Vet Tail Views

 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).