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 PRESIDENTS' MESSAGES
 Greetings and best
wishes. This is
my final message in Swine Health
and Production as President of the AASP. It is a privilege
to serve this organization. The strength of the AASP is in its
dedicated and competent membership. I also recognize the professionalism,
dedication, and efficiency in our AASP office of Dr. Tom Burkgren
and Dr. Sue Schulteis. My presidential predecessors took a bold
step in creating our own AASP office. It was a correct decision,
and one that all members of AASP will benefit from in the future.
The activities of the AASP on which I'd like to report include
the future of antibiotics for use in swine practice. The Food
and Drug Administration-Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM)
scientists are evaluating information from many sources and attempting
to determine safe thresholds for antibiotic resistance development.
Unfortunately, the AASP is a minority voice along with other food
animal veterinary groups. Special interest groups and individuals
are fervently promoting issues such as food safety and antibiotic
resistance. These issues are important to all members of the AASP.
However, public perception and special interest agendas have the
potential to replace science in the debate. One question that
needs to be addressed is: "Will the removal of antibiotics
from animal uses truly result in fewer antibiotic-resistant bacteria
being transmitted to humans?" This question may never be
answered during the debate. Once the FDA-CVM enacts more stringent
pre-approval and post-approval regulations, the pharmaceutical
industry will decide if any potential return is worth the investment.
Another area of concern is our relationship with the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA recently spent
about $1 million on a study assessing the future of the veterinary
profession. At the outset, the AASP was told that this was a small
animal initiative and would examine only small animal practice.
Members of the AASP and also of the American Association of Bovine
Practitioners (AABP) were not invited to participate in the study.
Unfortunately, when study was completed, it included an assessment
of food animal veterinary practice. Leadership of the AASP and
AABP have objected to the results of the study, the manner in
which it was conducted, and the exclusion of our members' input
during the process. Nonetheless, it demonstrates an important
issue that the AASP must face. We are a small specialty group
with limited political clout. This is true at the FDA-CVM and
also at the AVMA. AASP members understand the needs of swine practitioners.
Dr. Tom Burkgren has worked closely with the National Pork Producers
Council (NPPC) and the AVMA on various issues, including legislative
and other items. In addition, the AASP needs members who are willing
to work in these arenas in order to optimally represent our interests.
The AASP must not assume that our opinion will be sought on important
issues involving our future. Our success in this arena will require
clear, open communication and careful positioning of our agenda.
The Scientific Program Planning Committee, chaired by Bob Morrison,
has prepared an exceptional program for the 2000 AASP Annual Meeting.
I look forward to seeing you in Indianapolis during March 11-14,
2000.
--Alan Sheidt
What's
in a job?
 We have been through
the toughest year on record for prices. It has rocked the foundation
of our industry and all who serve it. At the same time, our industry
is experiencing increasing public scrutiny over issues such as
environmental impact, antibiotic use, animal well being, consolidation,
integration, and "industrialization." This may have
caused you, as it has caused me, to reflect on our future role
and careers within this industry.
As I think about my current and past jobs, three criteria seem
to have driven my satisfaction, or lack thereof:
- First is the personal fulfillment that I might get
from the job; that is, do I look forward to coming to work? Personal
fulfillment could come from making a contribution to those I
serve and ultimately to society, having a positive impact on
others, enjoying the people I work with, and having an opportunity
for learning, and perhaps for career advancement. Also, the amount
of autonomy that a job affords me can have an enormous impact
on fulfillment.
- Second is the effect of the job on my lifestyle. Work-related
travel, worries and stress, and work hours will all impact home
life. As well, the more responsibility a job has, the more stress
it seems to carry with it.
- Third is the income and benefits that I receive.
The relative priority that I have placed on each of these criteria
has changed over the years. In high school and college, money
was the only driving factor. I could put up with an unpleasant
work environment, unfulfilling tasks, disagreeable bosses, and
long hours if it paid "enough." Today, I am interested
in balancing the three. I take on extra tasks to supplement my
income and further my learning at the expense of home life. And
I suspect that late in our careers, many of us hope to be in a
position where we are least motivated by income. So given that
we spend the better part of our adult lives in the workplace,
how can we remain fulfilled?
Think about the relationship between autonomy and job fulfillment
for a moment. As independent business owners, private practitioners
have a substantial amount of autonomy. But this can be reduced
when one answers to someone else and too much external control
is exerted over that individual's environment. Individuals and
organizations benefit most when autonomy is supported within the
workplace.
A second key to job fulfillment is lifelong learning. To remain
satisfied, competent, and content, we need to remain mentally
challenged. Lifelong learning is critically important for all
of us and one of the main functions of the AASP is to help us
stay abreast of new developments. The AASP Annual Meeting is one
of the cornerstones of our educational effort, and Swine Health
and Production is another. Board certification, Masters programs,
reading, and writing are other stimulants.
As we contemplate our place in this industry, our strengths
are profound. Veterinarians are smart, capable, and well-educated.
Incoming veterinary students continue to have the highest GPA
of all colleges at the University of Minnesota. Veterinarians
are hard working, conscientious, and driven to succeed. You cannot
get into and through veterinary school without being so. And veterinarians
are scientists with a unique understanding of the production system
and especially the impact of disease. In the new industry, we
will need to constantly look for ways to add value to the farm
or company. Veterinarians will need to have an interest in and
experience with managing people and projects. Finally, veterinarians
will need to have a desire and dedication to make that farm's
or company's performance the best in its market.
Your AASP can help you achieve your career goals. We have a
culture and community that freely shares experience and knowledge.
You should know that your career concerns are shared by many,
and perhaps most, of your colleagues. Look for examples of success--we
have many individuals who are leading the way.
To comment, please email me at RMorrison@MES.UMN.Edu
or call me at 612-625-9276.
--Bob Morrison
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