The National VBMA, in cooperation with Live Oak Bank, once again is providing a $5,000 summer research grant to one VBMA member for the summer of 2012. The application with further details is provided below, note the due date is December 1st.

The “VBMA-Live Oak Evidence Based Management Report” provides an opportunity for one of our members to engage in scholarly research over the course of one summer. The research topic is based on the applicant’s interests, but has to include a proposal for a measurable, statistics-based project within veterinary business management. Applicants are also required to have a professional or faculty advisor for the project and provide a thorough budget for the funds allocated. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a publishable article at the end of the Fall 2012 semester.

When developing proposals, we recommend all to visit this National VBMA website to find resources available to them. There are many associations and individuals who, like the VBMA, seek to advance the profession and would be happy to help with potential research projects. Links to NCVEI, VetPartners, AAHA and the AVMA can be found under “Business Resources” and “Links” on the NVBMA website. Specific professionals with externships may also be of use, and can be found under the “Student opportunities” and “Externships” tabs as well as under the "Networking" tab.

The NVBMA constantly seeks to provide new and unique opportunities to its members. We urge all members to utlize the resources available to them through VBMA to develop valuable research skills and contribute to the research-based literature available to the veterinary profession!

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact Ashley Craig, 2011 National VBMA President at ashley.e.craig@gmail.com.

Lindsay VanDelinder from Washington State University was chosen as the winner of this generous grant. Her research involved the use of Social Media in Veterinary Medicine comparing the Veterinary profession to human medicine models. Below you can find her finished analysis. Great Job Lindsay!