ivma board of directors set goals for 2007 · 2018. 4. 4. · update on the ivma practice act task...

Volume 39 • No. 3 • May 2007

• A Publication of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association •

In This Issue of YourHoosier Veterinarian:

Page

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Practice Act Task Force Update. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

State Veterinarian Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

New & Improved IVMA Mentoring Program. . 8

Continuing Education Committee Update . . 8

Lawsuits Linked to the Menu Foods Recall. . 9

16th Annual Conference on Societal Issues

in Animal Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

IVTA Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Classified Ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15

Auxiliary News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Veterinary License Renewal Will Soon Be Here

Your veterinary license will expire on October 15, 2007. Renewal informationwill be sent on or before August 15, 2007 from the Professional LicensingAgency (PLA). All information will be sent to the last address of record.Please make sure that PLA has your current address.

If you need to change your address, you can call, e-mail, fax, or send a letterwith the change of address for your veterinary license to PLA. If you need tochange the address for your Controlled Substances Registration (CSR), youmust e-mail or send a letter. CSR address changes must be in writing.

Practitioners will be able to renew online on or after August 15, 2007.This is the quickest way to renew your veterinary license. There have beenchanges to the on-line system so you can renew your veterinary license andyour CSR at the same time.

If you would prefer to have a paper renewal sent to you, please contact theProfessional Licensing Agency after August 15, 2007.

Practitioners will be required to have forty (40) hours of continuing educa-tion in the practice of veterinary medicine. Practitioners may complete up to

twenty (20) hours of continuing education in self-study.Self-study must pertain to the practice of veterinarymedicine and include a written examination or postevaluation.

Renewal and continuing education information isavailable on the Board’s website. The fee for licenserenewal is $100 and Controlled Substance Registration(CSR) is $60. There is a $50 late fee in addition to therenewal fee for all late renewals.

Contact information:Website: www.pla.IN.govTelephone: 317/234-2054Email: [email protected].

Veterinarians may walk in to the PLA office andrenew their veterinary license at 402 West WashingtonStreet, Room W072, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204.

The IVMA Board of Directors met on March 2–3, 2007, to chart outthe association’s goals for 2007. The two-day board meeting led the Board to set four goals for the current year. Action items and timelineswere established for each goal.

The four approved goals for 2007 are:1. Complete revision of the veterinary practice act and submit to the

Indiana Legislature.2. Evaluate and act upon the results of the IVMA member survey.3. Create grassroots network and increase grassroots involvement within

IVMA membership.4. Involve more IVMA members of all ages in the association.

The Board also reviewed the goals completed in 2006. Those goalsincluded reviewing the practice act to meet the needs of the profession,initiate and complete a member survey, develop a membership communication strategy, increase legislative involvement by members,and develop and implement a central office administrative plan. All ofthese goals were reached in 2006!

Look for more information in the months ahead on the action itemsimplemented to achieve these goals for the IVMA!

IVMA Board of DirectorsSet Goals for 2007

2 • May 2007

Indiana Veterinary Medical Association

May is a great time tobe a veterinarian inIndiana. It is a time ofrenewal. The grass andother plants are comingback to life, the days arelonger, bright and sunny,and the temperatures arepleasant. May is a busytime of year. For those ofus in practice the caseloadincreases with the increasein the daylight hours and the increase in tem-peratures. It is much easier for our clients toload the family pet in the car for a trip to theveterinarian’s office on a beautiful day in May,than on a cold, wet, windy day under the graydome of winter. It is much more pleasant togive equine vaccinations and to float teeth whenyou actually want to be outside, rather than inwinter, in a drafty barn, when no matter howyou dress you are uncomfortable and your handsare always cold. It is a time of transition. Thereare graduations, weddings, new jobs, and summervacations. It is a positive and optimistic time.

Maybe this is not a good time to ask you toconsider becoming more involved in your IVMA,but is there ever a good time? I think there aremany veterinarians who have a great deal tooffer the IVMA, and they would become moreinvolved if only they were asked. I am asking.

One of the four goals set by the IVMABoard of Directors for 2007 is to involve moreIVMA members in the association. The strengthand vibrancy of any professional organizationdepends, in part, on new people with new ideas,perspectives, and energy. The IVMA needs yourparticipation. It is your profession, and who better to help determine its future than you?

You may be at a stage in your life when youhave more time to devote to organized veterinarymedicine because of a change in your professionalcareer, or your family life, like being empty-nesters. Or you may feel you do not want to dosomething that is very time consuming, or youmay not want to make a commitment for severalyears. Either way is OK. You can become involvedat whatever level, and to whatever degree youwant. You will find that there are many consci-entious veterinarians, just like you, who arecommitted to our profession, and who caredeeply about its future. Consider serving inyour district. Participation in your district is agreat way to get to know other veterinarians ascolleagues and friends, and not as competitors.

Consider serving on an IVMA committee.There are thirteen IVMA committees, and thereis something of interest for any veterinarian inthe committees. A sheet is included in this news-letter with more information about volunteeringto participate on an IVMA committee. The IVMALeadership Committee is also working on a one-day program for later in the year. Look for moreinformation about this exciting opportunity.

Your IVMA committees are very active. Thisis a small sampling: The IVMA MembershipCommittee is gearing up for changes that will

be implemented in the Mentor Program atPurdue University School of Veterinary Medicine,and it is already planning for next year’sStethoscope Dinner for the incoming freshmanat Purdue SVM. The Animal Welfare Committeeis planning the annual Societal Issues Conferenceand soliciting nominations for the Animal WelfareCommittee awards. The Legislative Committeehas been busy following bills in this session ofthe General Assembly, and it is planning to havethe fourth annual Legislative Breakfast at theState House next session. The ContinuingEducation Committee and the Annual MeetingCommittee are in full swing planning nextyear’s IVMA Annual Meeting. The PublicRelations Committee is putting the finishingtouches on a CD for use by IVMA members atschool Career Days or local civic organizationpresentations, etc. The Audit and BudgetCommittee is preparing the FY 07-08 IVMAbudget and carefully reviewing the IVMAfinances. The Leadership Development Committeeis making plans for a one day leadership programfor IVMA members later in the year. There areseveral committees reviewing the results of theIVMA Membership Survey and determining howto put into action the wishes of the membership.

If you would like to have more informationabout an IVMA committee, or if you would liketo serve on a committee, contact the committeechairperson, or Lisa Perius at the IVMA office,or me. If you would like to attend an IVMABoard of Directors Meeting you are welcome tocome as a guest. This would give you theopportunity to hear what issues are being discussed, and to meet colleagues from acrossthe state. If you are interested contact your district board member, Lisa Perius, or me.

Nearly 44% of you returned the questionnairefor the IVMA Membership Survey prepared byPreston-Osborne. This return rate is excellent,and it generated statistically significant data. Iwant to thank all of you who participated. Thissurvey will allow the IVMA leadership to knowwhat the wants and needs of the members are,and you can be assured the IVMA will do itsbest to meet those wants and needs. The finalreport will be reviewed at the IVMA Board ofDirectors meeting on June 7th, and then lookfor updates in future issues of the newsletterdetailing the results.

I look forward to visiting with you at yourdistrict meetings during the upcoming year. Iam always eager to discuss issues affecting ourprofession. If you have concerns please sharethem with me. Also, feel free to contact me viaEmail at [email protected].

The Indiana Animal Health Foundation Golf Outing will be at Chippendale Golf Clubin Kokomo on Wednesday, May 23. There is stilltime to register. It is a great time, and it is amajor fundraiser for an organization that doesgood things for our profession and for animalsthroughout Indiana.

Bill Somerville, D.V.M.IVMA President

Dr. Bill Somerville

President’s MessageIndiana Veterinary Medical Association

201 South Capitol Avenue, Suite 405Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

[email protected](317) 974-0888

(317) 974-0985 fax(800) 270-0747www.invma.org

Executive DirectorLisa A. Perius

The Hoosier Veterinarian is the official publication of the Indiana

Veterinary Medical Association and is published six times a year.

IVMA Board of DirectorsPresident

Dr. Bill SomervillePresident Elect

Dr. Tony RumschlagVice President

Dr. Pete BillImmediate Past President

Dr. James WeismanTreasurer

Dr. Ross ClaytonAVMA DelegateDr. John Schnarr

AVMA Alternate DelegateDr. Bill Humphrey

District IGreg Keeker

District IIDr. Mimi Arighi

District IIIDr. Lance Huffer

District IVDr. Ed Rademaker

District VDr. Dan Quinlan

District VIAlice Stewart, Purdue

District VIIDr. Otis Patrick

District VIIIDr. James Feutz

District IXDr. Steve Sunbury (Board Chairman)

District XDr. Jeff Logue

District XIDr. Phil BorstDistrict XII

Dr. Jennifer StrasserDistrict XIII

Dr. Larry StaufferDistrict XIV

Dr. Roger BeamDistrict XV

Dr. Amy Lanum

3 • May 2007


4 • May 2007



5 • May 2007

UPDATE on the IVMA Practice Act Task Force

In March of 2006, the IVMA Board of Directors voted that one of their goals for the year would be to initiate a review of the veterinary Practice Act in Indiana in response to issues andconcerns raised by the IVMA membership. In July of 2006,Dr. Jim Weisman, then President of the IVMA, created a TaskForce with the purpose of evaluating the current state of theIndiana Veterinary Practice Act which includes the VeterinaryStatutes in Indiana Code 15-5. Twenty-four members wereappointed to the Task Force including the Executive Director of the IVMA, the President and Vice President of the IVMA,Lou Belch of the KWK Management Group (IVMA’s legislativeliaison), two students from the Purdue University School ofVeterinary Medicine and veterinarians representing each part ofthe state and species interests. In addition there were four RegisteredVeterinary Technicians included on the Task Force since thestatutes in Indiana Code 15-5 also regulate veterinary technicians.

Dr. Pete Bill was appointed chair of this Task Force and thegroup met for the first time in August 2006. The plan for the TaskForce is to:

1) identify any and all issues that potentially impact the practiceof veterinary medicine, the delivery of professional veterinaryhealth care, or the health and safety of veterinary patients orthe public,

2) identify which of those issues could be most effectively addressedby revision of the Practice Act, and

3) identify verbiage from the existing Practice Acts in other statesas well as the Model Practice Acts from AVMA and the AAVSBthat would address the pertinent issues as they apply to theculture and standards of practice in Indiana.

In addition, the Task Force would also review the existing PracticeAct and recommend changes to eliminate redundancies in sectionsof the Act or revise statements that do not reflect the contemporarystandard of veterinary medicine.

The recommendations of the Task Force will be forwarded tothe IVMA Legislative Committee for revision and for solicitationof additional feedback from the IVMA membership. The revisedrecommendations will then be crafted into legislation that will gobefore the 2008 Indiana Legislative Session.

Because revising the Indiana Practice Act opens the legislationto challenges and modifications by other non-veterinary interestgroups who might wish to modify the Act to meet their own pur-poses, it is very important that any change proposed by the TaskForce have a rationale that would indicate how the change would:

1) better protect the safety of the animal-owning public,2) better protect the consumers of animal products, or 3) improve the ability of veterinarians to deliver animal health

care and better serve their communities.

By having such a rationale in place, it will make it easier to defendthe proposed changes to objections from opposition groups or lessenthe likelihood of modification of the Act by other interest groups.

In the first brainstorming session in August, more than 75 issuesand questions were raised by the Task Force members. The issuesand questions were clustered into related groups and then evaluatedby the Task Force to determine which issues were best addressedby revision of the Practice Act, and which issues would be betteraddressed by other methods (e.g., actions by other IVMA commit-tees, Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, IndianaBoard of Animal Health, etc.).

Fourteen groups of issues ranging from the definition of veterinarypractice, to regulations regarding supervision, to equine dentistry/ultrasound/chiropractic, to animal abuse, to medical records andother topics were assigned to subgroups. Each subgroup was toevaluate the current state of the Indiana Practice Act to determineif the current verbiage was adequate to address the issue(s), and ifnot, then evaluate the other state Practice Acts as well as theModel Practice Acts for better terminology and concepts thatcould be incorporated into the Indiana Act.

The Task Force has met six times since August 2006 and has hadlively discussions with productive and frank debates on the ideasand proposals brought to the group by the individual subgroups.Keeping the focus that any change must improve the safety of theconsuming public and improve delivery of veterinary health careto the citizens of Indiana allows the Task Force to cut throughemotional rhetoric that can sometimes cloud clear and objectivethinking or interfere with arriving at a fair and equitable decision.

It has become clear that changing the Indiana Practice Act willnot, in and of itself, resolve many of the issues that face Indianaveterinarians. Three other components must be in place for anychanges in the Act to have a significant impact: 1) the enforcementof laws in the Act, 2) education of the consumers of veterinaryservices and the general public regarding the nature of these lawsas they apply to the public, and 3) compliance and advocacy ofcompliance of these laws among veterinarians in the state. Thus,the changes in the Act are but the first phase of a larger processthat will hopefully result in meeting the goals for which this TaskForce was originally created.

The individuals on the Task Force are:

You are encouraged to contact these individuals with your ideas,potential solutions, and constructive opinions so that these can bereflected in the changes being discussed.

Respectfully submitted.Pete Bill, [email protected]/494-8636

Veronica Aceby, LafayetteEvan Apotheker, West LafayetteDr. Mimi Arighi, West LafayetteDr. Paul Clemente, Fort WayneDr. Randy Grosser, IndianapolisDr. Chuck Hannon, RensselaerDr. Bryan Helms, NewburghDr. Greg Hoagland, HuntingburgDr. Larry Horstman,

West LafayetteDr. Greg Keeker, HobartDr. Robin Marks, Indianapolis

Dr. Bob Mason, KokomoDr. Larry McAfee, ValparaisoSusan Pedigo, RVT, MadisonJessica Schneider, RVT,

RemingtonDr. Bill Somerville, ClintonDebbie Stevenson, RVT,

West LafayetteDr. Mike Thomas, IndianapolisDr. Jim Weisman, EvansvilleDan Walsh, RVT,

West Lafayette

6 • May 2007


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Inserts In This Issue of the Hoosier Veterinarian

• The IVMA Leadership Development Committeeis looking for veterinarians to participate inIVMA committees. Please read this insert andsign up to participate!

• Sign up to participate in the IVMA MentorProgram with junior year students at the PurdueUniversity School of Veterinary Medicine.

• Sign up for the Societal Issues in AnimalManagement Conference today!

• Do you have a great nomination for the AnimalWelfare Committee awards? Please completethe nomination form and send it in today!

• Do you have an animal concern to report?Please complete this form and the IVMAAnimal Welfare Committee will forward your information to the appropriate county for investigation.

• The IVMA Board of Directors is seeking nomination for three board awards. Nominate a deserving IVMA Member today!


7 • May 2007

“Spring has sprung,” and that means a busy seasonat the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH).With the 2007 show season underway, the recent pet food recall and the changing regulations for aquaculture, BOAH staff has been busy answeringquestions about a number of issues.

PET FOOD RECALLThe recent Menu Foods pet food recall has been a

hot topic. While BOAH has no authority or jurisdic-tion in this area, we’ve monitored the situation closely.Menu Foods, which manufactures products for a number of pet food brands, first announced the recallof numerous brands of premium and store brand dogand cat foods on March 16, 2007.

The recall was prompted by consumer complaintsand by tasting trials conducted by the manufacturer.In a number of reported instances, cats and dogsdeveloped kidney failure after eating the affectedproduct. After extensive laboratory testing, the toxinsmelamine and aminopterin were discovered in thecontaminated foods. The products are packaged incans and pouches under numerous brand names andare marketed nationwide by many pet food retailersincluding Ahold USA Inc., Kroger Company, Safeway,Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., PetSmart, Inc., and Pet Valu, Inc.

Menu Foods has identified the potentially contami-nated products on the internet atwww.menufoods.com/recall. Menu Foods is notifyingretailers by telephone and mail and is arranging for thereturn of all recalled products. U.S. Food and DrugAdministration is conducting an investigation andworking with Menu Foods, Inc. to ensure the effectiveness of the recall.

Consumers who have any of these products shouldimmediately stop feeding them to their pets. Dogs orcats who have consumed the suspect feed could showsigns of kidney failure (such as loss of appetite,lethargy and vomiting). Consumers with questionsmay contact the company at 866/895-2708. To reportadverse reactions or other problems consumers andpractitioners should visit www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.Because of the current volume of calls to the FDA,Bob Geiger, Indiana Feed Administrator, is available to answer questions at 765/494-1551.

CERTIFICATES OF VETERINARY INSPECTIONBeyond the premise identification requirement, that

went into effect on Sept. 1, 2006, Hoosier livestockexhibitors will no longer have to present a certificateof veterinary inspection (CVI) at Indiana shows under state law. BOAH recently removed languagefrom state rules that requires a CVI, signed by a

veterinarian within 90 days of a show. Board membersleft the 30-day CVI requirement for out-of-state animals exhibiting in Indiana untouched.

While BOAH has made this change to state rules,provisions were kept to allow exhibition organizers,including some 4H fairs, to continue to require CVIsfor their participants. Some county fair organizers will continue the CVI requirement, in some case forspecific species only. This is at the discretion of theshow organizers. BOAH encourages veterinarians toremind their clients always to verify with the eventmanagers what is required for a show before arriving.

For more information about Indiana’s new CVIrules visit www.boah.in.gov or contact BOAH at [email protected].

AQUACULTUREThe aquaculture industry is providing new

opportunities for BOAH. As a result, BOAH isextending those opportunities to private practitionersand others interested in fish health issues. There is adire shortage of Hoosier practitioners involved withfish medicine. With the growing number of fisheries in the state, the need for practitioners schooled inaquaculture is great. Recent concerns about viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in some species offresh water fish resulted in significant federal restric-tions on their movement in the eight states borderingthe Great Lakes. International standards allow for theinspection of commercial fisheries to certify the operations and their fish are free of disease. BOAH’sDr. Jennifer Strasser has been leading the agency’sefforts to train state and federal regulatory veterinariansin these practices and interface with the industry.

BOAH is planning a one-day training session onMonday, May 21 at Purdue for accredited veterinarianswho are interested in learning more about fish healthissues and inspecting fisheries— hopefully in late springor early summer. Dr. Strasser hopes to do a follow upprogram for producers and/or those interested inaquaculture, such as Extension educators. Specificdates, times and location were not available at presstime. Anyone interested in receiving more informationabout this program should contact BOAH. To beadded to the BOAH aquaculture information list, email: [email protected] receive updates and notices about training and fish health issues.

State Veterinarian Update By Dr. Bret Marsh

8 • May 2007


The New & Improved IVMA Mentoring ProgramWHAT: The Mentoring Program is an effort on the part of the IVMA to support & encourage our junior colleagues in the Purdue University

School of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past few years, we have learned that the program wasn’t as effective as we wouldhave hoped, so we have made a few changes. Hopefully, both students and veterinarians will benefit from the restructuring.

WHO: The mentors are veterinarians who are members of the IVMA and have expressed an interest in being a part of the MentoringProgram. The mentees are students in the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine who have also expressed an interestin being a part of the Mentoring Program. Students used to begin participation in the program during their freshman year,but we have decided to start instead with the soon-to-be junior class since they have a little more experience under their beltand will have a better feel for the path they wish to follow. Mentor / mentee matches are starting to be made this spring sowe can be prepared for the fall and have time to recruit mentors for certain situations if needed.

WHY: The program is designed to build relationships within the veterinary profession while the students are in school that will continue once they graduate and enter the workforce. The hope is that these relationships will serve as networks & resourcesfor limitless opportunities such as employment, counsel, encouragement, leadership, and others. Students have expressedthrough survey results that it may be more beneficial to make matches based on area of practice interest or specialty ratherthan other factors such as proximity to permanent home address, etc.

HOW: Knowing how to mentor is a personal, individual style that is discovered rather than taught. However, explaining how to get involved is easy! Any interested veterinarians should fill out the form included in this issue of the Hoosier Veterinarianand mail or fax it to the IVMA office, or they can fill out the form online at www.invma.org and submit it by email [email protected] by June 30, 2007.

PLEASE JOIN US THIS YEAR & BE A MENTOR!

CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEEUPDATE—TOOLS YOU CAN USE!

The CE committee has been hard at work in conjunctionwith the Annual Meeting Planning committee to bring several new CE opportunities to the 2008 Annual Meeting.Mark your calendar now for January 25–27, 2008!

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK! ~ PennHIP Seminar: Developedin 1993 by Dr. Gail Smith from University of Pennsylvania,PennHIP has rapidly surpassed other diagnostic methods inits ability to measure hip joint laxity and accurately predictthe onset of degenerative joint disease. The PennHIP methodcan be performed on dogs as young as sixteen weeks of agecompared to two years of age using the standard technique.The PennHIP radiographic method requires training andpractice to ensure proficiency and optimum quality control.One day seminars are held throughout the country. Thecourses are taught by Gail Smith, VMD, PhD and his colleagues from University of Pennsylvania. We have theopportunity to bring this seminar to Indianapolis during the2008 Annual Meeting! The seminar fee would be between$800–900 per person and would include all training materials, prepaid grading of proficiency exercises, and thedistractor device required for making diagnostic radiographs.We need a MINIMUM of twenty registrants in order toreserve this seminar. If you would be interested in partici-pating, please email Lisa Perius ([email protected]) or Lori Thompson ([email protected]) by June 1, 2007and let them know.

GENERAL SESSION: Last year was the first year we haveincorporated a General Session into the Annual Meeting.Paw & Order was a great success! We look forward to continuing that tradition this year with a new topic guaranteed to motivate you and your office staff! Staytuned for more on this exciting session…

We are working hard to bring you a quality 2008 AnnualMeeting. Topics include: canine sports medicine, nutrition,alternative medicine/therapies, rehabilitation, internal medicine, surgery, public health, emergency medicine,critical care, an expanded equine medicine and surgery program, expanded large animal, swine, and small ruminanttopics, introducing a student track…and much, much,more! If you have speaker ideas that you would like us topursue, please contact Lori Thompson ([email protected]).

RECENT GRADUATE FORUM: The Recent Graduate Forum,which is geared for veterinarians less than 10 years out ofschool, is typically held every other year in the fall. The2007 Forum will be hosted in Indianapolis. The CE committee is currently looking for ideas on what topic wouldbe most beneficial to recent graduates. Please contact Lori ifyou have any suggestions.

Look for further updates in upcoming issues of the IVMAnewsletter!

Lori Thompson, D.V.M.CE Committee Chair

9 • May 2007


On March 16, 2007, Canadian-basedMenu Foods, Inc. announced a nation-wide recall of dog and cat food productsit manufactured under different brandnames at its facilities in Kansas, NewJersey and Ontario, Canada. Two businessdays later, lawyers in Madison, Wisconsin

and Chicago, Illinois filed putative class action lawsuits onbehalf of pet owners who claim that their pets were injuredor killed by products subject to the recall. Since then, agrowing number of similar lawsuits have been filed in courtsacross the country.

For those of us in the legal community who have monitoredand addressed the rise of animal- related legal issues in recentyears, the barrage of lawsuits associated with this recall isnot surprising. What remains to be seen, however, is thebreadth of impact these lawsuits will have on the evolvingfield of animal law in general, and on the veterinary communityin particular. While these lawsuits do not target veterinariansas defendants, their potential impact upon the veterinarycommunity is substantial.

Perhaps most significantly for veterinarians, these recall-related lawsuits and the media coverage following them willfocus unprecedented attention on the legal status of animals.Many of the lawsuits include requests for non-economic,“pain and suffering” damages. To date, traditional legal treatment of animals as property has kept most courts fromawarding such damages. Yet, as many of the IVMA memberswith whom I have spoken are keenly aware, societal viewsof animals are changing, and that change is prompting ournation’s courts and legislatures to reexamine the traditionallegal concepts applicable to animals. If that reexamination,accelerated by the high profile lawsuits flowing from theMenu Foods recall, further erodes the fundamental conceptof animals as property, the landscape of veterinary malpracticeclaims as we know it may be changed dramatically. Simplyput, increased availability of non-economic damages forinjuries to animals would raise the stakes of veterinary malpractice cases, and create a corresponding incentive forpotential plaintiffs (and their lawyers) to pursue such claims.

More generally, veterinarians should anticipate that theselawsuits will draw more attention to animal-related legalissues, augmenting an already established trend within thelegal profession. In late March of this year, Harvard LawSchool hosted a conference on “The Future of Animal Law.”Closer to home, the Indiana Continuing Legal EducationFoundation provided its first program on legal issues relatedto animal ownership in October 2006. Many law schools,including some of those within our state, are now offeringspecific courses in animal law. The heightened publicityassociated with the Menu Foods recall, and the lawsuits

linked to it, will almost certainly spark more interest in animal-related legal issues among the members of the legalprofession. Veterinarians, by way of their association withanimals, may find themselves under added scrutiny as a resultof the legal community’s heightened state of awareness.In the face of these trends, it will become increasinglyimportant that veterinarians take steps to apprise themselvesof the various legal issues applicable to them, so that theycan identify problem areas and better shield themselvesfrom potential liability.

As the son of an Indiana veterinarian, I am very pleasedto offer this new column to The Hoosier Veterinarian and todemonstrate Barnes & Thornburg’s continuing commitmentto the members of your profession. In future articles, mycolleagues and I will highlight developing trends in theevolving field of animal law and draw attention to otherlegal issues of importance to those practicing veterinary medicine in this state.

Shaun E. Graham, a partner in Barnes & Thornburg LLP’slitigation and labor and employment departments, devotes a substantial portion of his practice to the representation ofclients in the veterinary field. He is a member of the AmericanVeterinary Medical Law Association, and authors the laborand employment law section of the quarterly AVMLANewsletter. Barnes & Thornburg is one of the Midwest’slargest law firms with nearly 475 legal professionals in over 50 dedicated practice areas, serving the Indiana communitywith four offices statewide. Learn more about B&T atwww.btlaw.com.

16th Annual Conference on SocietalIssues in Animal Management

The IVMA Animal Welfare Committee is excited aboutthis year’s Societal Issues Conference. It is taking place onSunday, June 24, 2007 in Lynn Hall, room 1136 at PurdueUniversity’s Veterinary School. This year’s topic is focusedon assessing canine behavior for compatibility and sociabilityand on current techniques for improving behavior so dogs can be adopted to new homes or retained in their current homes.

Specific topics being covered include normal dog behavior,how to assess dogs, dog introductions, and behavior modifi-cation for such issues as: resource guarding, handling sensitivity,unruly/no manners/pulls on leash, barks/lunges at dogs orpeople, or being shy/scared/anxious.

Please plan on attending this year’s Societal IssuesConference and bring along your veterinary staff so every-one can learn more about our canine companions and howwe can help ensure they have a happy, healthy, and longrelationship with their owners.

Lawsuits Linked to the Menu Foods Recall: How Will They Impact Veterinarians?

Shaun E. GrahamBARNES & THORNBURG

LLP

10 • May 2007


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It’s been a busy past couple of months. The IVTA hasbeen in communication with the International BusinessCollege (IBC) of Indianapolis, Indiana regarding theirVeterinary Technology Program which will begin soon. Theprogram is modeled after the Fort Wayne IBC Program andthe Veterinary Technician Institute which has AVMA-accreditedprograms in Pittsburgh (PA) and Columbus (OH). The IVTAis making plans to welcome the IBC students and futuregraduates of both programs into the profession. An IVTAcommittee continues to review our constitution and policiesto be certain that the IVTA is not exclusionary toward Purduewhich has been the sole program in Indiana since 1975.

The IVTA sponsored two regional CE meetings for registered veterinary technicians and hospital staff in March.Seminar topics included but were not limited to: blood

transfusions, ultrasonography, laser surgeries, disaster pre-paredness and technician utilization. Each session was presented by IVTA members in keeping with our theme of “By Techs, For Techs”. Attendance this year was lowerthan in 2006 but we look forward to continuing similar CEopportunities in the future.

The IVTA has submitted our annual request to the Governorto have October proclaimed as Veterinary Technician monthin the state of Indiana. We look forward to those events thisfall! In recognition of Indiana Veterinary Technician’s Month,we have also volunteered to submit 4 “Ask Dr. Wise” Columnsto the IVMA which will be published during October.

Kay E. Knox, BS, RVTIVTA Executive Secretary

IVTA Update

In MemoriamDr. Keith Lynn Wright (PU ’75)Franklin, INDied February 13, 2007

Dr. Stanley Epperson (PU ’77)Evansville, INDied February 24, 2007

Dr. Robert W. Medlock (MSU ’54)Bedford, INDied March 1, 2007

Dr. Ralph E AllisonMorrow, OHDied March 12, 2007

Dr. Harry E. Blair (MSU)Pittsboro, INDied March 13, 2007


14 • May 2007

CCllaassssiiffiieedd AAddssTo submit a classified ad to be included inthe Hoosier Veterinarian, please fax, E-mail, or mail your ad to the IVMA office bythe deadline date to be included in the nextissue of the newsletter. Ads are $45 each. Abill will be sent to you after the ad is run.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESTYPE OF PRACTICE: The animal EmergencyClinic is a critical care, after-hours, emer-gency clinic that handles the emergencycalls for most of the veterinarians within aforty mile radius (small animal only).LOCATION: South Bend, Indiana. Close to Chicago, outdoor activities, in a nicecommunity with four colleges.EQUIPMENT: The facility is fully equippedwith diagnostics, including an Aloka 1400ultrasound with doppler, EKG, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitoring, Vet-Test lab with QBC and electrolytes, 300 ma high frequency x-ray machine with automatic processor, fluid pumps,isoflurane anesthesia, endoscopy, and an AVS computer system.

RVT OR EXPERIENCED VETERINARYASSISTANTRESPONSIBILITIES: You will be responsiblefor triage, patient monitoring, surgicalassisting, computer invoicing, telephoneanswering, laboratory tests, IV catheterplacement, administering treatments, andgeneral patient care. Holiday shifts areshared among staff. Full-time hours arepreferred; however, part-time will be considered.BENEFITS: These include paid vacationtime, personal days, uniform allowance,simple IRA, and discounted pet care.

EXPERIENCED DVMER veterinarians are responsible for handlingincoming patients, as well as directing multiple technicians and support staff.Experienced veterinarians will work as asolo practitioner with full-time consisting of3 shifts per week. Salary will include com-mission-based compensation at 25% ofgross production with a guaranteed base salary.

NEW GRADUATE or LIMITED EXPERIENCE DVMNew graduates will have a training periodwhere they shadow another DVM for thefirst three months and will have an on callmentor for next three months. They will beconsidered full time with four shifts perweek during the first three month periodand three shifts per week thereafter. Salarywill be $50,000 per year for the first year.Benefit package has a total value of $5,00

for the first year, divided according to your needs.CONTACT PERSON: Dr. Carl E. Watters (hospital director) Address: 2324 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545Telephone: 574/259-3310 (work) Fax: 574/259-3290E-mail: [email protected]: 574/286-1552

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, VETERINARYTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM, PURDUEUNIVERSITYThe Veterinary Technology Program at thePurdue University School of VeterinaryMedicine invites applications and nomina-tions for a full-time (12 month) clinical trackfaculty position as the Assistant Director ofthe Veterinary Technology Program. Theposition requires a DVM or equivalentdegree. Teaching/administrative experienceis preferable. A relevant advanced degreeis desirable. Candidates are expected tohave a positive, pro-active approach toproblem solving, to be enthusiastic andcommitted to a futuristic vision of the valueand role of the veterinary technician andtechnologist on the veterinary health careteam. Leadership qualities and the interestin being an integral part of professional,educational, and/or community organiza-tions is important. Responsibilities willinclude teaching in areas of managementskills, leadership and organizational skills,as well topics in areas of medicine andbasic science as needed in the curriculum.Administrative responsibilities includeassisting with admissions, interviews, man-agement of scholarship programs, alumnifeedback and surveys, public relations,externship visitations, externships andpracticum experiences, Program improve-ment, curriculum revision, and strategicplanning. The Assistant Director will beencouraged to obtain an advanced degreewhile in this position. The Assistant Directorwill be encouraged to become involved inlocal, state, and/or national organizations,committees, or initiatives that impact veterinary technicians, technologists, or students.

Purdue University offers competitivesalaries and excellent benefit packages.

The position will begin August 1st 2007.Applicants should submit a letter of intent,a description of their professional goals, astatement of their vision for the future ofveterinary technology, a curriculum vitae,and the names, addresses, and contactinformation of three professional referencesto Dr. Pete Bill, Director VeterinaryTechnology, Purdue University School ofVeterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison Street,

West Lafayette, IN 47907. Questions maybe directed to [email protected] University is an Equal Access, EqualOpportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.

VETERINARIAN WANTEDWell-known and friendly, AAHA certifiedcompanion animal hospital searching forjust the right doctor to join our devotedhealth care team! We are adding a veteri-narian to restructure our DVM schedules toprovide a nice balance to work and homelife. Yes, it is possible to have both! We arelooking for an associate committed to serv-ice excellence for our clients, with a mini-mum of 1–2 years experience. self-confi-dence, independence, and broad medicaland surgical skills for our patients. We offerboth conventional western medicine andcomplimentary alternative care. Our twopractices, Roseland Animal Hospital locat-ed in South Bend, IN, and the Center forAnimal Health in Edwardsburg, MI arecommitting to finding just the right personwho is interested in a long term workingrelationship. This region is noted for excel-lent educational schools, collegiate sports,cultural events, and a beautiful surroundingenvironment close to Lake Michigan andChicago. Please consider this your oppor-tunity to find your new home practice.Please contact our practice manager,David Bennett at 574/272-6100 or email to [email protected] to discussfurther.

HONEGGER ANIMAL CLINICSmall animal exclusive practice in Ossian,IN (near Fort Wayne) with loyal clientele.Stable staff well trained and able to assistyou in the practice of veterinary medicine.The staff and doctors of this practice reallypride themselves on the quality of medi-cine they provide and the level of clientservice. Stand alone veterinary facility builtin the mid 90’s. Well outfitted and main-tained; an outstanding facility. Great placeto raise a family. This is a small townimmediately south of Fort Wayne, IN. Smalltown life with access to all the shopping,dining, and other amenities of an area of250,000 people. Downtown Ft. Wayne is 30 miles/minutes away. New grads encour-aged to apply, but experience would alsobe welcomed. Desire to work toward aposition as a veterinary manager is alsoadvantageous. Generous signing bonuswill be provided, as well as competitivebase salary, pay for production, healthbenefits, 401(k), CE, vacation time andrelocation assistance (if necessary).Flexible schedule with no emergencyduties. Please contact Dr. RobertHonegger at 260/622-4186 or fax 260/622-4183 to inquire.

15 • May 2007


VETERINARIAN WANTEDWant to work in an established, family ori-ented, and friendly clinic? Want to live andwork in a growing small town atmosphereand still have the excitement and culture ofa big city only 25 miles away? Do you wantto work hard and have fun? Then we arethe place for you! St. John Animal Clinic isa busy 4-doctor practice located inNorthwest Indiana. We have a great sup-port staff and would be a great mentoringexperience for a new grad. If you are inter-ested, please mail resume to: St. JohnAnimal Clinic, 8661 Wicker Ave., St. John,IN 46373 or call Dr Preston 219/365-8531.

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME ASSOCIATEGrowing two doctor practice in NorthwestIndiana seeks full-time or part-time associ-ate. Solid medical skills, client-centeredfocus, and a cheerful disposition fit ourpractice culture. We offer reasonable workschedules, no after-hour emergencies, anda friendly, efficient staff. Must have excel-lent communication skills; a good sense ofhumor also helps. Exotics experience aplus, but not required. Situated in a wel-coming small-town environment, but alsoclose to Chicago. Competitive salary andbenefits. Call Timothy at Hebron AnimalHospital 219/696-6471 or email [email protected] for information.

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN JOB OPENINGThe Michigan City Animal Hospital is a fullservice small animal hospital located inMichigan City, IN. Michigan City is a townof approx. 35,000 people on the shores ofLake Michigan 60 miles from Chicago. Ithas beautiful residential areas along thelake and a great deal of recreational activi-ties associated with Lake Michigan.Because we are only an hour’s drive fromChicago there is easy access to the cultur-al and social scene of a world-class citywhile still living in a safe “small town”atmosphere. We are a progressive hospitalwith a support staff of twenty-five includinga full-time practice manager. We use themost up-to-date techniques in diagnosingand treating small animals including Laserand Laparoscopic surgery and ultrasoundtechnology and have an excellent reputa-tion in the community. We recently com-pleted an 8500 sq. ft. addition to our build-ing that won a Veterinary Economics MeritAward for Hospital Design. Our facility willgive us the flexibility to continue our growthand provide a state of the art facility for ourpatients, clients and staff. We also treat thesmall animals at the local zoo. We are abusy hospital in need of another skilledAssociate Veterinarian. We are searching

for a personable and compassionate Asso.Veterinarian. We are offering an aboveaverage salary in the range of $60,000-$75,000 plus benefits. We are also offeringa challenging, supportive work environ-ment to further develop your skills andexpand your experience as we expand ourpractice.

Please contact Dr. Rex Bailey, c/o MichiganCity Animal Hospital, 2525 E. MichiganBlvd., Michigan City, IN 46360. Phone219/872-4191 or [email protected] if you are interested in the excel-lent opportunity. Visit our website:www.mcanimalhospital.com

FT SA VETERINARIAN WANTEDLooking for a FT SA veterinarian who isenthusiastic, has a good sense of humorand works well in a team setting. We are agrowing AAHA approved multi-doctor hos-pital, located in the suburbs of Milwaukeein Waukesha County. We see dogs, cats,birds, reptiles and small caged pets. Weare equipped with a full lab, endoscopyboth flexible and rigid, ex-rays includingdigital dental x-rays, and state of the artmonitoring equipment, to just name a few.We have a well trained professional staffwith four CVTs. Compensation is on pro-duction with a base salary and full benefitsincluding a retirement plan. Send resumeto: Dr. Dale HermannNew Berlin Animal Hospital3840 S. Moorland Rd.New Berlin, WI 53151 Ph 262/782-6910 or fax 262/[email protected].

ANGELS FOR ANIMALS NEEDEDMake a difference. Help us control petoverpopulation through early spay/neuter,education, and adoption. Premier newfacility in NE Ohio, Angles for Animals hasbeen making a difference in our communityfor over a decade. Visit www.angelsforani-mals.org.

Full- or part-time veterinary associatesneeded, also veterinary technicians. Forty-hour workweek, competitive benefits andsalary. Supervisory responsibility required,ability to understand euthanasia issues,make health and welfare judgments. A great place to practice animal sheltermedicine and work on animals that needyour help the most. Contact Dr. Allen at 330/732-7333 [email protected], fax 330/782-0231.

ENTHUSIASTIC VETERINARIAN WANTEDEstablished small animal practice in newbuilding. Emergency clinic nearby inEvansville, IN. Competitive salary/benefits.Contact Tim Cottingam at the AnimalHospital, Henderson, KY 42420, 270/826-5060 office or [email protected] or270/835-9115 hm. www.mypetsdr.net

ROCKVILLE ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITALSA practice on Indy’s west side is lookingfor a full/part-time RVT or experienced vet-erinary assistant. Responsibilities wouldinclude patient monitoring, anesthesia andsurgical assistance, laboratory testing,placing IV catheters, administering treat-ments, general patient care, answeringtelephones and computer invoicing.Benefits include paid vacation, simple IRAand discounted pet care. Great environ-ment. Send resume/contact: Rockville Road Animal HospitalAttn: Dr. Mary Miazga7351 Rockville Rd.Indianapolis, IN 46214Ph 317/271-2200fax 317/271-3621.

FULL/PART-TIME ASSOCIATEFull/part-time associate needed for pro-gressive rapidly growing mixed animalpractice in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Ourpractice consists of 80% small animal, 10%equine, 5% exotic and 5% food animal. Weare a team oriented practice that offersquality medicine and surgery, includingASIF orthopedics, acupuncture and holisticmedicine. Our hospital facility is equippedwith endoscopy, in house lab and radiolo-gy. Applicants need to be client oriented,energetic, caring, and out going. Beginningsalary of $70,000 plus benefits, (hosp,401(k), vacation pay, malpractice insur-ance, housing provided, possible buy in).Hot Springs is centrally located in theQuachita National Mountains, with numer-ous lakes and outdoor activities, known forour hot bath houses, horse racing, art gal-leries, film festivals, and motor cycle rallies.Please send resume to: All Creatures Animal Hospital4799 Central Ave.Hot Springs, AK 71913Ph 501/525-9051fax 501/525-9044.

16 • May 2007


THE HOOSIER VETERINARIANPublished Bi-Monthly by

Indiana Veterinary Medical Association201 S. Capitol Avenue, Suite 405

Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

Printed on Recycled Paper

PRSRT. STD.U. S. Postage

PAIDNoblesville, INPermit No. 127

Auxiliary News

When I was thinking about what to include in the May newsletter I was thinking about howmuch I enjoy spring with the spring flowers, thespecial events and the nice weather. Well, as Iwrite this article it is snowing outside, our springflowers have frozen and I am still wearing mywinter clothes, so much for any inspiration from“spring”. Nonetheless this time of year is veryexciting for the IVMA Auxiliary because we pres-ent many of our awards during March and April.

On March 31, 2007, the Hoosier State Science and EngineeringFair was held on the IUPUI campus. Our organization was once againone of the award presenters. Each year we present a certificate, medal-lion and $50 to the student who has the “Best Project in VeterinaryScience”. The 2007 recipient was Jacques Chansavang, whose projectwas entitled “Effects of DNA-RNA ratios on Tilapia”. Jacques attendsCanterbury High School in Ft. Wayne. The Auxiliary would like tocongratulate Jacques and wish him good luck as he moves on to thenext level of competition.

On April 25, 2007 I had the privilege of presenting awards to 3 students at the annual Purdue University School of VeterinaryMedicine Honors and Awards Program. This year there was a tie forthe Purdue Veterinary Student award. We were able to present $200to both Erin Kosta and Lori Phillips.

We also give a $100 award to a student in the Registered VeterinaryTechnician’s Program. The 2007 recipient of this award was DanielleRoach. The Auxiliary would like to congratulate all the award winnersand wish them the best of luck as they move forward.

I would also like to recognize and congratulate Shannon Kremer,the 2006 recipient of the 4-H State Veterinary Science Award.Shannon is from Delphi and is a member of the Carroll County 4-H program. She was presented a certificate, medallion and $50.

These awards are greatly appreciated by the recipients. I feel this isa wonderful way for us to show our continued support of the veterinaryprofession. Your Auxiliary membership dues enable us to present theseawards each year. If you haven’t paid your dues and would still like to,please feel free to contact me or Mary Jane Scamahorn. I have alsoreceived a call from the AVMA Auxiliary asking me to remind lastyear’s members to pay their AVMA Auxiliary dues for 2007 by May15, 2007. If you are not sure if you have paid them please contact me.I have the current list of members. I also have membership forms oryou can download one from the AVMA Auxiliary web site. Both auxiliaries are always looking for new members as well.

Barb Schnarr is already making plans for Market Place of States atthe convention in Washington, D.C. in July. The proceeds from thissupport the Student Loan Fund. If anyone has any new ideas, pleasecontact her before May 15, 2007.

The Summer Board meeting will be June 23, 2007, in theIndianapolis area. If you are interested in attending, please contact me for details.

Elaine SomervillePresident, IVMA Auxiliary [email protected]

Elaine Somerville

ivma board of directors set goals for 2007 · 2018. 4. 4. · update on the ivma practice act task...

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