One Year Later: Still Focused on What Matters Most

One Year Later: Still Focused on What Matters Most

It’s hard to believe—but it’s been over 12 months since I first began talking about this campaign for AVMA President-Elect. What started as a vision in June 2024 has become a full-blown journey of conversations, travel, and connection with veterinary professionals across the country. With just a month left before the AVMA House of Delegates vote, I’ve been thinking a lot about how far we’ve come—and how the themes I started with haven’t changed. In fact, they’ve only grown stronger.

From day one, my message has been rooted in several core pillars. And after a year of listening, learning, and leading—I can say with confidence: These are still the things I care most deeply about.

🧑‍⚕️ The Veterinary Workforce

Twelve months ago, I talked about the cracks we were seeing in the veterinary workforce—and today, those conversations are louder and more urgent than ever. Whether it’s concerns about federal veterinary roles, support for rural practices, or the evolving needs of new grads, the reality is clear: we need thoughtful, future-focused workforce strategies—not quick fixes.

That includes ongoing questions about how we train, support, and retain veterinarians. And it includes serious concerns about the balance between how many schools we open and how well we prepare graduates for the real-world needs of our profession.

💼 Veterinary Technicians Are Still Front of Mind

From the very beginning, I’ve said this—and I’ll keep saying it: Veterinary technicians and technologists are essential.

They deserve to be respected, credentialed, fairly compensated, and fully utilized. I’ve been vocal in my concerns about mid-level proposals that bypass the highly skilled professionals already in our ecosystem. I believe the answer is not in creating something new to fill a gap—it’s in elevating the people who are already here.

If we’re serious about team-based care, then we need to be serious about empowering every member of the team.

🔧 Technology That Supports (Not Replaces) the Team

Twelve months ago, I was talking about technology. And I still am—but not for the sake of shiny new tools. I believe in purposeful innovation that reduces administrative burden, improves communication, and strengthens medical records—not just because it’s cool, but because it makes us better.

Technologies like medical scribes are helping us move away from handwritten notes and toward more accurate, efficient documentation. That’s a win for veterinarians, for technicians, and for clients. And it’s just the beginning.

👥 A Broader Vision for AVMA Membership?

In many of my conversations over the last year, one question keeps popping up: What if the AVMA included more than just veterinarians?

Many state VMAs have already embraced tiered or inclusive memberships that involve credentialed technicians, assistants, and practice managers. If we’re serious about being one voice for veterinary medicine, shouldn’t we at least explore what a more inclusive future could look like at the national level?

It’s a big question—but I think it’s worth asking. And perhaps the House Delegates will have this discussion soon.

📹 Want the Full Reflection? Watch It Here.

If you’d rather hear these reflections directly, I shared them in a recent video update filmed while I was in Arizona visiting with the Arizona VMA. You can watch it on YouTube here: 👉 https://youtu.be/wnnNaoBLgS8?feature=shared

It’s an unscripted, from-the-heart moment—and a great way to hear what’s still driving this campaign with 30 days to go.

🗳️ Why This Still Matters— And NOW I need your help

As I look back over the past 12 months, I’m proud of the consistency of this campaign. The issues I set out to talk about are the ones I’m still focused on. Not because they’re easy—but because they’re vital.

And now, as we are in the home stretch, I’m inviting you to help shape what comes next.

If you believe in a future built on:

• Collaborative teams

• Empowered technicians

• Thoughtful, human-centered technology
  …then I hope I’ve earned your support.

Remember: only 70 people vote in the AVMA President-Elect election—but your voice matters. Reach out to your state or allied organization delegate. If you don’t know who your delegate is, just ask—I’ll help you find them.

You can also follow the journey through:
📲 #100AVMADays
📲 #AVMA2025Election

I’m grateful for every conversation, every handshake, and every Zoom call over the past year. And I’m ready for the next chapter—together. Thanks for walking this road with me. Let’s finish strong. 💪