All I really wanted to do was farm. But I couldn't figure out how to take the family farm and make a living in South Alabama. I figured if I couldn't farm, then I could help farmers by becoming a veterinarian.

The NOAH discussion forum is a valuable but under-utilized AVMA benefit I've enjoyed for many years. It's so valuable to me that it's become an integral part of the way I practice veterinary medicine. NOAH is a community of colleagues – many of whom I have never met but who have become "virtual" friends over the years. We've shared challenges, helped each other and have debated together – all in cyberspace. One of the doctors on the forum has been of tremendous help to me on behavioral cases. I present him with my observations, and he gives me suggestions. From Illinois to Alabama, there are dogs alive today because I was able to provide a higher quality of veterinary medicine through my professional relationships on NOAH that wouldn't have been available otherwise.

I joined NOAH when it cost $12/month, many years ago. I really don't remember having access to a computer and not having access to NOAH. It came along at a time in my professional career when money was a little tight, but I still needed advice and support from my colleagues. There were, and still are, other online networking options, but they cost much more. NOAH was not very expensive in the old days, and once it became free, it was a no brainer. NOAH has become a community where everyone shares and everyone benefits.

For instance, a while ago we had a veterinary anesthesiologist that visited our clinic for a half a day, and it totally changed the way we did our pain management anesthesia. Over time, I've shared this information online with the NOAH discussion groups so that many have benefited from that learning experience. And that's just one little example of how something that happened in my practice was shared with a variety of people because of NOAH.

I wish more members would utilize NOAH. It's free, it's convenient and it's a wonderful way to debate the issues that face our profession, to exchange information and mentor, to find and give support, and to stay in contact with old friends and make new ones. NOAH is one of the best kept secrets of the AVMA … and I'm out to change that. Just go to "discussion groups" on the AVMA website and sign in. Those of us who are "regulars" would welcome the opportunity to meet you.

ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUPS
The AVMA online discussion groups are a virtual veterinary community, connecting you with colleagues and experts from diverse specialties and professional disciplines. In Dr. McMillan's case, this virtual community has literally helped save his patient's lives.