An Information Addict on the Hill
I 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. Now at the end of my first week here, let’s just face it. I’m a junkie, in a tie. The stuff they have here isn’t necessarily better than the vet school stuff, it’s just different. But, unlike vet school, they give most of it away for free! How awesome is that! Oh, I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Would you like some? If you have the time, I’ve got the stuff…
Hello. My name is Anthony Bartels and I am a full blown information junkie. After finishing my MBA and second year of veterinary school this past May, I thought I might want to be off of the information stuff for a while, but boy howdy do they have a plethora of high grade information here in Washington, D.C. You can’t help but run into it everywhere and it almost seems like everyone is on it. On the corner, on the train, on the bus, on the Hill, it’s everywhere. I have so many appointments on my calendar for next week, I just hope my body (mostly my feet - stinking new shoes) can handle this amount and quality of information. Wait a minute, I have a calendar? For those of you who know me and my organized chaos approach to life, you know that just ain’t right. But trust me, this stuff is that good.
I have already met so many great people with amazing stories and experiences to share. I’ve been to a DCCC event where I heard one side break down the other. Who needs Fox News and MSNBC when you can get a purely partisan presentation right from the source? This morning I met with Senator Burr’s (R-NC) staff to discuss the Veterinary Services Investment Act(S.1709) and I even met a random veterinarian on the metro who recommended a spay/neuter externship after she saw my AVMA folder. I’m telling you folks, they just GIVE the stuff away here. I’m so geeked up on info right now, you don’t even know. I can’t wait to see what kind of stuff I can get my head on next week!
Just a little preview: Antimicrobial Resistance & Sustaining Animal Agriculture: Balancing Bioethical, Economic, and Social Issues, two of my very favorite controversial veterinary topics. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Please check out my extern partner Rachel’s posts as well. She will have another great perspective to offer you all about the AVMA-GRD experience.