Free Webinar: Recruiting and Retention: the Twin Challenges of the Veterinary Profession

As part of the Veterinary Medical Association Executives' (VMAE) monthly Build a Healthier Veterinary Practice webinar series, a free webinar on recruiting and retention will be offered on May 11@ 6:30 pm.

The webinar is free to VMA members.

Recruiting and Retention: the Twin Challenges of the Veterinary Profession

Recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterinarians is more difficult now than at any time in the profession. But why is that the case? And what can be done about it? Join Stacy Pursell, founder and CEO of The VET Recruiter, for this insightful and information-packed session for Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE), during which she will address and analyze the challenges facing the profession. Among the topics that Stacy will discuss include:

• The role that the veterinarian shortage is playing in marketplace dynamics
• How the Law of Supply and Demand is affecting veterinarian recruiting and retention
• The rising role of counteroffers in the profession
• How “ghosting” can affect both job candidates and employers
• The importance of being considered an “employer of choice”

Register here.

View recordings of previous month's Build a Healthier Veterinary Practice webinars.

Join the IVMA's Power of Ten Leadership Class!

A new class of POTL is beginning this fall and we want YOU to be part of it! POTL is a leadership opportunity for veterinarians who have been out of school seven years or less.  

POTL participants will attend a series of leadership development sessions from the fall of 2023 until spring 2024. The IVMA will provide topic experts and meeting expenses at no charge for participants. Some CE credits may be available. 

To get more information and to hear what former participants have to say about the program, visit the  IVMA website.

CE opportunity: Truths and myths about the human-animal bond

Why are people drawn to animals? How do animals perceive us? And do animals really help people live longer, happier lives? In this on-demand webinar, you'll discover scientific research that can help you better understand the benefits and consequences of the human-animal bond. Come away with practical techniques you can use to support the unique relationship between clients and their pets. The webinar is free for AVMA and SAVMA members and $25 for non-members. Learn more about AVMA's "human-animal bond: Know the science" webinar.

Nominate for IVMA Awards

It's that time of year to consider nominating a deserving colleague for one of three annual IVMA Awards.  It is the IVMA's honor and pleasure to recognize members of our association who have made significant contributions to the veterinary profession, their clinic and their patients.

We encourage you to take a moment and ask, "Who has made a difference?" and let us know about that extraordinary person.

The following awards will be given out at the IVMA Annual Meeting in September:

Veterinarian of the Year Award

Rising Star Award

Healthcare Team Member Service Award

(individual or team)

For more information on any of the IVMA Awards and nomination forms visit  www.iowavma.org  or call the IVMA office at 800-369-9564.

The deadline for nominations is August 1st.

It's National Pet Week!

National Pet Week® is May 7-13, 2023 and it offers an opportunity for veterinarians to promote responsible pet ownership within our clinics and community. By celebrating the special bonds between people and pets, we remind clients of the importance of pet healthcare and the need to partner with the veterinary team to keep their best friends healthy and happy.

Celebrate on Social Media - The AVMA has developed easy and engaging social media posts and graphics ready to go for you to copy and paste onto your own social media pages. Engage your followers by asking them to post photos of their pets, share with you their plans to celebrate National Pet Week® or tell funny stories about their pets. AVMA Members can visit their National Pet Week Veterinary Toolkit webpage to help you plan.

Your MAP Benefit now includes BetterHelp

IVMA's Member Assistance Program (MAP) through MYgroup has partnered with BetterHelp for convenient online therapy . Your MAP still offers virtual and in-person counseling and will now provide another method of accessing virtual counseling through chat, phone, and video via BetterHelp’s comprehensive online platform.

Your MAP includes the following features of BetterHelp:

• Smart matching with a licensed therapist per your preferences and needs.
• Within the MAP session model, live weekly sessions over chat, phone, or video with your therapist.
• 30+ interactive support group sessions facilitated by a therapist.
• Digital tools like a journal, goal tracking, and interactive worksheets.

Accessing BetterHelp is easy:

• Call MYgroup MAP at 800.633.3353.
• Speak with a licensed clinician to determine the best resource for you.
• If virtual counseling is preferred, BetterHelp is an option for adults, couples, and teens (must be at least 13 years old with parental consent).
• Complete a BetterHelp referral form to ensure smart matching with a licensed therapist.
•  Easily self-schedule live sessions through the platform.