Pulse - November 2021 - 52

FROM THE SCVMA OFFICE JENNIFER HAWKINS, DVM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JHAWKINS@SCVMA.ORG
A SMOOTH CHANGE-OVER
" There is nothing permanent, except change. " - Hermaclitus
Transition \tran(t)-'si-sh n\
: a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc.
to another
: something that links one state, subject, place, etc.
to another
Change \'ch nj\
: make (someone or something) different; alter or
modify
: replace (something) with something else, especially
something of the same kind
Change-over \'ch nj- -ver\
: a change from one condition, system, method, etc.,
to another
: a pause in a tennis match during which the players
change sides of the court
As you know, the SCVMA's longtime executive director,
Dr. Peter Weinstein has left the building, so to speak.
I refuse to say " retired " because, anyone who knows Dr.
Weinstein knows he won't remain idle.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Weinstein for
over 20 years. In that time, I've had the honor of witnessing
his many accomplishments. Dr. Weinstein has kept
his finger on the pulse of current challenges, shifting paradigms
and business practices in the veterinary profession
and has openly shared this knowledge and his creative
solutions with others.
Dr. Weinstein fostered a culture of collaboration
between competing veterinary hospitals and cultivated
a community of all levels of veterinary professional. His
engaging leadership style inspired others to show up,
perform and be their best. Though no longer executive
director of the SCVMA, he will continue to be a leader
in the veterinary community and shape future leaders.
I first met Dr. Weinstein at my local SCVMA chapter
meeting. I was a new grad and he encouraged me to
consider becoming an officer at the local chapter level.
At the time, I had no idea how this one commitment
would lead to my continued engagement in organized
veterinary medicine. For me, it was more than helping
provide CE to members, it was about providing a
forum for networking, collaborating and, sometimes,
commiserating with colleagues in the profession. Later,
as a member of the SCVMA Board of Trustees, I had the
honor of working directly with Dr. Weinstein. We visited
students at Western University and UC Davis for " lunch
and learn " sessions and, under the guidance of the board
of trustees, streamlined the board from 11 to an efficient
7 members, implemented the inclusion of a paraprofessional
board member and created the Angel Fund to
help offset veterinary costs for pet owners.
I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with
many of you in my past roles with SCVMA or in my
former capacity at OC Animal Care. I've even worked in
many of your hospitals as a relief veterinarian. I look forward
to getting to know as many of you as I can in the
coming months, hopefully in person!
Many have asked me what it is I plan to change for
the association. Please understand that this is not my
association; it is our association. And, though there has
been a changeover, the proverbial ball is in our collective
court. It is my hope that members continue to show up,
help out, participate and speak up. For that is the only
way we continue to remain a dynamic, progressive and
meaningful association.
If there's anything we've learned in the last two years,
it's that change is indeed constant and can occur at varying
rates. The most difficult changes to accept are those
derived from external forces beyond our control. Thankfully,
when one (executive director) is succeeded by
another, the process is a transition (smoothly links two
states together) rather than an abrupt change. Dr. Weinstein
and I have worked closely together over the last
month to ensure a smooth changeover (not the tennis
kind) from one executive director to another.
I wish to thank you, Dr. Weinstein, for your many
contributions to the veterinary profession and I look
forward to seeing what next great thing(s) you do. I
am grateful for our friendship and know we'll remain
in touch.
52
NOVEMBER 2021
PULSE
Pulse - November 2021

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