View from the Board: A simple question that changed my life

Had you asked me when I graduated from veterinary school what my career would look like 25 years later, I would have given you a very different answer than what the reality is today. I had always thought that organized medicine was run by “others,” people that weren’t in practice any longer or had more time than they knew what to do with.

That opinion changed at AAHA’s conference in 2018 when I asked the very simple question, “How can I help?”  The answer I received was just as simple as the question. I was told to get involved. That could mean helping out on one of the committees or even applying for a board position.

Many of us, myself included, suffer from a strong case of imposter syndrome, so my immediate thought was “yeah, right, a board position.”  Fast forward 4-5 months later and I was applying for a director position on the board. There were essays, self-assessments and interviews over Zoom since this was all happening during the pandemic. A little over five years later I am writing this as board president of an organization I feel very strongly about. As I look back over the last five years, there are few things that stick out:

Shaping the future of the profession

Organized veterinary medicine—whether at the local, state, or national level—serves as the backbone of advocacy for our field. These organizations fight to protect our right to practice and ensure our voices are heard when decisions about animal health, public health, and professional regulations are made. When veterinarians volunteer, they bring their experience from the exam room to the policy table.

Lifelong friendships

Veterinary medicine can be isolating at times. Volunteering has given me a network of colleagues who have become lifelong friends. Through meetings, conferences, and special projects, I’ve built relationships with veterinarians from all walks of life and all areas of the country. These connections have enriched my career far beyond what I expected. They’ve provided mentorship, friendship, and perhaps most importantly a sense of belonging to something larger than myself.

Personal fulfillment

We all entered this field because we wanted to make a difference. Volunteering is an extension of that purpose. Serving in organized veterinary medicine allows us to contribute not just to the patients and clients in front of us, but to the entire profession. Over the years, I’ve found that these volunteer experiences have reignited my passion for the profession.

Legacy

As I reflect on my time on the board, I realize that the impact I want to leave isn’t measured solely by the number of pets I’ve treated or the people I have helped. It’s also about helping shape a profession that will continue to grow and thrive.

As I wrap up my term as president of AAHA, I would like to challenge you to reach out to your state or local VMA, to AAHA, or to any of the national veterinary organizations and ask that simple, but important question I asked in 2018: “How can I help?”  Find your niche and help support the profession. You will be glad you did.

AAHA’s Board of Directors weighs in each month in View from the Board to let members know what they are working on, what is important to them, and what is coming from AAHA.

Scott Driever, DVM, is president of the AAHA Board of Directors for 2024-2025. He is owner and veterinarian at Animal Hospital Highway 6 in Sugar Land, Texas.

Photo credit: © AAHA

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