Assemblies
New Jersey VMA
Event: Annual meeting, Feb. 26-28, Florham Park
Program: The meeting featured 70 hours of continuing education, including courses on small animal and equine medicine, practice management, and veterinary technology. Dr. Charlotte Lacroix, a veterinarian and lawyer, conducted an issues forum. The 15th annual NJVMA Animal Hall of Fame Luncheon was held, and the New Jersey Veterinary Foundation rolled out its fund-raising campaign "Do It Once a Month," encouraging members to donate the equivalent of one procedure per month to the NJVF.
Business: The immediate past president, Dr. Larry Wolf, reported on the accomplishments of the previous year. These included strategic planning that resulted in the restructuring of the association's governance, member roundtable forums that discussed issues of concern to members, and the production of "The Dollars and Sense of Owning a Pet, " a brochure for the public outlining the benefits of preventive care.
Officials: Drs. Anthony DeCarlo, Tinton Falls, president, and Neal Beeber, Rutherford, treasurer
Oregon Veterinary Conference
Event: Annual conference, March 5-7, Corvallis
Program: The conference, held jointly by the Oregon VMA and Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, drew nearly 700 attendees. Scientific sessions ranged from companion animal drug therapy to humane considerations for dairies and the issue of unwanted horses.
Awards:Meritorious Service Award: Dr. Susan C. Loomis, Bend, for contributions toward the advancement of the association, veterinary profession, and community. A 1971 graduate of Washington State University, Dr. Loomis owns Deschutes Veterinary Clinic, a small animal practice in Bend. She is a past president of the OVMA and served on the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board for four years. Veterinary Service Award: Larry Chusid and The Pongo Fund, Portland, won this award, given to an individual, group, or organization that promotes the veterinary profession and/or the well-being of animals. A nonprofit organization, The Pongo Fund was begun two years ago by Chusid. Named after Chusid's dog, the fund provides food to the pets of families in need and has delivered more than 200,000 meals to pets living in Portland's homeless, transitional, and underprivileged communities. Animal Welfare Award: Dr. Douglas C. Evans, Bend. A 1992 graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Evans practices small animal medicine at Bend Veterinary Clinic. He was honored for his work with Grassroots of Central Oregon, a hay bank he established for horse owners in need of assistance. Technician/Staff of the Year: Kimberly McKay, Sheridan, was honored for outstanding client and patient service. A veterinary technician, McKay works at West Valley Veterinary Hospital in Sheridan, where she is known for her attention to detail and communication skills. President's Award: Lara Smith, Portland. Lobbyist for the Oregon VMA, Smith owns Smith Government Relations. She was honored for her knowledge and experience and the guidance she provides the association in navigating the legislative system.
Business: The association is looking into confidentiality/privilege issues, public records law, lien laws, and nonveterinary ownership of practices.
Officials: Drs. Keith W. Sides, Redmond, president; Laird M. Goodman, Beaverton, president-elect; Sheri Morris, Keizer, vice president; Jay B. Fineman, Newport, treasurer; and Robert E. Shimek, Salem, immediate past president