In February, Dr.
John Baillie will be appointed president-elect of the Minnesota Veterinary
Medical Association, taking his place in the leadership of the 1979-member
state-wide group, which is the professional association for all veterinarians
in the state. The MVMA names, among its missions, goals of advocating
effectively for animal welfare, enhancing the knowledge and skills of
veterinary professionals, and identifying and mentoring future leaders of the
veterinary profession. Dr. Baillie will assume its presidency in February
2013.
At the same
meeting next month, Dr. Baillie will be inducted as a Life Member, having
joined the organization shortly after his graduation from the University of
Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972.
"It wasn't
easy to come up with the dues at that point, as I recall", he laughs,
"but I think I already knew that the MVMA was in synch with my own
commitment to supporting the human-animal bond. And so I've stayed a
member for forty years. I'm glad for the opportunity now to give back
something to the organization and particularly for the opportunity to support
and encourage students and new graduates into the field state-wide, as we've
always done in this practice." Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo, and Dr.
Baillie, have launched staff members into veterinary school over the years;
both current associates Drs. Anna Ulfeng and Noemi Plantz began work as
junior staff members with Dr. Baillie, went to vet school, and came back to
work for him after their graduations.
"For the
MVMA, I had the opportunity a few months ago to participate in a 'white coat'
ceremony at the University, welcoming new graduates into the profession.
It was very rewarding for me," said Dr. Baillie. He also
recently attended the Leadership Development Conference for the national
veterinary professional organization, the American Veterinary Medical
Association, in Chicago.
