IVMA
Communiqué 
"Serving veterinarians for the benefit of animal and human health"
February 20, 2018
In This Issue
Dates to Remember
February 28
Legislative Day

March 1
IVMA/SAVMA Wellness Meeting
 
For more information on any of these events visit www.iowavma.org.

   
Join the Cause at Legislative Day 2018 
Advocate for the veterinary profession at the 2018 IVMA Legislative Day on February 28. Join other IVMA members from around the state to represent the veterinary profession, deepen your understanding of the policymaking process and help shape future legislation.
 
We need YOU to help make a strong showing of veterinarians. The more IVMA members participate in this effort, the stronger voice the IVMA will have.

The day will begin with a breakfast and opening remarks at Embassy Suites Hotel in Des Moines at 7:00 am. After breakfast the contingent will head to the Capitol to meet with legislative leaders from the Iowa House and Senate.

Legislative Day (including breakfast and lunch) is free for IVMA members and ISU CVM students. Register online at www.iowavma.org or call the IVMA office at 800-369-9564.

YOU can make a difference! 
   
A CY-prizing Winter Conference!
A huge "Thank You!" to all our members who attended last week's IVMA Winter Conference at Prairie Meadows. It was great to see so many IVMA members gaining valuable continuing education in the sessions, seeing what's new at the vendor booths and networking with their fellow veterinary professionals.

There is still time to fill out a Winter Conference Evaluation. Your input helps the IVMA improve future conferences.

A special "Shout Out" to our officers, committee members and moderators who helped make the conference run smoothly.  Thank you! 

Also, thanks to Iowa State's own "CY" for making a surprise visit to wish our members a "Happy Valentine's Day"!
RSVP by Today for SAVMA/IVMA Wellness Meeting March 1
 
2018 VMLRP Application Period is Open
Iowa has been approved for all seven of the submissions for shortage areas eligible for  the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP).  A list of the counties that are eligible can be found on the USDA NIFA VMLRP website.

The VMLRP program may repay up to $25,000 of your student loan debt per year for three years if you commit to provide veterinary services in a veterinary shortage area.

All forms to apply can be accessed on the VMLRP Applicants page and the Application Guide is a good resource. Please note all applications must be submitted by March 16, 2018 to be considered. Faxed and emailed applications are not accepted.

Iowa's State Veterinarian, Dr. David Schmitt is an excellent resource for questions regarding the program or the application process. He can be reached at
515-281-8601 or  
 
Vote for Dr. Chuck Lemme for AVMA District 7 Director 
VOTE March 1-31 Look for an email from the AVMA to vote.  If the AVMA doesn't have an email for you, you will receive a ballot in the mail.  
Antimicrobial Stewardship Definition and Core Principles
The AVMA House of Delegates approved the profession's first-ever Antimicrobial Stewardship Definition and Core Principles . The core principles include:
  • A clearly stated commitment by veterinarians to stewardship
  • Support for systems of care that include a multi-pronged approach to preventing common diseases
  • Judicious selection and use of antimicrobial drugs
  • Ongoing evaluation of the efficacy of antimicrobial drug-use practices
  • A commitment to professional education research that expands the profession's knowledge base and supports good decision-making
Adoption of this new policy is an important step in fulfilling the AVMA's commitment to provide resources and tools for veterinarians who support conscientious decision-making in the use of antimicrobials. Learn more about the development and passage of the policy on the AVMA@Work blog .
  The IVMA Communiqué is published bi-monthly by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.
1605 N. Ankeny Blvd Suite 110
Ankeny, IA 50023
515-965-9237 or Toll Free 800-369-9564
Visit our Website at www.iowavma.org