N. Andover, May 17, 2006 - Julie E. Haller, DVM assumed the Presidency of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) by unanimous vote during the annual meeting of the MVMA in Marlborough, MA on May 17, 2006. The Gavel was passed from James N. Ross, Jr. DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, marking the start of Dr. Haller's one year term as President.

Over Dr. Haller's years of involvement with the MVMA she has held the position of president of the Veterinary Association of the North Shore for the MVMA Steering Committee; she was later appointed chair of the Legislative Committee, and in 2004 she was elected Vice President.

In her role as President-Elect, Dr. Haller played a vital part in the ongoing activities of the MVMA, developing their Continuing Education Conference programming and promoting greater political involvement and awareness in the State's Legislative activities.

"Two key functions of the MVMA that I would like to see expanded during my tenure are: a deeper focus and involvement by the MVMA in State legislative issues affecting our members, and to provide more comprehensive benefits to veterinary associates. At the moment the MVMA provides more value to Hospital owners, I'd like to see that extended further to encompass the needs of our associate members," said Dr. Haller.

To this end the MVMA has hired Johnson-Haley, a lobbying firm, "to preserve the Veterinary Practice Act and the Territory on behalf of the Association and its 900+ members," explained Dr. Haller.

The MVMA has been in existence since 1884, its mission is to promote the veterinary profession, improve animal well-being and public health, and provide programs and services that enhance the ability of member veterinarians to succeed. Since its inception, the MVMA and its members have provided professional caring for the health and welfare of animals and society.

Julie Haller, DVM is a small animal practitioner at Bulger Animal Hospital and Essex County Veterinary Emergency Hospital in North Andover. Part of InTown Veterinary Group, Bulger Animal Hospital is a full service hospital that offers a complete range of medical and surgical services for canines, felines and exotic mammals (pocket pets).

Clients of Bulger Animal Hospital have access to the latest therapeutic tools, diagnostic methods and a highly trained and compassionate staff of veterinarians and technicians. This is in addition to direct access to 24-hour, seven day a week emergency services through InTown's Essex County Veterinary Emergency Hospital here in North Andover and to a range of specialty services through InTown's Essex County Veterinary Specialists and Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital.

"Julie exemplifies the total package veterinarian, she does it all and she does it well," said Dr. John K. Prentiss, President and CEO of InTown Veterinary Group. "She represents the type of veterinarian we want to employ. She cares about her patients, is active in the community and firmly believes in the value of advancing the industry beyond where it is today."

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