Alberta Veterinary Medical Association

On April 27th, we join the global community in honoring World Veterinary Day. This year's theme is 'Veterinarians are essential health workers' - serving as a reminder of the crucial role veterinarians play in promoting health and well-being across various sectors. In the article below we explore just some of the roles and responsibilities of veterinary teams, and the impact they have on animal and human health.

Today, on #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, we recognize and celebrate the profound impact Dr. Temple Grandin has had on animal welfare and autism awareness. Her advocacy has helped to change societal perceptions of autism and has encouraged greater understanding and inclusion of individuals with autism. https://bit.ly/3U1ZVhF

The ABVMA is pleased to support the CVMA and the work they are doing to address workforce shortages at a national level.

Today is International Women's Day. The 2024 campaign theme "Inspire Inclusion" emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society. Today, we are proud to celebrate veterinary professionals across the world who identify as female. How can you get involved and help #InspireInclusion? Explore the #IWD2024 webpage to learn more and find out how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3TuRifj Learn about EDI in the veterinary profession: https://bit.ly/49ZjyvM

Pam Cholak was presented with her Honourary Life membership in recognition of her tireless dedication and advocacy efforts on behalf of the association. Pam’s work has included building relationships between the association and numerous stakeholders including all levels of government, the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, producer groups, agricultural organizations and municipal associations. These collaborations provide an opportunity for ABVMA to work with partners to find solutions to challenges facing the profession. Her passion for the profession is evidenced by her commitment to educate partners about the role veterinary professionals play, not only in companion animal patient care but also in their significant role in agriculture and ensuring a safe food supply. Her work has also included extensive efforts to address the veterinary workforce shortage in Alberta and ensure the veterinary workforce meets the needs of the future in both urban and rural settings. Honourary Life Membership in the association is a prestigious recognition held by a select number of individuals. Petitions for Honourary Life Membership must be signed by five members of the association and is only granted upon unanimous approval by Council. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Pam!

Dr. Teryn Girard is a poultry veterinarian with Prairie Swine Health Services, where she spearheaded the practice’s expansion into poultry medicine. Dr. Girard exhibits an unequivocable commitment to animal welfare, a deep sense of compassion for the families that care for their flocks and a driven dedication to teaching and mentoring upcoming poultry professionals. In 2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza made an everlasting mark on the Canadian poultry industry. Dr. Teryn, a veterinarian of 3 years at the time, found herself at the helm of unchartered waters. In the infancy of the outbreak, Dr. Girard undertook immense responsibility to lead a team through heightened biosecurity and testing protocols, all while maintaining daily veterinary services for flocks throughout Alberta. Congratulations, Dr. Girard, on being named the 2023 ABVMA Young Veterinarian of the Year.

The ABVMA would like to thank MLA Jackie Lovely for bringing remarks at the ABVMA/ABVTA Member Recognition Banquet and the ABVMA’s Annual General Meeting, hosted in Calgary, AB. The association is grateful for MLA Lovely’s dedication and strong advocacy to help address issues in the veterinary profession. Having grown up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, MLA Lovely understands the importance of the veterinary team to animal care and livestock production and she has been committed to helping us address the workforce shortage. MLA Lovely was instrumental in obtaining historic funding in Budget 2022 for post-secondary program expansion that increases both the number of veterinarian seats at UCVM and expanded animal health technologist programs in Alberta’s colleges. Her Private Member’s Bill supporting expansion of UCVM and her Member Statements supporting veterinary medicine have been game changers. She is a strong voice for security of food supply and sustainable veterinary services in her Camrose constituency. ABVMA thanks MLA Jackie Lovely for her diligent work with us. We look forward to working with MLA Lovely and the Alberta government as we continue our collaborative work to address issues facing the profession. Legislative Assembly of Alberta University of Calgary

Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith has used her role as a veterinarian to elevate the profession through her communication. She embodies the best of communication by informing, encouraging and exciting her colleagues, students, youth and pet owners. Dr. Howse-Smith was featured in two seasons of Wild Rose Vet, which aired on Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and Cottage Life. She is also the responsible veterinarian for Canadian Animal Task Force and Alberta Helping Animals Home Vet Services, organizations that serve disadvantaged pet owners in underserved communities. Savannah has seized numerous opportunities in her career as a Metis mixed veterinarian to go beyond treating her patients and serving clients to serve as a role model for the profession. Dr. Howse-Smith sat on the ABMVA Task Force on equity, diversity and inclusion and currently sits on the ABMVA’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Congratulations, Dr. Howse-Smith.

Kate Simon is a registered veterinary technologist with a specialty in Emergency and Critical Care. She is co-owner in an emergency and specialty hospital located in Edmonton, AB. Kate was recognized by her peers are Veterinary Technologist of the year, for her passion and leadership. Kate loves mentorship, relishing in the opportunity to teach practicum students and RVTs new to ER. She has inspired an entire generation of younger RVTs to discover the thrill of emergency medicine. Kate has also been involved passionately in regulation and advocacy for RVTs in Alberta. She has been on ABVMA council, the companion animal committee, the RVTTC, and is currently on the ABVTA board. She has been on countless task forces including the survey on RVT work force shortage, radiation safety, and was the chair of the delegation of veterinary medicine task force. Congratulations Kate on this well-deserved award.

Dr. Eoin Clancy was recognized as the 2023 Mentor Individual of the year for his unwavering support and confidence in his team. Dr. Clancy is known to always be available to mentees who have questions and his willingness to spend time reviewing cases and rounds while providing assurances to his team as they learn and settle into the practice of veterinary medicine. His balanced approach to give individuals space to learn while being available to them when they need support is paramount to his character as a leader and mentor. Congratulations Dr. Clancy.