TVMA keeps Texas vets updated and informed

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Dr. Harold Emerson looks over one of his smaller patients at his veterinary clinic, which is located in Waco. Emerson was recently elected to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association's Board of Directors, representing the North Central Texas area. -- Photo by Mandy Spikes

May 15, 2003 -- The Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) is an organization that supports veterinarians as they practice the art and science of veterinary medicine in Texas. Established in 1903, it continues to operate as a nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of Texas.

According to its website, www.tvma.org, TVMA is owned by its members who pay dues and use TVMA's products, programs, and services. There are over 3,000 licensed veterinarians practicing throughout the state of Texas who are member-owners of the organization.

"Today, TVMA is one of the largest state veterinary medical associations in the nation and is recognized for its leadership on important issues, innovative solutions and effective representation. The excellence of its educational programs, publications, and legislative efforts has fostered an outstanding reputation among veterinarians and sister associations across the country."

Recently, Dr. Harold Emerson of Waco was elected to the TVMA's Board of Directors, representing the North Central Texas area. Emerson officially began his two-year term on February 28.

"I have been a veterinarian for about 38 years," he explained. "When I was in vet school, I learned about TVMA and started attending their meetings and getting involved. I have been involved ever since.

"This organization is an association of veterinarians that operate across the state looking at laws that affect vets. We want vets to be able to do their practice without inhibitions. There are many laws being passed that affect the way vets can do their job. We are working with these laws so that they can be beneficial for them. We are able to voice our opinion on what our likes and dislikes are on each law.

"We also offer a service to the public by informing them of their animal's health so that they can understand what's being done in terms of the advancement of animal science and health."

Emerson grew up raising cattle, horses, and hogs on his family's small farm, which was located between Lorena and Moody. After school, he would help out a veterinarian, who had his practice located in McGregor. It was during this time that he decided to become a veterinarian.

"I went to Tarleton State University for two years and Texas A&M University for seven. While I was at A&M, I received a Bachelor of Science, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, and a Masters in Pathology."

From 1969-1974, he worked on both large and small animals at his clinic. After 1974, he decided to stick with just smaller animals.

"I've learned that while you are a vet, you need to be proactive in learning. You must be knowledgeable in order to talk with the public. You learn that people consider their small pets to be like family members.

"Before recently, people thought of their large animals only as an economic cost. Some still do. But now, I have seen a trend in smaller rural areas where people are considering their large animals, such as horses and goats, to be part of the family."

Currently, Emerson has his own small vet clinic located in Waco called Emerson Animal Hospital.