EXTERNS ON THE HILL

Submitted by Tannaz Zafarnia, Long Island University

We arrived right on time–which is perhaps early in DC-speak–and lingered outside on a quiet block lined with houses and blooming cherry blossoms just south of the Capitol. Dr. Lindsey Hornickel, veterinarian and the Assistant Director of the Government Relations Division at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and I were about to attend a Pennsylvania congresswoman’s celebration for her new chief of staff. 

We saw a few others stroll up to the entrance of the unassuming white house (of smaller and more humble stature compared to the White House) and decided to make our way into the cozy living room repurposed into a cocktail bar. Upon entering the soiree, we were greeted by none other than the congresswoman herself. Her welcome was warm as if we were longtime friends, and she offered to hang up my coat and get me a drink. The congresswoman is offering to hang up my coat? Disarmed by her modesty, I complied.

After more people had joined, the congresswoman began her welcoming remarks honoring and celebrating her trusted former scheduler now chief of staff. They reminisced on their momentous victories in Congress and discussed the challenges ahead. Someone in the crowd had asked what we (a mixed group of individuals representing a variety of organizations and causes), could do to help them and their office, and their answer was simple–they want us to keep them informed about key issues affecting our respective groups. For the AVMA– that's currently preserving veterinary access to legitimate uses of xylazine and recruiting and retaining veterinarians in rural areas, along with other critical issues that could define the future of our profession—reasons why maintaining positive relationships with congressional members on Capitol Hill is imperative. A few more stories between the congresswoman and her chief of staff were shared and a toast was made, then mingling began. 

The congresswoman approached me and emphasized her respect for veterinarians and wanted to learn more about my interests. The member of Congress wants to learn more about me? Completely softened by her affable disposition (again), I told her about my time in graduate school and then how I managed a women’s health non-profit. We talked about my journey to and through veterinary school and my plans for after. She complimented my objective to bridge my two worlds and hopefully assist in meaningful policy. She made me feel like a valuable stakeholder with importance.  

My two weeks at the AVMA as a Government Relations Veterinary Extern have been defined by similar moments. Between the team at the AVMA’s office to the lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill, the policy experts I’ve engaged with have emphasized that my knowledge and expertise as a soon-to-be-veterinarian is valued, and important. I encourage every vet student to consider this opportunity during veterinary school. Your skills and education are of merit–and if you have something to say–to even a celebrated representative in Congress, you will be heard.