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As the current SHAV Vice President of Audiology, I would like to share with you (in no particular order) the top ten reasons why you should join the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV) today:
- SHAV is the only non-profit association in Virginia dedicated to the needs of audiologists and the patients we serve in the Commonwealth. Some of you are aware that the Audiology Association of Virginia (AAV) voted to join SHAV this year – SHAV is dedicated to become the ‘voice’ that will unite audiologists and help move our profession forward as we all face challenges in this current health care climate.
- SHAV has a professional management company and contracts with a lobbying firm which fully supports audiology issues. It’s a benefit to our profession to have these contacts available to help us through the logistical issues that we encounter – for example, website management, quick responses for tips on talking with our representatives regarding legislative issues.
- The 2011 Annual Conference, Leading Our Professions Through Self-Empowerment, will now have a streamlined audiology track that will offer CEUs, March 18 & 19, 2011 (Friday and Saturday morning). We are looking forward to having Dr. Bob Fifer, Dr. Anne Marie Tharpe and Dr. Tucker Gleason among others, as some of the prominent speakers that have agreed to present for us. In addition, we are working on an after sessions ‘happy hour’ social event for Friday, March 18 – don’t miss a great time to meet, socialize and network with your colleagues!
- SHAV and Audiology Online (AO) will co-sponsor an upcoming live webinar on October 27, 2010 with UVA audiologist Dr. Anne De Michele and otologist Dr.Bradley Kesser. Audiology Online has also offered a free month to all new SHAV audiology members - for new members joining SHAV, contact me at dmm@culpeperhearing.com for a coupon code to be entered on the audiologyonline.com website. (For current AO subscribers, contact Wendy Bradbury at (800)753-2160 ext. 234 to get your free month).
- The SHAV website, www.shav.org now has a dedicated Audiology section that will allow us to keep abreast of information that concerns audiologists, such as successful FEP billing for hearing devices. We will also have several useful links specific to audiologist in one central location.
- SHAV supports the JMU fall conference (the Ruth Symposium) on October 8 & 9, 2010. Some may recall that AAV was responsible for obtaining perpetual funding for a JMU specific audiology scholarship in Dr. Roger Ruth’s honor. The first recipient will be announced at this year’s conference. Visit http://www.csd.jmu.edu/conference2010.html
- SHAV has a Political Action Committee that will support legislative audiology issues. The next Advocacy Day will take place in Richmond, VA on December 17, 2010 at the State Capitol. Please mark your calendars and plan to join the PAC on that day. Lunch will be provided.
- Become a new audiology member now and get your 2011 membership dues included! Once more – all new audiology members who join now will get their 2011 membership dues for FREE! And, don’t forget, members get discounted conference fees, as well. Become a member today by completing the enclosed new member application.
- Show your support for your profession at the state level – where ones voice can really be ‘heard’. We all belong to various national or international groups, but being involved close to home is so meaningful, and isn’t taken for granted. A membership in SHAV is the way to achieve this.
Your membership in SHAV is more important now then ever before. For those of you that are already members, thank you for your continued support. And for those of you who aren’t, now is your opportunity to join. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 540.829.9005 or email dmm@culpeperhearing.com, or through the SHAV office.
Donna M. Mallory, Au.D.,
Vice President of Audiology
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