You Spoke, We Listened: Pet Med Express Withdraws From NAVC Conference 2012

NAVC has received numerous comments from concerned veterinarians with regard to the announcement that Pet Med Express was to be a new exhibitor and sponsor at the NAVC Conference 2012. I would like to relate that we appreciate and respect your concerns and announce that the company has voluntarily withdrawn as an exhibitor and sponsor.
 
In September the NAVC was approached by Pet Med Express with a request to sponsor part of our scientific program and to exhibit at the Conference. Company representatives assured us that they wished to improve relationships with the profession. I was aware that Pet Med Express is controversial to some colleagues and presented the proposal to our executive board. With board approval, we accepted the application.
 
Obviously the name of this company and its past practices hit a nerve with several members of the profession when they received our email blast. We therefore discussed the matter with the company and it decided to withdraw.
 
To give Pet Med Express a chance to meet with its critics, we had decided prior to these events to hold a panel discussion at 5:30 PM on the Sunday evening of NAVC Conference 2012 in the Gaylord’s Tampa Room. We still plan to hold this panel and invite all concerned members of the profession to attend and share their concerns about Pet Med Express and its practices and about Internet pharmacies in general. The panel will be chaired by NAVC Past President Dr. Doug Mader and will include a representative of Pet Med Express along with industry and professional authorities. The NAVC is committed to education. It is our belief that airing this controversy falls well within that mission.
 
Colin Burrows
NAVC Executive Director