Pulse - October 2021 - 52

FROM THE SCVMA OFFICE PETER WEINSTEIN, DVM, MBA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PWEINSTEIN@SCVMA.ORG
A FINAL NOTE
I am proud to have been the SCVMA's ED.
Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me.
Other times, I can barely see.
Lately, it occurs to me
What a long, strange trip it's been.
-- Grateful Dead, Truckin'
After almost 14 years, approximately 165 ED Pages
and thousands of hours of continuing education programs,
I am penning my final notes as executive director.
I am not out of ideas, thoughts, quips and stories. I am
just out of time...
First off, any rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.
I am hale and hearty.
Second, rumors of my departure are not rumors but
facts. As I have done a number of times in my career,
it is time to re-calibrate, rejuvenate, reinvigorate and reimagine
myself.
Rather than reminisce, I want to just express how
proud I am of the work that the SCVMA team has done
over the last 14 years. Lucy, Allyne, Savanna - and previously
Cristina and Mary - have dedicated themselves to
each of you and your needs. They have created a worldclass
magazine in which you are reading this. They have
hosted world-class continuing education from speakers
all over the country and the world. They have celebrated
the profession at amazing places every year and
found really fun venues at which to do so. And for 14
years they have dealt with my thoughts, ideas, whims and
dreams. And my travel schedule. As has been said, " we've
come a long way, baby. "
I am proud of the SCVMA leadership-the executive
boards, the boards of trustees, the chapter officers, and the
committee and group chairs, among others have dedicated
countless hours for the membership and the needs of the
veterinary profession in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
With a different president almost every year (Thank you
Misty for doing it twice), there is no certainty from year
to year about what the leadership may envision. But it has
been amazing to see the growth, ideas and vision that the
leadership has demonstrated for the veterinary profession.
I am proud of each of you and thankful for each of
you - especially over the past 18 months. These have
been unbelievably interesting times. Yes, things have been
very challenging as you have had to deal with the viral
pandemic and the radical busy-ness that has both benefited
and tested each practice, each company, each shelter
and each person who works within and for the veterinary
industry. The ability and willingness to support one
another and learn from one another has made for a stronger
association. As many associations around the country
have seen their memberships decline and their cohesiveness
weaken, I think the SCVMA may be the strongest it
has been in my almost 35 years of membership.
52
Your new executive director, Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, has
been a friend and colleague since veterinary school at
the University of California, Davis. I have watched Dr.
Hawkins grow as a veterinary associate, relief doctor, shelter
veterinarian, shelter director, SCVMA president, CVMA
governor, wife and mother. I am so proud to have Dr.
Hawkins take the reins of the SCVMA and lead as only a
member and veterinarian can. The future is in a great mind.
Finally, the greatest pride I have is in my family. My
children have been an integral part of the SCVMA in
various ways over the past 14 years. As attendees at the
Celebration and volunteers at the Downtown Dog Rescue
clinics. As foils for my ED Pages and updates. And as
unwavering supporters of the veterinary profession.
Brianna, now living in Austin, Tex., is thriving in her
career and life. Her success and competitive nature make
me proud every time she calls me while walking her
dog, Burrata, just for the sake of calling. And Brooke,
currently entering her third year at the College of Veterinary
Medicine at Oregon State University, took up the
veterinary calling and has worked hard and aggressively
to accomplish each step on her way to ultimately joining
all of us in the veterinary profession. To have your child
want to follow in your footsteps goes without saying as
being a great source of pride.
Sharon, whom many of you have met at different
events, is my greatest cheerleader. I am so proud to have
Sharon as my wife and can't thank her enough for all the
patience and support she has shown over the years. By
the way, we got married the same month that I became
executive director.
As a final note, I just want to thank Dr. Dayna Wiedenkeller
and Dr. Diane Craig and the 2007 SCVMA
Board who took a chance on an inexperienced executive
director but an experienced veterinarian and businessman
to lead the SCVMA into the future. I am proud to have
been that person.
Some final music lyrics, going back to my favorite,
The Boss:
Now I been out in the desert just doing my time,
Searching through the dust looking for a sign.
If there's a light up ahead, well brother I don't know,
But I got this fever burning in my soul.
So let's take the good times as they go
And I'll meet you further on up the road.
-- Bruce Springsteen
OCTOBER 2021
PULSE
Pulse - October 2021

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