The Finale: Veterinarians and Lawmakers
- State 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 bills would not change vaccine regimen
- Crist vetos 2 Florida agriculture bills
- Auburndale’s Squirrel Protection Law Is Amended by Commission
These are the posts on the Animal Health SmartBrief under policy from the past two weeks. From my perspective, veterinarians should be involved with this type of legislation. Involved to the point where we are advising legislators and helping to ensure that whatever bill passes allows for proper animal care and health.
These are all on the state or local level. With simple searches, you could find laws or topics similar to these in every state. This shows just how much impact that you, as a veterinarian, could have within your state. Your opinion matters on these topics and people will listen to you. As many of you know, the general public respects veterinarians and will take your opinions and knowledge seriously.
After completing this externship I have fully come to understand the role we, as veterinarians, can have in our local societies. It is just as important for veterinarians to be involved with local ordinances surrounding dog breeds, as it is to be involved on a federal level with bills that can affect our entire profession. Laws can move from the state level to the federal level. If veterinarians were not involved at the state level, then it may be more difficult to become involved and make changes on the federal level.
So I encourage everyone to become more involved in politics, as much as you may want to stay away. Follow the animal law movements in your area, and when something comes up that you feel is important please contact your state Representatives and Senators. Becoming more involved with your state and local VMAs can also help to be more active in the lawmaker arena. I know that I will now become more involved at the state level when I head back to Philadelphia.
“Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike.” Alexander Hamilton
One Health
Representing 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 Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases”, was the keynote speaker of the morning. This meeting specifically focused on ways to collaborate in terms of One Health. Based on this meeting, I felt obligated to post about the subject.
So, you might ask, what is “One Health”? The “One Health” concept—the interdependence between human health, animal health, and the environment—is not a new one. International, national, state, and local groups interested in this issue exist; however, they often have different names, missions and goals. Overall, veterinarians have been a leader in collaborating with our human health counterparts. The One Health Initiative and the Wildlife Conservation Society’s “One World – One Health” effort are two prime examples of these endeavors.
And more recently, through the establishment of the One Health Commission, stakeholders are continuing to build stronger and even more collaborative efforts. The Commission hosted a One Health Summit last November where many government agencies and leaders in the field were in attendance. [The Executive Summary, audiocast, and event photos can be viewed at http://www.onehealthcommission.org/summit.html.]
Historically, I have not heard about interaction with our environmental counterparts, which is why involvement at meetings like the one I attended Monday is so important. We all must continue to collaborate together, reaching out across the multiple disciplines so that our efforts are not duplicative, but are coordinated to make the necessary strides forward.
On the Hill
In 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 thought it might be helpful to go into more detail about what one of these meetings entails.
First I needed to schedule the meeting which included emailing, and usually a follow-up call or two. Once a meeting was set, I needed to prepare for what I planned to discuss. For us, this includes printing out the AVMA’s issue briefs on relevant subjects and creating a folder of information for the member office. On the day of the visit, I have to leave 45 minutes before the appointment in order to have enough time to take the Metro to where I’m going and to find the office. This theoretically can be done in 20 minutes, however, the D.C. Metro system can be unpredictable.
Once I arrive on Capitol Hill, I go into the office and introduce myself to the receptionist at the front desk who alerts the legislative staff that their appointment has arrived. After exchanging pleasantries, I hand them an AVMA information packet and provide background as to why a veterinary student is visiting them in D.C. and in their office. Next, depending on the office, I discuss specific points from the list below:
- H.R. 3519: Veterinary Services Investment Act
The AVMA is in actively pursuing passage of this legislation which would establish a new grant program to help each state address its unique needs for veterinary services. - H.R. 1549: Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act
The AVMA is in active pursuit of defeat of this legislation. This act would ban “non-therapeutic” use of many antibiotic classes with animals used in the food industry. The act classifies this as growth promoting antibiotics, and antibiotics used in prevention of disease. - Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program [VMLRP]: tax exemption
The AVMA is actively pursuing the introduction of legislation that would make this program tax exempt. If this legislation passes then the USDA will be able to fund more veterinarians interested in practicing food supply medicine or public health in one of the nation’s 179 designated shortage areas.
Meetings take between 15-20 minutes – most of the time is spent with me presenting my points. I think that all of my meetings have gone well so far. When I return to the AVMA office I send a thank you email to the legislative staffer. In about a month I will follow up with him or her to see if they have questions about the issues we discussed and to learn if the elected official has taken a position on the issues.
Public Practice
For those of you that don’t know me, I am interested in working for a federal agency upon graduation from veterinary school. Only about 75 of the 2,600 veterinarian students graduating annually consider working for a federal agency. It is predicted that more than 510 Federal veterinarians will be eligible for retirement within the next five years. Therefore, agencies must recruit over 100 veterinarians each year just to maintain the existing number within the Federal government. In light of this, I have been making good use of my time in Washington by scheduling meetings with the some of the agencies that hire veterinarians.
I have met veterinarians serving in high-level positions within the government at the USDA in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services Division, Agricultural Research Service, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as well as the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. Each veterinarian was welcoming and was generous with his or her time. All of my meetings were informative and offered a birds-eye view of the important work undertaken by veterinarians at the federal level. I realize that if I were hired by one of these agencies in the coming months that I won’t regularly have an opportunity to “rub elbows” with these top veterinarians.
Going to the USDA offices in Washington has re-ignited my interest and excitement for becoming a veterinarian, let alone my goal of working for the federal government. Just walking up to the building was inspiring, as you can see in the photos. These buildings are massive and stunning with so much history.
More than 25% of Federal veterinarians will qualify for retirement in the next few years. These agencies are eager to hire veterinarians; however, most veterinary students do not enter school to work for the government. Most graduates enter private practice working on dogs and cats. FSIS’ Dr. Bill James sums it up best by stating it is a concept of “public practice vs. private practice”. So for all of the veterinarians and vet students who are in/want to be in private practice my message is to consider spending part of your career in federal service. It can be every bit as rewarding, challenging and interesting as private practice. We are educated and trained to do both, so there is no reason to discount the federal option. If anyone is interested in entering government work, please contact me and I can get you more information to help you learn more about it!
Lobbying: Lessons
Library of Congress
It’s been almost a week since my last post and plenty has happened. This week’s key lesson is a difficult one to put into words, but it stems from many Americans’ view of lobbying. Many, including myself, hear the word “lobby” or “lobbyist” and instantly have a bad taste in their mouth. However, I feel this is a great misconception in the American public. I have come to develop some understanding of the importance of lobbying. Without individuals lobbying for what they believe in, we would have no changes, no improvements, and our country would not move forward.
This country was built on listening to its people, and with a country so large, we have managed this by creating smaller focus groups that represent their members. These groups, like the AVMA, are the ones who work many hours to ensure that their members’ voices are heard in Congress, and to ensure fair representation of their group. Members of Congress do not have time to look up all of the facts they may need to make a decision on a piece of legislature, so groups like us help them by providing our opinions and with facts that back up our beliefs.
I had my first meeting as a lobbyist for the AVMA on Tuesday. I felt the meeting went well, and it was helpful to gain an understanding of the workings of a congressman’s office. The staffer I met with was very nice, and really open to hearing what I had to say. It was clear that we did not agree on all of the points I raised, but at the same time it was helpful to realize that an individual can make those points in the first place.
My opinion of lobbyists has totally changed over the past week and a half. This is an important part of how our country moves forward, and how new legislation is created and passed. I hope others will have the opportunity to gain this understanding, even if they do not want to be involved themselves!
Cheetah at the National Zoo
D.C. Coincidences
After another incredible day, I felt the need to post and share how great this externship experience can be for veterinary students.
Yesterday morning, Gina and I went to a fundraiser breakfast along with a number of agricultural focused groups. We met with Representative Schrader of Oregon who is the only veterinarian currently in the House. He is an amazing individual, and even has a farm! This is his first term in Congress, so it was comforting to realize how everything was also a whirlwind for him when he began his term in 2008.
The 1st D.C. coincidence of the day happened when I sat across from the American Sheep Industry Association representatives. I have a personal interest in sheep, and I hope to own a sheep flock in the future. After mentioning this, they invited me to their Annual American Lamb BBQ last night!
Throughout the day my anticipation grew. I was to meet producers that night, and be able to speak farm language in a town with no farms.
The 2nd incredible D.C. coincidence was when Dr. John Clifford, the Deputy Administrator of Veterinary Services for USDA APHIS, was in attendance. I had just emailed him that afternoon asking to set up a meeting to discuss VS and how I could become more involved with the USDA. He even sat next to me while we ate!
Washington, D.C. lessons of the day:
1) If you are only here for a short time, go to as many events as your stamina allows (and that you are interested in). There are a lot of great people to meet. Some local farmers were also at my table, and it was wonderful to hear their stories.
2) You never know who will be there. A chance always exists that someone you want to meet will be at these events. Brian Smith from AAVMC also attended which was helpful, and he introduced me to Dr. Clifford.
-Amanda Bisol
Reptiles in the House!
My first week here in Washington has been exciting and of course, it has been HOT. It is quite surprising to notice how many people are not sweating walking around, despite wearing full suits. Unfortunately, I am not one of those privileged individuals, so this is a learning experience. I will need to modify my wardrobe! As a Pennsylvania resident, I am going to hopefully be meeting with all of the Pennsylvania Senate and House offices while I am here to help forward the work of the AVMA.
This is my first time being in Washington, D.C. on my own, so I am taking lots of photos. Although I knew I would look like the tourists that Washingtonians so hate, I took a few pictures of the Capitol yesterday morning as it was a beautiful day.
Yesterday, I also went to one of the most exciting evening events of the year in Washington. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) held their annual event with Jack Hannah who actually comes with zoo animals to one of the House office buildings! I took photos of the animals just because I felt it was crazy to have a giant snake on the floor of the cafeteria where our Representatives walk and eat daily. If you want to see more pictures of the other animals that were there, post a comment and I can upload them as a slideshow.
Gina Luke, one of the GRD assistant directors came along as well. We had a great time and met Jack Hannah!
-Amanda Bisol
The End of the Beginning
Today is my last day here at the AVMA GRD, and it feels like I’ve only been here for 2 seconds. My last week was packed with interesting meetings, as always. Dr. Gail Golab was here for an animal welfare panel. Dr. W. Ron DeHaven was here for a forum on the link between human and animal health. I attended a hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, entitled “Antibiotic Resistance and the Threat to Public Health.” I went to Crystal City, VA to the EPA to sit in on the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee meeting and heard more about flea and tick product investigation. I even had lunch with the President of the Committee for Economic Development.
So, now that the time of reflection is upon me, what did I learn? It may sound cliché, but:
One person really can make a difference.
I’ve always believed this, but to be able to come here and experience it is something I wish that each of you could feel. The veterinary profession is full of leaders that I have met time and again. I’m not talking about just the ones that are leaders in name, but the ones that are leaders in action. To those that step forward to volunteer, to write a letter to your congressman, to make a PAC donation, or to do any of a number of things to be involved in our profession, I dedicate my time here to you. To those that are reading this and have had a fleeting desire to effect change let me say this:
Strike a match and light the fire!
I hope I have the privilege of helping you direct your flame.
Measuring Intangibles
How do we determine whether we are making a difference? For many of us in the veterinary profession, our daily lives are surrounded by pretty concrete “measures” of what we are doing. Is the cow milking better? Did the cat’s renal values come down? Quite frankly, all of us are very well trained to identify with tangible measures of our success (think grade point average).
It is much more difficult to embrace those things in our lives that are not easily quantified and yet, those are often the most important when we get to the big picture. I wonder how many opportunities we might miss or disregard because we are looking for something to measure. For my time here in DC, I could give you a list of all the meetings that I have attended, but that only tells you that I’ve been busy. When summarizing these meetings for the folks at the AVMA GRD, I am struck with how open-ended the meetings need to be here. The time is not meeting today, gone tomorrow. These meetings are introductions, a chance to educate. To me, it sounds a lot like working with a first time client. You talk to them, educate them and send them home. All the while, you are hoping that something you said gets through.
The big difference here is that it can be a little more difficult to get the “follow-up” appointment. Persistence is important, however, and you never know when just the right opportunity will emerge. Besides, all those intangibles eventually lead somewhere. In fact:
I received an e-mail from a staff person in Rep. Barney Frank’s office (D-MA-4), delivering welcome and positive news — the congressman has agreed to co-sponsor the Veterinary Services Investment Act (HR3519) and the Veterinary Public Health Workforce and Education Act (HR2999).
Intangibles are important, but even I have to admit, getting that tangible is pretty cool!
Changing Clothes, Not Careers
In 1972, the pen name James Herriot helped paint a very specific picture of a veterinarian practicing in the English countryside. Now, this wasn’t the first book published about veterinarians and their lives (a quick search of the Library of Congress’ catalog would put that idea to rest), but it is one that has become instantly recognizable. Of course, it helps that BBC also made a television series out of the books, earning a place in PBS as well. Since then, we have had quite a few more books and some easily recognizable television personalities bring new perspective to the veterinary profession.
So, what do you think of when you hear the word “veterinarian?” I would hazard a guess that most images in the public eye include a white coat and stethoscope, or maybe some coveralls and boots. How many of us had that image when we started veterinary school? In fact, I know that I personally looked forward to having that White Coat put on shortly before starting my clinics. Being here, however, is such a fantastic opportunity to see what a veterinarian can do without a stethoscope.
I would be lying if I said that I had no idea that veterinarians worked in government. My personal experience prior to veterinary school was dominated by time in a small animal referral hospital. I did have some research experience, however, and the real eye-opener was when I was visiting relatives in the DC area and met a friend of theirs that worked in the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Five years later, I had the opportunity to visit the FDA-CVM. Although I was not surprised by their existence, there are two things that will stay with me:
- Every person I spoke with there had not planned on working for the FDA and had pretty much come upon their jobs serendipitously.
- One of the veterinarians said to me, “I have not practiced for years, but I still see myself as a veterinarian.”
The first one I want to remember because I was impressed with their ability to see a new opportunity and to embrace it. I can tell you from experience that it takes a lot to recognize an opportunity, and it takes even more to take that plunge. The second one I want to remember because I thought “Of course you are still a veterinarian,” and then there was a little voice that added, “But I can see how it might be difficult for some people to see that.” I don’t know how true that little voice was, but the mere fact that it existed made me want to share it.
Personally, I started veterinary school wanting to be a veterinarian and every time I have been asked throughout veterinary school what I want to be when I graduate, I continue to say “a veterinarian.” I mean, we have so many colleagues affecting and supporting our profession. We are not limited to the clinic, or government, or public health, or development, or policy, or politics, or even the AVMA offices. We all put on different clothes to go into work in the morning, but we are all part of the same profession.