Author: Christpina

One Wednesday in 2025, as I was struggling to decode islet cells on blurry histology slides, my inbox pinged: “2027 CVMA House of Delegates Application – NOW OPEN!” I almost ignored it. Between studying for anatomy, being humbled by my poor understanding of DKA, and trying to figure out what the heck a type III hypersensitivity reaction was, joining the House of Delegates felt like volunteering for extra homework. Nonetheless, I decided to click “Apply.” I had no idea that one email would completely upend what I thought I knew about veterinary medicine.

Student support for the veterinary assistant program has been strong, reflecting two main groups of learners: those who want practical skills to care for their own pets, and those who aim to pursue formal certification and a career in animal science. At present, the program emphasizes the certification track with rigorous coursework, clinical skills, and competencies aligned to industry standards. However, to better serve pet-care learners, the program is considering a second, shorter track focusing on practical skills like basic animal first aid, nutrition, preventative care, and training.

Do you have a knack for spotting the next big social media trend? Enjoy creating engaging content or brainstorming creative ways to connect with an audience? The CVMA is launching a new Social Media Committee and is seeking members who are eager to help build our digital presence. This is an opportunity to bring your ideas, creativity, and unique perspective to the table while helping the CVMA connect with veterinary professionals, prospective members, and the public.

Each year, the CVMA celebrates exceptional members of the veterinary community with distinguished awards. Do you know a veterinarian, RVT, or community advocate who goes above and beyond? Whether they are mentoring the next generation, volunteering locally, or leading organized veterinary medicine, their contributions deserve to be celebrated across California.

The Donald G. Low/CVMA Clinical Veterinary Medicine Academy is a collaborative program offered by the CVMA and the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. The academy honors the late Donald G. Low, former director of the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. In 1997, the CVMA spearheaded a campaign to fund this unique program and continues to partner with UC Davis to recruit and select academy fellows.

Through the CVMA’s Upnotch platform, members, early-career veterinarians, RVTs, and practice managers get FREE, direct access to experienced colleagues ready to lend an ear and share real-world guidance. Connect for a quick, one-time conversation or set up a regular mentorship schedule—entirely on your terms.Upnotch is flexible by design. A connection might be a single career conversation, a handful of check-ins, or an ongoing mentorship relationship—whatever works for both people. You set the terms. And because Upnotch is available online and through its mobile app, your CVMA professional community is always within reach.

In its extensive search for a new Executive Director, the CVMA needed to look no further than one of its own long-time members. Dr. Jon Klingborg has worked as an associate, partner, owner, relief veterinarian, lead veterinarian, and chief of staff. He has practiced in rural and urban environments, worked in small, two-doctor and multi-location group practices, and been both a mixed-animal and smallanimal-exclusive practitioner. Dr. Klingborg has also been a dedicated champion of the CVMA since graduating veterinary school, holding every position in CVMA leadership. With his thorough knowledge of the CVMA and intimate understanding of the veterinary profession, Dr. Klingborg has hit the ground running.