When preveterinary student Erin Maegerle was 3 years old, she had decided that when she grew up, she would be a veterinarian, just like her grandmother. Maegerle would spend a lot of time in her grandmother's clinic as child, but also some time on the road with her mother, who also works in the veterinary medicine industry. This has led her to pursue her dreams at Rowan Univeristy's Schreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, through a program designed for undergraduate students who want to pursue careers in veterinary medicine.

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is joined by Maegerle, to discuss what it is like to be in Rowan University's 3+4 Accelerated program for preveterinary students, their shared love of theater, and some advice Christman has for veterinary students who may also have a love or background in theater. 

talk about this. So this is at the Schreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University. And what is [it] when you're saying 3+4? What does that mean?

Okay, yeah, so the 3+4 means that we have 3 years of undergraduate and then we have 4 years of vet school. So I've already completed my first year of the 3 and I have 2 years left and going into my second year, and then once my third year is done, we have 1 more interview with the same people that we interviewed with before we got into the program. And then that's it. We're into the vet school, which is so exciting, because, as you know, vet school is extremely difficult to get into, so it is just amazing to have this opportunity to just be streamlined right into it.

Tell me a little bit more about that. So you interviewed beforehand, and so it sounds like they have a lot of great mentorship and nurturing your career growth as you develop into veterinary school. And what does that? What is that like?

So we put on our college [applications] that we were interested in veterinary medicine, and a lot of us got emails inviting us to apply for this program. And we went through an essay portion, and once we passed the essay portion, we kind of just talked about why we're interested in veterinary medicine and kind of what our future plans are with veterinary medicine. We got into a panel interview round, and once we passed that, we were reviewed by Dean [Matthew Edson, DVM, CVPM, MRCVS] himself, and he chose the 8 of us. And it has been super, super great, and we're all super excited.

Podcasts

Erin Maegerle shares her journey to becoming a future veterinary student Rowan University's Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, plus her life outside of school

Weaving art into veterinary medicine

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) took the stage at their annual conference, held this year from September 5-7, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to announce their newest initiative: A new certification program for veterinary management professionals. The new program will be called the Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM).

 The CVOM program is separate from the existing Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) program and is intended to certify qualified management professionals focused on fundamental administrative tasks, which include team leadership roles.

The VHMA board recognizes that the CVOM program will accommodate veterinary management professionals who have responsibilities that are equally valuable, yet different, than those that qualify for the CVPM program.

 The application process for the new program will open to qualified candidates in the first quarter of 2025.

The program’s test blueprint will cover the following 6 task domains

Administrative management/daily operations and organization of the practice

Human resources, staff management and communication

To qualify for the official exam, candidates need at least 1 year of experience in a veterinary practice, they must have accomplished specified tasks, and they require 2 letters of recommendation. Certified CVOM program members will be required to recertify biennially with a continuing education (CE) requirement and a renewal fee.

“The VHMA represents over 5000 professionals with broad management responsibilities,” Scott Zimmerman, BFA, CVPM, president of the VHMA, said in a news release.

 “VHMA’s goal is to be a resource to all these professionals in their roles.”

The VHMA conducted a comprehensive needs assessment as part of the development of the CVOM program. Hiring a psychometric consultant, the association formed an independent task force comprised of 17 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)—made up of management professionals with experience ranging from less than 6 months to more than 15 years— to evaluate the needs of VHMA members, and the industry as a whole.

The group conducted a job analysis study, with a respondent pool of almost 250 managers completing a survey which tasked them with identifying the importance and frequency of 101 unique management tasks. The CVOM’s qualifications and requirements were finalized by the VHMA and certification board.

“This entire process was as visionary as it was data-driven,” Christine Shupe, CAE, executive director of VHMA, said in a news release.

 “We feel proud that VHMA can deliver a certification filling a very distinct need.” Zimmerman shared the announcement to the conference’s 688 registered attendees, 200 of whom were CVPMs at the Sheraton & Le Meridian Charlotte Hotel Complex.

VHMA Announces New Certification Program for Veterinary Management Professionals – The CVOM – at its Annual Conference. News release. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. October 8, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://www.vhma.org/blogs/vhma-admin/2024/10/03/vhma-announces-cvom

2024 Annual Meeting & Conference. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://www.vhma.org/education/conferences/annual-meeting-2024

Articles

At their annual conference, the VHMA unveiled a new certification program for management professionals 

CVOM: VHMA’s new veterinary management certification program

New veterinary clinics play a large role in improving pet health and welfare by providing accessible, quality care tailored to the needs of local communities. Similarly, pet retail warehouses improve convenience for pet owners by helping stores in the surrounding area offer a wider range of products and supplies. Together, these establishments contribute to the overall well-being of pets.

Here are 3 recent clinic and distribution centers openings in the US or Canada:

CityVet in Woodstock, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of CityVet)

CityVet recently opened the doors of a third location in the greater Atlanta area. The new location in Woodstock, Georgia, provides an array of pet health services, including grooming, preventive care, diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental treatments, and advanced surgical options. According to CityVet, the clinic will collaborate with local mobile specialists to offer regular consultations and procedures conducted by experienced internists and specialty surgeons.

The clinic will be spearheaded by Elizabeth Whitlock, DVM, who is passionate about fostering a welcoming and low-stress environment for pets, particularly those with greater sensitives, like rescued dogs and shy felines. Whitlock and the team are trained in specialized handling techniques to minimize stress and provide effective animal care.

"We're looking forward to continuing our expansion in Greater Atlanta, a market that truly benefits from the level of care and compassion CityVet is known for. As we grow, it's crucial that we partner with veterinarians who share our mission, and Dr Whitlock is a perfect example of that," said David Boguslawski, CityVet president and CEO.

Surrey DC, Pet Valu (Surrey, British Columbia)

Surrey Distribution Center in British Columbia. (Photo courtesy of Pet Valu Holdings Ltd)

Pet Valu Holdings Ltd, a Canadian pet food and accessory retailer, opened a new LEED-gold certified distribution center in the city of Surrey in British Columbia, Canada. The new facility, Surrey DC, features 350,000 sq ft and is 3 times larger than Pet Valu’s current warehouse in the province. The new warehouse will offer improved services to current stores in the area, according to the company.

 Pet Valu aims to have the Surrey DC fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2024 while transitioning from its legacy distribution center. The company expects to implement automation for piece-pick operations by 2026.

"Our new Surrey DC represents the second pillar of our supply chain transformation, and another key achievement of our cross-functional teams… This new Facility embodies Pet Valu's commitment to Our Four Paws service model, designed to emphasize safety, compassion, expertise and efficiency. Following several years of heightened investments, we are now entering the final stretch of our transformation, after which we will have Canada's strongest pet specialty distribution network as the backbone to propel Pet Valu's continued profitable growth over the next decade," Richard Maltsbarger, CEO of Pet Valu, said in a news release.

The Surrey Distribution Centre is the second largest pet specialty distribution facility in Canada.

 It uses advanced warehouse management systems, modern handling equipment, and wellness spaces for employees, alongside plans to pilot electric trucks for delivery to reduce diesel consumption.

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (Charleston, South Carolina)

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) announced it is expanding its current facility, beginning in the fall of 2024. The project will increase the current facility size from 16,000 sq ft to 32,000 sq ft. Construction is expected to be finished within the next year, according to a new release.

“Our mission has always been to provide the highest standard of veterinary care, and this expansion is a testament to our dedication to that mission. With the increased space and new capabilities, we will be able to offer an even greater level of service to our clients and their pets,” said Holly Williams, hospital director at CVRC, in the release.

 “This expansion is not just about growing our physical space; it’s about growing our ability to care for the pets and people who rely on us.”

With the expansion, the facility will have advanced medical equipment and specialized treatment areas, additional parking, and enhanced service capacity to serve a greater number of pets through the larger facilities and staff.

CityVet, a leading network of veterinarian-owed practices, continues expansion in Atlanta with a new clinic opening in Woodstock, GA on Monday, September 23rd. [email]

Pet Valu continues supply chain transformation with official opening of distribution centre in British Columbia. News release. Pet Valu Holdings, Ltd. September 6, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-valu-continues-supply-chain-transformation-with-official-opening-of-distribution-centre-in-british-columbia-874865880.html

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center breaks ground on major expansion to better serve community and pets. News release. Ethos Veterinary Health. September 11, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. [email]

Take a look at these 3 veterinary centers newly opened or coming soon

Clinic center: New pet care facilities in the US and Canada

With Hurricane Milton on the cusp of category 5, Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR), a nonprofit organization that works to save animals from kill shelters and other urgent situations, worked with Pinellas County Animal Services to evacuate 26 dogs from a Pinellas County shelter where the storm is soon expected to make landfall.

 Specifically, the FUR Urgent Transport program, which helps save animals in natural disasters and other emergencies, oversaw the rescue and transportation of the animals.

 Working alongside Best Friends Animal Society, FUR relocated the dogs to Marietta, Georgia, where they will be held until the storm concludes, at which point they will be transported to rescues in New York.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall along the west coast of Florida’s Manatee and Sarasota Counties in the late evening of Wednesday, October 9, not even 2 weeks removed from the destruction of Hurricane Helene, which killed more than 200 people in the southeastern United States.

 The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive storms in the state’s history.

 According to FUR, the consecutive hurricanes have made the situation even more dire for the animals.

FUR transported 26 dogs from a Pinellas County shelter ahead of the storm.

With the region still in recovery from Helene, local shelters are already overrun—often full past max capacity—with strays and owner surrenders. When victims of natural disasters return to their homes, finding them damaged or destroyed, shelters in impacted areas can expect an influx of surrendered dogs, as well as strays.

With limited capacity, resources, and another impending disaster, shelter animals, especially those that were in shelters prior to the storms, find themselves at risk.

 FUR makes it their goal— in addition to evacuating animals out of the path of the storm’s destruction—to relocate animals who were in shelters prior to storms, making room for incoming strays and owner surrenders.

The FUR Urgent Transport program has completed disaster relief missions for animals in danger during 17 hurricanes and natural disasters, in addition to multiple on-the-ground rescue missions in Ukraine, in Turkey after a hurricane, and in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. Recently, FUR was on the ground in Wakulla County, Florida, ahead of Hurricane Helene’s landfall. The group evacuated more than 150 cats and dogs from shelters in Helene’s path. At the time of their evacuation efforts for Hurricane Milton, transport missions for Hurricane Helene were still in progress.

The group wasn’t alone in their relief efforts for Hurricane Helene. The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) announced a $10,000 contribution to the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree (VIGT) as a winner of the 2024 NAVC Gives award, which VIGT says will be used to support hurricane victims in Western North Carolina and other impacted areas.

Additionally, in the aftermath of the disaster, pet care brands 

Purina and Hill’s Pet Nutrition each supported victims

 with donations of money and supplies to impacted victims and shelters.

Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) also deployed a dozen members

 to assist with the care of search and rescue dogs in North Carolina.

Double the Danger for Animals in Hurricane Milton. News release. Florida Urgent Rescue. October 8, 2024. Accessed October 8, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/double-the-danger-for-animals-in-hurricane-milton-302270089.html

Hurricane Milton threatens destruction in Florida. World Meteorological Organization. October 9, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://wmo.int/media/news/hurricane-milton-threatens-destruction-florida

NAVC Gives Awards $10,000 to The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree. News release. North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). October 8, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navc-gives-awards-10-000-to-the-veterinary-industry-giving-tree-302270525.html

Littrell A. Pet care brands provide support for pets impacted by Hurricane Helene. October 4, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/pet-care-brands-provide-support-for-pets-impacted-by-hurricane-helene

Coppock K. Veterinary Emergency Team deploys to North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. October 3, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/veterinary-emergency-team-deploys-to-north-carolina-in-the-wake-of-hurricane-helene

The Florida Urgent Rescue team is working to relocate shelter dogs as Hurricane Milton closes in on the state 

Shelter dogs evacuated out of Hurricane Milton’s path

Dr Mara Tugel providesmore information on Elanco's recently FDA approved product, Zenrelia

dvm360 video interview with Mara Tugel, DVM

In September 2024, the FDA announced that it has approved ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia; Elanco), to treat canine patients with pruritus associated with both allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis. The product can be given orally once a day, with or without food, to dogs over the age of 1.  

, Mara Tugel, DVM, veterinary technical marketing-companion animal therapeutics for Elanco, gives viewers an overview of the product and how it can help improve the lives of canines suffering from these dermatology diseases, and the benefits it has for clients. 

Zenrelia, or the drug name illunocitinib, is a Janus kinase or JAK inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA to control pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis in dogs that are over 12 months of age. So it can be used for both short term acute cases of allergies like flea hypersensitivity or contact allergies or even flare ups in a longer term case, and it could also be used for long term treatment, as in chronic cases of atopy. What's really great about Zenrelia is that the dose has been optimized to allow for once daily dosing from the start, and this has some really clear advantages for both veterinarians and pet owners.

First of all, it's just simpler. So communicating once daily dosing from the beginning to a pet parent is easier than talking about having to do a dosing change partway through treatment. 

Interested in learning more about treating pruritis? Fetch Coastal will feature sessions presented by Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, and Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V,s. Learn more and register 

Videos

Mara Tugel, DVM, outlines Elanco's recently FDA approved product, Zenrelia

An overview of Zenrelia

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia), founder of Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, discusses her 2024 Fetch Coastal lectures.

Collaboration at Fetch Coastal

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia), founder of Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds and a practicing technician at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, is presenting several lectures at this year's Fetch Coastal conference in Atlantic City. In an interview with 

, she discussed what she enjoys about Fetch conferences and what attendees can expect from her lectures, including a collaborative talk with a veterinarian. 

Fetch Coastal is being held October 14-16, 2024, at the Atlantic City Convention Center in New Jersey. For more information and to register as an attendee, visit the 

The following is a transcript of the video: 

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia): 

What I really love about Fetch Coastal, and really any of the Fetch conferences, is that they have this collaborative nature. Yes, there are going to be doctor programs and technician programs. But one of the things that's key—at least with this year and the sessions that I'm doing—is I am presenting information alongside an anesthesiologist that I have worked with in the clinic. She and I have run cases together. We want to bring you in to what it's really like to work with a technician and a doctor. She's going to approach things from the clinician side of things; I'm going to approach things from the nursing side of things, so we can give you the most comprehensive patient management and patient education possible. And I think that really provides kind of a different experience. It's one thing to go sit in a lecture. You have a speaker [and] they have a bunch of PowerPoint slides. We've all seen that and done that. It's much more different to have an interactive discussion with another clinician and with a group of colleagues like, ‘hey, how do we manage this case in real life?’

For more articles and interviews from Fetch Coastal, visit our 

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia), discusses the 2024 Fetch Coastal conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and her CE lectures.