 President's Message
 Greetings!
Summer is quickly approaching and with it so are several important dates to keep in mind:
- Remember to cast your vote for our next Industrial Liaison: Voting ends May 31
- The next membership survey drawing is June 15
- Research grant applications due July 1
- Abstract submission deadline July 1
Our technician members have done a fantastic job organizing their monthly column. Check out the Tech Corner below: May is for OA!
Thank you to the 104 members so far who have completed the membership survey. If you are one of the 300 or so members who have not completed it, don't worry, I will keep nagging for the next 7 months. Are you worried that some of the questions will be too hard? Take too long to answer? Here is a preview of what to expect:
- What is/are your degrees (choose as many as needed)
- Are you a member of any other organizations? Check all that apply
- How many years have you been practicing rehabilitation?
Easy enough, right? Here are some of the early results:
- 62% of respondents are DVM/VMDs
- 21% of respondents are CVT/LVTs
- 17% of respondents are students
- 50% of respondents are not members of any other rehabilitation-related organization
- 33% are also members of IVAPM
- 13% are also members of AAVA
- 41% of respondents have been practicing rehab <2 years
- 26% between 2-5 years
- 23% between 6-10 years
- 10% over 10 years
More than 80% of respondents note that the monthly articles of interest are among the top reasons they are members of the AARV. Here are a few of the titles from this month's Articles of Interest:
- "Hip osteoarthritis in dogs: a randomized study using mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue and plasma rich in growth factors." Cuervo B, Rubio M, Sopena J et al.
- "Effect of MLS(®) Laser Therapy with Different Dose Regimes for the Treatment of Experimentally Induced Tendinopathy in Sheep: Pilot Study." Iacopetti I, Perazzi A, Maniero V, et al.
- "Swimming kinematic and flotation analysis of conscious and sedated dogs using 3 canine flotation devices." Corum CP, Wichtowski M, Hetts S, Estep D, Bertone JJ.
I won't take up any more of your time - take the survey (member log-in required) and happy reading!
Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, PhD, CCRT
Diplomate ACVS & ACVSMR
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 AARV Veterinarian Members, Remember to Vote for Industrial Liaison
The Board of Directors of AARV is holding a special election to fill the board position of Industrial Liaison, which is currently held by President-Elect Dr. Carolina Medina. The two candidates for the position are Dr. Leilani Alvarez and Dr. Tara Edwards. Emails were sent on May 5 and May 19 to AARV veterinarian members with information about the two candidates and a link to an online ballot. One more reminder email will be sent before voting closes on May 31. If you haven't already voted, please take a few minutes to read about each candidate and cast your vote in this election.
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Photos from the AARV Lecture Track at STAAR
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The AARV lecture track at STAAR included speakers Dr. Felix Duerr (top left), Dr. Gina Bertocci (top right), and Dr. Carolina Medina (bottom).
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In April, AARV was pleased to offer a very successful lecture track at the 6th Annual Symposium on Therapeutic Advances in Animal Rehabilitation (STAAR) in Florham Park, New Jersey. The lecture track entitled "The Multimodal Approach to Today's Rehabilitation Patient" was geared towards evidence-based medicine. Speakers were Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw (DVM, DACVS, PhD, Dipl. American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation) speaking about evidence-based pain management; Dr. Gina Bertocci (PhD, PE, Endowed Chair Biomechanics, University of Louisville) explaining her research on the use of computer-based simulation of the cranial cruciate ligament, effects of rupture, effects of surgical procedures, and effects of the use of an orthosis; Dr. Carolina Medina (DVM, Dipl. American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation) presenting scientific evidence and clinical pearls on integrating acupuncture in rehabilitation patients; and Dr. Felix Duerr (DVM, DACVS, PhD, Dipl. American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation) sharing tricks for early diagnosis of canine musculoskeletal disease as well as surgical management and rehabilitation therapy. Visit the AARV website to see more photos from STAAR. Thank you to the organizers at STAAR for sharing these photos from the symposium, and special thanks to our dedicated sponsors Aratana, Companion Therapy Laser, Partners in Veterinary Therapeutics and the Chi Institute.
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AARV Announces New Research Grants
AARV has established a competitive annual awards program to add to the evidence base for veterinary rehabilitation by providing grant funds to highly meritorious applications. We encourage individuals to submit grant proposals that advance the science of canine and/or equine rehabilitation. The total funds available annually to support research applications are $5,000. This is divided equally between two available grants. The AARV Research Grant ($2,500) is for clinical research related to the field of animal rehabilitation. The Aratana Research Grant ($2,500) is for research related to the field of veterinary rehabilitation with the stipulation that the research must be in the areas of pain management and/or stem cell therapy for canine or feline patients. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2015. For complete details, please see the Research Grants page on the AARV website.
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AARV Announces Call for Abstracts for NAVC 2016
At NAVC 2016, AARV will feature the presentation of original scientific studies pertinent to the science and practice of rehabilitation therapy. Material is currently being considered for verbal presentation (15 minutes) at AARV's track at NAVC. Reviews will be performed by a minimum of two reviewers with final approval by AARV's Board of Directors. All accepted abstracts will be published in AARV's newsletter (February 2016 issue).
Abstract submission guidelines are detailed on the AARV website. Please submit your abstracts for review and/or questions to Carolina Medina via email at tcvmvet@yahoo.com.
Important Abstract Submission Deadlines
March 1, 2015
| First call for abstracts
| June 1, 2015
| Final call for abstracts
| July 1, 2015
| Abstract submission deadline
| August 1, 2015
| Decisions notified to authors and corrections requested
| September 1, 2015
| Corrected abstract submission deadline
| October 1, 2015
| Final decision notified to authors
| January 18, 2016
| Oral delivery with PowerPoint presentation of study at NAVC
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Read the abstract submission guidelines.
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TECHNICIAN CORNER
May Is for OA!
by Kristen L. Hagler, BS (An.Phys), RVT, CCRP, CVPP, OACM, CBWAARV Technician LiaisonA credentialed rehabilitation veterinary technician is often involved with client communication, and knowing the facts about osteoarthritis is an important aspect for our skill sets. Please read this commentary from one of the Organizing Committee members for the Proposed Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians, Giuliana Lerch, BS, LVT, CCRP, to learn more about how to better the lives of our patients which benefits everyone on the rehabilitation team.
Giuliana G. Lerch, BS, LVT, CCRP, has been focused on physical rehabilitation since 2004 and graduated from the University of Tennessee as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner in July 2006. Special areas of interest are intervertebral disc disease, fibrocartilaginous emboli and orthopedic conditions, among others. She currently works at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island coordinating the physical rehabilitation department. She writes: "Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a non-inflammatory condition that affects many of our patients. The acknowledgment of this condition is extremely important to the physical rehabilitation community. It offers us the opportunity to share our knowledge, thus making a difference in the lives of companion animals.
"I say companion animals because often times we are so focused on the canine patient that we overlook our feline friends. The Morris Animal Foundation released a statement in 2009 that 45% of cats, versus 20% of dogs, experience OA pain. Now's our time to step in to increase public awareness.
"These patients benefit from a variety of our services including, but not limited to, therapeutic laser, manual therapies, acupuncture, exercise, water therapy, regenerative medicine and nutraceuticals. Most importantly we can educate our clients and the public on why we do what we do."
If you have contributed something exceptional to the veterinary field and are a credentialed rehabilitation veterinary technician or studying to become one, please send us your accomplishments!
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NEW ARTWORK!
AARV Memorial Cards Feature Original New Artwork
AARV has updated its printed memorial cards with original new artwork by artist Carol Lavelle of Hawaii. The new artwork, which was created for AARV, features pawprints, hoofprints and footprints from a variety of animals arranged in a heart. These memorial cards may be sent to clients of your practice as an expression of sympathy from your staff. The card indicates that you have made a donation to AARV as a way of honoring the life of their companion animal. The inside of the cards contains blank space to allow you to personalize the card and the statement "This gift will support AARV's mission by providing opportunities for education and collaboration among veterinary professionals to introduce, educate, develop, and nurture the practice of rehabilitation in veterinary medicine and animal care." Cards come with matching envelopes and are sold in sets of 10 cards for $105 and 25 cards for $255 including shipping and handling to U.S. addresses. For international shipments, sets of 10 cards are $125 and sets of 25 cards are $275, including shipping and handling. Visit the Products page of the AARV website to order these memorial cards online.
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 Join Our Speaker Registry!
We are continuing to look for members who are interested in speaking at their local VMA meetings as part of our goal of increasing awareness of the field of veterinary rehabilitation and the AARV. If YOU are interested in being considered as a speaker in your or another state, please send your name and state (states) in which you would speak, as well as potential rehabilitation topics to AARV Legislative Liaison Kristyn Richardson ( rehabvetdoc@gmail.com). |
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Have You Read the Latest Articles of Interest?
The May Articles of Interest are posted in the Members Only area of the website. Our Articles of Interest documents containing journal abstracts and citations are posted online to help you stay up to date on the latest research and publications. We also keep links to past Articles of Interest so you can easily catch up if you miss a month. Click here to read the May Articles of Interest and past Articles of Interest. Enter your username and password to log in, then go to the Articles of Interest page. You must have a current membership recorded in our database for access to the Members Only area. |
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 Send Us Your News!
AARV members, we're looking for your news! Have you hired more staff, had a peer-reviewed article published, or accepted a leadership position with an organization? We'd like to get updates on your rehabilitation activities and share your news in our email newsletters. To see your news in print, email a brief description - and a photo if possible - to AARV's public liaison at info@rehabvets.org. |
Did You Miss Our Last Newsletter?
Our April 2015 issue included: - President's Message from Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw
- AARV Lecture Track at 6th Annual STAAR Conference a Huge Success
- AARV Veterinarian Members, Look for an Email Ballot on May 1
- Congratulations to Our New Board Members!
- AARV Announces New Research Grants
If you missed this issue, you can read the April newsletter online or from the e-Newsletter page on the AARV website.
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Tier 1: Education and Research Sponsors
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Tier 2: Sponsors Providing Member Discounts
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Tier 3: Additional Sponsors
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