To my esteemed colleagues and friends,
Standing before you at our recent Annual Conference as the incoming president of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) was, without question, one of the most humbling and meaningful moments of my professional life. Following in the footsteps of extraordinary leaders such as Drs. Hester, Richardson and Lista, I am profoundly aware of the responsibility that comes with this role and the remarkable legacy of service, compassion and excellence that defines this organization.
As I begin my term, I want to share a bit more about the journey that brought me to this moment, the values that guide my work every day and the vision I hold for our association in the year ahead.
FROM THE PRAIRIE TO THE REEF: MY PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
My love affair with veterinary medicine began when I was probably 6, but it was solidified in 2003 at the University of Illinois, where I earned my doctorate. Like so many of you, I was drawn to the Sunshine State shortly afterward, completing my rotating internship in South Florida. It was during those formative years that I discovered what would become the great passion of my career: ophthalmology. There is something uniquely profound about the gift of sight, and the privilege of preserving it has shaped every decision I have made since.
That passion led me to a board certification in ophthalmology and, in 2011, to founding Animal Eye Guys. Over the next 13 years, I had the privilege of growing that practice to eight locations across South Florida, surrounded by talented colleagues who shared a commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate patient care.
Most recently, I have embarked on a new and exciting chapter by launching Elite Veterinary Specialists in the greater Orlando area. This transition has been a vivid reminder of the unique challenges and rewards that come with owning and building a new practice, grounded in human-centric care, collaborative teamwork, and an unwavering dedication to the highest standard of medicine.
Beyond the clinic walls, my work has led me to some truly unexpected and remarkable places. I am honored to be one of the few veterinary ophthalmologists in the world working with marine mammals, consulting on cases throughout the Florida Keys, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas. Whether I am treating a beloved family pet in Casselberry or examining a sea lion in the Caribbean, the mission remains the same: preserving the gift of sight and strengthening the irreplaceable bond between animals and the people who love them.
OUR ROADMAP: FOUR PILLARS FOR GROWTH
While the landscape of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, our mission remains steadfast. To ensure the FVMA continues to serve as the premier voice for Florida’s veterinarians, my administration will focus on four key pillars:
Increasing Membership and Participation: Our strength lies in our numbers—and, more importantly, in the diversity and engagement of our members. I am committed to fostering an environment where early-career veterinarians and seasoned specialists alike feel a true sense of ownership and belonging within the FVMA. We are actively exploring new avenues to connect with our members through local chapters, enhanced digital platforms, and meaningful opportunities for involvement at every stage of a career.
Robust Legislative Advocacy: The decisions made in Tallahassee have a direct and meaningful impact on your ability to practice medicine. We will continue to strengthen our presence at the Capitol, ensuring that legislators fully understand the complexities of our profession, from scope-of-practice protections to the sanctity of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Your support, whether through your time, your voice, or your financial contribution to our political action committee (PAC), is not only valued but essential.
Excelling in Continuing Education: Having had the privilege of serving as a national lecturer and wet lab instructor, I understand firsthand the transformative value of high-quality, hands-on learning. We will continue to raise the bar for our continuing education offerings, ensuring they are accessible, clinically relevant, and consistently ahead of the curve. Our members deserve nothing less than world-class educational experiences.
Prioritizing Wellbeing Through “Inspire”: We cannot care for our patients if we do not first care for ourselves. The “Inspire” program and our ongoing wellbeing initiatives are not simply additions to our agenda, they are central to it. We will continue to provide tangible, accessible resources to help our members build sustainable, fulfilling careers while working together to destigmatize the mental health challenges that too many in our field face in silence.
A SHARED COMMITMENT
When I am not in the exam room or immersed in some other aspect of veterinary medicine, you will most likely find me outdoors, on the water, on a trail, or simply enjoying the Florida sunshine, with my husband, Gerald, our twins, Keegan and Francesca, and our beloved dogs, Lulu, Sophia, and Bells. It is that sense of home, family, and community that I want to bring to my leadership of the FVMA.
The FVMA is not simply an organization; it is you. I ask for your engagement, your candid feedback, and your passion. Let us use this year to not only grow our association but to elevate the entire veterinary profession across the state of Florida. It is the honor of my career to serve as your president. I look forward, with great enthusiasm, to all that we will accomplish together. With gratitude and warm regards
Sincerely,
Robert Swinger, DVM, DACVO