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California Veterinary Leadership

January 26, 2009 on 9:44 pm | In General | No Comments

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the largest State Veterinary Medical in the country nearing 6,000 members. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) currently has 78,000 members which includes most practicing veterinarians in the country. The CVMA Board of Governor’s and the House of Delegates are similar to the US Senate and the Assembly so when both groups met this weekend, it was like joint meeting of Congress. When these men and women take a weekend to participate in CVMA leadership, at the minimum, they are giving up free time. Many have to cough up money for a relief vet to cover their practice. They do this in order to help promote the well-being of the profession. This responsibility has changed rapidly over the last few years. Where the focus had been on such issues as Continuing Education and member benefits like insurance, today we are thrust into the political and legislative foray. Issues like mandatory spay-neuter, cosmetic ear cropping and tail docking, and farm animal housing are demanding a stand by veterinarians. No animal ever comes to a veterinarians without a human attached. Veterinarians are part of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Veterinarians are constantly working to balance the needs and wants of the humans with the animal’s welfare and economics. CVMA brings this concept to the level of community.

There have been questions by many who crave controversy and dissension about the fracture of the CVMA over California Proposition 2- Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. When CVMA supported Prop 2, a small group of veterinarians formed the Association of California Veterinarians to oppose Prop 2. This Association has about 50 members, many of whom continue to be CVMA Members as well. Dr. Bill Grant, CVMA President, has commented that he thinks of the Association of California Veterinarians as another special focus group within the profession with a special interest in production animal medicine. There are not dissimilar from other specialty or interest groups, like a Women’s Veterinary Medical Association or Shelter Veterinarians.

Out-of-state veterinary colleagues ask me (or vigorously inform me) “Doesn’t California realize how this will affect us?” Yes. California recognizes the impact of its actions on the rest of the county. California knows that what happens in this crazy state will eventually roll out East. In fact, the wave moves east faster than ever. California still will support what California believes is best for California Veterinarians. Don’t expect California will follow in line with national level leadership or pressure from other states just because. The individuals gathered for the CVMA meeting this past weekend made an earnest effort to be respectful the broad range of interests in the profession and to build consensus. The breadth of perspectives within the group is really quite amazing. The respect for opposing opinions and the desire to meld into a consolidated voice for veterinarians in the state of California is taken seriously by all. In the end, these California veterinarians are tasked to address the issues in California, not Kansas.