Michigan VMA meets

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Dr. Cozzens
Dr. Bruce Cozzens

At its annual meeting Jan. 27-29 in Lansing, the Michigan VMA elected the following officers: Drs. Bruce Cozzens, Maple City, president; Lori Penman, Lake Orion, president-elect; Mike Thome, Carson City, 1st vice president; and Melissa Owings, Clarklake, 2nd vice president.

The association has two new initiatives. One is a Professional Competencies Certification program, in conjunction with the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The program evolved from the MVMA’s Power of Ten Leadership Academy. According to MVMA literature, the certification program includes a series of learning opportunities and connects participants with a network of peers who have similar challenges, such as compassion fatigue, work-life balance, or the need for improved communication and productivity in their practice or other workplace.

The MVMA has also started a Companion Animal Fund through its Michigan Animal Health Foundation to subsidize nonelective veterinary care for pets of clients who are below the federal poverty level, on Medicaid, or on the Women, Infants, and Children program. The MAHF will begin accepting applications from MVMA veterinary clinics and hospitals April 1. They are eligible for up to $500 per client and up to $500 per clinic per year.