WA Division President Article May 2024

I hope this newsletter finds you well and thriving in current invaluable roles. This month I wanted to share updates on our advocacy efforts, extend an invitation for new committee members, and highlight some upcoming conferences that promise to enrich your professional journey.

At the Australian Veterinary Association, advocacy lies at the core of our mission. WA AVA committee have recently been working closely with the veterinary practice board and DPIRD to help members understand legislation as written and advocate for changes where it is no longer fit for purpose. Our meetings include discussions with Murdoch University regarding the directions and upgrades our vet school is taking in the supply of new graduates, as well as where the WA AVA can provide assistance and opportunities.

We have also been collating the results of our Rural/Remote Veterinary Relief (RoVeR) survey which will be summarized in our next communication. I want to thank Jonny Fields from “Nova” -a matching app for locums and clinics, for reaching out and discussing where the business may be able to fill gaps for rural clinics in future. I found the platform to be clean and easy to use and they have generously offered a 7 day free trial for WA AVA members who want to check it out. More information can be found here. Lastly committee member Dr Katy Davis and myself are drafting a proposal for re-opening the use of a Vet Chest in rural and remote areas. Any members with feedback or interest in the project are encouraged to contact myself.

Currently we have seats on our WA AVA committee that I am looking to fill with members who have a passion for moving this industry forwards, connecting our membership through social media, developing relations with veterinary students and/or working on a variety of advocacy projects. The time commitment involves attendance at our bi-monthly committee meetings (online), providing feedback via email 1-2x per month and then is up to the individual as to how involved with particular projects they choose to be. I invite veterinarians from all backgrounds and experience levels to contact me with an expression of interest. I look forward to working with others who are passionate about our industry.

I look forward to seeing anyone traveling from WA at our National Conference in Melbourne at the end of this month where I will be partaking in the THRIVE symposium. I’m sure I will be returning with a head full of inspiration, ideas and excitement, especially for our home conference in October.

Lastly I wanted to notify the membership of the passing of Dr. John Grandage. Many of our more experienced members would remember his outstanding anatomy teaching at University. Services will be held in Albany on 4/5/24 and those wishing to share memories and condolences with the family can do so through this link.

 As always I am happy to speak with members on WA AVA matters and value all who strive to contribute to this profession.

Your colleague,

Dr. Katie Kreutz

katiekreutz@ava.vet

0449 105 451