Oregon VMA

Event: Oregon Veterinary Conference, March 2-4, Corvallis
Awards: Veterinary Service Award: Sound Equine Options, Gresham. A nonprofit equine rescue organization, Sound Equine Options focuses on ending the cycle of abandonment, neglect, abuse, and suffering of horses. It coordinates its efforts with the Oregon Humane Society and works with law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Washington state. Animal Welfare Award: Dr. Tom Holechek, Molalla. A 1975 graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Holechek owns a mixed animal practice in Molalla, focusing on bovine medicine. He educates and trains dairy workers on milk production techniques while advocating for the health and welfare of the animals involved. Dr. Holechek has encouraged cessation of the use of the recombinant bovine somatotropin in dairies, insisted on larger stalls for cows under his care, and promoted individual hutches for calves. Practice Manager of the Year: Beth James, Reedsport. Practice manager for Osburn Veterinary Clinic in Florence and Reedsport for 18 years, James is in charge of purchasing, managing financial resources, and overseeing the clinics' website and social media presence. She also serves as an information technology specialist and medical software expert for the practice. James has guided remodeling at both locations. President's Award: Dr. Emilio DeBess, Portland. A 1991 graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. DeBess is Oregon state public health veterinarian, serving also as a relief veterinarian and emergency clinician. As state public health veterinarian, he has documented and reported on canine and feline diseases since 2005, and directs the compilation of information on animal disease and veterinary zoonotic disease reporting. Dr. DeBess is chair of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board and president of the Companion Animal Parasite Council.
Business: Discussions were held on the state examining board's proposed rules on minimum standards for veterinary telemedicine and duty to report—the obligation of a veterinarian to report the unprofessional conduct of another veterinarian. It was noted that the board has started inspecting veterinary facilities for compliance with standards of care for licensed facilities. Also discussed were the OVMA Prescription and Pharmacy Committee's upcoming review of the issue of human pharmacies filling veterinary prescriptions, and concerns surrounding the importation of dogs into the state by rescue organizations and animal shelters.
Officials: Drs. Amelia Simpson, Portland, president; Connie White, Portland, president-elect; Jay Fineman, Newport, secretary-treasurer; and Bob Franklin, Portland, immediate past president