Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA)

28/06/2024

🐾 Welcome Dr. Charity Herda, DVM, from Glenwood Village Pet Hospital — VetCor, Manteno, as the new ISVMA Region 5 Board of Directors member! 🐾

Dr. Herda brings a wealth of experience to the role, having practiced small animal veterinary medicine since graduating from the University of Illinois in 2009. Her expertise in effective communication, patient care, and teamwork will be invaluable in advancing our profession. Dr. Herda is dedicated to improving patient care and enhancing public understanding of the vital role veterinarians play in public health.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Herda on this new journey! 🌟

26/06/2024

I have been a member of the ISVMA since my graduation from the University of Illinois. At that time, I joined because my employer felt it was important and offered to pay my dues.

But I quickly grew to appreciate the many benefits of membership in my state veterinary organization. The ISVMA offers first-class continuing education, informative publications, emails, podcasts, great support with licensing and legal issues, and member benefits such as insurance. It is also an amazing legislative watchdog for veterinary medicine in Illinois.

Membership has had a positive impact on my career's growth. It has allowed me to maintain interpersonal relationships with veterinary peers, allied individuals and organizations that have all enhanced my career and enriched my life.

The Value of ISVMA Membership, our continuing membership drive campaign, features ISVMA members and why they value their membership with other veterinarians and CVTs.

Michelle Gundlach, DVM
Jefferson College

25/06/2024

Dr. Nicole Johnson (Pekin Animal Hospital) and Dr. Joanne Carlson ( Loving Care Animal Hospital) are ready to socialize at the AVMA Annual Meeting in Austin, TX! 🌟 Dr. Will Sander, ISVMA Board Member, addresses veterinary professionals in attendance. Enjoying dinner out in Austin are Theresa SaLee, DVM (The Whole Pet), Ashley Rossman, DVM Glen (Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital ) and Dr. Johnson. 🐾✨

23/06/2024

Understanding Without Words. It's a testament to the intuition and skill that defines veterinary care. Celebrating the silent conversations and the profound understanding between vets and their patients.

21/06/2024

🏆 Nominate a Colleague, Mentor, Friend for ISVMA's Annual Awards!

Celebrate excellence in veterinary medicine by nominating deserving veterinarians and CVTs for prestigious honors like the Erwin Small First Decade Award, Veterinary Service Award, and Cecil Ingmire CVT Award. Nominations close July 31.

More details here: https://buff.ly/3VOOkmS

ISVMA Member Awards Nomination Form: https://buff.ly/4c5BBSF

21/06/2024

ISVMA Board of Director members attending the AVMA Convention 2024 in Austin, TX (L-R) Will Sander, DVM, UI-CVM, Champaign, Alternate AVMA Delegate, and Dr. Steven Dullard, DVM, DABVP, Ancare Veterinary Clinic, Mendota, AVMA Delegate/ISVMA Legislative Chair. Thanks for representing, Drs.!

21/06/2024

Is your dog the working hard or hardly working type?

20/06/2024

The ISVMA knows what affects your ability to practice in Illinois, defends the ability to do so, and has many resources you need for help navigating the licensing process.

You can also network with others in your region or age group to share experiences and for guidance.

Membership in the ISVMA offers a friendly voice, with expertise to help you with whatever you need to be successful in this profession.

Sally Foote, DVM
Foote & Friends, Tuscola

20/06/2024

😎 Hey there Sunshine, it's the first day of summer!

Summertime can be a busy time of year for veterinary professionals and an increase in emergencies is typical. Consider routine summer safety tips to keep your clients mindful of summertime pet hazards this season.

Common hazards can be found in articles such as this: https://buff.ly/2IMzNEe

17/06/2024

🌟 FREE Online Seminar Alert!

Join us for the Veterinary Practice Health seminar on Creating a Wow Customer Service Experience, hosted by VMAE. Whether you're managing an animal hospital or part of the team, learn how to elevate client satisfaction and boost your hospital's reputation!

🗓️ Date: Thurs., June 27
🕜 Time: 1:30 p.m. CST
🎤 Presenter: Debbie Boone, CVPM
🔗 More info here: https://buff.ly/3VDZISq

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your practice's customer service game! The event will be live and recorded for on-demand access. See you there!

To read more about the speaker and the presentation, click here (a registration link is also provided): https://buff.ly/3RnDf9R

16/06/2024

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there!

14/06/2024

🗓️ Starting August 1, the CDC's new rules for importing dogs will be in effect. Whether your dog is coming from a low-risk or high-risk country, it's crucial to prepare: ensure your pet has a microchip, passes a health check, and has the necessary paperwork ready!

🐶 Check out the details here: https://buff.ly/3XnxrRr

11/06/2024

Remembering those who left paw prints on our hearts - we love and miss you! 🐾💙

09/06/2024

It's a journey of compassion that extends beyond the clinic, touching lives and mending bonds. ❤️

03/06/2024

Mark your calendars! 📅

We're thrilled to announce the SAVE THE DATE for the most anticipated event of the year!
🏥 The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association's Annual Conference is back!
🗓️ November 8-10, 2024 🗓️
📍 Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center 🏨

Get ready for four days of inspiring talks, cutting-edge workshops, and networking opportunities with the best minds in veterinary medicine! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

Stay tuned for more updates, incredible speakers, and exciting event details coming soon!

30/05/2024

For veterinarians, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is an income-based system for student loan repayments sponsored by the federal government.

For graduates enrolled in PAYE, payment amounts are based on income rather than a fixed amount. But now the federal government is sunsetting this program on Mon., July 1.

If you're considering enrolling in PAYE, there's still time. The AVMA has created an informational video that helps explain what you can do as the deadline for registering to participate in the PAYE program approaches:

What veterinarians need to know about the federal government’s sunsetting of the income-driven student loan repayment plan Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

29/05/2024

🩺 New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Join us on the latest episode of the Veterinary Today Podcast where Dr. Mark Ernst, Illinois' State Veterinarian, dives into the critical topic of herd biosecurity amidst the ongoing threat of H5N1 and the newly identified Asian longhorned tick. 🦠🐜

🎧 Listen now online or wherever you get your podcasts: https://buff.ly/3VfBwpx

28/05/2024

🐾 May is Arthritis Awareness Month! Did you know that cats can suffer from arthritis too? 🐱 Here are some signs to watch for in your furry friend:

Decreased grooming or matted fur 🧼

Difficulty or reluctance to climb or jump 🚫🪜

Behavioral changes 🔄

Reluctance to play 🚷

Weight gain ⚖️

Trouble entering or squatting in the litterbox 🚽

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to consult with your vet. Early diagnosis can help manage this condition effectively and keep your cat comfy and happy! 🧡

27/05/2024

We dedicate today to remembering those who protected our country with honor and courage. We hope you have a safe Memorial Day!

25/05/2024

❤️ Healing Hearts, Helping Paws ❤️

Veterinarians don't just treat animals; they also treat the hearts of those who love them. It's a journey of compassion that extends beyond the clinic, touching lives and mending bonds.

24/05/2024

Emerging developments surrounding the spread of avian influenza (H5N1) into our nation’s dairy supply are ongoing and ever-changing.

Meanwhile, Illinois has a new invasive species of tick, the Asian longhorned tick, confirmed by entomologists at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. The species is capable of carrying tick-borne diseases, first identified in beef cattle.

Advisories on each of these topics were recently issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The most recent podcast of Veterinary Today addresses the background of each subject and current practices in monitoring and handling cases of both H5N1 and Asian longhorned ticks that may develop.

Mark Ernst, DVM, State Veterinarian, Illinois Department of Agriculture, joins Debbie Lakamp, CAE, ISVMA Executive Director, in a factual conversation about each development, their current status (as of podcast issue date) and how Illinois veterinarians can manage cases if they are encountered.

🎧 Listen now online or wherever you get your podcasts: https://buff.ly/3VfBwpx

23/05/2024

CDC Issues Final Rule on Dog Importation and Rabies Rules: https://buff.ly/3V7nNkg

23/05/2024

My ISVMA membership is beneficial because they are always so responsive to our needs and questions.

The ISVMA has provided great continuing education opportunities, staff training and answered numerous questions relating to practice in Illinois.

I also value that the ISVMA always has the best interest of the profession in mind when taking a stance on legislation that will impact veterinarians and how we practice.

Andrea Weidner, DVM
Frost Family Pet Clinic, Loves Park

22/05/2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), … mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices.

Mental health is:
• Something everyone has, whether positive or negative.
• Not a fixed state, it changes over time.
• Just as important as physical health.
• Worth talking about and improving every day.

Mental Health Conditions:
In 2021, 22.8% of U.S. adults reported having a mental condition (57.8 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults. If you are living with a mental health condition, you are not alone.

Suicidal Ideation:
Millions of adults in the U.S. experience serious thoughts of su***de, with the highest rate among multiracial individuals. The percentage of adults reporting serious thoughts of su***de is 4.84%, totaling more than 12.1 million individuals.

Substance Misuse:
The vast majority of individuals with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment. Approximately 15.35% of adults had a substance use disorder in the past year. Of them, 93.5% did not receive any form of treatment.

ISVMA Wellness Benefit:
CorpCare's Member Assistance Program (MAP) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are here to help. As an ISVMA-sponsored member benefit, CorpCare provides up to three hours of free mental health services for those seeking assistance.

For veterinarians, the MAP is here to help you navigate life's challenges. For confidential, caring and professional assistance, 24/7, call 877-318-1717.

EAP is here to help your hospital staff face their challenges, as well. For confidential, caring and professional help, 24/7, call 877-843-6036.

21/05/2024

🐾 Is your furry friend showing any of these signs? They might be suffering from arthritis. 🦴

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a perfect time to look out for our pets' health. 🐶 If you notice avoidance of walks, difficulty using stairs, behavior changes, reluctance to play, decreased appetite, or excessive joint licking, it might be time for a vet visit.

Let's keep our dogs happy and healthy! ❤️

20/05/2024

Some more great photos of our ISVMA's president Dr. Johnson with the newest class of veterinarians from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2024! We are so grateful you are joining us in this profession! 🧡💙

20/05/2024

🚨 Tick Alert in Illinois! 🚨 The Asian longhorned tick, a new invasive species, has been confirmed in Morgan County. These tiny ticks, smaller than a sesame seed, can carry diseases affecting cattle and reproduce rapidly without mating. If you spot one, save it in isopropyl alcohol and contact the IDOA at 217-782-4944. Stay vigilant and keep your livestock safe! 🐄🌿

Learn more: https://buff.ly/4btzSFQ

18/05/2024

🗣️ Voices for the Voiceless!

Veterinarians hold the unique gift of speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. This power to advocate and care is what makes our veterinary professionals true heroes.

Let's honor those who give animals a voice.

17/05/2024

🎓 Hiring a New DVM Graduate? 🐾 Know the Rules! Illinois' Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 has specific guidelines for newly graduated DVMs awaiting licensure. They can practice under the direct supervision of an Illinois-licensed vet until they pass their exams and receive their license. Remember, this is a crucial step to ensure the safety and well-being of your patients! 🐶👩‍⚕️ For more details, contact ISVMA at [email protected].

https://buff.ly/3UWiLau

16/05/2024

It's Time to Renew!
What do you see as value for your ISVMA membership?
Veterinarians and CVTs, friends you know and trust, will be featured in upcoming weeks sharing why they are members of this great association.
ISVMA membership provides:
🔸Rich resources, from innovative continuing education delivered by top veterinary medical professionals.
🔸Unmatched legislative advocacy to influence laws and regulations, to make sure your voice is heard in Springfield.
🔸Programs tailored to boost your practice’s efficiency and profitability, including services through sponsored vendors.
🔸Support with professional counseling, personal mental health and related support programs.
🔸Access to the experience of others through mentorship opportunities and general camaraderie amongst peers that provide lifelong learning opportunities.
🔸Timely communications keep you informed of everything veterinary in Illinois and beyond.
Enjoy the value ... reap the benefits of your ISVMA membership. Renew today by clicking the link above or below: https://buff.ly/42XBPaC