EdM, DVM
I have been on the WSVMA board for the past year and a half, after replacing a resigning former board member, and I hope to continue the hard work that I have started.
With increasing conversations regarding access to care, cost of care, rural veterinary care, telemedicine, LVT utilization, and other states’ proposals of a mid-level practitioner, it is pertinent that the board continue to improve communications with WSVMA members across the state so that we can support their interests and amplify their voices to our legislators. Similarly, it is necessary that the board continues to foster its relationships with the local VMAs and the student body at WSU CVM.
With more viewpoints comes better understanding of the issues facing veterinarians in our state, and we can then better advocate for our profession in Olympia and to the VBOG.
I will work to support these goals by being an outspoken veterinary presence at WSVMA, AVMA, and WSU events while also working to improve our social media presence as chair of the Social Media and Communications Committee. I also hope to continue to instill a sense of responsibility and volunteerism among the next generation of veterinarians as facilitator of the state’s Power of 10 Leadership Program. It has been very fulfilling to watch several of the participants that I have worked with go on to become committee members and/or board applicants.
Dr. Victoria McLean is a 2019 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She is originally from Long Island, New York and received her BS in Animal Science from Cornell University. Before veterinary school, she also received her master’s degree in education from Harvard University where she developed curricula for zoos, museums, and college-level courses. After her schooling, she completed a rotating internship at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle where she received extensive training in emergency medicine, internal medicine, neurology, surgery, and oncology. As she began her career in general practice, she participated in the WSVMA’s Power of 10 Leadership Program. She is now Medical Director of Renton Veterinary Hospital, serving the community that she loves being a part of. Dr. McLean is also currently on the board of the WSVMA, serves as facilitator of the WSVMA’s Power of 10 Leadership Program, participates on the Leadership Development Committee, and established the Social Media and Communications Committee. Outside of work, you can find her hiking/camping around the PNW, gardening, baking, reading, or hosting board game nights.
As a younger veterinarian (I graduated in 2019 – is that still young?), and a graduate of an intense rotating internship right here in Seattle, I am of the belief that just because I had to go through something does NOT mean that younger veterinarians should have to do the same. And just because “we always do it this way,” does NOT mean it should continue! I am actively trying to make the veterinary profession better than how I found it, but I cannot do it alone, and that is why I want to continue on as a WSVMA board member and continue this work with my veterinary colleagues.
