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Dear Board Members,
The biggest news from the US was the participation of IAVH as a sponsor for the Case Conference of our local
association, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, in 2005, in Wilmington, North Carolina. This was at a cost of
US$350. I was able to speak several times to the whole group, drawing material from our brochure, about benefits
and importance of belonging to IAVH. Several attendees pulled out their checkbooks and were ready to join IAVH at
that time. Unfortunately I could not enroll members immediately (Website was not up yet, nor can I at this point
collect fees). It was clearly the best venue to acquire new members. We have generated a lot of good will from AVH
due to our contribution. Several members were added to our roster from this event.
The next Case Conference in the US will take place in Monterey, California, November 2-5, 2006. International
speakers will be Frederik Schroyens, Marc Baer, Susan Armstrong. Contacts were made between AVH’s President (Jeff
Feinman), past-president (Shelley Epstein) and IAVH’s President (Liesbeth) and Treasurer (Andreas S.) in regards to
a joint conference in Philadelphia in 2007. Even as the feasibility of such a joint conference is small, it is
indeed possible and highly desirable that a high ranking IAVH representative such as Liesbeth would attend one (or
many!) of our case conferences. Presentation of material during the conference makes it likely that the AVH foots
the bill at least for travel and accommodations. Of course your representative shall be there, in attendance, and
if not as a sponsor again, at least as a passionate advocate for our group.
These contacts are invaluable to emphasize the importance of IAVH to the community of US veterinary homeopaths.
Thank you very much for IAVH’s support in this past event!
The other item that I think is sorely needed is a translator German-English for the IAVH e-Forum. I suggest that
we pay someone (a vet student maybe) to translate. The e-forum is one of the biggest visible benefits to membership
from countries outside Europe. We all agree that English is the official language of IAVH. It behooves us to make
the extra effort and link the world of vet homeopaths. A spontaneous, and timely, translation was recently done by
Claudia Schiemann [c.schiemann@planet-interkom.de].
I also respectfully suggest that regular updates on EC Regulatory progress and changes be summarized and briefs
posted in the forum. Unequivocally, EC rules impact commerce and therefore affect the whole world. IAVH’s political
importance as advisory body should be underlined as this too draws more membership.
To better promote the next Organic Farming meeting, it would be helpful that I be apprised of tentative dates,
location and possible speakers as soon as these issues are in the drawing board. There are US veterinarians who may
well consider submitting papers if they can squeeze the conference into their schedule.
Finally, aside from last year’s Lancet article, extremely critical of homeopathy and widely read, there was an
article in the New Scientist (November 2005) where several British orthodox veterinarians bashed homeopaths and
veterinary homeopathy. This was not publicized by IAVH. There was no response from IAVH or from BAHVS. There was
one letter to the editor only (from your humble speaker) refuting the article. I spoke about this passivity with
Peter Gregory (in Salt Spring Island, Canada, March ’06). Peter thinks there’s burnout in responding; also, that
strong defense may feed antagonistic positions from both veterinarians and the public. What is IAVH’s position in
this regard?
In writing the afore mentioned letter to the New Scientist, it became clear to me personally that, until we as a
group develop excellent quality research studies in homeopathy, we shall continue to be accused of unscientific
practice. I would like to ask, are there good quality guidelines put forth by IAVH in that regard? Is our research
committee organized to design; evaluate; criticize; support, and fund studies? Is our research committee closely
linked to the WHO’s, the Liga’s or other human or veterinary homeopathy organizations?
I have contacted Dr. Monique Maniet (mmaniet@aol.com), practitioner of Washington DC, and originally from
Belgium, to replace me as your representative. After initially agreeing, she later declined due to concomitant
responsibilities with local organizations. These should run their course, and it is highly likely that eventually
she will become available for this position. Even though it would be a sad day when I am no longer directly involved
with IAVH, it would be beneficial, not only for a fresh face and ideas and energy, but because Monique comes to
Europe to see her family often, and could save the IAVH the expense of bringing me here (almost) yearly for the
Board meetings.
Another name for consideration is Dr. Sara Fox Chapman. Our British colleagues likely know her. I think she also
would be an excellent representative, or possibly serve in another function.
I am hopeful that I will find a bank where no fees are charged (Bank of America just started such program); if I
do, I would request permission to collect fees and send them to Treasury via bank transfer.
When in Canada last month, I chatted with Dr. Moira Drosdovech [drmoi@shaw.ca], who agreed (once she manages to
join via Internet – she’s tried a couple of times) to be our Canadian Representative! I told her Christine Shields
might be contacting her, as Christine is the person in charge of Canada (I think).
The World Small Animal Conference in Prague this coming October will have Drs. Peter Dobias (Canada) and
Christina Chambreau (US) presenting on homeopathy. Katerina has their e-mails and they have made contact. Katerina
gave an excellent suggestion, that we provide posters with case studies. We should find out about deadlines. Maybe
Stefan could use his epilepsy work; and Liesbeth her work with calf diarrhea??
Yours truly,
Jacqueline S. Obando
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