By joining the AzVMA, you have access to these services and support, so you can concentrate on what's most important - taking care of the health of the animals entrusted to you.

Publications
Arizona Veterinary News is the official monthly publication of the AzVMA. It features timely information on relevant issues as well as human interest stories, classified advertising, and national "news briefs." A members-only directory is published and distributed to AzVMA members annually. 

Continuing Education
The AzVMA in conjunction with the Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice develops and hosts a series of high quality continuing education programs for small animal and large animal practitioners as well as technicians and staff of veterinary hospitals. We are committed to taking an active role in the rapidly changing world of veterinary medicine by ensuring that our members have access to the most up to date information and that each educational experience is equal to the high standards of the profession. For a schedule of our current continuing education sessions click this link to the continuing education Web page. Continuing Education  

AzVMA State Annual Conference
This is a once-a-year opportunity for veterinarians and office staff to join their colleagues and allied industry friends in the state for education and networking. The conference offers both scientific and practice management tracks so there's something to interest the entire veterinary practice team. 

Wild West Veterinary Conference
The AzVMA is part of a three-state collaboration (Arizona, Oregon, Nevada) that annually offers an outstanding regional conference to the veterinary community. This conference offers top name speakers from around the nation, wet labs, simultaneously running sessions, innovative continuing education opportunities, as well as great food and entertainment under one roof.

Go West for the Best at the Wild West Veterinary Conference which is held in October at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. For more information visit  www.wildwestvc.com.

Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice
The Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice, established in 1971, provides an avenue for veterinary professionals to demonstrate their commitment to veterinary science and the pursuit of excellence. Academy members are held in high esteem. Membership symbolizes that veterinary professionals have not only fulfilled their state licensing requirements, but have completed an additional series of learning experiences giving them a more comprehensive grasp of contemporary issues and providing them with expanded knowledge of the latest scientific studies and procedures.

Representation to the American Veterinary Medical Association
Two dedicated members of the AzVMA are chosen to represent our state at the AVMA. They serve two four-year terms and report directly to the AzVMA board of directors to keep our leadership informed about national issues that impact our Arizona veterinary community and serve as our voice at the national level. 

Leadership Opportunities
Active involvement of members is what makes the AzVMA a strong organization. We are consistently looking for members who are ready to step forward to serve the profession. If you are a current member and would like to become more involved, please contact our office at 602-242-7936.

Allied Industry Involvement
One of the most innovative programs of its kind, AzVMA's allied industry membership provides a unique partnership opportunity. Company representatives from a variety of veterinary related businesses have become actively involved in the veterinary community via their membership in the AzVMA. Not only have they generously supported many of the association's meetings and events, many of them are active members on committees that make key decisions about the development of these programs. Contact information for current allied industry members is available by clicking this link: Allied Members

Veterinary Health Care Team of Arizona
The newest program developed by the AzVMA is an organization for all individuals who are part of the veterinary care support team. Now all technicians, assistants, office managers, front office staff, kennel staff, allied industry representatives and students enrolled in veterinary technician programs have their own organization that gives high visibility to their role in the profession and provides services to their membership. The organization's goal is to create cohesive veterinary support teams that function at a high level of excellence by encouraging continuing education, interpersonal communication, client education, community service and networking within the profession. For more detailed information visit their Web site at www.vhctaz.org.  

Information Referrals
The AzVMA headquarters offers information referrals to callers from the public looking for veterinary services in their area. We also serve as an information hub for the veterinary community by providing references to resources and answers to questions from veterinarians and hospital staff. To contact our office call 602-242-7936.

Community Relations and Public Information
AzVMA members appear on radio and television and are interviewed by print media on a wide range of topics. The association has a service to provide speakers for schools and volunteers for booths at community fairs. AzVMA office staff interact with the public on a daily basis, providing information on veterinary services and directing them to public education resources. New public relations efforts will be launched in 2007. If you are a current AzVMA member, we welcome your participation as these projects are developed and implemented. 

Legislative Representation
The AzVMA has a full-time legislative representative who is the watchdog for all issues that may affect veterinary medicine in Arizona. For contact information click this link legisl. 

Member Information Network
Annually we ask our members if they would like to be part of the AzVMA Information Network. This is a mechanism for staff to report urgent or critical information to AzMVA members that cannot wait for the monthly newsletter.

Check Recovery
Federal Check Recovery, Inc. offers AzVMA members a recovery program for NSF checks. For more information contact Ken Lazzaro at e Cashflow Systems 866-698-7073.

Credit Card Processing
TransFirst, an AzVMA allied industry member, can offer competitive rates for transaction processing services. For further information contact Rene Buzicky at 800-538-1601. 
www.transfirst.net

Workers' Compensation / Professional Liability Insurance
Workers' compensation and professional liability insurance is available to AzVMA members through the AVMA PLIT. Call Sheila Tompkins at 800-228-7548 ext. 4674. 

AVMA GHLIT (Group Health and Life Intsurance Trust) 
800-621-6360 or Vivian Wright at 888-234-6159 or Lynne Roark at 602-595-2241.