JANUARY 2024

Special Edition

Dear SVME Member,

It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve as the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics incoming president. First, I would like to thank our members who are the guiding force behind the SVME. Without you we would not have the passionate community of multidisciplinary professionals that I am so proud to be a member of.

Second, thanks go to Scott Swetnam, DVM, as outgoing president and to our hard-working board of directors. Through their leadership we have expanded initiatives to bring veterinary ethics into the mainstream.

Long standing CE programs like our annual, all-day Ethics track at VMX and our on-line Veterinary Medical Ethics course are gaining traction and attendance thanks to our generous topical specialists who have devoted their time and expertise to the SVME.

Newer programs like the Monthly Membership Meetings (MMM’s) have received enthusiastic support as have our Town Hall forums which allow for members to engage in intellectual curiosity and an open-minded exchange of ideas. Here, we discuss issues like how to manage difficult or questionable euthanasia requests – an often-cited source of moral distress. Additionally, student interest in establishing SVME chapters at US and international veterinary colleges has grown, thanks to the efforts of veterinary students and faculty advisors worldwide.



Moving forward, we will be formalizing and implementing member proposals that have been in process for years. Among these are mentorship programs for new graduates, developing a speakers bureau, sponsoring an additional in person Ethics track at a national veterinary conference, and combining forces with other veterinary associations to expand educational opportunities.

Through these programs and others my intention as president is to build on the momentum of the past thirty years (!), to evolve, and usher in a new era of ethics dialogue. One that is inclusive, diverse, welcoming, and safe for members from all different disciplines and belief systems. As the world changes, so too must we change to address problems inherent in the intersections between humans, non-human animals, technology, and the environment.

So, please join me and let’s stretch our moral imaginations…

Best wishes for a fulfilling New Year and I hope to see you soon!

Heather Woodke, DVM, MA

SVME President

VMX 2024 SVME ETHICS TRACK WAS A SUCCESS!

Special thanks to everyone who came to the VMX 2024 SVME Ethics Track this year!  We especially want to thank the SVME Program Committee for their hard work in organizing this year's continuing education track, the incredible speakers, and of course, all of the attendees!  

Participants engaged in a range of engaging sessions, such as "Access to Veterinary Care: Diverse Views and Innovative Solutions" and "One Health, Telehealth, the Veterinary Technician's Role, and Spectrum of Care Initiatives: Ethical Aspects." This was an excellent opportunity for our community to get together (in person!) to discuss and debate ethical issues arising in and relevant to veterinary practice. Contact the SVME office for proceeding access.

Barry Kipperman, DVM, DACVIM, MSc, DACAW was honored with the 2023 Lifetime Shomer Award for Veterinary Ethics, an award dedicated to the memory of Dr. Robert Shomer, the co-founder and first President of SVME.

This award is bestowed upon an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of veterinary medical ethics. The recipient must have a distinguished career as a leader in the field of veterinary medical ethics through scholarship, advocacy, or mentorship. Recipients are outstanding individuals who throughout their professional careers have promoted and embodied the qualities of a true professional including veracity, compassion, courage, and integrity. 

Be sure to join us in congratulating, Dr. Kipperman!

Photo: Dr. Swetnam (left) and Dr. Kipperman (right)

The SVME Nominating committee has selected the following candidates for four open board of director seats. This announcement serves as notice of a special election for members to vote in their selections. Please return your ballots by February 18th, so we may welcome our new board members at our upcoming February meeting.  PLEASE VOTE HERE.

Melissa J. Supernor, LVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM), CCFP, CVBP, CFVP

Clinical Development Manager

Blue River PetCare

Questionnaire Response



Melissa is an experienced Veterinary Technician Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in secondary and higher education industries. Skilled in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Welfare, Disaster Medicine, Professional and Personal development of the Veterinary team. Strong education professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Psychology from Worcester State College and an Associates in Science, Veterinary Technology from Becker College. International Veterinary speaker with a range of lectures from VTS topics, Personal and Professional development, and leadership and management.

Scott Oppat

Veterinary Financial Services, LLC

President

Questionnaire Response



Scott is an experienced executive and consultant in the commercial finance industry for the past 40 years, with the last 20 years focused in the veterinary profession as president of Veterinary Financial Services, LLC.

Concurrent with maintaining the consulting and financial services business, ventured into other related fields such as starting and running an association of veterinary practice owners, a division of a general contractor focused on building veterinary, dental and other healthcare facilities, and a VMO (My Pet's Vet Group) opening and acquiring veterinary practices.