Committees of JVMS
Join a committee and contribute your skills to make an impact. From advocacy to education, there’s a role for everyone to help shape the future of veterinary medicine
Each JVMS committee is led by a dedicated chair who ensures the group’s objectives align with our mission. Explore our committees and their leadership below:
Continuing Education Committee
Dr. Anita Varga organizes quarterly Continuing Education (CE) events, managing all aspects including speakers, activities, and sponsorships.
I am dedicated to veterinary medicine and the well-being of the animals I care for. I take pride in communicating effectively with pet owners, addressing their concerns, and providing support during challenging times.
My expertise includes medical care for both large and small animals, as well as some exotic large species.
I completed an internship and residency in large animal internal medicine at The Ohio State University and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I am board-certified in large animal internal medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Throughout my career, I have taught at universities and worked in private practice. Teaching is a passion of mine, and I enjoy empowering clients with knowledge to better care for their pets.
In addition to small animal care, I specialize in internal medicine, wellness exams, vaccine protocols, preventative medicine, and other key aspects of veterinary care. I also focus on herd health management and reproductive strategies for ruminants and large animals.
As a pet owner with 10 animals, I understand how important it is to provide the best care. My goal is to guide and support clients in making informed decisions to ensure their pets' health and happiness.
Membership, Website, Social Media
Dr. Aguiar manages the website and leverages social media to recruit new members while educating the community on veterinary-related topics.
Dr. Aguiar has served as the Medical Director at Flagler Humane Society since July 2020. He also operates a mobile veterinary service, HealMobile Vets, based in St. Johns, Florida. His professional interests include addressing overpopulation control and tailoring veterinary services to meet the needs of low-income pet owners.
Charity, Social, and Community Engagement:
Dr. Rebecca Williams organizes quarterly social events for JVMS, providing veterinarians with opportunities to connect, build relationships, and expand their professional networks in a relaxed and engaging environment.
Dr. Rebecca Williams is a Jacksonville area native. She attended Auburn University getting her B.S. degree in Microbiology and her Doctorate degree with honors in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She has been active in multiple veterinary associations and has received several awards for service. She has served as President of both the Mobile VMA and Jacksonville VMA and currently serves on the finance committee for the Florida VMA. She is also the recipient of 2 FVMA Gold Star Awards.
Dr. Williams is married and has a daughter. Her interests include pet rescue work and serving on the Board of the Child Cancer Fund helping families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer at Nemours and Wolfson’s Hospitals.
Advocacy
Dr. Rick Sutliff ensures the JVMS stays informed about FVMA updates, including news, events, and legislative developments in Tallahassee that affect the field of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Richard Sutliff is a 1999 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He became the Medical Director of the Scott Mill Animal Hospital in 2002 and purchased the practice in 2003. Dr. Sutliff has embraced a progressive pet care philosophy focusing on Wellness Care and early diagnosis of issues that affect the daily quality of life for our loved family members. In addition to implementing a high quality of patient care and client communication at Scott Mill Animal Hospital, Dr Sutliff has served the local Veterinary community culminating in being elected President of the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society (JVMS) in 2008. Dr. Sutliff was then selected by the Veterinarians in North East Florida in 2010 to occupy the District 2 Director seat on the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Executive Board. In 2012 Dr. Sutliff was invited to sit on the Admissions Committee for the U of F College of Veterinary Medicine. His service to the Florida Veterinary community has resulted in two FVMA Gold Star Awards (2006 and 2013)
Ethics and Peer Review:
Dr. Howard Acree and Dr. Michael Bredehoeft provide the public with a platform to address any complaints regarding JVMS members. Their goal is to facilitate resolution of these issues before they escalate to the DBPR.
Evaluate complaints filed against members in writing, initiate verbal mediation if appropriate, and, if necessary, escalate the matter to the committee for formal review in accordance with the AVMA Peer Review Procedure Manual.
Trust Fund Management:
Dr. David Cromer, Dr. Taylor McLendon, Dr. Meredith Swartz
Provide recommendations for managing the JVMS Trust Fund and explore its potential as an alternative funding source for CE in the event that other resources are no longer available.
Auditing:
Dr. David Cromer, Dr. Taylor McLendon
Audit books for previous year and report at the annual meeting
Bylaws:
Dr. Chase McCall is responsible for ensuring that all members adhere to the JVMS bylaws, maintaining full compliance across the board.
Humane Society and Animal Control Liaison:
Dr. Stan Hill and Dr. Jaime Wilson
Foster and sustain mutually beneficial relationships between JVMS and affiliated groups. Stay informed on current issues and developments impacting veterinarians, maintain consistent communication with leadership, and provide updates on activities and concerns during business meetings.
Wellness Committee
Dr. Melina Ainslant
The JVMS Wellness Committee is committed to fostering balance and supporting the mental health of our members. Under the leadership of Dr. Melina Ainslant, this committee diligently offers vital resources and assistance to those in our veterinary community who may be grappling with stress, burnout, or other mental health challenges.
We recognize that the veterinary profession can be both physically demanding and emotionally draining. The combination of extended hours, high-pressure situations, and the profound responsibility of caring for sick or injured animals can profoundly impact even the most resilient individuals. It is precisely why we advocate for prioritizing self-care and wellness as an indispensable component of our professional lives.
Through a range of initiatives and programs, the Wellness Committee strives to destigmatize discussions surrounding mental health. We aim to equip our members with practical strategies for maintaining equilibrium and preventing widespread issues within the profession.
Need mental health assistance? Visit https://fvma.org/inspire/
Joining a JVMS committee is a great way to contribute your skills, collaborate with peers, and make a difference in our community. Find your fit today!