General
« Previous EntriesEffort Under Way to Maximize VMLRP Awards Through Tax Exemption
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010The shortage of veterinary care in some communities could have dire consequences for both human and animal health, as well as public safety, animal welfare, disease surveillance and economic development. To help combat the shortages, Congress originally authorized the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) in 2003 and just recently [...]
The Art of Schmoozing
Thursday, June 24th, 2010I will admit that I find the pace that technology changes to be overwhelming. I feel as if just yesterday updating your friends involved changing your AIM away message. Now we have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, online newsletters, etc, etc, etc. Information is instantaneous and not in short supply. Luckily, despite all the new tools [...]
Neanderthal Extern Loose in Washington, D.C!!!
Thursday, June 17th, 2010Be on the look out for a Neanderthal AVMA Extern sporting a Colorado State Veterinary Medicine shoulder bag, suit and tie. He has been seen frequently roaming the area the House and Senate buildings near the Capitol, the Library of Congress, many of the Smithsonian museums (from which we think he escaped), the special propaganda [...]
Externs: Where Are They Now?
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010It’s amazing how life can change in just 14 months! I completed my eye-opening student externship at AVMA-GRD in March, 2009. Graduation soon followed, and I went to work at a small animal practice in San Diego, California. In January of this year, I was offered a unique position working for the Annenberg Foundation as [...]
Silly Calendar
Thursday, June 10th, 2010What day is it? This calendar can’t be right. There is no way that its only Wednesday. So much has happened already this week. Last night I met my first Senator, John Thune, from South Dakota. Wait a minute…there’s a South Dakota? Who knew. But seriously, he is a Co-sponsor and lead champion of the [...]
Engage Warp Speed!
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010This has been a very exciting week. I’ve been moving at Mach 2 speeds and absorbing as much information as possible. In only two days, I have had the opportunity visit with the offices of 5 different congressman. I have also attended political action committee (PAC) events, a session on antibiotic resistance and a symposium on [...]
An Information Addict on the Hill
Friday, June 4th, 2010I came to Capitol Hill, barely two weeks removed from my last dose. I felt like most of it had cleared my system and I was ready for a long, relaxing summer. I tried to mask my recovery with a couple of new suits and a professional attitude, but once I got to the Hill, I just couldn’t resist. [...]
The Finale: Veterinarians and Lawmakers
Thursday, May 27th, 2010State House OKs ‘Susie’s Law’ to toughen cruelty penalty
Bill to muzzle barking dogs fails
Mistreat animals, get stiffer penalties
Council to mull dog rules
Pet Parade: A dog owners’ nightmare
State Law Requires Dogs, Cats to Receive Rabies Booster Ever 3 Years
ND Cattle Brand Inspection Fee to increase
Doyle vetoes raw milk bill
Spay And Neuter Law In Effect Today
Rabies [...]
One Health
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010Representing the AVMA this past Monday, I participated in a Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST) Interagency Working Group on Harmful algal blooms, Hypoxia, and Human Health hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Participating organizations also included the AAVMC, USGS, NIH NIEHS, CDC, USAID, and MMC. Marguerite Pappaioanou, DVM, co-author on ”Sustaining Global [...]
On the Hill
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010In my previous posts I have neglected to really focus on what I have been spending most of my time doing while down here in D.C. Thus far, I have had meetings with 7 of the 18 Representatives’ offices from Pennsylvania (and have scheduled an additional 5).
Although I discussed lobbying in a previous post, I [...]