Miscellaneous News & Articles

When I made the decision to step into the world of business, I never imagined the depth of lessons I would learn along the way. Science and business are not two separate worlds; they are intertwined, each feeding off the other, creating something much bigger than the sum of their parts. In my early days, I relied heavily on my scientific background, thinking it would be enough to navigate the business world. After all, science is grounded in evidence, logic and experimentation. What could go wrong? But soon, I realized that business isn’t just about data! It is about people, communication, style, relationships and creativity. It’s about knowing how to apply the scientific principles to create real-world value. So, the data in the paper is not enough if it is only a theory. Lesson #1: Science Without Business Is Incomplete Science is big and it is powerful alone! But this does not mean you can always translate science into success in business. I could analyze data, interpret results and create solutions, but I had to learn how to communicate scientific ideas effectively. Business taught me that understanding customers’ needs, developing a strategy and managing resources were at least as necessary as the scientific results. In other words, if you don’t understand the market, the regulatory environment and how to build the brand, even the most groundbreaking scientific discovery can fall short. Take science as the foundation and create the business as a structure – they are good together! Lesson #2: Failures Are the Best Teachers It took a decade for me to accept failures as opportunities! In my early career days, any failure felt like the end of the world, at least the product or project. Then I looked back one day and realized that my failures have been my greatest teachers. After that day when something went wrong, I just saw it as an opportunity to adjust, learn and grow. Remember that failure isn’t a reflection of your capabilities but a part of the journey. Enjoy and welcome them when they happen, then learn from, correct and proceed. Lesson #3: Small Steps Lead to Big Wins One obvious outcome from my two decades of experience was: “Success rarely comes in a single leap. It usually is a series of small, intentional steps.” You can see how they become giant strides by taking small steps every day. Consistency is the key! Even a little something becomes a great buildup with consistent work, leading you to significant achievements. Lesson #4: Build Strong, Meaningful Relationships If you cannot be the queen or king of networking (like me, thanks to ADHD), immediately find one for yourself and love them so much! Focusing only on research, results and data is easy and enough in the scientific world. But in business, relationships are everything. I learned that the success of my company was not just about the science behind the ideas and products; it was about the people I worked with, the connections I made and the networks I built. Don’t make a big collection of new business cards! Focus on the collection of meaningful relationships with the people who challenge you, support you and push you to grow. And be grateful to them – they are your true assets. Lesson #5: Adaptability Is Key to Survival If you ask me about a similarity between science and business, I say things will not go as planned, every time! An experiment might fail, but this is the beauty of science, right? We call it the ever-evolving process of learning and adapting! The same is true in business. No matter how carefully you plan, there will always be unforeseen challenges. The key is adaptability. When the market shifts or regulations change, being able to adjust your strategy is crucial. Thus, you must be flexible and open-minded, not to fear changing directions when necessary.

By Dr. Nihan Marun, D.V.M., Ph.D. Sigma BioVet Sciences Contact: nihan.marun@drnihan.com Years spent at one of the most rigorous universities. Heavy, thick, intimidating textbooks had to memorize word for word. Endless hours to learn and understand not only animals, but also nature, science and life itself. After nights and days full of headaches and doing your best, you finally graduated with a veterinary degree. Congratulations! Well… but now what? For me, the shift from veterinary science to international entrepreneurship was anything but straightforward. It was a winding path filled with challenges, doubts and invaluable lessons. Over time, I discovered that failure isn’t a dead end but a stepping stone. When the day comes, the obstacles become the beautiful building blocks in your success story. Science and business complement each other in ways most people don’t realize. Science and business, when combined, can unlock fantastic possibilities far beyond the lab bench.

We have a new face in the AAIV world! Isabella “Izzy” Ramirez will be taking over the role of AAIV coordinator in the new year. Izzy comes from an administrative assistant and customer service background, previously holding roles at FosterAdopt Connect and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Kansas City, KS. As many of you know, AAIV has a partnership with K-State Olathe in which we help each other serve those in the animal health industry. An integral part of this partnership is the role of the coordinator who assists with administrative, marketing and members services duties for our organization. Megan Gould, the AAIV coordinator since November 2020, will be stepping into more responsibilities on the marketing team at K-State Olathe and is handing the reins over to Izzy. We appreciate Megan’s dedication throughout her time with our organization and are happy to continue working with K-State Olathe! You can read more about Izzy and her background here .

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Hilton Klein received the prestigious AAALAC International Outstanding Delegate Service Award in recognition of his dedicated service as the AAIV representative at the AAALAC Member Organization Delegate Reception in September 2023. This award celebrates individuals who have made a profound impact on AAALAC International through their unwavering commitment as a Member Organization Delegate, promoting the highest standards of laboratory animal care and advocating for the welfare of research animals. Since 1987, Dr. Klein’s involvement with AAALAC has exemplified his dedication to advancing the highest standards of animal care. As a representative of AAIV, his contributions have been truly exceptional, furthering AAALAC International’s accreditation mission and promoting the importance of high-quality research animal welfare. AAIV extends our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Hilton Klein for this well-deserved recognition and express our gratitude for his outstanding service representing AAIV.

Dr. Collins presented a webinar about how people of any generation can effectively engage and interact with people of other generations in the workplace. She showed some examples of general perceptions regarding each generation and shared that people often compare the next generation coming up as not fitting their familiar mold. These generation categories include: Silent Baby Boomers Gen X Millennials Gen Z “Cuspers” are those who were born three to five years between generations. Keep in mind that everyone is unique, and no one fits a standard mold. Here are some ideas to communicate between generations: Talk to the other generations to find out what is important to them and why. Appreciate the differences and use the strengths of each generation. Learn how people prefer communications and how they prefer to obtain their information. Give feedback as needed and desired. This recorded presentation is available for members here .

It was an absolute pleasure to have so many of you join us in Orlando for the 2023 Veterinary Meeting and Expo! Our time together began on Saturday with the Learning and Leadership Continuing Education Track, an AAIV and K-State Olathe sponsored program, which featured a lineup of knowledgeable speakers sharing insights and advice helpful in the veterinary profession. The following day, the board of directors convened for their first meeting of the year. They deliberated on ways to enhance the value for AAIV members and considered potential new programs and improvements to existing ones. Our networking reception on Monday was also a great success, where we heard from AAIV President, Allison Sateren. Allison shared updates on what we accomplished in 2022 and our plans for 2023, which includes more industry-focused webinars, in-person and virtual networking receptions, a new website set to launch in early March and compensation data that will be published soon for members to view. We want to extend a big thank you to all of those who visited the AAIV booth, attended the networking reception and remain active members of our organization. We value your support and engagement!

Career Transition Panel Recap Last fall, AAIV hosted a lively discussion on veterinary careers in industry. This was moderated by Dr. Valerie Ragan, Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine, VAMD. The panelists included: · Dr. Russ Drury, Boehringer-Ingelheim and Pawsibilites Vet Med · Dr. Jen Kasten, Dechra Pharmaceuticals · Dr. Carolyn Luther, MedVet · Dr. Tabatha Regehr, Pet Poison Helpline/Safety Call We discussed the various careers and fields that could be included in the definition of industry veterinary medicine, which also applies to veterinary technicians and nurses. We defined some of the entry level positions such as field and professional services, pharmacovigilance and marketing/sales. There are many available resources for career transition: · AAIV career resources and mentorship program · Pawsibilities mentoring network · Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine · K-State Olathe professional development program · AVMA Career Center · Purdue University Check out these resources and be sure to join AAIV on future webinars.

By Ellen Lowery Learning and Leading with AAIV and K-State Olathe Recap American Association of Industry Veterinarians and Kansas State University Olathe presented the annual Learning and Leading continuing education track at VMX 2023. The program featured speakers who have experienced success outside of traditional practice in roles with industry, academia and consulting. The day started out with the important topic of feedback. Dr. Kemba Marshall, director of veterinary services for Land O’Lakes Purina Animal Nutrition Center complex gave two presentations: Giving the Gift of Feedback and Receiving the Gift of Feedback. She shared the importance of feedback and actionable steps on growing this key professional skill. Megan Brashear, RVT, VTS (ECC), senior manager of veterinary nursing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, spoke on Assuming Positive Intent. She shared personal insights and practical tips and advice to increasing mental resiliency and reacting more positively to the world around us with the goal of improving work experiences in our profession. Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) shared her experience with Courageous Change. She spoke on the impact of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing opportunities to personal and professional fulfillment and success. Dr. Bianca Zenor, director of global medical affairs with IDEXX, talked about the importance of professional identity when working in positions outside traditional clinical practice. The program wrapped up with a presentation by Dr. Ellen Lowery, clinical professor and director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospitals, who spoke on the importance of trust in building successful teams and delivering results. The track was well-attended and the topics resonated with a mixed audience representing all facets of the profession. Mark your calendars now for the VMX 2024 Learning and Leading track for Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.

By Debra Nickelson AAALAC: What is it and Why are We a Member Org The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC International) is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of all animals in biomedical and agricultural research through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Species covered include all laboratory animals as well as farm and agricultural animals. Currently, more than 1,050 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions in 50 countries and regions have earned AAALAC accreditation. Accreditation of an organization demonstrates their commitment to responsible animal care and improvement in animal welfare and standards of care. What does it take to become an accredited? Along with meeting all applicable local and national regulations, AAALAC accredited institutions also must demonstrate that they are achieving the standards outlined in three primary standard documents, including the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals . Meeting these standards demonstrates that an organization goes above and beyond what is required by animal welfare regulations. After an institution earns accreditation, it must be re-evaluated every three years to maintain its accredited status. AAALAC participation is voluntary, and as such, AAALAC International is not a regulatory body. All information regarding the institutions and AAALAC are held confidentially. AAIV as a member organization AAIV is among a select group of professional and educational groups with an interest in advancing animal well-being in science and education and a commitment to the responsible and humane use of animals in science as a member organization. As part of this membership, AAIV appoints a representative to serve as an AAALAC International Member Organization Delegate. AAIV Delegate to AAALAC Dr. Hilton Klein has been active with AAALAC since 1987 initially serving as a council on accreditation member. He became a member of AAALAC’s Board of Trustees in 2001 representing AAIV. He served as president of the board of directors. Dr. Klein recently won the AAALAC International Bennett J. Cohen Award that recognizes outstanding individuals who have, through their exceptional service and significant contributions to AAALAC International, demonstrated a strong and abiding commitment to advancing science through promotion of the highest standards of laboratory animal care in research, testing and education. AAIV is very grateful to Dr. Klein for his many years of service as the delegate to AAALAC. At the end of the current term, Dr. Jennifer Haupt will be taking over the role as the AAIV delegate to AAALAC bringing years of experience and dedication of the humane care and use of animals in biomedical research.