PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Spring 2021 - 8

Team Talk
By Jen Morris,
PVMA's Director of
Member Services

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we
have learned to work, communicate,
and collaborate in new ways in both our
personal and professional lives. Whether
it's communicating with clients, having a
virtual appointment with your doctor, or
helping your kids navigate virtual learning,
the shift in how we interact with one
another has affected each and every one
of us in different ways. Some individuals
say they have been experts in social
distancing long before the pandemic,
while others have struggled internally
with the lack of social interaction and the
energy they normally absorb by being
around others in a group. Whether you
have struggled in some areas or grown as
a person over this past year, we have all
learned more about ourselves and others,
both personally and professionally.
PVMA itself has had to adapt to these
changes and the way we interact,
collaborate and communicate with our
members. The most noticeable is the shift
from in-person to virtual events. While
the State Board of Veterinary Medicine
approved 100% of CE to be online due to
the pandemic, we are finding new ways
for the veterinary profession to learn
and interact while staying on top of new
skills and trends. When we are at inperson events, we have the opportunity
to network with peers in the profession,
stay after a session and have a great
discussion with a speaker, get hands-on
experience through the wet labs, and
make connections with others in the
industry through the exhibit hall. While

these opportunities may have looked
different this year by conducting them
virtually, we continue as an association to
find new ways through new technology,
tools, and resources to acclimate to your
needs and those of your practice.
While in-person interaction continues
to be limited, we want our members to
still be able to network with each other,
whether it is in your geographical area or
by special interests. We are excited for
the launch of our new Online Community
Groups through the PVMA website for
all members. Members must be logged
in to the website at PaVMA.org and visit
the " My Community Groups " link. Only
PVMA members will be able to view and
contribute content.

The Online Community is broken down
by groups. Think of each individual group
page as comparable to a LinkedIn or
Facebook group. Members can create
posts in forums that others can follow
and comment and share documents and
even photos. It's a great way for your
local District leaders to provide updates,
as well as give you the opportunity to
share ideas and give feedback. The
primary groups are the Districts. We also
have groups ranging from leadership and
committees to different areas of practice
and job roles within the veterinary
profession. More information, video
tutorials, and new groups being added
can be found in the Member Portal,
as well as email communications from
PVMA.
Through the PVMA Member Portal, you
also have the capability to connect with
other PVMA members, similar to adding
a colleague on LinkedIn. In addition, you
may send a direct message to another
member. This is a great tool as some
members have already connected with
other alumni who they haven't seen or
spoken to in years.
While we look forward to hopefully
returning to some type of normalcy later
in 2021, we understand the need for
flexibility while continuing to provide
top-notch continuing education in new
and enhanced ways. Live and on-demand
webinars continue to be available through
the PVMA Education Center. We are also
excited to resume District Meetings. This
year's Keystone Veterinary Conference
will take place November 20-21, 2021.
You get to choose what works for you
and your practice, whether attending
in person in Hershey, PA, attending
the live event virtually, or accessing all
session recordings on-demand. More
information and registration can be found
at KeystoneVetConference.org.
As all of us continue to navigate the
changing world, know that PVMA is
here to support you both personally and
professionally. If we can assist you or
your practice in any way, please reach
out to the Member Services Team at
Membership@PaVMA.org.

About Jen Morris: Jen's professional background includes over 20 years of experience in marketing, membership, event planning, and business
development. She graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with Bachelors of Science degrees in both Marketing and Management.
She lives with her fiancé Patrick, 11-year-old son Peyton, Patrick's 11-year-old son Carter, and their growing number of pets: 2 dogs, 3 cats,
rabbit, hamster, goldfish, 8 chickens, and 5 ducks. Jen's favorite place to be is either in her Jeep Wrangler out on the trails, or on the water
kayaking, jet skiing, or boating.
8 | Keystone Veterinarian

http://www.PaVMA.org http://www.KeystoneVetConference.org

PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Spring 2021

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