Happy Holidays 2016!

This blog is departure from my usual blog postings.  As an advocate for  organized veterinary medicine,  I have been involved in veterinary associations throughout my career.  I was honored to serve as the 2016 Chicago Veterinary Medicine Association President.  This blog is an excerpt from my last CVMA Presidents Letter for the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Bulletin.

Happy Holidays 2016!  Happy 120th Year Anniversary of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association! 

The winter season will soon be here in the Chicago area!  Chicagoans are tough and resourceful to be able to withstand the wind and brutal temperatures we experience every winter. That said, there is beauty, peace and happiness to be found in fresh fallen snow on the Lake Michigan, Holiday lights and decorations lighting up the skyline and city streets, and a crisp winter day outside walking downtown or sledding in a park or ski area. 

Please take some time to enjoy what this season has to offer in the downtown and suburban areas. Check your community website or Facebook page for information about local seasonal events. When I lived in New York, I had a yearly tradition of a day trip into Manhattan to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller center, view the see Macy’s Holiday display windows, and enjoy a very large cup of hot cocoa at Serendipity 3. It was always an enjoyable day no matter if it was too cold, windy, or snowy.  It only involved a train ticket downtown. It was nice to be outside in an urban area taking in the lights, sounds and delicious food of the season. The day was also good for my spirit as it helped me get through working the long and busy days around the Holidays.  Currently, I now make an effort to take a yearly December trip to downtown Chicago to see the city’s Holiday tree and decorations. I enjoy the Museum of Science & Industry’s Christmas tree display. I love seeing the Holiday trees decorated in their country’s traditional ornaments.  A last minute gift or “stocking stuffer” can be found in the gift shop or a store on the Magnificent Mile.  The day is fun and it is great to be downtown in the great city of Chicago!   

Importance of Mental and Physical Health

So many of us have daily struggles in our personal lives.  Our chosen career often only adds more pressure and stress to our lives.  We hear about emotional burnout and suicides. We watch talented co-workers leave the profession.  It is imperative to take some time for yourself to relax, renew and rejuvenate yourself.   Spend a day or even just few hours rekindling a hobby you once enjoyed. Call upon friends, neighbors, coworkers that may not have family to join your celebrations.  It is our community and relationships that make the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and the members strong.  Enjoy the Holiday Season with your family, friends, and pets.

2017-2020 Strategic Plan

I attained my goal of  formulating a Strategic Plan for the Chicago VMA. We have included an infographic for the 2017-2020 CVMA Strategic Plan in your membership packet. It also appears in this issue of the Bulletin.  This plan outlines the 5 core areas that the CVMA will be directing its main efforts for the next 3 years. The Executive Board, Board of Directors, Executive Director is excited to have this guideline to direct our efforts.  We will be able to meet the needs of veterinarians, their hospital staff, and the pet owners in the Chicago area.  Look for future articles in the Bulletin discussing each of these core areas in detail.

 CVMA 120^th Anniversary Event: “Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future”

The CVMA 120^th Anniversary Event took place at the International Museum of Surgical Science on November 19^th.  The event was a wonderful tribute to our organization’s involvement in the Chicago veterinary community.  Local veterinarians, office staff, family and friends were in attendance.  The evening’s MC, Charles Thomas of ABC News, was very entertaining in his presentation of the Event’s Program.  Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink while taking a tour of Museum’s exhibits.  Look for a future Bulletin article highlighting this event! Please send any “Vintage” Chicago VMA photographs or Bulletins to the CVMA office. Please call the office with any past organization events that you would like highlighted on the website and future Bulletins. 

Looking to the Future

I would like to say “Thank You” the CVMA Executive Board and Chicagoland veterinarians for electing me to serve as the 2016 Chicago VMA President.   I enjoyed my year serving as your president.  It was a year of changes in the CVMA office and projects for the Board.  I am leaving the CVMA in excellent shape as I end my term.  Dr. Ben Wellborne, your 2017 President, will continue the projects and goals of the strategic plan for his term.  The CVMA has a future lineup of highly qualified and motivated veterinarians serving on the Executive Board and Committees.  I will continue to serve the CVMA as the Past-President and guide the future leaders in their duties and projects.  I have also accepted the nomination for the 2017-2018 President of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Foundation.   I am excited to volunteer for the charitable arm of the CVMA and continue to raise needed funds for Chicago pets in need. 

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and Foundation

We are a strong unified presence of leadership and stewardship in the Chicago Veterinary Community.  Numerous state and local  veterinary medical associations across the country follow the activities of  our organization.   Let us lead veterinary medicine into the future! 

Happy New Year 2017!