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.

3rd Annual WesternU VBMA Symposium

SAVMA's very own Governmental Affairs Committee helped sponsors the Economic Initiatives and Education Integrated Outreach (EIEIO) Grant. Read on to see how SAVMA is helping to empower students in this economic climate. For more information on how to apply for the EIEIO grant and others, click here. 

 Written by Adrienne Snider, WesternU VBMA Treasurer

January 27^th, 2013 saw the latest installment of WesternU’s Veterinary Business Management (VBMA) Symposium.  Originally the brainchild of Brandi Bayliff (’13) and the 2010 board, Symposium is in its third year and continues to grow.

WesternU’s VBMA is a chapter of the National VBMA, which is entirely student-run and is the second largest veterinary student organization (behind SAVMA).  One of the goals of our chapter is to increase business knowledge in students, as this type of education is not included in our normal veterinary curriculum. From left to right are Dr. Paul Gordon-Ross (faculty advisor), Adrienne Snider (treasurer), Alexis Galvez (marketing director), Kendra Bettis-Scheibe (speaker liaison), Jon Silverman (vice president), and Audrey Collinet (president). Missing are Kelsey Gapstur (secretary) and Anthony Carrier (IT director). All students are class of 2015. The club sponsors 10-12 events per school year, with topics covering finance management, practice ownership, interview skills, and more. 

The annual symposium is the premiere event for the club.  This year, 75 students, faculty and local practitioners gathered for the day to listen to three speakers.

 The club was very excited to bring in nationally known veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward.  Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Ward is an owner of two small animal practices, a contributor to the “Rachael Ray Show,” and an author.  Ward gave two talks, “What You Need to Know to Succeed During the Next 20 Years” and “Performing the Perfect Physical Exam:  Communicating Compassion and Expertise.”  

The take-home message for students was how we, as the incoming face of the profession, can grow its reputation and improve public opinion of what we do.  For students entering the work force with massive debt, it’s critical that we innovate, not only to survive in the profession, but to excel as well.

 Mr. Cornel Catrina of GL Advisor provided students with invaluable information on personal finances.  “Managing Student Loan Debt, Personal Finances, and Personal Investing” provided explanation of topics that many students find confusing and intimidating. 

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2013 AVMA Student Legislative Fly-In

The SAVMA Governmental Affairs Committee and Education and Professional Development Committee are offering a grant to veterinary students and veterinary student organizations to provide funding for awareness of the current financial concerns for veterinary students. Read to see how this grant helped send students to the fifth annual student fly-in, hosted by the AVMA’s Governmental Relations Division:

Sarah Fry, Tayler Foshee, and Stef Bolas
Oklahoma State University
Class of 2015 & 2014

On March 4^th & 5^th, 2013 we had the opportunity to attend the AVMA Student Legislative Fly-In in Washington D.C. This event occurs annually and allows students to learn about the legislative process. It shows the impact constituents can have on the legislative process and how to communicate with your congressmen to make a positive impact on your community and profession. As well as the alternative governmental career paths that veterinarians can pursue.

On the first day of the event, we learned about current legislation impacting veterinary medicine and what role the AVMA’s Governmental Relations Division plays in representing the veterinary profession on Capitol Hill. Two pieces of legislation were our focus for the Fly-in, the Horse Protection Act Amendment and the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act Amendment. Most of the day was spent preparing for our meetings with our congressmen about these amendments. We also had the opportunity to learn about the AVMA Congressional Fellowship by speaking with a current and past fellow. They answered many of our questions about what it is like to work on Capitol Hill.

On the second day of the Student Legislative Fly-In, we each met with our respective congressional members. Walking through the legislative buildings and the Capitol building was an amazing experience. Before our meetings, we spoke with Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Representative Ted Yoho (R-FL). They are veterinarians who are currently serving in Congress. They offered their guidance for young people entering the veterinary profession and also shared their thoughts on the legislative process.

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Washington D.C. and you

As our profession continues to evolve, the veterinarians role in the political arena becomes increasingly important. How can you best prepare yourself for emerging issues facing veterinary medicine?

The 3rd annual Veterinary Student Legislative Day seeks to initiate your participation in the legislative process! Spending February 7-8, 2011 in Washington D.C., you will learn about current public policy topics, spend time on Capitol Hill visiting with legislators, and have the opportunity to explore D.C.!

If you are interested in learning more about how legislation works and what role you can play, I suggest you consider this opportunity. I attended a couple years ago and had a great experience. You get to meet like-minded students from across the country, talk with legislators about current veterinary issues and learn how to be effective with those communications. And who knows, you might even get a glimpse of someone famous!

Interested students should get in touch with the SAVMA delegate at their school for more information about attending. Registration ends November 1st, so hurry up!

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.

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