Furkin Sets Sights on U.S. Insurance Market
Furkin, a year-old Canadian pet health insurance company, will expand into the United States and offer more coverage options. Launched in August 2021, the Toronto-based insurer also will sell policies in Quebec for the first time, giving it a presence in all provinces. Now limited to $20,000 in annual coverage, policyholders will be able to choose $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 or unlimited options. In addition, 70% and 90% reimbursement options will be added to the current 80% threshold.
AVMA Pays Tribute to Numerous Individuals
The American Veterinary Medical Association honored several industry professionals during the organization’s Philadelphia convention. Indiana practitioner John Scamahorn, DVM, a past chair of the AVMA board of directors, accepted the AVMA Meritorious Service Award for his support of the veterinary profession at the local, state and national levels. Florida practice owner Link Welborn, DVM, DABVP, the chief veterinary officer with Covetrus’ North America division, received The AVMA Award for his contributions to advancing veterinary medicine organizationally. Larry Granger, DVM, a former senior leader with the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, won the 2022 AVMA Public Service Award. James E. Nave, DVM, a Nevada practice owner and former AVMA president, earned the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award for his contributions to the international understanding of veterinary medicine. Receiving the AVMA President’s Award were the late Phil Hinkle, former executive director of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association; Martha Littlefield, DVM, MS, a retired professor at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine; and James Brett, DVM, an associate clinical professor at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a volunteer with national and state veterinary organizations. In addition, Mike Nolan, DVM, Ph.D., DACVR, a professor of oncology at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2022 American Veterinary Medical Foundation/EveryCat Health Foundation Research Award; Cornell University Professor Yrjö Gröhn, DVM, MPVM, MS, Ph.D., won the 2022 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award; Stephen White, DVM, DACVD, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, accepted the 2022 AVMA Clinical Research Award; and UC Davis Professor Stanley Marks, BVSc, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVN, received the 2022 AVMA Career Achievement in Canine Research Award. Finally, certified animal behavior consultant and radio personality Steve Dale accepted the inaugural AVMA Excellence in Veterinary Media Award.
Chou2 Pharma Partners With Penn Vet on Study
Chou2 Pharma and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine initiated a clinical study of how cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) affect osteoarthritic pain in the canine elbow. “This effort kicks off Chou2 Pharma’s investigative new animal drug process with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and plan to bring a natural, pharmaceutical-grade treatment option to tens of millions of dogs who suffer from OA,” the company reported.
Rudeness Harms Team Members Emotionally
A study by the University of Aberdeen in Scotland found that client rudeness can cause increased anxiety and depression in veterinary team members, raise the risk of burnout and “may prompt some to reconsider their future in the profession.” In addition, “Rudeness from senior colleagues was tied to reduced job satisfaction and increased likelihood of quitting.” Details are at psyarxiv.com/j5q8h.
Comments Requested on a New Fish Specialty
The American Association of Fish Veterinarians is leading an effort to earn a fish practice specialty within the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties is accepted comments through Sept. 2 by email at ABVS@avma.org. The subject line should state, “Fish practice public comment.”
UC Davis Looks for Stomatitis Patients
The University of California, Davis, veterinary hospital is opening a monthly Stomatitis Clinic “to better serve patients suffering from this oral disease and provide them with cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic options.” The service is available by veterinarian referral only.