Happy Spring Everyone!
I am so honored to be your president this year and want to assure you that the IVMA board is working diligently on your behalf. We have recently launched 2 new working groups to help facilitate and further develop our Power Programs and Continuing Education opportunities for our members. It is that time of year again where we are accepting applications to our Power of 10 program. This program is free to individuals who have graduated in the last 7 years. It will be our 13th year we have offered this program. It is an innovative leadership program geared towards early career veterinarians and I encourage you to look at our website for more information. It provides a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and network with other veterinarians who are in the early stages of their career.
I am also happy to report we are looking for new volunteers/board members. We will have openings for a Region 1 representative which represents our northern counties, an at-large board member position, a president-elect candidate, AVMA Alternate Delegate, and a treasurer candidate. I encourage you to considering volunteering. We have a great group that is passionate about advocating for Indiana veterinarians and our profession. We would love for you to join us. Learn more on page 18.
Legislatively, I wanted to share that House Bill 1490, concerning equine dentistry at racetracks, was signed into law by the Governor on April 16. The original version of the bill, introduced in January, would have broadly allowed equine dentistry and chiropractic care on racehorses. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the IVMA and the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners (IAEP), the bill was successfully amended. The final version now permits the Indiana Horse Racing Commission to issue licenses to specific individuals for teeth floating services at licensed racetracks in the state and not anywhere else. While the underlying intent of the bill was not what we had hoped for, IVMA’s legislative relationships enabled us to influence and improve the outcome.
And finally, it is that time of year again where we renew our dues. Membership in the IVMA comes with continuing education opportunities such as self-study courses, the Crossroads Veterinary Conference, and wet labs. The IVMA monitors legislative issues such as the equine dental bill and utilizes a professional lobbyist when needed to be the voice of Indiana veterinarians. All members of the IVMA and their immediate families have access to our Member Assistance Program which provides free mental, financial, and legal counseling for our veterinarians. In addition to all of this, you can always call Lisa and Lourdes in the IVMA office and they can assist you. This valuable benefit is priceless!
Warmly,
Kristi Kantz, DVM
IVMA President
kristikantz@hotmail.com