PetSmart Charities Funds UC Davis Endowed Chair
The University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine will use a $6 million gift to establish the PetSmart Charities Endowed Chair in Accessible Veterinary Care. The endowed faculty chair has not been filled, but a call for applications is expected within weeks, according to UC Davis. “It’s one of the most pressing issues of our time: building more equitable access to veterinary care,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “Supporting an endowed faculty chair at this world-class veterinary school is certain to help us gain access to insight and expertise on effectively investing in this critical societal need.”
Thrive Pet Healthcare Appoints CEO
The 400-hospital Thrive Pet Healthcare network hired Tad Stahel to replace Odis Pirtle as CEO, effective June 12. Stahel’s most recent job was group vice president at DaVita, a provider of kidney care services in human medicine. One of his accomplishments while at DaVita was growing the business to 1,000 locations across the United States.
CityVet Names Chief Strategy Officer
CityVet, a Dallas-based network of 28 veterinary practices, hired Jennifer Welser, DVM, DACVO, as chief strategy officer. “Her strategic plan will include introducing and driving awareness of CityVet’s unique veterinary ownership model and support system to new channels within the industry,” the company reported.
AVMA Chooses 2023-2024 D.C. Fellow
Massachusetts veterinarian Dr. Mariah Lancaster will participate in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2023-2024 Fellowship Program. She will serve as a full-time scientific adviser in a congressional office or committee. “Utilizing her veterinary expertise, she will work with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to shape and influence legislation across a variety of policy issues,” the AVMA stated.
WSAVA to Start Career Development Program
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association is launching an online certificate program in professional development and personal wellness. The course “will help learners to create a career development roadmap and develop strategies to safeguard their well-being,” according to WSAVA. “It will be available later this year, free of charge to members of WSAVA member associations, made possible by support from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.”
VHMA Toolkit Is a Problem Solver
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association released the Organizational Diagnosis and Design (OrgDD) Toolkit. The resource is designed to help veterinary practices solve workforce issues, improve client services and enhance veterinary care. Details are at bit.ly/43tboIK.
Bond Vet Schedules NYC Conference
New York-based Bond Vet will host the More Than Medicine conference on June 23 in Manhattan. “From leadership and diversity to innovation and finance, the sessions are designed to focus on the non-medical aspects of the veterinary profession,” Bond Vet stated. Learn more at bond.vet/morethanmedicine.
Get Money Back With Provide Card
The financial technology company Provide Inc. introduced Provide Card for health care practice owners. Users earn 3% cash back on qualified veterinary supply and lab purchases “and 1% cash back on everything else,” according to Provide.
Merck Manual Content Is Available Through VIN
The Veterinary Information Network is offering member veterinarians and veterinary students direct online access to The Merck Veterinary Manual. VIN has more than 99,000 members worldwide.
Summit Veterinary Advisors Is 25 Years Old
Summit Veterinary Advisors marked 25 years in business. Leslie Mamalis, a consultant and Today’s Veterinary Business columnist, acquired Weatherford, Texas-based Summit in 2014. Today, the company is owned by Tera Eddleman, CVA.