Latest Updates from ABVP
President's Message
Gary Thompson, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline), President
In the last month, the bylaws were overwhelmingly approved by our Diplomates. As a result the process of restructuring the Board of Directors and the new Advisory Council has begun. We have three new BOD members and your Regents are in the process of selecting the final Regent-at-Large position. They will serve one year on the BOD while still continuing as Regents for the duration of their term. This gives the opportunity for a number of new members to bring fresh ideas and viewpoints to the BOD every year. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with everyone in the upcoming year. With the update, Dr. Townsend has rotated off BOD and I can’t thank him enough for all of his years of service to ABVP and I’m sure he will be serving in a number of other capacities. ABVP is a better place for his work and leadership. I hope this finds everyone well and the change of seasons is for the better in everyone’s part of the world.
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Update
Sonnya Dennis, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline), MOC Chair
The usual shortcuts…
Start at ABVP.com, “DIPLOMATE LOGIN” (top bar), then “log in'' (itty-bitty top right). You can Access MOC Portal and Journal Club from there (see screenshot).
Link to MOC Handbook.
Tips:
Needs Information: If there is a problem with an application for points, your RVS Vice Chair may send it back as “needs information.” Please watch for these emails and follow the directions. Do not assume that just because it was submitted that it is automatically accepted. Some of these are simply missing a CE Certificate. There are over 200 open marked “needs information” that have not been completed! Please do not just create a new application.
Screenshot: Please do not submit photographs of your screen since they are of too low resolution for the Vice Chairs to verify. Instructions for how to take a screenshot are here.
Attachments: For attachments in Prolydian, please upload doc, pdf, jpeg, or png files only. Do not upload .html, .HEIC, or Apple proprietary files. These are not readable and will be returned to you.
ABVP Bylaws Update
We understand that some people didn't get the ballot to vote on the bylaws for 2022. We did reach out to Survey Monkey and they informed us that if you unsubscribed to receiving emails from them in the past this is why. If you would like to resubscribe to Survey Monkey here is a link to do so, https://www.surveymonkey.com/user/email-opt-in/.
ABVP Outreach Committee
Attention ABVP members! The monthly outreach committee meeting has been scheduled for September 20 4 pm EST (3 pm CST, etc). The zoom link is shared below. If you are interested in participating please attend, or email outreach@abvp.com for anyone interested who cannot make it. We have volunteer opportunities in social media, vet student outreach, marketing, and mentoring. Plus, you receive MOC points for volunteering. The link is below, all are welcome.
Sarah Eaton is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://arizona.zoom.us/j/85740928365
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Join by Skype for Business
DEI Committee Member Spotlight Interview – Dr. Brita Kiffney
I grew up in Seattle with an enthusiasm for all animals and the outdoors and graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science in 1995 and became a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in canine and feline practice in 2012. When not working I love to be outside, skiing, hiking and biking with my family- my husband Peter, and two adult children. Of course, no family is complete without pets; I have two cats (Kelso and three legged BamBam), a loud Chihuahua mix (Waldo) and a friendly poodle mix (Luna).
What made you decide to get involved with the ABVP DEI Committee?
The summer of 2020 was one of racial reckoning in the United States, and I felt abject and depressed at the lack of progress our country has made to be a more equitable and fair society. Examining my own life, I realized I could make changes. I started by proposing that ABVP have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and the board voted in support. Realizing this was just the beginning of affecting change, I also joined the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association’s (WSVMA) DEI committee.
Tell us a little bit about your position on the committee and your responsibilities?
In mid-2020 I joined other diplomates to form the DEI committee and became the chairperson. The DEI committee is made up of a group of dedicated veterinarians who have led the way for ABVP to incorporate DEI considerations into our strategic plan. We administered a demographic survey of our membership and presented the Gender Identity Bill of Rights (GIBOR) to our board. The board voted to support the GIBOR, alongside many of our colleagues in other states and organizations. The DEI committee is focused on DEI training material for our Board, and outreach to all veterinarians and veterinary students.
What changes would you like to see in the profession regarding diversity and inclusion?
I hope to see a profession that reflects the population it serves, in all its complexity and diversity. Finding a way to help members of our community care for their pets when the cost has become prohibitive is another equity issue that I hope our committee continues to work on. Our profession needs to support those who have been traditionally marginalized and underrepresented.
Tell us what you love most about working in veterinary medicine?
I became board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (canine and feline practice) because I wanted to help dogs, cats and their human companions have the fullest relationship. It is an honor to work with people and their pets, and to see how much their animals mean to them.
What would you tell an ABVP diplomate who is interested in volunteering on a committee?
Please consider volunteering on our committee – we are a dedicated group devoted to increasing diversity in our profession
What are your hopes for the committee?
I hope our committee sparks conversations across our specialty in veterinary hospitals, academic settings and corporations and leads to local outreach in every community that is underrepresented. I want to increase access to care for all animals.
By Brita Kiffney, DVM, DABVP
Residency and Job Postings
Don’t forget ABVP has classified listings for open positions all over the USA!
Event Calendar 2022
November 5, 2022
- Exam held online from 8 AM - 5 PM in the examinee's time zone
January 15, 2023
Credentials documentation deadline for both Initial Applications and Re-Applications. All documentation must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Time
Swine Health Management Entry Exam registration and fee deadline. Registration must be completed online account by 11:59 PM Central Time
Semi-Annual Residency Logs deadline. Logs must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Time
April 20-23, 2023
ABVP Symposium, Baltimore, MD
July 1, 2023
- 2023-2024 Diplomate and Emeritus Diplomate fees payable
July 15, 2023
Semi-Annual Residency Logs deadline. Logs must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Time
