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Veterinary Study Groups, Inc., Zoetis and the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) created the VMG/CVPM scholarship program that provides veterinary professionals with an opportunity to attain the highest level of certification a veterinary manager can achieve---the Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) credential. The CVPM, which is offered through VHMA, qualifies the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully manage the ever-changing business management of today's veterinary practices. CVPM candidates must document experience, knowledge and pass an examination.

The 2018 VMG-CVPM Scholarship recipients are: Jane Anderson, Kelson Depp, Angie Sevier, April Shaffer and Keith Austin Taylor, CVPM. All scholarship recipients are active in VMG study groups.

About the VMG-CVPM Scholarship

The VMG-CVPM Scholarship is awarded to managers employed by veterinary hospitals belonging to Veterinary Management Groups (VMG’s) whose professionalism, expertise and commitment will be enhanced with CVPM certification. The scholarship award includes a CVPM exam fee waiver, a complimentary registration to participate in the VHMA’s eleven-week CVPM Test Preparation Program, including: a print copy of the CVPM Preparation Workbook and access to two VHMA Empower U Self-Assessment examinations, and $1,000 cash toward the purchase of publications on the CVPM recommended reading list, and a one-year complimentary VHMA membership.

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

Jane Anderson, Animal Hospital of Woodstock, IL, has served as Practice Manager for approximately six years. She is the self-described “go to” person in the organization and handles human resources, payroll, accounting, technology, client issues and a host of other issues. She is passionate about her position, enjoys working with her staff and helping them grow in their abilities and achieve their goals, and feels privileged to be part of such a hardworking and cohesive team. Anderson stated that she is “honored to have been selected as a recipient and is over-joyed to have access to the resources that will advance her professional skills.”

Kelson Depp, Michigan City Animal Hospital, IN, will celebrate his 11^th anniversary with his practice in July. He wears many hats---some expected and some unexpected. He is responsible for human resources, finance, marketing, IT and facility and fish tank maintenance! His background in technology has given him a unique advantage in the practice. His technical skills (has) have allowed him to respond effectively to industry changes such as the paperless office and increased dependence on computers. He enjoys the ongoing challenges of streamlining processes by leveraging new technologies and helping to improve employees’ skills and relationships. Depp is very grateful for the scholarship. Although he knew about the CVPM, given his background in organizational management, he did not realize he had the credentials to begin the CVPM process. “I spoke with a VHMA representative at a recent conference and was happily surprised to discover that a CVPM would be attainable,” he explained.

Angie Sevier, Lebanon Animal Hospital, TN, is the hospital’s Office Manager, a position she’s held for 10 years. According to Sevier, one of the best aspects of her job is helping to educate clients about their pets. “Being selected as a VMG-CVPM scholarship recipient made my year! I am working very hard to become a CVPM and this scholarship will help me attain that goal,” she said.

April Shaffer, Patton Veterinary Hospital, PA, has been with the practice for 11 years, for five of those years she served as office manager. She is charged with a full range of responsibilities including: auditing daily appointments for compliance, payroll, assisting with hospital challenges, discipline issues and hiring processes and a number of administrative duties, client and staff issues and budgeting issues. The VMG-CVPM scholarship will allow her to increase her knowledge and supplement information in the many areas she works on daily. “I am excited about what I will learn as I go through the process of becoming a CVPM,” she said.

Keith Austin Taylor, CVPM, Noe's Ark Animal Hospital, AZ, began his career with the hospital as a kennel technician while in high school and was soon trained and promoted to technician. After a four-year hiatus from the veterinary field, he returned to Noe's Ark in January of 2012 as Practice Manager and just hit his 7 year anniversary. Among his many responsibilities are managing all daily operations, overseeing hiring and human resources, budgeting and inventory, and regulatory compliance. While serving as Practice Manager, he played a key role in preparing for and transitioning to new ownership. He is particularly proud of helping to create the amazing practice culture that sets his clinic apart. “I am truly proud of my work at Noe and honored to be recognized with this scholarship,” said Taylor. 

“The five scholarship recipients have shown the drive and determination to take their professionalism to the next level. We know that the credential will help them make even greater contributions to their practices and the industry,” said Christine Shupe, Executive Director, VHMA.

About VHMA

The VHMA is a nationally recognized thought-leader and innovator in providing training, education and resources to its nearly 3,500members while being a trusted resource that the entire veterinary sector trusts for industry insights, research, and advocacy to assure performance at the highest levels. VHMA's core purpose is to advance and support veterinary practice management professionals by developing professional competence, supporting and encouraging standards through the industry's highest-level certification program, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), and providing individuals with a network for professional connection and support. 

For more information go to VHMA.org.

About VMG

Veterinary Study Groups (VSG), the parent company for 41 Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) operating throughout the United States and Canada, is comprised of more than 850 members. These members own and operate close to 1,300 small animal and equine veterinary practices, with 4,950 full‐time equivalent veterinarians on staff and more than $3.0 billion in aggregate revenue. Each VMG is made up of 16-22 individuals and meets bi‐annually to share information, data, management experiences, ideas, resources, problems, solutions, and successes. Mutual support and motivation help each member to attain higher levels of success as practice administrators and leaders. These independent practice owners gain access to intellectual capital, purchasing programs and professional development resources typically available only to the largest corporate practice groups.

For more information on Veterinary Study Groups, please visit veterinarystudygroups.com.

About Zoetis

Zoetis is a global animal health company. Building on 60 years of experience, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, bio devices and a range of services. The company is working every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant.

For more information go to zoetis.com.

The VMG/CVPM scholarship program is sponsored in-part through an educational grant by Zoetis.