AVMA Government Relations Externship: Bailey Goff

By Bailey Goff, Iowa State University

AVMA GRD Extern or TV Star?

As the first externs in the AVMA GRD office since the COVID-19 surgency, Marie and I have an unparalleled opportunity to experience vibrant, bustling Washington D.C. to its fullest.

Before venturing into the details of time in DuPont Circle, I’ll first begin by introducing myself – Bailey Goff, a fourth-year veterinary student at Iowa State University.  I obtained my B.S. in Animal Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a Minor in English from Purdue University in 2019.  With graduation in approximately two months, my next steps are pending (I’ll clue in later), but what I can say is I plan to make Washington D.C. my new locale in the immediate future.

My first week with the Government Relations Division (GRD) was nothing short of energetic.  After overview and establishment of externship goals, Marie and I introduced ourselves to troves of D.C. veterinarians with varying backgrounds, experiences, and passions.  On Thursday, I chatted with a veterinarian-turned-coach that made a career shift based on his strengths in helping those he works with.  On Friday, we heard the successes of an individual working in agricultural defense and research, a previous Capitol Hill fellow now working as a policy analyst, and an inspiring DVM/MPH with a proclivity for federal law and the enforcement of drug security.  Networking with individuals from FDA, USDA, AVMA, AAAS, and other organizations remains a crucial tool to recognize the density of veterinary medicine, and Marie and I look forward these continued conversations throughout our externship.

As a nonpartisan entity, the AVMA ensures appropriate relationships are established with members of both the Democratic and Republican parties (or other parties, if present).   On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending two AVMA Political Action Committee (PAC) events – one with GOP Freshman House members and one with a Democratic Representative from New Jersey.  These “informal-yet-formal” events are opportunities to network with offices and establish partnerships for influencing legislation relating to veterinarians (like the impending xylazine scheduling changes or the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act [VMLRPEA]).  Alongside Dr. Lindsey Hornickel, I got to “event hop” and chat with Representatives, Chiefs of Staff, and staffers from Senate Committees – all while advocating for veterinarians across the country.

So why mention the possibility of “TV Star” in the title of this blog post?  While I’m not quite ready for the Oscars or Emmys, Marie and I did appear on C-SPAN during a House Committee hearing (see picture for proof – thanks, Mom).  Congressional hearings are held – usually alongside expert witnesses – to obtain information or insight on a certain topic, in regards to impending legislation, or for purposes of investigation (https://www.congress.gov/committee-schedule/).  On Wednesday morning, we attended the first hearing of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic titled “Investigating the Origins of COVID-19” (this is where the C-SPAN photo comes from, and I took my own ‘POV’ shot from my seat).  Thursday’s hearing with the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works titled “Protecting Public Health and the Environment in the Wake of the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment and Chemical Release in East Palestine, Ohio” was especially busy, bringing public spectators and commentors from across the United States.  These were a perfect introduction to the happenings on Capitol Hill, engaging with topics important to the 118^th Congress.  While my C-SPAN appearance isn’t my next “claim-to-fame,” I loved getting to attend these hearings, listening to committee conversations across the aisle.

I look forward embracing all opportunities during my next two weeks as an AVMA Government Relations Division (GRD) veterinary student extern!

Let Our Voices Be Heard: A Reflection on AVMA Legislative Fly-In 2020

Written by: Legend Thurman, Chair of the SAVMA Governmental Affairs Committee

In early February, a plethora of veterinary students gathered in our nation’s capitol to participate in the AVMA Governmental Relations Division Legislative Fly-In. Veterinary students flew in from across the country to take part in workshops focused on lobbying, discussion of current issues in the profession, and meetings with congressional staff/representatives on the Hill over the course of two days. This meeting required extensive planning from SAVMA’s Governmental Affairs Committee with the Governmental Relations Division in D.C. SAVMA GAC Co-policy Outreach Coordinator, Morgan Jones, worked with the GRD Staff to facilitate extensive participation from as many veterinary schools accredited by the AVMA to bring in a good representation of the young professionals within the eclectic realms of the field. Several students came back and reflected on their time in Washington as seen below:

“Fly-In was a really eye opening experience in that it showed me just how vital veterinarians are in policy and governmental affairs! It showed me how much our voice is valued and how much insight we can provide on topics ranging from animal welfare all the way to national security and protection.” – Madi Grace Rigdon, LSU College of Veterinary Medicine

“I learned that people are interested in protecting public health and agriculture, but they often don’t understand that those go hand in hand, and they may overlook the role veterinarians play in doing so.” – Bailey Archey, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine

“Every day there is legislation introduced that could harm, impede or change our profession. Without a constant presence in Capital Hill, these bills can possibly become laws, and our profession would be negatively impacted. That is why it is very important we unite as a strong presence on Capitol Hill and lobby for our profession.” – Ashley Ferguson, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Some of the issues discussed during the meeting included the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, One Health Initiatives including Emergency Preparation, Funding of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and so much more. There is a feeling of empowerment among students knowing that they have a voice that is vital and heard in communicating our opinions and concerns for the future of the field and how it will impact the world on a holistic level. We take an oath to protect public health, and this zeal is what fuels our every initiative we bring to the table and carry with us as we become professionals. It truly is Our Passion and Our Profession.