Dr. Chris Booth of Plymouth – 2014

Dr. Chris Booth of Plymouth – WVMA President 2014

    Photo:  Courtesy of Dr. Chris Booth

 Personal Information

     I am married to Courtney and have 4 children: Cole, Ava, Campbell and Royce. I am an owner at Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services where my practice consists of all aspects dairy cattle medicine, surgery, embryo transfer and consultation work. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School in 2000 and completed my undergraduate degree in Dairy Science from UW as well in 1996.

Involvement in the WVMA

      I have been involved with the WVMA through the Public Health and Food Safety and the Dairy Cattle Welfare Committees prior to serving in my leadership role.

Involvement on the Executive Board

      I was somewhat unique in my pathway to WVMA President due to the fact I had not previously served on the Executive Board. I had attended the Winter leadership meetings of the AVMA in Chicago for their young leaders training.

Challenges/difficulties faced throughout Presidency

      There were several opportunities that the WVMA experienced through my 3 years of leadership. Shortly after I was elected, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program legislation issues were resolved saving veterinarians millions of dollars. This was also the early stages of the WVMA foundation and its organizational structure.

        One of the exciting things that happened for our association was the growth and development of the Food Armor Program. This was truly a grassroots food safety program developed by members for our members that was so well received that it was beginning to gather national attention. The WVMA hired a veterinarian, Dr. MrDutt as a staff member to help guide its growth along with several very dedicated committee members.

       Other WVMA board activities included a new five-year strategic planning process, relocation of the WVMA office, initiation of discussions in regards to moving the veterinary examining board to DATCP, exploring opportunities for mental health and wellness options for members, and increasing opportunities for veterinary student members.

       One of the more challenging issues of the year involved handling the issues associated with an animal welfare incident on a dairy farm in Wisconsin that were released to the media by an activist group. The WVMA provided support for our veterinarians with roles associated to the farm as well support for the dairy industry.

A personal challenge during my year as president involved my experience of a heart attack in January 2014.

Final Thoughts

      The WVMA is an amazing organization with a diverse group of veterinarians serving in a wide variety of roles in our profession. The ability to balance and serve the needs of all veterinarians is unmatched by almost any other VMA in America. During my years in leadership, the WVMA was served by a highly competent, hardworking and motivated staff that strived each day to serve our members and profession in the best way they could.