Giving of Ourselves.....
July, 2015 - As I sit here in the back of the room at the AVMA House of
Delegates meeting, I look at the “horsepower”
of volunteers that sit in this room.
This is my 19th year to attend an AVMA House of Delegates meeting and I
continue to be amazed each year at the depth of commitment to the
profession. Now, this isn’t
to say that these volunteers all get along, agree, or even like each other, but
they are in the room advocating for those that they represent. I have great respect for that.
Similarly, we have committed and dedicated volunteers that impact
the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
I am partial, of course, but I believe those IVMA volunteers, both past
and present, are some of the best in the country. It is what keeps me motivated to engage
veterinary medicine to be the best that it can be, both for its members and the
animal patients for which they care.
Are you involved in something about which you are passionate? It
could be a worthwhile organization within your community, church, or other
group with a noble cause. Serving
something bigger than ourselves is fulfilling.
It is the old adage, when you are involved, that “you get more than
you give”. It really is true.
Which brings me back to attending the AVMA meeting, an additional
intersection of interest is interacting with veterinary students. Seeing all cohorts of veterinarians in a room
- the seasoned practitioner to the mid-career veterinarian to the student - is
an awesome thing to witness. You can slowly watch the transition of the
profession to the next generation.
Getting involved in organized veterinary medicine, or any group
with a noble cause, reaps many benefits for each of us professionally, but more
importantly, personally. It enriches the
fabric of our lives, allows us to learn new skill sets, and lends itself to
developing new friendships.
I urge you to take stock of your free time and consider where you
can make a difference. Certainly the
veterinarians sitting in this room with me have done that. If you are already volunteering, hats off to
you. If not, give it some thought. (and if you need a few ideas…..consider
the IVMA…….http://www.invma.org/?page=GetInvolved).
