Tune in and learn about key issues that affect the veterinary profession in Illinois and, in turn, you and your practice!

Dr. Sandra Faeh, President, AVMA, discusses how a bill passed in Colorado in November 2024 now allows the existence of a mid-level veterinary practitioner in clinics and hospitals in that state. It is a position that the AVMA, ISVMA and other veterinary-related organizations had opposed prior to a vote in Colorado. At this time, the creation of such a position is not being pursued in Illinois.

This episode also reviews member approval of two new ISVMA membership categories, one of which allowing veterinary practice managers to now join the association. The second membership category, practice membership, goes live mid-2025.

Hear how the ISVMA is on sound financial footing, a review of key legislation the profession in Illinois faced in 2024, as well as proposals that are continuing into 2025. A review of educational opportunities and member benefits rounds out this episode.

Audio in this episode was recorded live at the ISVMA's 142nd Annual Convention's membership meeting presentation, held in November 2024.

Midwestern University in Downers Grove will be the home of Illinois’ proposed second college of veterinary medicine and teaching hospital.

Not since the installation of the University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine in Champaign-Urbana in 1944 has there been a similar collegiate offering for doctor of veterinary medicine students in the state.

Coretta Patterson, DVM, DACVIM-SA, is the new dean of this college. In this Veterinary Today Podcast, Dr. Patterson outlines the steps currently being taken to establish this college, the expected timeline for approval and, when approved, when the first class of students may be expected to enroll.

Dr. Patterson also discusses the importance of Midwestern University’s proposed DVM teaching hospital and how having this facility is important to the success of its future graduates.

Dr. Patterson was recently interviewed by ISVMA’s Veterinary Today Podcast host, Dr. Joanne Carlson, Loving Care Animal Clinic, Palatine, about this exciting development.

“You just can’t make this stuff up!”

Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, DABVP, PhD, brings a light-hearted veterinary stand-up comedy Keynote presentation at the 142nd ISVMA Annual Convention this November!

Dr. Fitzgerald is a renowned veterinarian and, like many fellow veterinary professionals, has encountered some amusing situations involving pets and their human caretakers over his career that Annual Convention attendees will relate with and enjoy in his comedic story telling!

Dr. Fitzgerald also has a long-running career in television, having starred in the popular Animal Planet television series Emergency Vets for 11 seasons. He has also opened and worked with legendary comedic performers such as Joan Rivers and Bob Hope.

Bringing his veterinary skills to work on a global scale, Dr. Fitzgerald has assisted in 10 animal expeditions, from Antarctica to Mongolia to Manitoba, focusing on the conservation of endangered species. He is an author, having published more than 150 scientific journal articles and 41 veterinary textbook chapters.

Dr. Fitzgerald will also be presenting five different Small Animal track courses during Saturday’s agenda at the Annual Convention. Topics range from marijuana intoxication in dogs to everything you ever wanted to know about turtles!

Tune in to find out more about Dr. Fitzgerald and his amazing career in veterinary medicine and as an entertainer. Plan to attend the 142nd ISVMA Annual Convention in November!