The GVMA continues to work with the Georgia Board of Pharmacy to address the compounding prescription issue in state of Georgia. We will continue to post updated compounding pharmacy lists as they become available to us. For more on the GVMA’s legislative efforts regarding compounding medications see the Fall 2017 issue of the Georgia Veterinarian or contact the GVMA at 678-309-9800 or gvma@gvma.net Updated Compounding Pharmacies GA [button size='large' text='Find Your Legislator' icon='' icon_size='' icon_color='' link='https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/' target='_blank' color='' background_color='' border_color='' font_style='' font_weight='' text_align='']...

by Dr. Wendy Cuevas, MS, BVSc, MPH, DACVPM, GVMA Director of Veterinary Services Do you offer advice, deliver diagnoses, consult, treat or transfer medical data to clients on the phone, fax or email?? Veterinarians, if you said yes to any of these methods of communication you are probably practicing telehealth/telemedicine without understanding what it means legally. There are clear definitions in the Georgia Telemedicine Act and I would advise all veterinarians to read the law and protect yourself. The practice of telemedicine involves an established veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) within the past 12...

Why did you become a practice owner? I became a practice owner because I had a vision for how I wanted to utilize my team. When I first started practicing most clinics were doctor centered which usually meant that most support staff were under-utilized. I think people enjoy their jobs more when they are stimulated and enjoy what they are doing. I believe education leads to empowerment. With proper knowledge team members are better able to help our clients and support the doctors. Culture seems to be a very important part of...

by Dr. Wendy Cuevas, BS, BVSc, MPH, DACVPM GVMA Director of Veterinary Services Veterinarians please review the following communication from the GA Department of Agriculture: The Department is proposing to amend Rule-40-16-1-.09 by removing the reference to “Strain 19” and by removing the provision allowing rabies vaccine to be used “under the direction of” any veterinarian licensed under the Georgia Veterinary Practice Act and “employees of the state and federal government approved by the State Veterinarian.” It is basically clarifying the language to ensure that only a licensed GA veterinarian can administer the rabies...

by Barbara Schick, RVT Hospital Administrator, Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners   What makes a candidate’s resume stand-out when applying for a position? Academics are a big thing. Where someone went to school matters and I look for someone who took their GPA seriously.  How involved were they while in school and do they have outside interests? Also, I like for the candidate to have a connection to the area, when I hire someone I want to know they are going to stay. What are some red flags? If someone has a low GPA or they have...

by Dr. Wendy Cuevas, BS, BVSc, MPH, DACVPM, GVMA Director of Veterinary Services Georgia veterinarians please be aware of which states will accept APHIS Form 7001 for transporting small animals across state lines. The following information comes from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian’s office: The following states are no longer accepting the APHIS 7001 pdf form for animal imports. This list is subject to change, so please contact destination states ahead of time to ask what they accept: AK, CO, GA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NV, OK, OR, UT, WA,...

In order to effectively report an alleged animal cruelty incident, you should be able to provide the following information to the local Animal Control or Sheriffs Department. Witness: The name, address and telephone number of the person who witnessed the alleged incident. Such information may be kept confidential, depending on the particular agency; however, it is helpful for investigators to have a point of contact in the event of misdirection or miscommunication. Remember, the burden of proof falls upon the accuser. Who: An accurate identity of the alleged perpetrator, if known, including...

Did you know that your support staff helping with x-rays must have taken a 6-hour safety certification course? If you would like to read about it, check out the Radiation Control Act, O.C.G.A. - Chapter 31-13 and the Rules and Regulations for X-Ray, Chapter 290-5-22. The law says your support staff must have this certification. If your hospital is inspected by the State Department of Human Resources, documentation must be presented indicating that your staff has received training. If you cannot provide this documentation your hospital  could be fined. The certification is...

Why did you choose to get involved with the GVMA? The GVMA serves our veterinary community and being involved in the GVMA is a way for me to give back to this incredible profession in hopes of making a difference for our Georgia veterinarians.   Are there any issues that you would like to see addressed during your tenure as the GVMA president? Telehealth and telemedicine are at the apex of changing veterinary medicine and I would like to see the GVMA be at the table for these discussions. We can assist in developing...

By Laura Smallwood, DVM DACVIM (SAIM) Article is taken from the fall edition of the "GA Vet", the quarterly magazine of the GVMA which is a member benefit. Dr. Smallwood is chair of the GVMA Wellness Committee. Caring for others requires that we first and foremost care for ourselves. However, people in caregiving professions are often so immersed in their work that they neglect their own care. In the early stages of one’s career, this may seem sustainable.  However, as the stressors of work (and life) begin to accumulate, the impact of...

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