Governmental Affairs Committee Update

Howdy!  My name is Joe Pluhar, your Government Affairs Committee Chairperson for the next year.  GAC is excited about the upcoming year.  We seek to inform SAVMA members on a variety of topics and opportunities concerning government and policy and to provide information on a plethora of sources to further independent investigation. Our goal for the year is simple: we want to engage more students in the legislative and policy making process.

As a majority, we embarked on our journey into veterinary medicine because our innate interests did not lie in politics or business.   We chose veterinary medicine so we could follow our passions for animal health, scientific research, and public health.  However, in today’s climate that is simply not enough.  Veterinary medicine is at the forefront of an abundance of policy issues both locally and nationally.  The public is begging for answers and if veterinarians don’t speak up for themselves and animals, someone else will.  There are plenty of organizations and movements who are willing to fill the void left if veterinarians choose not to stand up.  Some of these organizations values and ideals are in line with mainstream veterinary medicine, but some are not.  We need to become more educated and engaged as a profession because it is up to us to tell our story.

This is not simply a story of veterinarians vs. the world.  Everyone has vested interests in the issues, and I firmly believe the majority on both sides are acting in what they believe is the correct way.  As veterinarians we need to make sure that we have a seat at the table and a voice on the issues.  Issues such as equine dentistry, horse slaughter, puppy mills are just a few of the obvious national conversations that are taking place where veterinarians can shine.  However, the issues are not limited to animal health topics.  The majority of us will own or work for small businesses making business legislation some of the most important to us from an economic stand point.  For instance, there are movements to change the way veterinary clinics run their pharmacies and the way they file their taxes.  The political landscape is organic and requires vigilance and perseverance. 

I appreciate the fact that veterinarians and students do not share the same opinions on the issues.  As a GAC, we simply want to get the conversation started.  As long as the conversation continues, veterinarians’ and students’ voices will play key roles in shaping our own futures as we advocate for animals, the public, and ourselves.

What we have to offer you:

1.  AVMA GRD paid externship for 2011, not limited to 4^th year students.  Applications due October 8.  http://www.avma.org/advocacy/get_involved/externships.asp
2. Legislative Fly-In in January in Washington, D.C.  Applications due November 15.
3. Opportunities for your organization to earn funds for events that promote student involvement in policy issues and discussions.
4. Information on state and national issues and ways for you to get involved.