By Dr. Holly Hovanec, Agricultural Animal Research Veterinarian, UW-Madison RARC
Note: As part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to expose early graduates to the benefits of organized veterinary medicine, the WVMA sent Dr. Hovanec to VLC as our Emerging Leader.
Collaborate. Educate. Advocate. That was the three-word theme of AVMA’s 2025 Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC) last month in Chicago. And for me, it was a chance to reflect, reframe, and refresh.
I attended VLC back in 2019 and was surprised by how much changed in six short years—including me. With so many issues impacting veterinary medicine, I was honored to go back to connect with colleagues, meet new ones, and gain a better understanding of everything happening in our profession. Wisconsin was well represented with DVMs from UW SVM, WVDL, and WVMA leadership in attendance. It turns out we all clean up nicely and are a fun group of people!
One of These Events is Not Like the Others
It’s evident and refreshing that VLC is not built the same as other industry gatherings. In clinical conferences I find myself sitting in lectures, diligently taking notes which I likely won’t reference, trying to download all the info I can fit into my head (which is never enough). Obviously, those types of meetings are critical to the advancement of our profession, but I tend to walk away tired, thinking I have so much to change or improve in my practice.
VLC engages a totally different mindset. The inspiring talks focused on how to be a better leader and a better human being. I learned about resiliency, conflict resolution, and effective listening. We dug into communication styles and empathetic attunement. In practice, it seems we always strive to improve interpersonal skills to enhance team cohesion but lack a structured framework to build on—or we just run out of energy at the end of the day. The topics covered at VLC provided the motivation to take on challenges back at home.
Like all of you, I love what I do BUT feel the constant pressure to provide high-volume, high-quality care while somehow balancing my mental and emotional health. VLC reminded me we need to care for ourselves to provide care for others. Having the opportunity to take time to reflect on these topics was rejuvenating.
I left Chicago with a long list of takeaways, but a few things stood out for me:
One: The AVMA, WVMA, and VMAs across the country are working really hard. We all recognize the culture of veterinary medicine is changing rapidly. Our profession is made up of a wide spectrum of veterinarians at various stages in life, and the way we practice and communicate have changed drastically. The AVMA and state VMAs are doing an amazing job of bridging gaps, blending generations, and keeping us unified.
Two: Supporting our VMAs has never been more important. The VLC opened my eyes to how involved VMAs are in local legislation and regulating bodies. When we get tired of being asked to give money to the PAC, we need to ask ourselves if we want our profession to thrive. Giving back and getting involved are great ways to make that happen.
Three: We’re stronger together. Our profession is facing unprecedented challenges. Our VMAs (including and especially our very own WVMA) provide much-needed support and give us a voice. It was inspiring to see DVMs and stakeholders from across the country brainstorming ideas to help solve critical issues in real time.
Ready to Put it All to Work
If I had to encourage a colleague to sign up for next year’s VLC, the first thing I would say is it’s FUN! The trip to Chicago was like a staycation with education, with too many carbohydrates and some pretty winter city views thrown in for good measure. It was a needed reset to disconnect from the daily grind and talk about life and work with a diverse group of people from all facets of veterinary medicine. We’re all proud humans in a high-stress profession—VLC was the chance to acknowledge that while discussing and reframing our careers and the future of our profession.
How do I know VLC was a great event? I came home energized and ready to work, full of deep-dish pizza, with some new contacts from across the country. I returned to work, resonating with gratitude and hope for the profession that has shaped my life. This event reminded me just what a gift it is to be a veterinarian—especially in our
great state.