Veterinary Vitals

To wrap up the year, we hear from veterinarians and veterinary professionals about how they find joy in the tough times. We also take a look across Texas to revel in the accomplishments of our peers. Happy holidays!

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During the legislative session this spring, lawmakers voted to attach the TBVME to another state agency, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the next four years. Here’s our conversation on the agency’s progress since our last update with Brittany Sharkey, Executive Director of TBVME.

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In this episode of veterinary vitals, we spoke with Drs. Chad Harris and Tracy McAdoo at Southwest Veterinary Symposium in September about the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation. Dr. Harris, the TVMF Board of Trustees President since 2017, handed over the gavel to Dr. McAdoo this year. Listen in as we uncover the hidden potential of TVMF and where the organization is headed in 2024.

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Practice Manager Recognition Week is November 12-18, 2023! This week was created to bring attention to the often-unsung heroes who empower veterinary medical providers to devote their focus to patient treatment and outcomes. Have you thought about how you can appreciate your practice manager this week?

FUN FACT: Practice Managers can now use their CE with TVMA toward their CVPM!

In this episode of Veterinary Vitals, we speak with Susan Driever, CVPM about what it takes to earn your CVPM and be a successful practice manager. Susan is a Course Facilitator for the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association CVPM exams, she serves as the Treasurer for the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Alliance and served as Secretary with the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Association from 2020-2023.

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Today on Veterinary Vitals, we speak with Dr. Debra Zoran, Professor for the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Interim Director of the Veterinary Emergency Team (VET). Dr. Zoran specializes in emergency preparedness and response, and the use of simulations in the teaching of disaster. 

She earned a BS in animal science from Kansas State University, an MS in clinical sciences from Iowa State University, and a DVM and a Ph.D. in nutrition, both from Texas A&M. Listen in as Dr. Zoran shares the origin of TAMU's VET and how they serve communities in Texas.

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Dr. Pierce is a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. He was an ophthalmology intern at the Eye Care for Animals & Biological Test Center in California and at Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Pierce completed his residency in ophthalmology and received his Masters Degree.

This episode is sponsored by VESPECON. VESPECON partners with specialty veterinary practices so you can offer specialty care on the cases that need it. You can continue managing your cases while actively collaborating with dedicated, board-certified specialists. VESPECON provides you with a dedicated liaison, a network of specialists on demand, collaboration through the entire case life cycle and communication that suits your busy schedule. Visit vespecon.com to learn more.

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Welcome to the season 5 premiere of Veterinary Vitals! This season begins with a timely update from Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA past-president and TVMA past-president, on illicit xylazine. AVMA helped develop, introduce, and build support for the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which seeks to keep the drug's legitimate veterinary uses under the current prescription status. 

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With more than a year at TVMA, Executive Director Troy Alexander reports on the State of the Association. From developments with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to the opening of a new veterinary school at Texas Tech University, Mr. Alexander shares the challenges and successes in organized veterinary medicine.

This is the season finale of Season 4! Season 5 will begin this Fall. We welcome feedback and ideas for the podcast. Email [email protected].

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Dr. Crocker is a speaker and social media personality. She works as an ER veterinarian for veterinary emergency group in Dallas and owns Alta Vista Animal Hospital. She supports fellow veterinary professionals and educates the pet-owning public through her various endeavors. Dr. Crocker is also a TVMA member and serves on several committees.

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Enjoy this sneak peak of Dr. Ralph Harvey's CE session from TVMA Annual Conference. Dr. Harvey currently works as a consultant in practice and industry promoting best medicine, including Fear Free practices, and new advances in patient care, with a focus on the management and relief of animal pain and suffering. 

Dr. Harvey formerly taught anesthesia and pain management in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, Tennessee. He has served as the section head for the Small Animal Surgical Services and as a member of the University Faculty Senate. His veterinary degree is from the UTCVM, and his post-graduate training included internship, residency and fellowship at Cornell’s Veterinary and Medical Colleges. 

Dr. Harvey has worked in private small animal practice. He is certified as a specialist by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and has served as their executive secretary and as a member of the ACVAA Board of Directors. He currently is a member of the Fear-Free Executive Council. 

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