AVMA Government Relations Externship: Marie Cozzarelli

Submitted by Maria Cozzarelli, Mississippi State University

"Jack of All Trades, Master of None"

It has been another busy, but exciting week on the Hill. As an MPH and DVM student very close to graduation, it can be easy to forget that there is only a month left of my time as a student. Progressing from student doctor to doctor means my clients and technicians will turn to me for my expertise on a wide variety of topics. This experience was something I discussed over coffee with a veterinarian working on Capitol Hill this week. Working in Congress requires the "jack of all trades, but the master of none" approach to shaping policy. The phrase “I am not sure, but I’ll ask the doctor,” has come out of probably every veterinary student’s mouth. But working on Capitol Hill and in the clinic means you ARE the doctor – so the phrase now becomes “I am not sure, but I’ll find out”. The key difference to working on Capitol Hill versus in clinical practice in this scenario is that veterinarians working in Congress can engage in conversations with any scientific or health related background, while clinical practice is limited to veterinary medicine. This may sound daunting, but to me it is exciting! 

Another important lesson learned this week was that there are so many transferrable skills clinically trained veterinarians can bring to advocacy. Before coming to Washington with the AVMA, I was asked by one of my veterinary mentors how I knew how to engage with policy-makers on these huge topics like the Farm Bill or FY 2023 Budget appropriations. I explained it this way: as a veterinarian we are using negotiation, budgeting, and scientific communication skills to get a pet owner onboard with a treatment plan. The same principles apply when advocating for a pet’s health or funding for veterinary-related programs in the Farm Bill. 

Because I have been enjoying my time in Washington, DC working on policy issues at the federal level, I am already looking for ways to stay involved when I return home to Mississippi. One great option I would like to remind all veterinary students and veterinarians about is getting involved with your local veterinary medical association. These meetings are a great opportunity to network with veterinarians in your area, gain CE credit, and keep up to date on current issues. Connecting with your local state representatives is another great way to advocate for science and veterinary medicine at the local level. Joining your preferred specialty organization, whether that be the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) or the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), is another great way to stay informed on ways to get involved in shaping policy. Lastly, staying involved with the AVMA or SAVMA is a great way to make sure your valuable input as a clinician is incorporated into policy that will impact your work and the animals you treat. 

As soon as I found out I would be in Washington, DC during the month of March, I have been diligently counting down the days until the cherry blossoms bloomed. This upcoming weekend is my last weekend before returning to Mississippi State University for graduation, but more importantly it is the weekend the flowers are finally blooming. I don’t think there is a better place to take a break in between studying for my biostatistics exam or filling out my Tennessee veterinary licensing application.