President's column: Giving thanks and sharing gratitude

I truly value the connections I have made throughout my career in veterinary medicine. From my veterinary school days at the University of Illinois, my time with the Student AVMA, and serving in multiple volunteer roles at the local, state, and national levels, I have been fortunate to have a large circle of friends and colleagues who have mentored me and impacted my life in many ways.

As my term as AVMA president comes to a close, I can happily say that my cup is full.

That circle has grown exponentially larger these past two years while serving as AVMA president-elect and AVMA president. Many doors have opened, many new relationships have formed, and many people deserve my thanks and gratitude for helping me navigate the path of volunteer leadership.

I continue to be inspired and energized by colleagues who are called to veterinary medicine. You make this profession what it is-one filled with caring people who dedicate ourselves to not only animal, human, and public health, but a greater good. A greater good focused on making a difference in ways both great and small, just like the animals in our care.

As my term as AVMA president comes to a close, I can happily say that my cup is full, thanks especially to all the wonderful AVMA members I have had the pleasure to meet and get to know. The appreciation you have shown for all that AVMA does on your behalf reinforces and reflects how impactful the AVMA can be when we focus on your needs and those of our profession.

I am humbled to have served in this role, and I thank you.

It is extremely important that we, as an association, remain focused on and aware of the fact that AVMA members and our colleagues share many similarities and also have unique needs. I saw this firsthand during my meetings with members of state, global, and allied veterinary groups. What resonated with me most is how kind, excited, and thankful these folks are, not only for the AVMA being present at their events but also for what the AVMA does in representing their interests.

I'm just an ordinary person, a veterinarian who loves what she does in service to both animals and people. I am humbled to have served in this role, and I thank you for what has been the opportunity of a lifetime.

I extend my best wishes to Dr. Michael Bailey, your incoming AVMA president. Michael is a passionate champion of our profession, and I look forward to working with him in my role as immediate past-president as we continue to protect, promote, and advance a strong, unified veterinary profession.