
◗ The AVMA has approved continuedfunding for the program
Livestock and Welfare IssuesThe discussion at this workshop focused on
public policy approaches to generating andenforcing animal care standards.
Included in the group’s assessment were thefollowing:
◗ Legislative process, where there is multi-stakeholder engagement
◗ Ballot initiatives, which draws in directpublic input
The recent passage of a ballot measure in Ohiowhich called for establishing a 13-member animalcare standards board served as the backdrop fordiscussion. This was preceded by passage ofProposition 2 in California in which voterssupported specific confinement practices for layerhens, etc.
Attendees in the workshop agreed that thelegislative process is more likely to result in morereasonable approaches to setting care guidelinesfor the following reasons:
◗ More opportunity to engage experts andbring important facts to the table (ballot measuresare more likely to favor sound-bite approaches)
◗ Outcomes are less subject to the ability ofproponents and opponents to wage expensivecampaigns
◗ Easier to modify legislative outcomes ifproblems are identified -- not part of the stateconstitution
In discussion about how to avoid the processsof ballot measures, the group concurred thatserious discussions with stakeholders -- with theaim of reaching some kind of consensus -- is critical.
There also was discussion of a disconnectbetween the livestock industry and the generalpublic for various reasons:
◗ Different experiences (e.g. public hasmoved away from rural roots, but industry hasalso failed to learn about the public that purchasesits products)
◗ Focus on different factors (e.g. public equalsbehavior, industry equals physical health
◗ Power of images -- veterinary medicine andindustry have tried to combat negative imageswith logic, data, and auxiliary information (e.g.food safety, nutrition, economics) which doesn’tnecessarily engage a public that appears to befocused primarily on whether an animal is “happy”
The role of veterinarians was addressed as wellin the workshop, and it was noted that theprofession has an important role to play asarbitrators. But veterinarians must also educate
stakeholders (e.g. industry and the public) as wellas their colleagues.
There was general agreement that veterinarians(and veterinary organizations) need to accept moreresponsibility and elevate their responsibility asthe stewards of animal welfare. It is importantthat the profession move from a focus ofresponding to others’ plans (i.e. reactive) to one ofinitiating plans (i.e. proactive) to addressideentified animal welfare concerns.
Companion Animal IssuesThis workshop took a look at several topics,
including mandatory sterilization of pets,microchipping and the regulation of commercialkennels.
Mandatory Sterilization: A handful of statesnationally have considered the issue of mandatorysterilization for all pets, but thus far no statewidelaws have been approved. The state of Californiais again looking at a mandatory spay/neuter bill,following a number of previous attempts.
While statewide bills that require mandatoryaltering of pets have not been adopted, the samecannot be said with regard to municipalities. In1991, San Mateo County, California, became thefirst municipality to pass a mandatory spay/neuterordinance. (Interestingly, that local shelter has notcome out in support for a statewide requirement,citing problems it experienced with its localordinance).
Both the AVMA and the ASPCA haveexpressed concerns about a mandatory law. Thisincludes:
◗ May decrease the number of animals thatare licensed
◗ May decrease the number of animals thatgo for veterinary care, leading to lower qualitycare for the animals
◗ Increased costs for mandatory spay/neutermay require an increased number of owners torelinquish their animals and thereby increasingthe number of animals shelters would have todeal with
◗ The decision to have an animal alteredshould be a decision between the owner and theveterinarian.
Microchipping: According to Dr. Linda Lord(Ohio State University), a leading authority onthe subject, only 6-8% of dogs in the U.S. aremicrochipped (even fewer cats). The veterinaryprofession has been frustrated that there hasn’tbeen a recognized universal scanner, thus leadingconsumers to have a false sense of security aboutthe recovery of a lost pet.
Most, but not all, states consider micro-chipping as part of the practice of veterinarymedicine (the Practice Act in Oregon considers itto be surgery. And some states (again, Oregonincluded) require that dogs classified as dangerousanimals must be microchipped.
Attendees at the workship were in agreementthat the veterinary profession should actively workto increase the number of pets that have microchipidentification -- that less than 10% of the dogs inthe country are microchipped is not acceptable.
The development of a universal scanner, andthe American Animal Hospital Association’suniversal microchip lookup tool should helpimprove the confidence level among theprofession and the public.
Regulation of Commercial KennelsIn the past year and a half, more than 20 states
have considered “puppy mill” or commercialkennel legislation. Some, but not all of the piecesof legislation also included some form of petprotection (a pet lemon law, if you will).
Oregon is one such state that adopted a newlaw that limits breeders to having no more than50 sexually intact animals two years or older forbreeding purposes. The legislation also has a“lemon law” compenent that is very limited andonly addresses dogs.
Attendees of this workship believed that largecommercial breeding operations are adequatelyregulated by the federal governments AnimalWelfare Act, and that the principal problem atthe national and local level is enforcement ofstandards of care.
The AVMA Board of Directors recentlyapproved a “model” bill for the regulation ofcommercial kennels. The bill was assessed by theAVMA Animal Welfare Committee and theCommittee on State Legislative and RegulatoryAffairs.
The HSUS Web site references the importantpoints in that organization’s good breeding bill.
Have regulatory questions orconcerns?
Call the OVMA office at(800) 235-3502. We’reavailable and always hereto help.
9th Annual
Oregon
Veterinary
Conference
Companion AnimalVaccines, Infectious Diseases, FeLV/FIV,
Pharmacology, Respiratory Disease, moreEquine
Ophthalmology, Muscle Disease, Metabolic Syndrome, more
Food AnimalHumane Considerations, Nutrition, Trich Testing, more
Practice Leaders & Staff DevelopmentWellness Plans, Pharmacies, Improving Performance,
Stress Management, more
Technicians & AssistantsAnesthesia & Pain Management, X-Ray Techniques, Behavior, more
Animal WelfareUnwanted Horses/Slaughter
Registration materials have been mailed to allOregon veterinarians and are available at oregonvma.org.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
March 5 - 7, 2010Oregon State University
Corvallis
