| Dr. Bob Pietila admits that even though he had the title of President of WSVMA, the vast amount of work was accomplished through the effort of others. Those people included Sandy Bertelsen, Executive director, Vice President, his wife Nancy, who contributed mightily, and his business partner, Dr. Eberhart, who agreed to “let Dr. P. do his thing.” Prior to being elected to the first vice president position, Bob had held most of the chairs in the South Puget Sound Veterinary Association, including representative to the WSVMA. He continues to serve on various committees in the organization. Events that stand out in his memory include the following: A. In 1978 the WSVMA and AVMA Convention were held in conjunction in Seattle. It was at this meeting that I was elected to the first vice president position. The irony was that I wasn’t present at the business session due to the fact that my wife and I were enjoying breakfast with Dr. Leo and Signa Bustad. In addition, the Deans of the College of Agriculture from Oregon State University and the University of Idaho were present. Would you excuse yourself to go to a business meeting? B. The Washington State Veterinary Practice Act was revised, completed and signed into law. I signed the completed document. Thanks go to the efforts of Dr. Arnold Slater and the political action committee. C. The concept of the WSVMA becoming a landlord and owning our own office building was explored. Several potential building sites and existing buildings were identified in Tukwila and Olympia. Wiser heads prevailed. The majority of the board of directors abandoned the idea of the WSVMA becoming a real-estate owner. D. The most fulfilling experience of my tenure was to present over $27,000 in scholarship money to worthy WSU-CVM students. Dr. Frank Bracken, of WSU, managed the scholarship program. E. The most frustrating memory was being severely criticized by a spokesman of a national animal rights group. I wrote an article in the WSVMA newsletter extolling the wonderful efforts of our food producing animal veterinarians in assisting producers to put desirable products on our tables. The spokesman mentioned before took exception to my statements. I still admire veterinarians’ efforts in supplying an affordable and safe diet. F. Regrets? Yes. I regret the fact that the camaraderie I experienced is disappearing. Today’s veterinarians seem to be more interested in advancement of self than of their profession. As a retired veterinarian, I reflect back upon the days when spouses were as important as the vets. Gone are the days of the auxiliary and the social gatherings, which seemed to foster so much enjoyment. From my point of view, the cost of progress may be too lofty. |
