President's Message
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Friends and Colleagues,
February is the month where the grit and grind really kick in, when good intentions start turning into real habits, and steady effort begins to matter more than that New Year buzz. January may have had the hype and all the fresh-start energy, but February is where we roll up our sleeves and get things moving. It is a time for gaining traction and seeing what is sticking.
This month brings a powerful one-two punch of education and advocacy for the IVMA. Our Winter Conference is coming up February 12-13, and it is one of the best opportunities of the year to sharpen your skills, gather insight, and reconnect with colleagues. Since 2026 is a licensing year, this is a great chance to knock out required CE hours, while also attending sessions that spark real-world takeaways.
On Thursday evening, conference attendees are invited to a special IVMA Reception featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of time to catch up with familiar faces. The Harrison Ingham Band will be performing, and we hope you will stick around to enjoy the music and mingle.
We are also excited to introduce a new way to engage with the conference - the IVMA App! You can use it to browse the schedule, read speaker bios, access proceedings, and more. It is a simple, streamlined way to stay organized before and during the event.
Later this month, we will also be hosting a powerful opportunity for IVMA members to advocate for our profession: Legislative Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 24. This is our chance to connect directly with state lawmakers and elevate veterinary priorities - from rural access and workforce issues to scope of practice, public health, and VDL support. It is not just about politics, it is about partnership. When we show up, we bring faces and stories behind Iowa’s animal care, food systems, and veterinary infrastructure. Haven’t signed up yet? There is still time! Just head to the IVMA website or call the office, and we will get you all set up.
I know the thought of stepping into political conversations or unfamiliar environments can feel daunting, but advocacy does not require a background in government. It requires showing up, speaking up, and being willing to lead from where you are.
In the face of challenges, I often think of this simple truth:
“When storms roll across the plains, cattle scatter - but buffalo run straight into the storm.”
Buffalo have a unique instinct: rather than outrun the storm, they head into it… minimizing their time in the chaos by facing it directly. It is a metaphor for how we can approach challenges à with courage, clarity, and community. Whether it is advocating at the Capitol, navigating hard conversations, or simply pressing forward in the middle of a long Iowa winter, we do not have to wait for the storm to pass. We can move through it - together.
Whatever February holds for you, I hope you will run toward the opportunities, not away from the obstacles.
In your corner,
Aubrey Cordray, DVM
February is the month where the grit and grind really kick in, when good intentions start turning into real habits, and steady effort begins to matter more than that New Year buzz. January may have had the hype and all the fresh-start energy, but February is where we roll up our sleeves and get things moving. It is a time for gaining traction and seeing what is sticking.
This month brings a powerful one-two punch of education and advocacy for the IVMA. Our Winter Conference is coming up February 12-13, and it is one of the best opportunities of the year to sharpen your skills, gather insight, and reconnect with colleagues. Since 2026 is a licensing year, this is a great chance to knock out required CE hours, while also attending sessions that spark real-world takeaways.
On Thursday evening, conference attendees are invited to a special IVMA Reception featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of time to catch up with familiar faces. The Harrison Ingham Band will be performing, and we hope you will stick around to enjoy the music and mingle.
We are also excited to introduce a new way to engage with the conference - the IVMA App! You can use it to browse the schedule, read speaker bios, access proceedings, and more. It is a simple, streamlined way to stay organized before and during the event.
Later this month, we will also be hosting a powerful opportunity for IVMA members to advocate for our profession: Legislative Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 24. This is our chance to connect directly with state lawmakers and elevate veterinary priorities - from rural access and workforce issues to scope of practice, public health, and VDL support. It is not just about politics, it is about partnership. When we show up, we bring faces and stories behind Iowa’s animal care, food systems, and veterinary infrastructure. Haven’t signed up yet? There is still time! Just head to the IVMA website or call the office, and we will get you all set up.
I know the thought of stepping into political conversations or unfamiliar environments can feel daunting, but advocacy does not require a background in government. It requires showing up, speaking up, and being willing to lead from where you are.
In the face of challenges, I often think of this simple truth:
“When storms roll across the plains, cattle scatter - but buffalo run straight into the storm.”
Buffalo have a unique instinct: rather than outrun the storm, they head into it… minimizing their time in the chaos by facing it directly. It is a metaphor for how we can approach challenges à with courage, clarity, and community. Whether it is advocating at the Capitol, navigating hard conversations, or simply pressing forward in the middle of a long Iowa winter, we do not have to wait for the storm to pass. We can move through it - together.
Whatever February holds for you, I hope you will run toward the opportunities, not away from the obstacles.
In your corner,
Aubrey Cordray, DVM