Testimonials

ENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Marisa Rhyne, MS, BAS, LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM)
“As a member of TVMA, I feel a great sense of pride belonging to an organization that stands by its members. TVMA offers numerous avenues for networking and community-building with my fellow veterinary professionals in an inclusive and engaging environment. With TVMA’s camaraderie and strong support system behind each one of us, we can accomplish goals that will make a difference not only now but also for the future of veterinary medicine.” —Marisa Rhyne, MS, BAS, LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM)
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Dr. Kristen Turner
“TVMA provides a framework for creating lasting relationships among colleagues. From offering mentorship to veterinary students to leadership training for veterinarians of all backgrounds to numerous continuing education opportunities, TVMA has been pivotal in my experience as a veterinarian.” —Kristen Turner, DVM
ADVOCACY
Morgan Gunn
“TVMA is a vital advocate for all Texans in the veterinary profession. From the first day of our veterinary education through the journey of our careers, TVMA works tirelessly to protect and advance our best interests. As a veterinary student, it is so exciting and rewarding to be actively included in the policy discussions of today that will impact the way we practice medicine tomorrow!” —Morgan Gunn, Past TVMA Student Delegate
ENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Dr. Kaki Nicotre
“TVMA leadership is about selfless service at all levels. From serving our colleagues all the way through leading the organization in its top tiers, we are all made better by competent leaders serving our organization. I have been proud to be a part of building and guiding leaders in this organization, especially through my role on the Leadership Development Committee.” —Kaki Nicotre, DVM
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Dr. Bridget Heilsberg
“It is really easy for us solo practitioners—whether small animal, large animal or somewhere in between—to get lost in our own daily struggles. TVMA is a chance to not only find support but to encourage us to all step outside of our own worlds and remember that we are not alone. This is a wonderful and diverse profession facing a multitude of issues—and we can tackle them all if we work together.” —Bridget Heilsberg, DVM
ENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Drs. Wally and Trey Kraft
“Giving back should be a part of every veterinarian’s life. It could be serving on your professional association committees or board of directors, donating to a local animal shelter, or providing medical services to shut-ins or the elderly. Also consider mentoring high school students about veterinary careers or careers in agriculture or animal husbandry. Volunteering and donating are real good for your soul.” ——Drs. Wally and Trey Kraft
ENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Elizabeth Warren, MEd, LVT
“I have been active on TVMA committees for 20 years and proudly joined the association as an LVT member in 2016. I’ve seen many positive changes in our profession. Are there changes that you would like to see? Get involved with TVMA!” —Elizabeth Warren, MEd, LVT
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Dr. Brandon J. Dominguez
“TVMA is the community for veterinarians in Texas. We may have different backgrounds and practice types, but we continuously come together to better the profession through advocacy, mentoring, assistance through hard times and personal growth. The breadth of programs has something for everyone in the profession.” —Brandon J. Dominguez, DVM MS DACVPM
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Dr. Harold Emerson
“Membership in the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is the best investment a Texas veterinarian will ever make because with that you gain the friendship, respect, aid and protection of the Association and the thousands of veterinarians who stand ready to serve and help you in any way they can.” —Harold Emerson, DVM

ADVOCACY
Dr. Don Cleary
“TVMA is our political voice and keeps us updated on legislative actions. This is our organization, and we need to be together on issues affecting our profession.”Don Cleary, DVM
ADVOCACY
Dr. Jennifer Whatley
“TVMA is an organization made up of amazing people who are looking out for the best interest of veterinarians. Whether they are monitoring and proactively taking a stance against legislation that may be detrimental to our profession, supporting programs to encourage DVM wellbeing or finding ways to best support our businesses, TVMA is there for us.”—Jennifer Whatley, DVM
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Dr. Dawn Metzger
“The free online learning and continuing education from TVMA is very convenient and easy to use. I used it while out of the country for several months in order to not fall behind with CE.”—Dawn Metzger, DVM
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Dr. Mary Anne White
“Being a member of TVMA is like being a member of a family. From the other veterinarians who are members to the TVMA leadership to the staff, I have been mentored and guided through the early part of my career by TVMA members. I would not be the veterinarian that I am today without my TVMA membership.” —Mary Anne White, DVM
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
Dr. Deb Thorne
“To be a successful veterinarian, it is important to be a part of your local, state (TVMA) and national organizations because they are so important in our guidance and education and in protecting our licenses.”—Deb Thorne, DVM
ENENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Dr. Jodi Long
“As a member of TVMA, I feel that I have the opportunity to help make a positive difference for my profession. My voice is heard and acknowledged as valuable.

TVMA networking opportunities have allowed me to develop important relationships, helped me improve my communication skills and increased my veterinary dentistry knowledge. I have had the privilege to help mentor younger veterinarians and help them reach their goals and develop leadership skills. And I have financially benefited from the Business Alliance Committee’s efforts with our vendor relationships.”—Jodi Long, DVM

ENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Dr. Don Ferrill, JD
“Active involvement with TVMA will inspire you to be the kind of practitioner you need to be to avoid the pitfalls of practice and enjoy the practice of medicine your entire career. Without TVMA the practice of veterinary medicine would have ceased to exist, a long time ago. There is always someone looking to exclude a part of the practice of veterinary medicine from the licensing act so that a license is not required to perform the act. Taking advantage of TVMA’s business alliances will more than pay your dues each year.”Don Ferrill, JD, DVM
ENGAGEMENT AND VOICE
Dr. Clayton Cobb
“In TVMA, we all have a voice. The diversity of backgrounds, practices and personalities that make up the membership of TVMA is wide. Therefore, the opinions and concerns also vary. This is the exact reason why each voice in TVMA is listened to. Being a member in TVMA means you have a voice, and with that voice, action can be taken to preserve and better veterinary medicine.”—Clayton Cobb, DVM
NETWORKING
Drs. Dana and Eric Kneese
“We love being active members of TVMA and the camaraderie it brings in our lives. TVMA allows us to connect with other members and staff, meet new people and reconnect with old friends. The network we’ve made for professional and personal support is lifelong. We encourage others to join and be active, especially early in their careers because the connections you make today through TVMA may lead to wonderful opportunities in the future.”—Dana and Eric Kneese, DVMs
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
David Sessum, LVT
"As a member of TVMA, I have opportunities to participate in discussions, and have direct input on issues and legislative actions, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and the veterinary profession. If you’re not a TVMA member, you’re missing out. Why not get your information straight from the source and from an organization that understands the pulse of the profession, truly represents the interests of its members, and provides insight into issues affecting the entire profession?”—David Sessum, LVT
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Dr. Anmarie Macfarland
“It gives me peace of mind knowing that, as a TVMA member, I have easy access to answers regarding the frequently changing and often confusing laws and regulations applicable to veterinary practice.”—Anmarie Macfarland, DVM