2020 Annual Report

Exploring New Horizons

MVMA 123rd Annual Meeting

Thursday, February 20 - Saturday, February 22, 2020 Hilton Minneapolis

2019 Annual Report

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Joni Scheftel, MVMA President

A wildly successful MVMA initiative this year was the MOVE program: Minnesota
Opportunities for Veterinarian Engagement. These are fun social/networking events with a
practice-oriented theme designed for early to mid-career veterinarians. (However, everyone is
welcome to participate.) Some 2019 MOVE highlights were a Summit Brewery “Brewing for
Success” wellness event, Can Can Wonderland, Twins Game featuring financial help, and an
Ugly Sweater event focused on giving. The first event in 2020 was the Social Media x Science
Museum = SM2. This was a family event with access to the museum all day, and food and
refreshments in the evening. Social media experts were available to help veterinarians build an
online presence, help handle bad reviews, and answer questions. Like many MOVE events, this
one was sold out popular. Coming next are the Escape the Debt events at Escape Rooms in
Duluth, St. Cloud, and Rochester.

MOVE was the brainchild of current and former MVMA board members Anna Ruelle, Matt
Kruse, and Rob Memmen. There is now a MOVE Task Force that thinks up and helps plan the
events. Kelly Andrews, Megan Nadeau and other MVMA staff make them happen. If you want
to get involved in MOVE and help plan these vet-centric, community-building events, please
contact Kelly Andrews at [email protected].

I think the best thing about MVMA is that members can see an opportunity or a problem and can
work within the structure of MVMA to address it, with the support of the organization. In
addition to MOVE, there are several current examples of this. Drs. Margaret Gordon and Ingrid
Bey revitalized the Small Animal Welfare Committee to address the issues they were seeing with
foster-based rescue organizations. They and the committee are currently working on Minnesota
guidelines for rescues. Last year, Dr. Matt Dodd and President-elect Dr. Matt Boyle worked
through the Food Animal Committee with MVMA staff to influence and help craft large animal
pharmaceutical regulations. Without their efforts, food animal veterinarians in Minnesota would
have had to deal with another layer of bureaucracy. Drs. Mary Olson and Jennifer Schurrer saw
that veterinarians had to get involved in the opioid crisis and developed the VetPMP. Because of
their work, there is now an MVMA Opioid Task Force chaired by board member Dr. David Lee
that is responsible for the overarching issue of controlled substance misuse and diversion in
veterinary medicine in the state. Finally, even though this committee isn’t new, I want to call out
the Small Animal CE Committee for their consistent work on creating and organizing the best
state meeting in the country.

The most effective way to get more people involved in an organization is to personally ask them
to join. However, this isn’t always going to happen! Please don’t be shy. Step forward and get
involved. This is an inherently stressful profession, and it can really help to get to know other
veterinarians and get involved in a community of veterinarians working together to shape and
guide our profession. You really can make a difference through involvement in MVMA activities
like committee work.

I want to thank the MVMA Board of Directors for all their time and effort in the past year, past
president Dr. David Fell for his leadership, and President-elect Dr. Matt Boyle and Vice

President Dr. Connie Sillerud for their support. As everyone moves up a step and I move on, I’m
excited that Dr. Nancy Peterson, a large animal veterinarian and former board member will
become Vice President. That’s how it works!

I want to thank Dan Tjornehoj and Kelly Andrews for their leadership of MVMA and Nicole
Kast, Megan Nadeau, Maria Nellessen, and Mandy Richter for everything they do every day to
keep MVMA running. These six hard working people are responsible for all that is MVMA.

We have so much to be grateful for as veterinarians, and so much opportunity to do good in the
world. Thank you for all you do for animals and for people. And thank you for the opportunity to
serve as president. It has been an honor.

MINNESOTA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING ~ FEBRUARY 21, 2020 12:00 –2:00 p.m.

MINNEAPOLIS HILTON HOTEL, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

AGENDA Presenter

Welcome and introductions Dr. Joni Scheftel, MVMA President

Dr. Chuck Lemme, AVMA Executive Board District Member

Dr. John Howe, AVMA President

Invocation Dr. Connie Sillerud

Remarks by AVMA Guests Dr. Joni Scheftel

Presentation of Minutes- February 8, 2019 Dr. Joni Scheftel

President’s Message Dr. Joni Scheftel

Treasurer’s Report Dr. Jim Winsor

Committee/Board Reports Dr. Jennifer Schurrer
CE Committee Dr. Ashley Smit
Power of Ten Leadership Report Dr. David Fell
Nominations Committee Dr. Connie Sillerud
Membership Committee Dr. Joni Scheftel
Staff 30 Year Recognition (Kelly Andrews) Dr. Joni Scheftel
Life Membership Awards

U of M CVM Report Dr. Laura Molgaard

Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum Report Paul Maravelas

Outstanding Faculty Award Dr. Joni Scheftel

Outstanding Industry Representative Award Dr. Joni Scheftel

Memorials Dr. Matt Boyle

MVMF- Foundation Report and Scholarship Awards Nona Nesseth, MVMF President

Emerging Leader Award Dr. Joni Scheftel

President’s Award Dr. Joni Scheftel

Old Business Dr. Joni Scheftel

New Business Dr. Joni Scheftel

Passing of the Gavel Drs. Scheftel/Boyle

Veterinarian of the Year Award Dr. Joni Scheftel
Adjournment 2:00 p.m.

Minutes

MINNESOTA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2019 12:00- 2:00 PM

MINUTES

I. Call to order- Dr. David Fell
Dr. Fell called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. He welcomed the many guests that were present.

II. Invocation – Dr. Matt Boyle led the invocation.

III. AVMA Board District Member, Dr. Chuck Lemme and AVMA President-elect, Dr. John Howe provided brief
reports.

IV. The minutes of the February 16, 2018 business meeting were approved by the membership.

V. President’s Message- Dr. David Fell provided an overview of his term as president and briefly described the
activities and accomplishments of the MVMA.

VI. Treasurer’s Report- Dr. Jim Winsor reviewed the 2018 fiscal year financials included in the business meeting
annual report document. The report was approved as presented.

VII. Committee Reports- Dr. Jennifer Schurrer provided a report of the CE Committee, Brittney Yohannes
provided a membership report, and Dr. Tim Krienke presented the Nomination Committee report with
officers/directors (Dr. Connie Sillerud- VP, Dr. Jim Winsor- Treasurer, Drs. Fox and Lee- Directors) for
approval. Dr. Joni Scheftel presented the Sunshine Committee and Memorial report. The nominees for officers
and directors were approved as presented.

VIII. U of M Report- Dr. Laura Molgaard provided a report from the University of Minnesota CVM.

IX. Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum Report- Paul Maravelas provided a museum update.

X. Outstanding Faculty Award presented to Dr. Laura Molgaard.

XI. Outstanding Industry Representative Award presented to Kristi Johnson.

XII. Distinguished Vet. Service Award presented to Dr. John Piehl.

XIII. Emerging Leader Award presented to Dr. Megan Schommer.

XIV. President’s Award presented to Dr. Mary Olson and Dr. Jennifer Schurrer.

XV. Veterinarian of the Year Award presented to Dr. John Lillie, Jr.

XVI. Passing of the Gavel tradition was done between Dr. David Fell and incoming president, Dr. Joni Scheftel.

XVII. Adjourn motion was approved as presented.

Treasurer’s Reports





MVMA Committee
Reports

MIRACLE OF BIRTH COMMITTEE
Drs. Florian Ledermann, Mary Olson, Holly Neaton, Dave Wright, Gala Beckendorf, Kevin Haroldson,
Co-chairs

Thanks to the many volunteers who helped make our Miracle of Birth display a success again this year:
veterinarians, FFA barnies, veterinary students, and industry leaders. We hosted approximately one
million guests—about half the people who attend the fair. We share how farmers and veterinarians work
together to keep our animals clean, comfortable and healthy while providing a public with a safe and
wholesome food supply.

This year we celebrated 186 miracles—12 calves, 140 piglets, 32 lambs and 2 kids!

We are looking into new modern farrowing stalls and the possibility of a small cage-free laying hen
display for next year. We are also working with the State Fair to improve parking options for volunteers.

Our biggest challenge this year was an outbreak of E. coli 0157 in 11 visitors to the State Fair that was
linked to the MOBC. Fortunately, all individuals recovered. At our fall wrap-up meeting with state fair
staff along with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health who explained the outbreak
investigation and led a discussion about how the fair can make improvements to mitigate risk in the
future. This exhibit and its volunteers always make a concerted effort to provide a safe experience for our
guests, and we will continue to look for ways to enhance visitor education, improved signage, staff and
volunteer training, and additional opportunities for guests to clean their hands properly.

CVM LIAISON COMMITTEE
Dr. David Lee, Chair

This committee works to facilitate communication and collaboration between the University of Minnesota
CVM students/residents/faculty, the CVM Alumni and Friends Society, and the MVMA. The previous
committee chair was Dr. David Lee, director of the Veterinary Medical Center at the CVM, assumes a
director position on the MVMA board with Dr. Jennifer Granick taking over as chair of this committee
going into 2020. MVMA members with ideas on how to better connect our Association and our state’s
College of Veterinary Medicine are encouraged to contact the MVMA office to learn more about this
committee.

The full liaison committee has not met in the past year, but its task force created to develop a job fair in
collaboration with the VBMA has met several times. The “Path to Practice” spring event was held on
April 18th with over 30 clinics attending and 3rd year students signed up for interviews and externship
opportunities. The college and MVMA leadership has successfully worked with CVM leaders in
recruiting all 115 CVM faculty to become MVMA members. The MVMA has all CVM students as
members so by adding the faculty we are excited to have 100% member participation by the college.

The committee will continue to help coordinate the planning of the Welcome Back BBQ for the returning
students at the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine. The faculty and staff are invited from the college
as well as the MVMA leadership. The 2019 event was held back in the livestock pavilion and included a
networking component the Alumni Society of the CVM helped develop and market. There was a
successful mixture of food and participants. The primary sponsors for the event are SCAVMA, the
University of Minnesota CVM, and the MVMA.

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
Dr. Michelle Willette, Chair

In July the Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Committee joined the Animal Issues Working Group
for a joint meeting. Many participants are the same, and we felt it was a natural partnership to explore.
The joint meeting was quite successful. The Animal Issues Working Group has been meeting quarterly
since November, 2018. This group has been made up of partners such as the Minnesota Animal Disaster
Coalition, University of Minnesota, Red Cross, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, USDA, Minnesota
Department of Agriculture and many other state and local entities. Participation as grown as gaps and
needs are identified, and we invite new partners who may have resources or knowledge to benefit the
overall objects of the working group.

We have two active subcommittees. The Pet Sheltering Committee has been actively addressing
identified gaps and training opportunities. We are pleased to say we have been awarded a grant through
NACCHO to host the Basic Animal Sheltering in Emergencies course taught by Code 3 Associates
(http://code3associates.org/). This training has been identified as a specific need to address gaps noted
by local jurisdictions in planning for animal sheltering. We plan to host this course in 2020.

The Veterinary Resources Committee is actively working on deployment protocols, insurance coverage
and the ability to secure necessary funds to order medical supplies when needed. The committee has
provided a Veterinary and MN-WALK 37 Resource Guide that is available through the Association of
Minnesota Emergency Managers library. We are also working to make these resources available through
other avenues such as WebEOC for emergency management. In addition, a survey of emergency
management was completed within the last year to help catalog local animal resources. Members of this
committee are also willing to meet with emergency management officials to work on specific plans and
response capabilities as individual needs are identified by jurisdictions.

Other topics that we have identified as possible gaps are animal rescue (both companion and livestock)
and nontraditional animal populations (including managed captive wildlife, backyard poultry, live animal
markets, etc.). We are finding additional partners to assist with these issues.

The MNVMRC along with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health hosted the Foreign Animal Disease
response course at the MVMA convention in 2019. We will be holding this training again in partnership
with the College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps in
January, 2020.

We are also providing the AWR 118 (Biologic Incident Awareness) course at the MVMA convention this
year. This course is brought to us by the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium
(https://www.ndpc.us/).

Our next quarterly meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2020 at the MVMA office. We plan to continue
holding quarterly meetings as a joint group. If you have any interest in this project, feel free to join the
MVMA Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Dr. Jerry Sprau, Chair

The Finance and Operations Committee met to review and identify the needs of the MVMA. Following
that review, the committee approved its 2019-20 budget for fiscal year August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020.

Following up on the committee’s work from the previous year, the committee reviewed the finances as
well as the success of the 2019 annual meeting event held in Minneapolis. The MVMA continues to be in
strong financial condition with currently no debt on it office buildings or capital equipment.

The Investment Committee, a subcommittee of the Finance and Operations Committee, consults regularly
on the allocation of investments of the MVMA with the goal of evaluating the investments return each
year.

GRIEVANCE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
Dr. Kathryn French, Chair

The committee meets periodically to review grievances submitted to the committee. In recent years, the
committee has reviewed complaints brought forward by individuals towards members of the MVMA.
This past year however, the committee did not have any conference call meeting regarding any
grievances. The committee maintains its response to concerns of the public in regards to veterinary
practice and it attempts to promote a forum for openness and fairness in veterinary practice. The
committee hopes it has helped improve the perception of the professional standing of veterinarians in
Minnesota.

FOOD ANIMAL COMMITTEE (FAC)
Dr. Matt Dodd, Chair

The Food Animal Committee charge is to keep members apprised of food animal issues such as
pharmaceutical use, food safety and welfare practices that enhance animal agriculture and
production. The FAC monitors current federal and Minnesota regulations for practitioners, will
communicate new information, and assist members with their efforts to be compliant with best practices
pertaining to food animal species.

This past year the committee communicated via e-mail on several issues and held one teleconference
meeting in the summer. During its meeting the items of discussion included analysis of inaugural 2019
Essentials for the Rural Ruminant Practitioner Seminar; identification of topics/speakers for the 2020
Essentials for the Rural Ruminant Practitioner Seminar and for the bovine track at the 2020 MVMA
Annual Meeting. More recently the committee has discussed pharmacy use of drop shipments and RFID
tagging. It will continue to stay abreast of MN Board of Pharmacy policy changes; MN Board of Animal
Health changes and USDA rules.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Dr. Thomas Hagerty, Chair, Dr. John Baillie, Vice Chair

The Governmental Affairs Committee has 60 members representing most all facets of veterinary
medicine and geographic regions of the state. The committee meets twice a year, a morning meeting on
the Friday of the annual meeting and an afternoon meeting in November.

The mission of the committee is to research the issues of the profession that involve public policy, to
gather input from the members, and to develop a recommendation on the legislative positions of the
association. The MVMA Executive Board then reviews and determines the final legislative positions of
the association.

The committee supports the needs of the membership by monitoring the activities at the Minnesota
legislature. The MVMA’s lobbyists and staff are actively involved in this process. The MVMA also
maintains close contact with many animal agricultural, equine and companion animal organizations. It is
important to maintain this contact as well as keep these groups aware of the need to protect the animal
and to remind all parties of the importance of veterinary medicine and the role the veterinarian plays.

In the 2019 session of the Minnesota legislature veterinary medicine has again fared very well.

Veterinarians found themselves in the middle of the opioid debate at the legislature in 2018 and 2019.
Multiple bills were introduced that would have changed or expanded the definitions of those medical
professionals who need to maintain records or participate in the statewide prescription monitoring
program. Sen. Rosen (Fairmont), Chair of the Finance Committee and Rep. Dave Baker (Willmar) led the
charge to try and bring accountability to all professions who deal with opioids from the manufacturers to
the distributors to the health professionals. Veterinarians worked with our lobbyists and with the Board of
Pharmacy to educate legislators about the complicating factors in the legislation for veterinarians whose
patients are pets, not humans. While we as veterinarians do prescribe many drugs, including opioids, our
practices are far different than those of human doctors. Our combined efforts led to veterinarians being
exempted from legislation passed this year. The MVMA continues to work to find proactive solutions to
this ongoing issue as we head into the 2020 legislative session. Dr. Mary Olson and Dr. Jennifer Schurrer
have been instrumental in developing a veterinary computer program, VetPMP, that is aimed at
addressing some of the concerns facing veterinary medicine and prescription opioids.

Other MVMA Bills of Interest that were introduced in the 2019 session included:

Veterinarian Immunity (SF1167/HF787)
This bill provides immunity from civil liability for licensed veterinarians (or their agents) who report
known or suspected animal neglect, cruelty, or abuse. Bill did not make committee deadline and did not
proceed this session.
Dangerous Dog Registry (SF3184/HF3683)
Creates a statewide dangerous dog database with the Department of Public Safety, and animal control
authorities required to implant microchips in dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. Bill did not make
committee deadline and did not proceed this session.
Pet Euthanasia (Gas Chambers) (HF916/SF9600)
Prohibiting a person knowingly euthanize or authorize the euthanasia of any pet or companion animal in a
private or public animal shelter, humane society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal
control facility, or pound by the use of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other nonanesthetic gas. Bill
did not make committee deadline and did not proceed this session.

.
Opioid Bill (SF400)
The bill brought forward by the Board of Pharmacy and supported by MVMA contained several
provisions that clarified requirements for compounding for manufactures, wholesale distributors,
pharmacies and practitioners. The final bill also effectively addressed fee splitting and emergency
compounding.
Companion Animal Board (SF1860/HF2024)

The bill would establish the MN Companion Animal Board, provide duties, responsibilities and transfer
certain duties from the Board of Animal Health.
Large Animal Vet. Loan Forgiveness Program (SF2515)
Permanent funding of $375,000 annual was reauthorized. Each year up to five veterinarians are selected
to receive funds. The program provides up to $15,000 per year for five years to U of M veterinary
medicine graduates who serve five years as a veterinarian in a designated rural area and are involved at
least 50 percent of the time with the care of food animals.
Chronic Wasting Disease (SF7)
A compromise bill was enacted that provides additional funding to address this disease as well as put in
place additional regulations designed at further spreading this disease especially by cervid farms.

2020 is an election year for many legislators which means they will be eager to wrap up the 2020
legislative session so that they could go back home and meet with constituents. There are 134 state
representatives and 67 state senators up for re-election this fall.

Please consider having the MVMA arrange a legislative clinic visit with your representative or senator
when they are back in their districts. This gives you the opportunity to get to know them and for them to
get to know you and learn more about your practice.

The MVMA s Government Affairs Committee meets in February and November each year to prepare and
implement the legislative agenda for each legislative session.

Remember that your contribution to VET PAC helps us to access legislators that are important to us in
getting our message out and receiving hearings in appropriate committees. We also encourage MVMA
members to contact the MVMA office if they would like to have us arrange a legislator clinic or office
visit set up for you.

The MVMA leadership is planning a “Day at the Capitol” on April 1st of 2020. Please contact the
MVMA office ([email protected]) if you would like more information or to sign up for this event.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS COUNCIL
Heidi Brenegan, Chair

The Industry Partners Council (IPC) is comprised of representatives of our 47 MVMA
Supporting Members. They meet quarterly to provide feedback to the MVMA/MVMF on events,
network, and collaborate on ways to strengthen industry support (and promote that support) for
the veterinary profession in Minnesota. The council met four times in 2019, and the meetings
were not as well-attended as in previous years. The IPC, along with the MVMA, is currently
considering how to increase meeting attendance for 2020.

The IPC has provided valuable feedback following the MVMA annual convention as well as
several other MVMA/MVMF events – especially as regards to sponsor benefits and benefits for
MVMA Supporting Members. They continue to brainstorm ways to better communicate sponsor
impact to attendees of the MVMA annual convention. Industry Partners Council members have
suggested topics and provided abstracts for Lunch N Learns that could also be presented to the
CVM VBMA and other regional veterinary chapters. They are planning a fall September 27,
2020 boat cruise event.

For 2020, the IPC will continue to focus on creating networking opportunities for industry
representatives, providing feedback on MVMA/MVMF events, and organizing family-friendly
events for MVMA members. As always, they welcome your feedback.

NOMINATION AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
Dr. David L. Fell, Chair
This committee, chaired by the Immediate Past President, recruits candidates for open positions on the
MVMA Board of Directors. For the coming year, there are no director vacancies on the Board. In 2021,
there will be two openings as well as in 2022. These are three-year terms that are typically not renewed.

Each year, we elect a vice-president, who the following year, will become president-elect, then the next
year becomes the president and following that, the Immediate past president. It is a four-year
commitment that ensures our leadership has continuity.
We annually elect a treasurer, a very important officer in our association.
It is also this subcommittee that bestows awards at our annual meeting to very deserving individuals (both
veterinarians and people affiliated with veterinary medicine) and to several pets that have had a positive
impact on our lives.
If, in the future, you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or any of our committees, councils
or task forces, please inform the MVMA office. We would hope you would find it rewarding to yourself
and the association would benefit from your knowledge and input.

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE
Drs. Stephanie Yendell and Courtney Wheeler, Co-Chairs

The Public Health Committee endeavors to inform the MVMA Board on public health issues involving
Minnesota veterinarians. This underscores our profession’s responsibility for the health and welfare of
humans. The committee is also involved in animal health issues, especially when it directly impacts
human health. The committee meetings are largely educational, with the purpose of informing the
veterinary public health community, and other interested people, about current public health and
regulatory medicine issues in addition to promoting the human-animal bond. The committee plans the
public health session of the MVMA Annual Meeting.

SMALL ANIMAL CE COMMITTEE
Dr. Jennifer Schurrer, Chair

The Small Animal CE Committee is charged with creating and carrying out continuing education
seminars for veterinarians and staff; assisting veterinarians in broadening their knowledge and skill levels
to provide the best medical care for their clients and patients.

In addition to the Annual Meeting, the Small Animal CE Committee plans four one-day stand-alone
seminars held throughout the year. You probably have noticed over recent years that more seminars are
being held outside of the metro area plus ongoing live day-long webinars and lunch-and-learn webinars
provide important CE access to our members outside of the metro area.

The committee has identified intriguing topics and dynamic speakers for 2020 and is already working on
2021 programming, possibly looking at another outstate event. Hands-on labs are important to our
members and up to this point has been offered through a partnership with MVI. The leaders of MVI
including the college, VHA and MVMA are revisiting the role of MVI going forward. If you are

interested in being a part of this energetic Small Animal CE Committee in planning future CE activities,
please contact the MVMA at [email protected] to volunteer.

SMALL ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE
Dr. Margaret Gordon, Chair

The main objectives of the Small Animal Welfare Committee (SAWC) are to be leaders in animal
welfare, work with shelters, and to continue to explore ways that vets can get involved with their
community and animal welfare issues. Our proposed goal will be to monitor current small animal welfare
issues and present balanced information for MVMA members to consider. Furthermore, we need to
explore feline overpopulation, spay and neuter programs or initiatives, and investigate ways of providing
veterinary care to individual pet owners who face economic challenges in providing veterinary care for
their pets.

This information would potentially be distributed by offering expert speakers either as part of general
meetings offered via webinar, information posted on MVMA website, article in MVMA newsletter, or
perhaps lunch and learn session. The possibility of working with Animal Folks to help veterinarians in
private practice and other fields deal with possible small animal cruelty/neglect cases could also be
explored.

Possibilities include but not necessarily limited to setting up a Q and A area on MVMA website, posting
resources on MVMA website-currently Animal Folks has posted their "How To Report Animal Neglect
and Cruelty" resource book, and potentially help with case management. Animal Folks will, for the
second year, present a full day program on the Wednesday prior to annual MVMA convention regarding
how a veterinarian is required to respond to suspected cases of a small animal neglect and cruelty seen in
private practice.

There are 3 general categories of proposed focus for SAWC in the future:
Community- Community defined as the public and DVM members. Main goal is to educate MVMA
members so they can educate the public regarding SAW issues, however educating the public directly can
be part of this goal. Also included in this category is how to recruit more SAWC members and
participation; reintroduce speakers to meetings to cover current welfare topics, consider sponsoring lunch
and learn seminars, and potentially present lunch time awareness of small animal welfare issues to
students at the CVM.
Education- For example, present information regarding small animal welfare issues; the negative side
effects of declawing- physical symptoms and behavioral changes reported secondary to declawing
procedure-designed as an informative guide for veterinarians, increasing awareness of veterinarians to the
growing opposition to declaw procedures and strategies for vets to educate clients who are conditioned to
spay-declaw or neuter-declaw packages, and also providing alternatives and talking points to owners
when discussing declawing with owners.
Advocacy- Bring awareness to GAC members to advocate for immunity for veterinarians for protection
against any criminal or civil law suits when veterinarians are involved in an animal cruelty/neglect case.
Humane societies, rescue organizations, animal control, and pounds are examples of issues that the
committee has discussed.

The SAWC is working on building a cooperative program to offer Foster Based Small Animal Rescues in
the state guidelines and best practices to help the health and welfare of rescued animals be as excellent as

possible. We are also working on increasing the visibility of programs offering access to veterinary care,
B.Canis information, Dangerous Dog information, risks for Dog Bites and Humane Investigation
programs in the state.

STATE FAIR SURGERY SUITE COMMITTEE
Drs. Krista Walkowiak and Travis Anderson, Co-chairs

The Surgery Suite at the state fair reaches a large public audience during the fair with its message:
increasing the awareness and educating the public about veterinary medicine. The surgery suite allows
many veterinarians to play an important part in this educational role through the volunteer work they do
as committee members, moderators and/or surgeons. Certified veterinary technician volunteers have an
integral role in maintaining the day to day operations of the suite, while working with the veterinarians to
provide a seamless surgical experience for the public.

The primary role of the committee is to organize and coordinate all aspects of the State Fair Surgery Suite
and to inform the public on animal health and control and veterinary medicine in general. The committee
ensures that the surgery suite performs four spays each day at the Fair. Information concerning the
surgery and other aspects of veterinary medicine communicated to the audience via the moderator is
updated by the committee. Members of the committee make sure that volunteer surgeons adhere to the
highest standards of practice at the surgery suite in terms of sterility, current surgical techniques,
anesthesia and pain control, and patient monitoring. The committee seeks to recruit new and seasoned
licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians who have not volunteered at the surgery suite
exhibit. The committee also strives to streamline communication with vendors and companies that
provide equipment, supplies and services to the exhibit. The committee is currently working on building
updates, improved signage for the public and new location improvements.

The surgery suite exhibit recruit’s dogs and cats from the local animal humane society and other rescue
organizations. The education about spay/neuter provided by surgery suite volunteers also enhances the
relationship between the humane organizations and the veterinary community.

The committee is grateful and thanks all of the veterinarian, student and certified veterinary technician
volunteers and committee members that assist with the surgery suite exhibit each year. We thank the
many companies who supported the state fair exhibit with supplies, services or financial contributions.
We also want to thank the Animal Humane Society for providing the animals, as well as their time for the
exhibit.

Lastly, we encourage all MVMA members to volunteer at the surgery suite during the fair either as a
surgeon, moderator, or committee member. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the
MVMA office at 651-645-7533 or visit the MVMA website (www.mvma.org).

COUNCIL OF SENIOR VETERINARIANS
Dr. Dick Olson, Chair

The Council met 4 times in 2019. The first gathering was on Friday of the MVMA meeting in
Minneapolis. Dr. Patrick Reddig, co-founder of The Raptor Center, of the College of Veterinary
Medicine at the University of Minnesota told about the formation and work of TRC.

On June 13th almost 50 met at the new Bell Museum on the St. Paul Campus of the U of MN. Following
a tour of the facilities we enjoyed a box lunch in one of their meeting rooms. Everyone was impressed
with the new facility and vowed that they will return to further explore all that the museum has to offer.

On September 25th we were at the College of Pharmacy, Institute for Therapeutics Discovery &
Development (ITDD) on the Minneapolis Campus of the University of Minnesota. The ITDD, often
referred to as the New Medicine Lab, a basic research facility, strong in medical chemistry
innovations. This is the lab that developed the drugs that are credited with arresting AIDS in many
people in recent years. We left there with the thought that there will be more significant developments
coming from this laboratory.

On October 3rd about 40 of us enjoyed the hospitality of Jerry & Carol Sprau at their farm in rural Austin
area again. They have been very kind to invite us there on several occasions. Following a presentation
by an officer from an ethanol plant in that area we enjoyed a nice lunch in the Sprau’s machine shed/party
room. The weather was not conducive to spending time on a hayride to tour the farm but we did get to
learn about what is new in planting and harvesting machinery.

On Friday morning of the MVMA State Meeting in February 2020, Dr. Trevor Ames, past Dean of CVM,
and new Associate Vice President of the Academic Health Sciences at the U of MN will be telling us
more about the activities of the Academic Health Sciences at the U of MN.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS COMMITTEE
Dr. Sharon Hurley, Chair

As of the end of 2019, there are currently 4 accredited and active veterinary technology programs in
Minnesota. These programs are Ridgewater College (Willmar), Rochester Community and Technical
College (Rochester), Dakota County Technical College (Rosemount)* and Vermillion Community
College (Ely)*. Argosy University closed its veterinary technician program on March 8, 2019. The
University of Minnesota is considering launching a broader four-year veterinary technology degree
program in 2020 or 2021.

The Veterinary Technician Committee met in the Spring of 2019. The committee reviewed the veterinary
technician shortage issue along with the status of veterinary technician programs in MN. There is a need
to increase communication and awareness of the importance of maintaining credentials. One step is to
effectively communicate with veterinary technology students at campuses to not only explain the process,
but the importance of credentialing; a packet of information, video or have the credential coordinator
from MVMA visit the school were all discussed as options. Another step is to have the MVMA
credentialing coordinator and chair of the credentialing subcommittee present CE at the 2020 annual
MAVT convention. The committee also discussed the NAVTA initiative pertaining to veterinary nurses,
and they also discussed the legislative process in establishing licensure status in MN.

The credentialing subcommittee has been revived; currently, there are 5 members on the committee
including the chair, Kim Horne, CVT. A new charge for the committee and subcommittee was discussed.
The committee has approved/denied applicants with special circumstances, reviewed and updated policies
and procedures and reviewed types/sources of CE.

There are currently a total of 2683 certified veterinary technicians in Minnesota, which consists of Odd-
year and Even-year certification periods. In 2019, a total of 136 technicians became certified and 1129
technicians renewed their certification; however, 148 technicians did not renew. We encourage all
veterinary clinics and hospitals to support credentialing of veterinary technicians.

MVMA will continue to coordinate with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)
to make the national exam available for veterinary technicians in Minnesota. MVMA staff visited a
couple of the veterinary technician programs in 2019 with plans to visit other programs in 2020. If
MVMA members have an interest in learning more about this committee and its activities, please contact
Maria Nellessen, CVT, VTS ([email protected]) at the MVMA office.

*INITIAL accreditation is not punitive and is simply the terminology given to newly accredited
programs for their first five years. Initial accreditation means the program is officially accredited. Initial
accreditation does not mean programs are at a higher risk of losing accreditation or that they are “less”
accredited. Graduates of an initially accredited program are considered graduates of an AVMA CVTEA
accredited program and would be eligible in nearly all states to take the Veterinary Technician National
Exam.

VETERINARY PRACTICE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Dr. Jim Nelson, Chair

The Practitioner Committee met only once this year. The committee and MVMA staff developed ideas
for the 2020 annual meeting with Dr. Sally Ryan and Dr. Leslie Mamalis leading two days of Practice
Management sessions.

The committee plans to meet in 2020 to discuss various issues including compounded drugs and Board of
Pharmacy activities, practice and taxation issues, and upcoming newsletter articles.

If you are interested in joining our committee we would enjoy having your input. Please contact the
MVMA office ([email protected]) for more information.

WELLNESS AND PEER ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Dr. Marceen Hammer, Chair

The committee is committed to identifying new and effective methods of assisting our peers with
chemical issues and addictions. The committee continues to seek ways of communicating its important
function and service to the MVMA, its members, and the MN Board of Veterinary Medicine. The
ultimate goal is make sure veterinarians in this state are aware of this service in order to help those with
personal addiction issues. The committee is concerned about the impact that impaired veterinarians may
have on the public and the animals they treat, and strive to help them improve their lives and their service
to their clients. The committee publicizes its assistance in the MVMA newsletter and website, and
through brochures distributed at the MVMA meeting and other MVMA events. The committee also
works with the Health Professionals Services Program in providing needed services to professionals such
as veterinarians. The committee has also discussed how it can bring greater awareness to suicide issues
that may impact the profession.

The committee has been meeting with Veterinary social workers. We are trying to find ways to bring
awareness of the importance of mental health to our success as clinicians. The committee is planning to
explore avenues to place a requirement for mental health CE as a license renewal requirement.

In 2019 we planned a Luncheon Panel discussion at the MVMA Annual Meeting on MN’s Opioid
Epidemic: Impact on Veterinarians, the Community & Family. Myself and MVMA Assistant Director
Kelly Andrews attended the AVMA’s Wellness Summit in November to better understand the

profession’s wellness needs and learn how to serve our membership better in this area. The MVMA also
provided Mental Health First Aid training in December to 27 members.

Individuals interested in serving on this committee can contact the MVMA. The MVMA office can also
help direct individuals in need of personal assistance with addiction issues.

In Memoriam
Dr. W.G Schroeder – Minnetonka, MN – Passed away January 27, 2019
Dr. Albert Batchelder – Faribault, MN – Passed away February 4, 2019
Dr. Meaghan Swensen – Lindstrom, MN – Passed away February 27, 2019
Dr. Rene Carlson – Chetek, WI – Passed away March 27, 2019
Dr. Ronald Hass – Isle, MN – Passed away May 2, 2019
Dr. L. Kern Schwartz – Worthington, MN – Passed away August 20, 2019
Dr. Donald Johnson – Green Valley, AZ – Passed away September 4, 2019
Dr. Robert Martens – Park Rapids, MN – Passed away October 9, 2019
Dr. Larissa Minicucci – East Bethel, MN – Passed away November 16, 2019
Dr. Alvin Weber – St. Paul, MN – Passed away December 29, 2019

Other Reports

2019-20 MVMA Strategic Plan

Education Center Goals

1. Develop and enhance our large animal CE
2. Develop and enhance wellness programs including education on opioid

handling and misuse in the veterinary profession
3. Expand the marketing of MVMA CE with its new RACE offerings

Professional Success Goals

1. Enhance the offerings for CVTs and add value to our certification program
2. Study veterinary profession trends in Minnesota to determine how the

MVMA can remain important and relevant to Minnesota veterinarians
3. Support professional success development initiatives

Community, Public Relations, and Government Goals

1. Improve communication with members of the MVMA and increase the
feeling of involvement and engagement among MVMA members

2. Communicate to the general public and become a resource to the public on
the veterinary profession in Minnesota.

3. Inform and engage members in MVMA legislative activities
4. Inform and engage members and the public on MVMA State Fair activities
5. Inform members and the public of the importance of veterinary care for

animals and how it is tied to the MVMF efforts and support

Leadership Goals

1. Recruit and develop younger and mid-career MVMA members into
association involvement

2. Improve member participation and engagement by making changes and
improvements to the MVMA governance structure

3. Develop Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Membership Report

The following membership report reflects data from the membership year running from August 1, 2018
– July 31, 2019.

Member Types

Academic
5%

Student
14%

Inactive

Graduate 1% Lifetime
10%
StudentIntern/Resident

1%
Honorary

0%

Graduate Practicing Active
7% 54%

Corporate Supporting
2%

Associate Affiliate
4% 2%

Academic Active Affiliate
Graduate Practicing
Associate Corporate Supporting Inactive

Graduate Student/Intern/Resident Honorary

Lifetime Student

Membership by Type Compared to Previous Year

1400
1200
1000

800
600
400
200

0

2017-2018 2018-2019

New Lifetime members

Congratulations to our new lifetime members who have achieved 40 years of MVMA membership!

Dr. Holly Neaton Dr. Gregory Bartz Dr. Tom Wetzell

Dr. Charles Wray Dr. Daniel Feeney Dr. Sharon Hurley

Dr. Steven Rumsey Dr. Joel Erickson Dr. David Linn

Dr. Meg Glattly Dr. Gary Neubauer Dr. Jodi Arndt

Dr. Pierce Fleming Dr. Gary Lippo

Dr. Jane Zubay Dr. Michael Magnusson

What is new with MVMA membership?

 123 people, excluding students, joined MVMA as brand-new members.
 Banfield Pet Hospital and the U of MN College of Veterinary Medicine take advantage of

MVMA’s organizational membership.
 112 people renewed with our two-year membership option. Last year was the first time we

offered two-year membership and we now have approximately 20% of members taking
advantage of this membership option.
 MVMA offered an incentive for renewing on time. At the time of this report, 287 people have
used their SAVE50 coupon for the MVMA Annual Meeting.
 During its first year, MOVE was able to put on 4 events (Brewing4Success, Twins Event,
Can Can Wonderland, and an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party) that targeted early career
DVMs. Bringing in a total of about 275 attendees, MOVE's first year was a success and
each event received positive feedback from attendees.

MINNESOTA ACADEMY OF VETERINARY MEDICAL PRACTICE
Annual Report 2019

Since 1974, the Academy has maintained the lifelong mission for the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association,
serving as the continuing education arm for the profession. Starting in 2016, records submitted by Academy
members are now accessible through their MVMA member profile. The Academy maintains record of continuing
education accomplishments provided by the member through the annual CE tracking form.

The MVMA Academy sponsors education programs, primarily the MVMA Academy Seminar during the Fall
every year. The Academy also works to maintain this discipline with the profession by upholding higher
education standards that are required by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Each member who submits their annual continuing education tracking form, receives a certificate of
accomplishment and is encouraged to display this proudly in their practice. Academy Members who receive 50
or more continuing education credits receive a James O. Hanson Scholar Certificate. Academy Members who
receive 30 - 49 continuing education credits receive an MVMA Academy of Veterinary Medical Practice
certificate.

Maintaining an Academy membership is a matter of pride in being a part of the profession and upholding the
value of continuing education. Please congratulate our 2019 Academy Members for their continued
accomplishments.

Dr. Aleda Tysver Dr. Frances Moore Dr. Katherine Toft Dr. Pamela Gerds
Dr. Allen Balay Dr. Gregg Phillips Dr. Kathryn French Dr. Paula Schanck
Dr. Amanda Bergin Dr. Hans Kaldahl Dr. Kay Lubansky Dr. Peter Lukasik
Dr. Amy Bear Dr. Heidi Fay-Thompson Dr. Keith Friendshuh Dr. R.J. Ganz
Dr. Anna Davies Dr. Holly Lillegaard Dr. Kevin Nigon Dr. Rachel Johnson
Dr. Bradley Treder Dr. Holly Neaton Dr. Kimberly Olson Dr. Randall Lindemann
Dr. Brian Cuperus Dr. Jacqueline Piepkorn Dr. Kyle Adkins Dr. Richard Reierson
Dr. Charles Gehrman Dr. James Dick Dr. Larry Anderson Dr. Robert Burgess
Dr. Charles Schwantes Dr. James Fountaine Dr. Larry Grubbs Dr. Roy Martin
Dr. Christina Larson Dr. James Gute Dr. Lisa Carpenter Dr. Ryan Tollefsrud
Dr. Cindy Esselman Dr. Janine Anderson Dr. Margaret Cory Dr. Sarah Carlson
Dr. Clair Sauer Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Dr. Margaret Gordon Dr. Sharon Hurley
Dr. Conrad Schmidt Dr. Jennifer Dziedzic Dr. Mark Engesser Dr. Stacy York
Dr. Daniel Hartnett Dr. Jessica Koppien-Fox Dr. Meg Glattly Dr. Steven Ruotsinoja
Dr. Daniel Little Dr. Jodi Scholz Dr. Melissa Weisman Dr. Tami Bauer
Dr. Daniel Shebuski Dr. Jody Elsen Dr. Michael Herman Dr. Thomas Haggart
Dr. Darwin Reicks Dr. Joel Enochs Dr. Mike Mickelson Dr. Tracy Langevin
Dr. Daryl Hartman Dr. John Howe Dr. Molly Anderson-Krahn Dr. Vicki Schulz
Dr. David Gilgenbach Dr. John Strache Dr. Nancy Hansen Dr. Wayne Ode
Dr. Dennis Gallenberg Dr. Julia Tomlinson Dr. Nathan Winkelman Dr. Wendy Whitney
Dr. Donald Hagen Dr. Karen Borgert Dr. Nicole Heinrich Dr. Yumeko Klimek
Dr. Doug Lain Dr. Kate An Hunter Dr. Nikki Burk
Dr. Eric Ruhland Dr. Katelyn Stark Dr. Olivia Mirodone

MVMA’s POWER OF TEN LEADERSHIP (POTL)

The Power of Ten Leadership (POTL) Program is designed to cultivate leadership capacity in recent
graduates and provide learning experiences that will enrich the individual and benefit the individual’s
practice, community, and profession. It’s a way to help recent graduates answer questions like:

• “I emerged from veterinary school and I’m in practice – but how can I get a better grasp on
what makes me tick?”

• “Now that I have a technical staff, how can I form, manage and lead an effective team?”
• “Who am I in the bigger picture, and what can I give to my family, my community, and my

profession that will be my legacy?”

The Power of Ten Leadership Program will provide ten recent graduates (graduated from a college of
veterinary medicine with a DVM degree within the last ten years) with leadership development sessions
over an eight-month period. MVMA will provide topic experts, food and beverage expenses at no charge
for participants to attend sessions that not only convey the key learning points about leadership, but also
deepen the understanding of class members on a number of related topics. The sessions will be face-to-
face meetings in the Twin Cities (usually 6-9 pm). Possible topics/sessions include:

• Media Relations (includes social media)
• Marketing your Practice and Skills
• Communication within the practice setting
• Personal goal-setting
• Personality assessments – understanding yourself and others to develop effective strategies to

deal with variety of people and situations (conflict resolution)
• Financial Advice, student debt management
• Compassion/Treatment Fatigue
• Time Management
• Legal Issues
• Legislative Advocacy
• Mentorship Activities
• Pet Insurance and Wellness Plans
• And more

We anticipate that classes will also create a sense of community and participants will likely build lasting
bonds with members of their program class. The first class will be held in March or April, and conclude
before the MVMA Annual Meeting in February 2021. A MVMA POTL graduate member will chair each
session and introduce the topic and guest speaker. Please contact the MVMA ([email protected]) or call
651-645-7533 to find out more and to register for 2020 sessions (a few openings remain). There is no
charge for participation and dinner is provided at each meeting.

Minnesota Opportunities
for Veterinarian Engagement

Engage Connect Success

MOVE is the newest initiative by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical
Association to support the professional success and development of
veterinarians through social and educational networking opportunities.
Engage with your peers and meet experienced individuals in the
veterinary profession. Network in a fun, relaxed setting while enjoying the
company of your colleagues.
Connect to those going through similar professional experiences. Share
and receive advice on relevant topics to you and your career.
Success happens when you are able to engage, connect and learn from
others. We want you to move through your veterinarian career with ease
and with the tools necessary to be successful.
Please look for notices of upcoming 2020 events planned including Escape
Rooms, United Soccer game, Whirly Ball, and more!

Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association

101 Bridgepoint Way, Suite 100
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
Phone: 651-645-7533
Fax: 651-645-7539
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mvma.org