How often do we use the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” in our daily lives? Most use it to mean if something is functioning properly, it is probably best to just leave it alone and not make any changes that could potentially break it. With that, it is assumed that since the process is not completely broken, it is functioning as well as it can. While many of us use this decision-making process to prioritize which challenges to tackle first, it can become a default stance that keeps us from making good, functioning processes into improved, better functioning ones.
As we reflect on AASV activity over the past year, many examples of continued efforts to evaluate and improve different aspects of the organization become apparent, such as the Nutrition Committee revising its mission. Another example is the Student Recruitment Committee changing its name to the Student Engagement Committee, which better reflects the activity and mission of the committee. The combined evaluation of the Raising Pigs without Antibiotics Position Statement by the Pig Welfare and Pharmaceutical Issues Committees resulted in an updated AASV position statement.
The Boar Stud Committee realized the great value of the AASV document, Health, Hygiene and Sanitation Guidelines for Boar Studs Providing Semen to the Domestic Market, was limited with access being provided to only AASV members and received board approval to make it publicly available. This committee also identified the need to develop standardized requirements for shipping semen across state lines and received board approval to work with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state animal health officials to identify opportunities. The board approved a recommendation from the Pig Welfare Committee to revise the nomenclature associated with depopulation providing additional clarity.
The board reviewed and updated the AASV bylaws with input from legal counsel with focus on membership types and changes in the chair of the Budget Committee that improves continuity of the budgeting process. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Coalition for Connected Veterinary Care’s position regarding telemedicine and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) prompted considerable discussion for the board. As AVMA and specific states continue to evaluate telemedicine and define the VCPR, the board established a Telemedicine Task Force to draft a position for consideration at the spring 2023 board meeting.
The Early Career Committee’s successful early-career conference was held in November 2021, and now has received a significant grant from USDA to conduct a 2-year educational enrichment program for up to 25 early-career, swine veterinarian AASV members. This committee also received approval to provide scholarships supporting the participation of 5 AASV early-career veterinarians in the spring 2023 cohort of the MentorVet program. The goal is to support the mental health and professional development of early-career veterinarians through a mentorship program, and for AASV to obtain feedback from participants on the value of the program for AASV members.
As I complete my final message as AASV president, I am proud that this association continues to not subscribe to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality as demonstrated by these examples. At every level of the organization, from individual members to committee members, leadership, and staff, the continual search for opportunities to make AASV better is evident. It has been an honor to serve as AASV president, and I look forward to continued opportunities to serve the association going forward. Thank you to the membership, the board, and staff for all your support, it is all of you that truly make AASV the success that it is!
Mike Senn, DVM, MS
AASV President