Hello Dear IVMA Members,
As the leaves change and we enter the month of November, I find myself reflecting on the seasons of change in the remarkable veterinary community we have in Indiana. It’s a time to be thankful for those who came before us and renew our excitement for what the future may bring. One of the biggest changes this year has been the change in leadership at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine as we honor Dean Reed and welcome Dean Marsh.
I am grateful that Dean Reed’s first year at Purdue, in 2007, was also my first year of veterinary school. From the very start, he made sure that students had access to opportunities across the full spectrum of practice, providing education as diverse as it was in depth. He tirelessly advocated for increased resources and new facilities, and those efforts saw the opening of the Shelbyville Equine Hospital, the Priority 4 Paws mobile surgical unit, the state-of-the-art PVM hospital complex, and a renewed $3.1 million grant to recruit more veterinarians in food safety, public health, and rural practice.
Despite countless challenges that come with leadership, he never wavered and continuously guided the College toward that common vision of excellence. Dean Reed’s pioneering leadership at Purdue has left an enduring mark on our profession, and I look forward to seeing how his legacy continues to grow as Dean Emeritus. You can read more about his impactful career here.
As we honor Dean Reed’s legacy, we also warmly welcome Dean Bret Marsh as he steps into his role at Purdue on November 4th. After serving Indiana for over 30 years as State Veterinarian, Dean Marsh brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to this pivotal position. He has been a champion for change within the Board of Animal Health, now the Center for Animal Policy, through his democratic leadership style and commitment to public service. His vision for the future of veterinary medicine promises to propel us forward, continuing to build upon our tradition of excellence. Learn more about Dean Marsh’s vision and the exciting future ahead here.
This season of thankfulness also extends to the strong connections our IVMA members maintain across Indiana. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll see these ties in action as we highlight our new board members, discuss mentorship opportunities with MentorVet, and get ready for the 2025 Crossroads Veterinary Conference. Details for the conference can be found here – register now for early bird specials on 20 hours of exceptional CE!
In conjunction with Crossroads, I encourage you to consider the IVMA LEAD program, an overnight intensive leadership training and wellness workshop. IVMA LEAD honors the over 25 years of leadership by Lisa Perius, IVMA Executive Director, and is partially funded from an endowment in her honor. More information on this program is available here. Register for only $99, including lodging, meals, and 6 hours of CE! Spots are limited, so apply today!
This November, I hope we all can take a moment to appreciate our colleagues, our mentors, and the opportunities we have to grow and succeed as a community.
Warmly,
Lindsey Hedges
IVMA President
Lindsey.Hedges@mvetpartners.com