The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) is pleased to present the 2022–2024 Strategic Plan Report. This report highlights the significant progress achieved over the past three years, guided by the priorities established through a comprehensive planning process. These priorities were first outlined in the original 2022–2024 Strategic Plan, which served as a roadmap for our initiatives. We are grateful to our members and partners for their contributions and support in advancing these efforts.

As we look to the future, the MVMA is preparing to update and restructure its Strategic Plan to continue guiding our efforts in advancing veterinary medicine in Manitoba. We recognize there is still significant work ahead and look forward to engaging our members in shaping the next phase of our strategic direction.

We invite you to review the report and reflect on the accomplishments that have positioned us for continued growth and success.

Strategic Plan Report 2022-2024

 

Presented by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association

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When & Where

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 8:45 AM – 4:15 PM
Location: Holiday Inn West, 2520 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB
View location on Google Maps

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Continuing Education

Earn 6 CE Credit Hours during this full-day learning event, designed specifically for Manitoba’s veterinary professionals.
This symposium is approved by the MVMA for 6 CE credit hours.

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About the Event

Join us for the 2025 Specialist Symposium. A Continuing Education event hosted by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association. This one-day symposium features three renowned veterinary specialists sharing practical insights and clinical updates in radiology, ophthalmology, and behaviour.

This symposium offers a unique opportunity for veterinary professionals to hear from some of the most highly regarded specialists in their fields. Whether you are looking to enhance your clinical skills, gain insights into cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, or explore the latest trends in veterinary medicine, this event is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The 2025 Specialist Symposium not only offers 6 CE credit hours, but it also brings together professionals from different areas of veterinary care to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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Why This Event is a Must-Attend

• Expert Insights: Learn from leading specialists with years of experience in their respective fields.

• Cutting-Edge Topics: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest techniques and research in radiology, ophthalmology, and behaviour.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other veterinary professionals, share experiences, and build lasting relationships within the veterinary community.

• Interactive Learning: Gain practical knowledge and clinical updates that you can immediately apply to your practice.

 

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Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for veterinary professionals seeking high-quality Continuing Education in Manitoba. This is a must-attend event for veterinarians and RVTs looking to expand their expertise!

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Registration Details

Cost: $150 + GST
Includes: Continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, and lunch
Deadline to Register: April 27, 2025

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Hailey at engagement@mvma.ca

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Meet the Experts

Dr. Tannis Lochhead, DVM, DACVR

Specialist Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology

Dr. Lochhead grew up in Winnipeg riding horses and spending as much time as she could outdoors, camping, hiking, skiing, and skating.

She completed her pre-veterinary studies at the University of Manitoba in 2012 and obtained her veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences in 2016. She then went on to spend one year in small animal private practice in Winnipeg before moving on to complete a small animal rotating internship at BluePearl Tampa (2017-2018) and a diagnostic imaging internship at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in (2018-2019). Her next three years were then spent completing a diagnostic imaging residency at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (2019-2022) and becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists (DACVR).

Following residency, she joined the telemedicine team at IDEXX Laboratories as well as held a position for one year as a clinic assistant professor at University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. More recently, Dr. Lochhead has joined the radiology team at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) as well as she has started her own teleradiology consultation business, Aero DVI.

Her professional interests are geared towards building meaningful relationships between the specialty and referring veterinarian communities. She is comfortable working with all imaging modalities, with a particular interest in ultrasound and MRI.

Outside of work, Dr. Lochhead enjoys riding her two Thoroughbred geldings and spending time with her husband, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds and two dog-tolerant cats. The humans in the family love running, creating beautiful food, and traveling!

Dr. Kimberly Hsu, DVM, MSc, DACVO

Specialist Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology

Originally from Calgary, Dr. Kim Hsu is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a small animal internship at the Royal Veterinary College, a Masters of Science degree at the Ontario Veterinary College, and an Ophthalmology residency at Eye Care for Animals in the Chicago area. Dr. Hsu has a passion for cataract and retinal surgeries. Dr. Hsu’s work on innovative techniques in cataract surgery has been featured in the Veterinary Ophthalmology journal. She is a Keynote Speaker at the 2025 ACVO Conference on Advances in Cataract Surgery. After a decade in the US, Dr. Hsu moved back to Canada in to launch True North Veterinary Eye Care in 2023. True North celebrated moving into its new facility in September 2024, and is working to lay the foundation for multi-specialty care in Manitoba. Outside of work, Dr. Hsu enjoys riding the Peloton, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family. Dr. Hsu and her husband share their home with their three children, a fluffy white dog named Molly and a big orange cat named Mac.

Dr. Anneliese Heinrich, DVM, MSc, DACVB

Specialist Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

Dr. Heinrich grew up in Ontario training horses and milking cows. She obtained a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from The University of Guelph before attending the Ontario Veterinary College and graduating in 2012. She moved to Alberta in 2016 with a brief hiatus away working with marine mammals and wildlife. She completed a residency in 2023 and is currently the only Veterinary Behaviour Specialist in Alberta as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Dr. Heinrich lives in Cochrane with her husband, two children, two Standard Poodles and a lovely grey cat. She also has a Paint mare called Ringlet. She has a special passion for starting young horses using positive reinforcement.

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Our Sponsors

This event is proudly presented by:

Supported by:

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Questions?

Contact Hailey at
engagement@mvma.ca

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We look forward to seeing you there!

To ensure a safe and compliant learning environment, all veterinary clinics hosting students must follow the MVMA’s student placement requirements. These apply to all placements, including volunteering, practicums, rotations, externships, and employment.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must be enrolled in a CVMA or AVMA-accredited veterinary or veterinary technology program.

• Veterinary students: Accredited Veterinary Colleges
• RVT students: Accredited Veterinary Technology Programs

Before Beginning a Placement, Students Must:

• Hold a free MVMA student membership
  • Valid until one month after their expected graduation
  • No renewal required
• Complete the Student Practice Experience Form
  • Please include name and contact details for their supervising veterinarian (vet students) or supervising veterinarian/RVT (RVT students)

If you are unsure whether your student is registered correctly, contact the MVMA at mvmainfo@mvma.ca.

Hello MVMA Members,

I want to share an important update regarding the leadership of the MVMA. Our Executive Director and Registrar will be taking a one-year leave of absence from August 2025- August 2026. The MVMA Council and Hiring Subcommittee have developed a recruitment plan to ensure our association continues to regulate and support veterinary professionals.

This spring, the MVMA Council is hiring for two term positions: one full time Executive Director and one part time Registrar.

We believe this approach will best support the needs of our association, maintaining stability and allowing us to continue working toward our vision of creating a sustainable veterinary community.

Application information for each position is located below. Please circulate in your networks to ensure we have a robust applicant pool.

We appreciate your support and will share more details as we move forward.

Sincerely,
Dr. Joe King
President, MVMA

 

Interim Executive Director Job Posting

Interim Registrar Job Posting

Porta Vet Colt in good/used condition, was used for 3 years and has been sitting since. Drawers work great. Key has been misplaced, but the drawer is not locked. New lists for $4200 USD, asking $1500 CAD. If shipping is required it would be at the buyer’s expense. Located in St Pierre-Jolys

Contact: Dr. Venessa Graydon drgraydon@graydonvet.com

We are pleased to announce Dr. Navjot Virdi’s appointment to the MVMA Council as of February 2025. She will serve a three-year term, concluding in 2028.

Dr. Virdi holds a degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from GADVASU, India, and a Master’s in Animal Nutrition (2011) from the University of Manitoba. After obtaining board certification in Canada in 2014, she began her career with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before transitioning to Manitoba Agriculture. With a decade of experience as a regulatory veterinarian, she currently serves as the Veterinary Manager of the Manitoba Meat Inspection Program.

As a member of the MVMA Council, Dr. Virdi looks forward to contributing her expertise in public health and regulatory medicine. She is committed to addressing industry challenges and fostering collaboration to enhance veterinary practice across Manitoba.

Welcome, Dr. Navjot Virdi!

Applications closed August 1, 2025.

The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) is seeking a dedicated veterinary professional to serve on the Community Liaison Committee (CLC). This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to fostering public trust, confidence, and cooperation between the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) and the Winnipeg community.

Term of Appointment: The selected committee member will serve a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional terms (a maximum of nine years in total).

Meetings: The CLC meets quarterly, with additional ad-hoc meetings arranged as needed by the Chairpersons. Meetings are held both virtually and in-person.

Role of the Committee Member:

• Act as a representative of the veterinary medical community.
• Help facilitate open and transparent communication between the NML and the Winnipeg community.
• Inform and address community concerns related to activities at the CSCHAH and JC Wilt laboratories.
• Serve as an ambassador to the community by sharing accurate information and promoting public engagement in science and safety.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Judy Hodge for her years of dedication and service on the CLC. Her commitment to fostering transparent communication and strengthening the relationship between the veterinary community and the public has been invaluable. As Dr. Hodge transitions from this role, we are now seeking a new veterinary representative to continue this important work.

Veterinarians or Veterinary Technologists interested in joining the committee are encouraged to express their interest by contacting the MVMA Council via email. To apply, please reach out to Corey Wilson, Executive Director & Registrar, at registrar@mvma.ca

We look forward to your participation in this important community initiative.

For a detailed overview of the committee’s mandate, scope, and responsibilities, please refer to the Community Liaison Committee Terms of Reference

As we approach the flood season, the risk of significant flooding is currently considered low to moderate. However, if you’re a veterinarian working in the livestock sector, it’s important to review the updated Veterinary Certificate of Probable Cause of Death form. This form has been amended in collaboration with the government to help veterinarians certify the cause of death for animals affected by natural disasters, which may qualify for financial relief through the Disaster Financial Assistance Program.

The document outlines the key responsibilities for producers, municipalities, and emergency organizations during an emergency. If you’re working with livestock clients, make sure your practice is equipped to assist them with the claims process by keeping the necessary information on hand.

In addition, the document includes helpful resources on flooding, evacuation, and mental health support, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to navigate distressing situations.

Disaster Financial Assistance Program

Due to inflation, MVMA membership fees will increase by 1.1% for the 2025-2026 membership year. We recognize the financial pressures our members face and have kept the increase minimal to continue supporting the profession effectively.

At this time, we do not yet have the updated CVMA or MVTA membership fees, but we will share this information as soon as it becomes available.

Find the updated MVMA Fee Schedule for 2025-2026 here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the MVMA office.

We are pleased to announce Dr. Amanda Swirsky’s appointment to the MVMA Council as of February 2025. She will serve a three-year term, concluding in 2028

Dr. Swirsky has been passionate about veterinary medicine since a young age. Originally from Alberta, she earned her Bachelor of Science with honours in animal biology from the University of Alberta. Since graduating in 2011, she has practiced veterinary medicine primarily in Manitoba, with a focus on small animal clinics. Currently, Dr. Swirsky enjoys her role at Beausejour Animal Hospital, where she specializes in feline medicine.

At home, Dr. Swirsky balances a busy family life with three young boys, two dogs, two cats, hens, and honey bees. She also enjoys gardening and spending time at local lakes during the summer.

As a member of the MVMA Council, Dr. Swirsky is dedicated to addressing the evolving challenges within the veterinary profession. She is committed to exploring strategies that provide greater support for veterinarians in delivering exceptional care to their patients while ensuring excellent service to their clients.

Welcome, Dr. Amanda Swirsky!