Opportunity and growth in Alberta

Cheers! from Alberta, a province of continuing growth and opportunity. The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) had a very busy, productive year and it is my pleasure to profile the Association and share with you some of its activities and accomplishments. As the AVMA's first female president, I am proud to be representing an organization that has grown to more than 1000 veterinarians and more than 350 clinics. Growth is evident, as reflected by the approval of 20 new clinic names in the past year and the largest number of registrants (67) at Registration Day in the history of the Association. Paradoxically, the more the Association grows, the more veterinarians it needs. There are approximately 15–25 job listings at any time in Alberta, representing both rural and urban practices, seeking large, mixed, and small animal practitioners. Why? Perhaps it is a sign of the changing demographics of the veterinary profession; more associates than owners, and more people striving to work less and enjoy more personal time. Personal time often includes outdoor activities: skiing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Maybe Alberta's Rocky Mountain playground is too attractive? We need more veterinarians to share the work, so that we can all enjoy the outdoor fun. The first event of 2002 was a new project: The AVMA/ Western College of Veterinary Medicine Job Fair. Fifteen clinics were profiled for one weekend at the college, promoting their practices to prospective employees. Positive responses from both members and students assured this event will be repeated next year. The next event was the Midwinter Rendezvous in Calgary. This 5-day conference combined continuing education (CE), a member's forum, a 3-day trade fair, social events, and the Annual General Meeting. It is an ambitious and busy conference, which was enjoyed by more than 400 members. Awards were presented to the following members for their contributions and achievements: Veterinarian of the year: Dr. Jennifer Stelfox; Communications Award: Dr. Jocelyn Forseille; Honorary Life Member: Dr. John Dugan; 35-Year Service Award: Dr. Don Kreycik, Dr. Ralph Christian; Meritorious Service (posthumously): Dr. Dwayne Elaschuk; Past- President's Gavel: Dr. Ian Giebelhaus; Council Recognition: Dr. Lloyd Keddie (1998–2002), Dr. Mike Rasberry (1999–2002). Next year's Rendezvous is planned for Edmonton, January 24–27, 2003. Mark your calendars. Everyone is welcome! Another new event was the AVMA Committee Weekend. Modeled after that of the CVMA, this forum provided an opportunity for committee members and councillors to collectively review Alberta's strategic plan. Individual committees (9 in all) then met together to identify, prioritize, and develop programs relevant to their issues, each contributing to the overall enhancement of the practice of veterinary medicine. Next year, a similar forum will include the annual general meeting, keeping the Midwinter Rendezvous (CE with trade fair) as a separate entity. The following committee volunteers were recognized for their past contributions: Drs. Dianna Smith, Joseph Butterwick, David Sandwith, Susan Cunningham, David Harris, Laura Taylor, David Littlejohn, Stephan Lewis, Jocelyn Forseille, Michael Rhodes, Pat Burrage, Jagdish Patel, and Barbara Wilhelm. Recognizing previous successes of providing economic benchmarks, the AVMA again retained Darren Osborne of the Ontario VMA to conduct an economic improvement study of the veterinary profession in Alberta. In addition, Darren coordinated a customer satisfaction survey, with the generous sponsorship of the AVMA, Petcare, and Pfizer. These projects were profiled in a traveling road show by “Darren and Duane” (Dr. Duane Landals), as Darren presented the studies' results at 8 different locations across the province over a 5-day tour. The AVMA endorses the sharing of its provincial data, and hopes to partner with other provinces and the CVMA to promote a national economic benchmarking system. Adapting ideas from the successful Great Manitoba Dog Party, the Ist Annual Calgary Pet Party was held in May. The Calgary Academy of Veterinary Medicine partnered with Calgary Humane Society and held a fun outdoor dog party celebrating Animal Health. Credit must go to Dr. Tom Leboldus and his crew of Drs. Catherine Kerr, Kathy Wheeler, Drew Van Niekerk, Mark Rubensohn, Teresa Boughen, Les McCurdy, Lori Keeler, and Miranda Bourque. Industry sponsorship was also greatly appreciated and recognized. The AVMA Professional Wellness Program continues to both receive generous donations and be appreciatively utilized. This members program provides professional assistance for personal, interpersonal, and work-related problems in a confidential, cost-efficient, and accessible system. Amendments to the Alberta Provincial Veterinary Act that will improve the effectiveness of the disciplinary process were approved by the provincial legislature. I am pleased to report that the disciplinary process, under the combined direction of registrar, Dr. Duane Landals, and deputy registrar Dr. Clay Gelhaus, is working very well; much success is due to the increased communication and effective mediation between veterinarians and complainants. The AVMA is also proud to support Dr. Landals in his multi-hat roles: AVMA CEO/Registrar/Treasurer and CVMA Vice President '02/03. In closing, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated, conscientious colleagues. Many special thanks to fellow councillors: Drs. Bob Jones, Greg Andrews, Bill Crawford, Rod McFarlane, David Harris, Ian Gielbelhaus, Brian McBride, and Craig Helquist, and public member, Mr. John DeJong. I am proud to represent the AVMA: “Together we are a dynamic, responsive community of veterinarians, creating an environment that fosters excellence in our profession.” We have a wealth of opportunity and growth to offer the profession. (by Dr. Carol Poland, President, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Edmonton, Alberta)

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