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based on performance in the clinics, not just the classroom,” Russak says. After graduation, Russak found an
AAHA-accredited hospital, where he stayed for 3½ years. After leaving the hos- pital, he designed a companion animal hospital of his own in Berlin, Conn., that he built with AAHA accreditation in mind. In 2003, Russak sold his practice to
his longtime associate and left to take up teaching at the Mississippi State Universi- ty’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While at the university, he became the AAHA student advocate and faculty adviser. “I felt AAHA needed a stronger pres-
Russak says he hopes to define AAHA as an industry leader at a time when the veterinary profession is being challenged like never before.
ence in the veterinary schools,” Russak recalls. “I was able to help bring that presence to the faculty and students of the Mississippi State University Col- lege of Veterinary Medicine. I guess you would say I have bled AAHA red for almost 40 years.” As president, Russak says he hopes to
define AAHA as an industry leader at a time when the veterinary profession is being challenged like never before. “We will continue to position AAHA as
a leader within the profession by system- atic use of our resources and knowledge to meet the challenges head-on,” Rus- sak said. “AAHA has never backed away from a problem, and we never will.” Russak says AAHA has a responsibil-
Go online to see a video of incoming AAHA President Mark Russak sharing his top advice for new veterinary school grads, at
youtu.be/GFcRA3Scr00.
ity to the profession, its members, clients and pets to provide affordable, quality health care. By supporting career devel- opment and re-evaluating and expanding educational programs, Russak envisions strengthening the profession and improv- ing the quality of care pets receive. “We will continue re-evaluating our educational programs and how continu- ing education is offered,” Russak said. “We are striving to offer the best and most innovative programs at our yearly confer- ence and also with our other educational offerings. I envision AAHA moving away from didactics and moving toward more discussion and interactive formats.” With an emphasis on career develop-
ment and mentoring of new veterinar- ians, Russak hopes to lay the path to
success for future veterinarians. “We will support the career develop-
ment of our future ‘Gentle Doctors,’” Rus- sak said. “It is hard enough to get your DVM degree and then have to keep up with the ever-expanding technical vet- erinary knowledge base. We want to help mentor and guide our newer veterinar- ians on their paths to success.” Client recognition of what it means to
be an AAHA-accredited hospital is also key to improving the veterinary profes- sion. AAHA needs to continue working to raise consumer awareness about AAHA accreditation, Russak says. “We still have a recognition gap
among our clients,” Russak said. “Many do not understand what AAHA stands for or what it means to be an AAHA- accredited hospital. We will continue in our efforts to foster this recognition by increasing our presence in electronic media and social networking, along with other venues.” Although Russak is now retired in Connecticut, traveling occasionally to give presentations to student groups, he recalls the pressures of working in a daily clinic. He says that having a wonderful wife of 42 years and a great family helped to get him through the tough days. “I have always felt fortunate to be part
of the best profession in the world; I have gotten paid to do what I enjoy the most, spending my time helping patients and clients,” Russak said. “I have truly never been bored.” What does Russak wish to see for the
veterinary world in coming years? “If I could give any gift I wanted, it
would be to allow all our pets and clients access to the medical and surgical care they need and deserve without having to worry about financial considerations on either side. It would certainly decrease the stresses and frustrations of practice and pet ownership,” Russak says. “Ah, if it were only possible…. I can dream, can’t I?”
Kate Spencer is online reporter/editor for Trends Today. Trends magazine, Month 2012
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