What Is PVMA?

Who is the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association?

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) is the only statewide professional membership organization dedicated to veterinarians. Our membership, which consists of over half of the licensed veterinarians in Pennsylvania, represent the broad spectrum of veterinary medicine, including but not limited to, small animal, large animal, exotic, bovine, and equine practitioners and veterinarians working in research and academic capacities. PVMA is affiliated with 18 local veterinary medical associations across the Commonwealth and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What Can PVMA Do For Me as a Veterinary Student?

As a veterinary student, you are eligible for dues-free membership in the Association. As a student member, you receive:

Complimentary issues of the keystone veterinarian, the Association’s quarterly publication Complimentary classified advertising in the keystone veterinarian and our website, www.pavma.org
Complimentary registration at all our educational meetings throughout the year

Upon graduation, your dues-free membership continues until January of the ensuing year. At that time, you will become an Active Member and will be eligible to pay greatly reduced dues ($50) for the two years following graduation.

Click here for a printable Student Membership Application.

What Is in the Works for 2010 and Coming Years for the University of Pennsylvania

Students PVMA is committed to working with you to give you what you need to prepare for your careers as veterinarians. We understand the tremendous pressures you face as you attempt to balance your academic and personal life. Through our Student Liaison Committee, we are continually identifying ways to help you. Here are some samples of what is in the works:

PVMA Lunch Talks—The PVMA Lunch Talk Series is being developed for the 1st and 2nd year students as a forum to discuss who PVMA is, how we can help, and give practical insight into what daily life is like as a veterinarian from a variety of different perspectives (small animal, large animal, research, etc.) Lunch is provided and so is a casual atmosphere where students can get the insight they need.

White Coat Ceremony—PVMA is hosting a White Coat Ceremony for the third year students in 2008. PVMA is pursuing pharmaceutical support to offset costs to provide a dinner and formal ceremony where the coats can be presented.

Large Animal Block Pizza Party — The Pizza Party has been in existence for a number of years and continues as a annual tradition with the students at New Bolton Center. Held each January, this informal gathering provides an opportunity for students to learn about PVMA and ask questions about the Association and veterinary medicine.

Health Insurance Coverage—Discounted rates for health insurance coverage are already available to our members who are licensed veterinarians in the state. We are investigating the possibility of expanding this coverage to include our student members.

What is in the Works for 2010 and Coming Years for All Student Members

Mentoring Program – PVMA is in the process of developing a mentoring program with the Student Liaison Committee. The mentoring program will include mentoring opportunities for students interested in all areas of veterinary medicine. Watch for more details later this year.

Representation through the Student Liaison Committee – The Student Liaison Committee was rejuvenated last year in an effort to improve PVMA's relationship with the University of Pennsylvania and its students. You are invited to provide your input and suggestions to the student representatives or to PVMA directly by contacting our office. Remember! – you are the future of veterinary medicine and this Association. We need and value your input.

Want to Get Involved?

There are several ways to get involved: Contact your student representatives to find out ways you can help with ongoing projects, development of new ones, give them your input and ideas! Register as a student member. This allows us to enter your vital information into our database so we can keep track of you now and when you graduate and it helps us make sure you get the information you need as members. Call or email the PVMA office and tell us your ideas, offer your suggestions. We want your input!t 1-888-550-7862, or by email message at cbritton@pavma.org.

Schedule of 2010 Meetings

11^th Annual Spring Clinic
May 26-27, 2010
The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
State College, PA

4^th Keystone Veterinary Conference
August 12-15, 2010
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Hershey, PA

3^rd 3 Rivers Veterinary Conference
November 5-7, 2010
Sheraton Station Square Hotel
Pittsburgh, PA

Need to Contact Us?

Office Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association
12 Briarcrest Square
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: 1-888-550-7862 / 717.533.7934
Fax: (717) 533-4761
Email: pvma@pavma.org
Website: www.pavma.org

Staff

Charlene Wandzilak
Executive Director cwandzilak@pavma.org

Liz Moquin
Director of Administration & Operations lmoquin@pavma.org

Christine Britton
Director of Education & Events cbritton@pavma.org

Lori Raver
Director of Marketing & Communications
lraver@pavma.org

Barb Pollihan
Membership & Meetings Assistant bpollihan@pavma.org