www.gvma.net Dr. Justin Toth Begins His Term as 2020-2021 GVMA President
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Winter 2020 A quarterly publication of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
See page 6
for details!
Dr. Justin Toth Begins His Term as
2020-2021 GVMA President
www.gvma.net
Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 3
contents
5 The GVMA in 2020
By: Jill Lancaster, DVM
6 Cover Story-Presidents Profile:
Dr. Justin Toth
10 Differentiating Cash Flow
and Profit
By: Doyle Watson, DVM
12 5 Ways to Cut Call Volume
By: Wendy Myers
16 Spay and Neuter Grant
18 Practice Owners and Managers:
6 Cut Through the Baloney—
Enhance the Partnership
By: Christine Shupe
20 Make Sure Your License Renewal
Application Isn’t Rejected
22 What to do if a Staff Member
Contracts COVID-19
By: Dr. Christine Zurawski and Don Riddick
24 Membership Renewal
26 Member Assistance Program
28 End of the Year Financial Advice
By: Duffy Jones, DVM 18
4 WINTER 2020 • GAVet
T H E GV M A I N 2 0 2 0
Continuing Education
Despite this being a license renewal year, in the interest of
public safety, we made the difficult decision to postpone our
live continuing education events, hoping to resume them once
things settled down. As the Emergency Board rules allowed,
we were able to offer virtual CE to all practitioners throughout
the remainder of the year. In July, the in-person CE resumed
(with proper safety protocols in place) in different regions of
the state and has been well-attended.
Building Relationships with Georgia Organizations
Throughout the year, we have been in regular attendance
at each of the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine
The year of 2020 has been quite a time to be the President of meetings in order to stay abreast of rule changes to the way
the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association! From Coronavirus we practice at this time. Governmental and legislative issues
stress, to weekly Town Hall Zooms, virtual CE, quarantines, are also continuing to be monitored, with our very skilled
hurricanes, & murder hornets, there has been no lack of Advocacy Committee and the Agribusiness Council guiding
opportunities for on-the-job training. I have been proud to our efforts. Communication with constituent organizations
serve and lead our association in proving to be a necessary, and other statewide groups in the animal & agriculture
credible, respected source of information & guidance to the industries has been key to staying in the forefront of the
veterinary profession in Georgia, especially this year. Everyone rapidly changing industry issues and information. The UGA
in the GVMA staff and leadership has worked tirelessly to College of Veterinary Medicine has been actively involved
ensure that we continue to support all of our members and with us throughout the year also, allowing us the opportunity
the business of veterinary medicine in the midst of these to stay informed on student relations and the statistics of the
unprecedented times. directions our future colleagues are taking.
The GVMA’s Response to COVID-19 I have enjoyed serving on the GVMA Board since 2008, and
We began the year working on legislative issues, such as the appreciate your support as your GVMA President during 2020.
Professional Health Program, veterinary compounding, and My plans for the year did not quite turn out as I had expected,
cleaning up the Practice Act. As the COVID-19 Pandemic was but I am proud of & encouraged by the GVMA response
progressing early in March, we realized the need to restructure to everything that has come up this year. I have a great
our immediate priorities to member & business support. appreciation for the continuing hard work of the GVMA
We made certain to notify Governor Kemp early on of the fact staff, volunteer board members and committees in
that veterinary medicine is “essential business” to the state of keeping our profession working, growing, and supported.
Georgia - we must be allowed to continue to practice in order As Georgia veterinarians, we can feel secure in knowing that
to maintain, improve, and protect animal & public health. We this organization is actively promoting and protecting our
began to pull together information to disseminate statewide to businesses, licenses, ability to practice, and our way of life
all practitioners and their staff regarding the ability to continue in this industry. I want to especially thank Susan Blevins, Dr.
practicing in such critical times. We promptly passed along Wendy Cuevas, Billie Scroggs, and Lindsay Corley, who have
links to public health websites, the Governor’s orders, and the done an amazing job of making & keeping our association the
emergency State Board rule changes. Our website became an respected, informative, and financially sound organization that
important source of up-to-date information, often referenced it is known to be.
by many other statewide organizations (Georgia Cattlemen,
Farm Bureau, UGA CVM). Multiple Town Hall Zoom meetings Jill R. Lancaster, DVM
and informative webinars for both members & nonmembers Immediate Past President, GVMA
were organized after hours. These served to give guidance
on topics ranging from changing business practices, legal &
financial assistance, and changing rules of veterinary practice,
to employee safety protocols, wellbeing, and telemedicine.
We can all be very proud of how the GVMA stepped-up to the
needs of our state and our profession.
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 5
C OV E R S TO RY
2021 President’s Profile:
Dr. Justin Toth
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Covington.
Why did you choose to become a veterinarian?
As a teenager, Drs. Briscoe and Daniell at Covington Veterinary Clinic were gracious
enough to offer me a part-time position. At that time, I was interested in becoming
a physician and wanted to gain some exposure to medical procedures. Dr. Daniell
took the time to explain the cases we saw and served as an excellent mentor. I fell
in love with the profession almost immediately. I found myself coming home after
work and sharing story after story with my friends and family night after night.
Where do you work?
I founded Dallas Highway Animal Hospital in Powder Springs in 2001 and work as
1 of 3 doctors with companion animals.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day at the office consists of the usual mayhem you expect in any animal
hospital. Our team finds comic relief is often the best medicine. We post the joke of
the day on our whiteboard, which often will shame even the corniest of Dad jokes.
We also replay the old 96-Rock’s 5:00 whistle every Friday at the end of the day.
What would you say is the most difficult part about
being a practice owner?
The most difficult part of being a practice owner is learning how to delegate. As a
practice owner for 20 years, I learned years ago to delegate. I went to school to be
a veterinarian first and foremost. If a task does not require a DVM degree, I try to
delegate that task.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The biggest and most rewarding part of my job is the ability to enhance the
human-animal bond. Our pets are our family and I love being an important part of
the many families of West Cobb. In fact, I keep a folder of all the thank you letters,
cards, etc. that I have received from clients over the years. These notes serve as
great reminder whenever I am having a difficult day.
What have been your greatest challenges trying to run
your clinic during the pandemic?
The pandemic has changed life as we know it. Business owners were forced to
adapt without precedent. I am thankful for the many GVMA town hall events and all
the information posted on the GVMA website. Without these resources, changes in
protocol would have been far more difficult. The info the GVMA has been gathering
and providing has been such a great help to everyone in our profession and our
related industries. I’ve been pleased to be receiving emails from the Farm Bureau
and the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association referencing the GVMA websites to their
members. I’m so proud we are all able to cooperate and share information during
this season.
6 WINTER 2020 • GAVet
How can practice owners step
up in terms of leadership
during the pandemic?
As a practice owner, we must strive to
offer the highest quality of medicine while
ensuring the safety of our team members.
We can achieve these simultaneously as
our team members are counting on us to “The pandemic
protect them. I would recommend having
a compliance control officer during the has changed
pandemic as they can provide the written
safety measures like the wearing of life as we know
masks, distancing, and cleaning standards
to prevent COVID-19 exposure at the it. Business
workplace. A compliance control officer is
a worthwhile investment as they can help owners were
with infection control after the pandemic.
forced to
What advice would you give associates who might be
interested in practice ownership? adapt without
Practice ownership is extremely rewarding. Our profession was founded upon the
principles of individual ownership. There are many financial institutions that are precedent. I
designed to assist associates to purchase existing hospitals, or to start a new practice.
I would suggest contacting one of these institutions during the early stages of your am thankful
planning phase.
for the many
Why did you choose to join the Board of Directors of the GVMA? GVMA town hall
Our profession needs representation at the local, state, and federal levels. While
our lawmakers may have the best of intentions, the lack of knowledge regarding our
profession can often be harmful. The GVMA advocates for veterinarians on a daily basis
events and all
and I wanted to be a part of this team.
the information
How has the GVMA benefited you? posted on the
As a member of the BOD and now an officer, I have learned much from the GVMA. I
understand how organized medicine works. I have also become more involved with GVMA website.
the AVMA, serving as Georgia’s Alternate Delegate and now as a member of the State
Advocacy Committee. Without these
Why did you decide resources,
to become involved
in the Wellness changes in
& Resilience protocol would
Committee?
Veterinarians face singular have been far
challenges in their jobs. The
rates of suicide, addiction, and more difficult.”
depression are unusually high
among our profession. I feel
as if the best way to reverse
this trend is to create education and resources for our colleagues. My goal is to “Heal
the Healers.”
continued on page 8
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 7
C OV E R S TO RY
continued from page 7
The Governor signed the GVMA sponsored Why should new veterinarians get involved
Professional Health Program Bill (SB-436) with the GVMA?
in August. What is GPHP and how will it The GVMA is only as strong as its members. If you want a
benefit Georgia veterinarians? voice, if you want an organization that puts your needs first,
then the GVMA is for you.
Statistically, there are 50-60 licensed veterinarians in the
State of Georgia who are impaired and in need of treatment
each year. Unfortunately, there is no current system in Are there specific issues you would like to
place that offers both a crisis intervention structure and a see addressed during your tenure as the
safe harbor for those individuals who are willing to seek GVMA president?
treatment. As a profession, I would love to see our team members paid
a better wage and receive better benefits for the important
Georgia Professionals Health Program is a non-profit job that they perform every day. While I wish this goal could
organization dedicated to the well-being of medical be completed by the end of my tenure, I realize that this is
professionals in Georgia. GPHP currently works with impractical. However, I would love to begin to take steps
physicians, physician assistants, and respiratory therapists in this direction, such as providing lower cost healthcare
licensed in Georgia. options for our members that could be passed along to their
team members.
Some of the objectives of GPHP include:
a. To educate regarding mental health and
How do you handle the daily stress that
substance abuse among Georgia
Healthcare professionals comes with being a veterinarian?
b. Promote prevention and early detection of I try to leave the office for lunch every day. I find that the
these conditions physical disconnect helps me to regroup for the second half
c. Provide intervention for those individuals who need to of the day. I also exercise faithfully and find exercise to be an
enter medical care for mental health or substance excellent way to relieve stress and clear my mind.
abuse issues
d. Monitor the status and safety of program participants Is there anything else that you would like
e. Coordinate with and maintain the trust of the for GVMA members to know about you?
participant’s regulatory agency to balance the I am addicted to Audible! I have “read” over 350 books
participant’s need for care with public safety using Audible.
What would you say to the veterinarian
who is struggling with mental health or
veterinary staff who are worried about a
coworker?
To the individual:
You are not alone. Many of our colleagues feel or have felt
this way. Depending on the study you read, our profession
has a suicide rate that is 2-3 times higher than the general
population. If you are struggling with mental health, talk to
someone as soon as possible.
To the coworker:
When you suspect someone is depressed, or considering
self-harm, do not be silent. It is a fact that confrontation
(when done correctly) can and usually does help that
individual. If you complete the QPR (Question, Persuade,
Refer) training (that is available on the GVMA website), you
will learn how to talk to the individual.
8 WINTER 2020 • GAVet
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 9
P R AC T I C E M A N AG E M E N T Differentiating Cash Flow and Profit By: Doyle Watson, DVM, Simmons & Associates Southeast, Inc. We are frequently asked, “What is the difference between cash flow and profit?” Adjusted Net Cash Flow (“Cash Flow”) is the total discretionary income available to the owner to pull out of the practice and spend as the owner pleases. Consider it as a “bucket of money” which includes the owner’s compensation, owner personal perks and fringe benefits, and a few other items as determined appropriate by the practice appraiser. In a well-managed practice, cash flow should approximate 30% of gross. A Cash Flow analysis is part of Simmons’ “feasibility”, or “sanity”, check. The price must be such that, once terms of finances are considered, the transaction is both affordable and financeable. There are criteria for each which must be satisfied for the transaction to pass scrutiny. GVMA Members CLICK HERE to Read More. Not a Member? LEARN MORE HERE 10 WINTER 2020 • GAVet
Gross Revenues $1,000,000
Appraiser’s Assessment of Adjusted Net Cash Flow (“CF”) $300,000
Appraiser’s Assessment of Reasonable Compensation
for Chief of Staff Doctor $140,000
Earnings $160,000
Debt Service (“DS”) on Purchase $97,000
Buyer’s Pre-Tax Personal After-Debt Income $203,000
($300K CF - $97K DS)
Lender’s Determination of Buyer’s Personal Lifestyle
Financial Requirements $125,000
Doyle Watson, DVM
Owner, Simmons &
Associates Southeast, Inc.
Simmons & Associates Southeast, Inc. PRACTICE OWNERS……Whether you
would like to discuss the current
Doyle Watson, DVM
buyers’ market, profitability strategies,
(800) 333-1984 I southeast@simmonsinc.com
or appraisal options, we are here to
Please visit www.Simmonsinc.com to submit a confidentiality agreement support you. Despite 2020 economic
to learn more about each of the Simmons Southeast listings below: changes, we are seeing a strong
market, transactions are closing, and
GA: South Central - Grossing >$1.1M & growing, 1.5 dr. practice. Attractive
individual and corporate purchasers
facility with 5 acres and modern equipment. Huntin’, fishin’ & lovin’ every day!
(GA14F) are active. Contact Simmons &
Associates Southeast today for a
GA: AAHA Listing - Savannah-Coastal - 1 DVM SA Prx w/RE incl 2 acres, complimentary, non-obligatory
Approx 4084SF spacious facility. Significant opportunities for growth. Well consultation. The dialogue will be
Equipped. 2019 Gross $657K. (GA20S) informative, with time well spent.
As the original pioneer of veterinary
FL: NEW LISTING in Clearwater - 1 DVM, SA practice with real estate,
practice appraisals and brokerage, we
grossing $890K, well equipped, and growing. PRX + RE (FL007A)
have the knowledge, expertise, and
FL: Central - SA Solo Dr Prx. 20 mi NW of Orlando. Exceptional facility. professional business judgment that
Pool. >$1.1M gross & growing. Well equipped. (FL12A) will guide you in the right direction.
You deserve to be fully informed as
SC: Greenville & Spartanburg Area - 2+ Dr. SA Prx w/RE on 4+ ac.
you prepare to sell not just your life’s
Plus extra lot on major hwy. >$2M gross & growing. (SC13W)
work, but the entity which provides
SC: Upstate West South Carolina - 2019 Gross of $2.5M with projected for you and your family’s financial
2020 Revenues approx. $3M! 2 Doctor SA Prx w/RE Incl 1.6 Acres, Approx security.
5764SF Spacious Facility. Well Equipped. Slippery when wet … waterfalls,
rivers, and lakes. (SC30W) FUTURE PRACTICE OWNERS…with
current interest rates less than 4%, this
NC: AAHA Listing - Piedmont Triad/Growing Area - 1.25 DVMs SA,
is a great time for you to buy! If these
Approx 3000SF spacious facility. Only open 4.5 days a week. Well
opportunities are not a right fit, let’s
Equipped. 2019 Gross $685K. PRX & RE $625K. (NC15B)
discuss your needs and goals.
NC: Northeast, near VA - Calling nature lovers and adventurists!
Immaculate, well-equipped facility- digital x-ray, in-house lab, www.simmonsinc.com
companion laser. $1.1M+ gross, 2 dr., SA w/ LA capability. (NC66G)
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 11P R AC T I C E M A N AG E M E N T
5 Ways to Cut Call Volume
By Wendy S. Myers, CVJ
Communication Solutions for Veterinarians Inc.
Call volumes have more than doubled at practices nationwide, according to GeniusVet survey
data.1 Front-desk teams are struggling to answer the onslaught of calls to schedule the
three-month backlog of checkups and elective procedures, refill medications, and curbside
arrivals. Clients’ phone experiences have rapidly deteriorated, with calls frequently rolling into
voicemail when employees can’t keep up.
You need to fix phone experiences now or risk losing client relationships and revenue. Here are
strategies to stop the phone frenzy:
1 Have clients text (not call) when they arrive for curbside appointments. Signs
instruct clients to call your hospital upon arrival for curbside care, resulting in more call
volume. Switch out the “Call us when you arrive” sign for “Curbside appointment? Text this:
ARRIVED, your name, your pet’s name, parking spot #.” Reply to confirm the arrival
GVMA Members,
2
Click Here to read more.
Not A Member? Learn more at www.gvma.net
3
4
5
continued on page 14
12 WINTER 2020 • GAVetWINTER 2020 • GAVet 13
P R AC T I C E M A N AG E M E N T
Embrace technology tools that will become long-term solutions. Hurry, the phone is ringing!
REFERENCES:
Wendy S. Myers, CVJ, has been
training veterinary teams for
more than 20 years as owner
of Communication Solutions
for Veterinarians. She teaches
teams to become confident
communicators, so more pet
owners say yes to medical care.
Wendy shares her expertise
through conferences, online
courses, and monthly CE credit
1. GeniusVets to Host “Defeating the Phone Frenzy” Webinar to Help Practices Improve Communication During
webinars. She is a certified
COVID. PRWeb. Available at: https://www.prweb.com/releases/geniusvets_to_host_defeating_the_phone_frenzy_
veterinary journalist and author
webinar_to_help_practices_improve_communication_during_covid/prweb17351746.htm. Accessed Oct. 1, 2020.
of five books. Her passion is to
2. A New Payment Solution Is Taking Over: 30% of Customers Prefer Paying With Phone Texts. Weave. Available
help practices like yours thrive
at: https://www.getweave.com/a-new-payment-solution-is-taking-over-30-of-customers-prefer-paying-with-
and grow through effective
phone-texts/. Accessed Oct. 1, 2020.
communication skills. You may
reach her at wmyers@csvets.com
or www.csvets.com.
Need CE? Check out the GVMA’s
New Learning Library
26 courses to choose from ranging from 1 - 2 CE hours per course.
All content is On Demand GVMA Members Save! Go to www.GVMA.net
allowing you to get CE $15 per hour for Preferred (please note that
at your leisure. Members (formerly known as LEAP CE is not available
Hospital Membership) on the Learning Library)
Topics include Neurology, $30 per hour for Basic Members
Oncology & Feline Behavior, $50 per hour for Non Members
all State Board approved CE!
14 WINTER 2020 • GAVetWINTER 2020 • GAVet 15
GV M A F O U N DAT I O N
The GVMA Foundation was again awarded a grant from the Dog
and Cat Sterilization Program through the Georgia Department
of Agriculture (GDA). Veterinarians cannot individually access
the program so the GVMA Foundation applied for the grant and
will distribute those funds to all participating GVMA members.
Clinics requested to participate in the program, and will offer
subsidized sterilization procedures for clients. Be on the lookout
to sign-up to participate in 2021!
For 2020:
• GVMA award was $230,000
• To date, participating GVMA member veterinarians have
spayed and neutered 1343 animals
• This year we have 26 veterinary hospitals participating,
• Since the program started, GVMA Foundation has been
awarded $570,000
• In 2019, 2294 animals were spayed and neutered.
$140,000 award
• In 2018, 2298 animals spayed and neutered. $200,000 award
“We have utilized the GVMA
spay/neuter grant to assist
local rescues, animal control,
and our clients in combatting
the ever-growing population of
animals in our rural area. The
GVMA Foundation grant program has been very prompt in
answering our questions and in distributing funds. To date,
our hospital has proudly spayed/neutered 148 local animals
that may not have been vetted without the assistance of
this program. We are very appreciative to all who have
made this possible!”
– Dr. Sarah Ford, Burke County Animal Hospital
“We have received a grant from
the GVMA Foundation for the past
3 years, which helps offset the
cost of spays and neuters. We
have been able to help families
that otherwise might have had
difficulty affording the surgery for their pets. Beginning in
September this year, we have utilized the funds to help over
200 clients.”
– Sharon Wilson, Murrayville Veterinary Clinic”
16 WINTER 2020 • GAVetWINTER 2020 • GAVet 17
P R AC T I C E M A N AG E M E N T
Practice Owners and Managers
Cut Through the Baloney—
Enhance the Partnership
By: Christine Shupe, Executive Director, Veterinary Hospital Managers Association
Veterinary managers address business practices, freeing the healthcare team to focus on medicine. They are vital members
of the veterinary partnership, which consists of managers and owners. For the partnership to be successful, trust, respect,
support, a positive team culture, defined duties and authority, and communication are essential. At the foundation of good
communication is honest feedback.
The No Baloney Survey
The Veterinary Hospital Manager’s Association (VHMA) administered the No Baloney Survey, which was designed to elicit
comments on the unspoken issues that may impact the manager/owner relationship.
• Respondents were encouraged to anonymously share their concerns about their colleagues, including the good,
the bad and everything in between—with no beating around the bush or fears of reprisal.
• VHMA analyzed 513 responses—425 practice managers and 88 practice owners. Respondents were divided into two
groups: practice managers and owners who worked together and practice managers and owners who did not have a
professional relationship.
• The results characterize the manager/owner relationship as one based on respect and appreciation, although
punctuated with concerns.
18 WINTER 2020 • GAVetGVMA Member, CLICK HERE to read more.
Not a Member? Learn more here.
Christine Shupe, CAE
graduated from the State
University of New York
College at Oswego with a
Bachelor of Arts degree,
major in Political Science.
B
elieving that others do not value or appreciate your contributions to an organization can be
In 2003 Christine started
demotivating. 25% of manager respondents report feeling misunderstood or unappreciated her own association
in their jobs and lamented the owner’s failure to rely on positive reinforcement and active management company
listening to foster more positive relationships. CQS Management Service,
LLC. Christine has served
as the Executive Director to
M
anagers who acknowledged the importance of being valued believed that showing the VHMA since 1998.
appreciation is a mutual responsibility. 28% admitted that they have been remiss in sharing
positive comments with owners and thanking them for their support. 37% reported that they
would like to say, “Thank you for creating an environment where I enjoy working.”
2
3% of managers expressed their frustration with owners who they described as being
uninvolved in the business or not treating the practice as a business.
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 19L I C E N S E R E N E WA L
Make Sure Your
License Renewal
Application Isn’t Rejected!
Each veterinarian licensed to practice in the State of Georgia must
obtain 30 hours of State Board approved continuing education every
two years for license renewal. All veterinarians must renew their
license through the Professional Licensing Board at the Georgia
Secretary of State’s Office by December 31, 2020.
What you will need to complete your renewal:
• SECRETARY OF STATE WEBSITE LOGIN
(you can ask the website to send you your password)
• $200 RENEWAL FEE - ($70 for Vet Techs / $20 for faculty licenses) you may pay online
with a credit card or send a check or money order made out to the Georgia Secretary of
State Professional Licensing Board. If not paying online expect delays.
• NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPENSE DRUGS – licensed veterinarians are required to
notify the State Board of Veterinary Medicine of their intention to dispense drugs if he
or she desires to dispense any drugs and/or controlled substances as defined in Article 2 of
Chapter 13 of Title 16 [O.C.G.A. §§ 26-4-130(a)(1) & (2); 26-4-130(e)].
• VERIFICATION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION – you will be asked to verify that
you have completed 30 hours of continuing education (15 if your license was new in 2019, 0
if you were newly licensed in 2020; 10 hours for Vet Techs). You do not need proof of these
hours unless you receive a notification of your Continuing Education Audit for the
Secretary of State’s Office.
n Of the 30 hours, 18 hours must include scientific subject matter. Scientific subject License Number
matter includes all conventional medical and surgical sub-categories that are The State Board will not
evidence based in addition to the science of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of accept your license renewal
disease as it relates directly to patients and includes a comprehensive range of the application without your
practice of veterinary medicine. full license number. For
veterinarians, please
n 2 hours must be in Georgia laws, rules and professionalism (GVMA LEAP CE), remember to include
technicians only need 1 hour. Click Here for the GVMA LEAP CE Calendar. LEAP CE “VET” at the beginning
is FREE for GVMA members, a savings of $250. (EX: “VET123456” not
“123456”) and technicians
A Note on Virtual CE– Rule 700-7-0.1-.03. Emergency Rule on Continuing Veterinary should include “VETT”
Education Due to the State of Emergency regarding COVID-19, licensees who apply to renew at the beginning.
licenses expiring December 31, 2020, may obtain all continuing education hours online in
order to satisfy the continuing education requirements outlined within Rule 700-7-.03. This For any license renewal
applies to all CE with the exception of LEAP, which must be obtained live or in a live virtual questions please contact
session such as Zoom (not pre-recorded). Virtual CE that does not include Q&A will not be the State Board of
accepted by the State Board (all GVMA Virtual CE meets this requirement), More information Veterinary Medicine:
can be found on the State Board website, https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/53 (844) 753-7825.
20 WINTER 2020 • GAVetGVMA Sponsors Careers Section of
Mobile Classroom for Agriculture
The GVMA Board of Directors voted at the beginning
of the year to sponsor the Careers section of a mobile
classroom for agriculture that is being developed by
the Georgia Farm Bureau’s Foundation, the Georgia
Foundation for Agriculture. Veterinary medicine will
be prominently featured and promoted to STEM school
children in grades 3-5. Georgia Farm Bureau districts
will sign up for the trailer to visit the middle schools in
their district beginning in January 2021.
The mission of the mobile classroom is to inspire the
next generation of leaders in agriculture through an
educational STEM-Based mobile unit that showcases
how food and fiber is grown in Georgia.
Goals for students
• To gain a better understanding and become an
advocate for agriculture, Georgia’s no.1 industry
• To recognize the role that the agriculture plays
in our state
• To be exposed to new technology
• To think about their place in the industry
• To associate this positive experience with the
Georgia Farm Bureau and our state’s
commodity groups
Physical Specs
• 36 foot gooseneck trailer pulled by Ford F350
• 8 self-guided interactive stations
• 1 live activity demo
• Student scavenger hunt
• Teacher and student takeaways
Impact & Impressions
• School Impact: 150 Days of School Visits Annually
• 240 kids to visit the mobile classroom daily in
Farm Bureau Districts
• 36,000 child reach annually
• All students will be given 2 handouts minimum
to take home to parents
• Online Mobile Classroom to likely reach parents GEORGIAAGEXPERIENCE.ORG
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 21WELLNESS
What to do if
a Staff
Member
Contracts
COVID-19
By: Christine Zurawski, M.D.,
Medical Director for Infection
Prevention & Antibiotic Stewardship
for Piedmont Hospital and
Don Riddick, BA, JD, GVMA Legal Expert
Do you have any first hand What should other staff
experiences of a staff member members do if someone at
contracting COVID-19? the clinic tests positive?
Someone who works at our front desk is not working right now If you work in a clinic where everyone is not wearing masks
because a friend of hers died from COVID-19 and she attended then everyone is considered exposed, especially if you have
his funeral. She contracted COVID-19 and will be at home been in close proximity with the individual. If everyone is
until her 10 days of quarantine are completed. None of us at wearing a mask then the risk of transmission is low.
work were considered to have a potential exposure because
we are all wearing masks. If all parties are wearing masks the
risks on any serious exposures or infection is low. Masks save
Don, what about from a
the workplace from potential exposures and keep everyone at legal standpoint?
work and doing their jobs. Don: There is no waiver of the OSHA requirement which
states that you must provide a safe work environment.
Breakrooms: We have seen nurse to nurse transmission Essentially what the code of federal regulations require is
from people going in the breakroom and taking off their that you provide a safe place. You can do contract tracing and
masks to eat and socialize. It’s very frustrating because the require a negative COVID test before the employee can return
breakrooms don’t have enough space for staff to spread out and to work.
eat. However, we have come up with ways to take breaks in
different spaces, such as conference rooms, and eat in shifts. One issue that comes up a lot is staff members believing
they have a right to not come to work if one of their
How should practice leadership co-workers has tested positive and that is not true. The
regulation is just the opposite, unless they can show that
respond if a staff member tests there is a serious hazard to them that hasn’t been mitigated
positive for COVID-19? by proper controls then they have to show up. The most
important way to show a safe workplace environment is
If someone tests positive for COVID-19 they should go home.
to have consistent records of a written policy that all your
The person in my office (who tested positive for COVID-19)
employees are following, which include safety policies like the
had a cough but no fever. My partner told the employee that
wearing of masks. If you have an employee who doesn’t feel
she needed to get tested and please don’t come back to work
safe about coming to work, FMLA is an option for them to take
until she received the results. The recommendation is to
a leave of absence.
stay home for 10 days which begins the first day they
experience symptoms.
22 WINTER 2020 • GAVetIf an employee has contact with someone outside
the workplace who has COVID-19, how should that
be handled, assuming they weren’t wearing masks?
If your policy is to wear a mask at work, then the person can self-monitor and doesn’t
necessarily have to stay home from work. If the exposure was their spouse, then you would
want the person to stay home because that is going to be very close contact. Yet, exposure
within the household is not at 100%, only 60% percent of people within the same house
become infected.
Don: From a liability stance if the person exposed doesn’t want to sit out from work for Christine Zurawski, M.D.
FIDSA (Fellow, Infectious
10 days you can have them get tested, and come up negative, and have them adhere to the
Disease Society of America)
safety standards. graduated from the University
of Michigan Honors College
Dr. Zurawski: I would urge caution in the use of testing as a marker of health as it gives a false in 1986. She earned her
medical degree at Emory
sense of security. The type of testing and the timing of the testing can impact the results. For University School of Medicine.
example, the rapid antigen test, like they use with professional athletes, can have a 30-40% She completed a residency
false negative rate. If you have an exposure and you test the next day you could really just have a in Internal Medicine and
a fellowship in Infectious
false negative that can occur within the first 24 hours. The testing situation is very complicated Diseases at Emory University
so most people in healthcare don’t mandate testing to come back to work. We’ve seen patients School of Medicine. She is
test positive for up to 90 days after contracting COVID-19, even though they are no longer the CEO of Atlanta ID Group,
a private Infectious Diseases
infectious, so it all depends on timing.
practice that is affiliated with
Piedmont Healthcare. She
(From the GVMA’s “Pandemic Workplace Safety Townhall” on 10/28, a recording of the is also the Medical Director
webinar and more Q&A can be found on GVMA’s blog at www.gvma.net) for Infection Prevention and
Antibiotic Stewardship for
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and
Piedmont Healthcare System.
Don Riddick has been a
licensed attorney since 1993,
including current active licenses
in Alabama, Georgia and
Tennessee. He is the owner and
practice manager of Benning
Animal Hospital LLC, and is a
licensed Veterinary Technician
in Georgia. He has four dogs,
two horses, and has made a
few midnight farm calls with his
wife, veterinarian Keri Riddick.
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 23MEMBERSHIP
We want to thank you for your support over the past year. We know that
it hasn't been easy and we value your contribution to your professional
associations. People like you make up the heart of organizations like ours.
Your involvement is so important and very much appreciated.
In every aspiration,
we have you covered.
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Education
Become a GVMA Member Today!
Become a GVMA member today!
GVMA.net
gvma.net
24 WINTER 2020 • GAVetWINTER 2020 • GAVet 25
YOUR MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
This Holiday season we’re
here to help you with the
extra pandemic related
challenges you may be
experiencing.
The holiday season is a time for celebrations, gift
giving, and reconnecting with family and friends.
However, this season can also bring with it added
stress, anxiety, and even the holiday blues. Your
Member Assistance Program can help you make
the holidays more relaxing by:
m Offering in the moment support and counseling
assistance 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for you
and your family members.
m Confidential, private discussions to determine the
triggers of your stress or anxiety.
m Assistance in developing coping strategies to help you
deal with holiday blues or the stress and anxiety they
might bring.
m Providing objective, experienced counselors to help
guide you when you need it the most.
ALWAYS AVAILABLE. ALWAYS CONFIDENTIAL.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS LESS STRESSFUL BY CALLING:
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-633-3353 • WEBSITE: WWW.GVMA.NET
26 WINTER 2020 • GAVetAttention: New Date for ECVC 2021
Find out more info at
www.emeraldcoastvc.com
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 27P R AC T I C E M A N AG E M E N T
End of the Year
FINANCIAL
ADVICE
By: Duffy Jones, DVM
Owner of Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital, Co-founder, dvmSuccess
What a crazy year this had been! As you get ready for the end of the year,
here are a few things to think about to help start off 2021 with a bang.
Know What Taxes You May Owe •
2020 was a messy year financially. Many hospitals were closed
for weeks, many got Payroll Protection Program loans, others
saw a record growth. Whatever happened in your hospital, a
meeting with your accountant to assess your tax liability is in
order. I hate to say this, but I hope most of you owe some taxes.
That would mean you were profitable and grew your business!
Thinking about your potential tax liability before the end of
the year can help you plan for any equipment purchases or
facility improvements that you might need. Knowing your
approximate tax liability before the end of the year is very
important so you do not get a big surprise come April of 2021.
GVMA Members, CLICK HERE TO READ
MORE
• .
28 WINTER 2020 • GAVetDuffy Jones,
DVM, completed
his Bachelor of
Science degree
in biology at
the University
of Notre Dame
and obtained
his Doctorate
in Veterinary
Medicine at Tufts School of Veterinary
Medicine. He then completed an
internship at Georgia Veterinary
Specialist in 2000. In 2005, he founded
Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital located
in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Jones is a past
• president and the current treasurer of
the GVMA. He is the co-author of The
Business Side of Veterinary Medicine:
What Veterinary Schools Do Not Teach
You, published in 2017.
Dr. Jones founded dvmSuccess in 2019
with a vision of applying his expertise,
diverse experience and 21st century
technology to the task of upgrading
the practice financial advisory service
and related services that serve the
veterinary market.
Learn more about dvmSuccess at www.dvm.com.
WINTER 2020 • GAVet 29Georgia Veterinary Medical Association 2200 Century Parkway, Suite 725 Atlanta, GA 30345
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