British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association

As reported in this column last year, 2002–2003 has been a year of transition for the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association (BCVMA). At a Special General Meeting on March 8, 2003, the BCVMA membership unanimously approved a complete revision of the Association's Bylaws, including the Code of Ethics. The revisions more clearly and accurately carry out the intent of the British Columbia Veterinarians Act, establish BCVMA rules, and form a firm foundation for future revisions. The BCVMA owes its registrar, Ms Valerie Osborne and its Legislation and Government Committee (Drs. Dave Kirby, Jamie Lawson, Phil Owen) a great deal of thanks for their tireless efforts in completing this monumental task. The BCVMA's Practice Inspections and Practice Accreditation revision process is in its final stages. Dr. Grace Karreman, in consultation with expert panels in various areas of veterinary practice, has collected and compiled the recommendations into workable Practice Standards. Each Practice Standard is accompanied by suggested guidelines to facilitate compliance. The Association anticipates presenting the revised Practice Standards to its members for rati fication at the 2003 Annual General Meeting in September. As detailed by the provincial Veterinarians Act, the BCVMA has a statutory obligation to protect the public in all areas related to the practice of veterinary medicine. In this regard, instances of unauthorized practice continue to concern the Association. At the January 2003 Western Presidents' Meeting in Edmonton, it was apparent that all 4 Western provinces face the same challenges. As members of a profession, veterinarians need to work cooperatively and proactively to develop a comprehensive national definition of veterinary medicine. Without the collaborative efforts of all provinces (perhaps facilitated by the CVMA), unauthorized practice will continue to threaten public safety and the legitimate role of licensed veterinarians. As a result of the successful 2001 World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress in Vancouver, the BCVMA was able to make Legacy Grants to 3 worthy projects: $100 000 to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine toward its new MRI; $25 000 to the Animal Health Technology Program at University College of the Cariboo; and $25 000 to the University of British Columbia's Animal Welfare Program. Congratulations once again to Dr. Terry Lake and to the numerous BCVMA members who labored many years to make this congress such a success. In the fall of 2002, the BCVMA organized 7 presentations of the 2-day Outstanding Client Service course that was developed by the Association with generous support from Pfizer Animal Health. More than 100 veterinarians and practice staff attended. On January 18, 2003, Silver Star Mountain Resort once again hosted the BCVMA mid-Winter meeting. Over 75 participants registered for the excellent continuing education (CE) provided by Drs. Sally Lester and Laura Rogers. It was also a privilege for the president to present Dr. Sally Lester with the BCVMA's prestigious Award of Merit. The Award of Merit formally recognizes Sally's outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine in British Columbia. Dr. John Twidale and the BCVMA Equine Committee (Drs. Sheila McDonald, David Paton, Dave Reed, Ed Wiebe) and the BCVMA, through its Web site, have been proactive in advising horse owners of the anticipated spread of West Nile virus to British Columbia this summer. The BCVMA and Wyeth Animal Health held 9 public information meetings across the province to raise the awareness of this disease. By March 31, 2003, veterinarians in British Columbia had given over 40 000 doses of West Nile vaccine to over 20 000 horses. Dr. Rob Ashburner, chair, and members of the BCVMA Economic Committee (Drs. Roger Kocheff, Grant Nixon, Brigitte Sonnendrucker, Dan Thompson, John Twidale, Deborah Kalyn), in consultation with Darren Osborne, are putting the finishing touches to the Association's 2003 fee guides. It is the goal of this important member service initiative to improve the long-term economic well being of veterinary practitioners throughout British Columbia. February 2003 was moving month for the BCVMA. After much research, planning and discussion, the BCVMA moved into its new “owned” office space. Ms. Rosemary Bonderud (director of membership services for the BCVMA) and her member services team deserve a great deal of gratitude for orchestrating (from start to finish) an extraordinarily easy transition into the new office. As mentioned in last year's column, British Columbia provided 2 exceptional fishing/CE opportunities. Drs. David Farkvam and Andrew Forsyth are to be congratulated on organizing the Kermodei Veterinary Conference and Corbett Lake fly-fishing Getaway. The BCVMA is indeed fortunate in having many members who donate their time and skills toward the betterment of the veterinary profession. The listing of names is by no way complete and everyone who has ever participated in the BCVMA recognizes how rewarding it can be. Although these past 2 years as president have been a lot of work, they have also been extremely enjoyable. (by Dr. John Cruickshank, President, British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association)

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