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EXTERNs ON THE HILL

Submitted by Megan Lacy, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

As I wandered through the maze of the Longworth House Office Building in Washington, DC seeking out the coffee shop that I used to frequent a mere four years ago in my former career, I swiftly realized that while the layout of Capitol Hill had not changed, I had changed drastically throughout my four years in veterinary school back home in Southwest Virginia. Now, as an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Government Relations Division (GRD) extern, I enter U.S. House and Senate Office Buildings to advocate for legislation on behalf of the veterinary medical field as a soon-to-be doctor with a scientific outlook on public policy. Though I have different priorities now, I have noticed two common threads throughout my education and career: the importance of perspective and the value of relationships, both of which have been put to extensive use during my first two weeks as an extern. 

My perspective is likely quite different from those who typically work on Capitol Hill, which allows me to speak personally about issues that are imperative to the veterinary profession.  A top legislative priority for the AVMA is to secure proper funding for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and the Veterinary Service Grant Program (VSGP), both of which address rural veterinary shortages across the country. Growing up in rural Southwest Virginia, I have witnessed the decline in the number of large animal veterinarians and their practices and the impact this has had on herd health and the economic vitality of local farms. As an extern, I have realized the effect both programs have had on rural communities and the exceptional programs these funds are used to support. I have never felt prouder to be a member of the veterinary field and to come from a rural community. 

Through that community, I have learned to consider different perspectives, but I have also learned the value of relationships. Coming from a close-knit community drove home the importance of connections with other members of the community at an early age. Although I wasn’t aware of it then, I was honing a skill that would serve me greatly in my eventual career. In my previous career as a liaison between different entities at the House of Representatives, relationship-building and finding common ground were vital to my career. These skills are, of course, also essential for veterinary students and veterinarians. As an extern, I have been able to meet with congressional staff, representatives and senators, former coworkers, and amazing veterinarians involved in policy and government. The experience thus far has been enriching and fun and has allowed me to marry different experiences and skills that I have gained over the years – it has somewhat felt like home. 

After I finally found my coffee in Longworth, I headed toward another meeting in which I would meet someone new, find common ground, and share my perspective on the importance of the veterinary profession and the legislation that will continue to support and advance it.  

AVMA RESOURCES

The AVMA is a great resource for students to stay educated on current events affecting veterinary medicine. Use our AVMA Resources tab to learn more about telemedicine/virtual VCPR information, the midlevel position and workforce needs. 

CUTEST PET

Submitted by Ragain Hatfield, Iowa State University

EXTERNS ON THE HILL

Submitted by Tannaz Zafarnia, Long Island University

We arrived right on time–which is perhaps early in DC-speak–and lingered outside on a quiet block lined with houses and blooming cherry blossoms just south of the Capitol. Dr. Lindsey Hornickel, veterinarian and the Assistant Director of the Government Relations Division at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and I were about to attend a Pennsylvania congresswoman’s celebration for her new chief of staff. 

We saw a few others stroll up to the entrance of the unassuming white house (of smaller and more humble stature compared to the White House) and decided to make our way into the cozy living room repurposed into a cocktail bar. Upon entering the soiree, we were greeted by none other than the congresswoman herself. Her welcome was warm as if we were longtime friends, and she offered to hang up my coat and get me a drink. The congresswoman is offering to hang up my coat? Disarmed by her modesty, I complied.

After more people had joined, the congresswoman began her welcoming remarks honoring and celebrating her trusted former scheduler now chief of staff. They reminisced on their momentous victories in Congress and discussed the challenges ahead. Someone in the crowd had asked what we (a mixed group of individuals representing a variety of organizations and causes), could do to help them and their office, and their answer was simple–they want us to keep them informed about key issues affecting our respective groups. For the AVMA– that's currently preserving veterinary access to legitimate uses of xylazine and recruiting and retaining veterinarians in rural areas, along with other critical issues that could define the future of our profession—reasons why maintaining positive relationships with congressional members on Capitol Hill is imperative. A few more stories between the congresswoman and her chief of staff were shared and a toast was made, then mingling began. 

The congresswoman approached me and emphasized her respect for veterinarians and wanted to learn more about my interests. The member of Congress wants to learn more about me? Completely softened by her affable disposition (again), I told her about my time in graduate school and then how I managed a women’s health non-profit. We talked about my journey to and through veterinary school and my plans for after. She complimented my objective to bridge my two worlds and hopefully assist in meaningful policy. She made me feel like a valuable stakeholder with importance.  

My two weeks at the AVMA as a Government Relations Veterinary Extern have been defined by similar moments. Between the team at the AVMA’s office to the lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill, the policy experts I’ve engaged with have emphasized that my knowledge and expertise as a soon-to-be-veterinarian is valued, and important. I encourage every vet student to consider this opportunity during veterinary school. Your skills and education are of merit–and if you have something to say–to even a celebrated representative in Congress, you will be heard.