Page 6 - Spring 15

IAVH Newsletter
First IAVH Certificates in Russia
In Spring 2014 Marc Baer from Switzerland, lecturer and examiner of the IAVH, was approached by a group of Russian vets with the question if they could undergo the exam for the IAVH certificate in Russia. After a lengthy preparation all problems were resolved and the required ten cases of the candidates where submitted to the responsible Education coordinator of IAVH, Stefan Kohlrausch, who marked them. Some cases had room for improvement, but in the end Stefan was pleased to decide that the candidates passed the first part of the exam.
Following a three days seminar in Russia on snake remedies, the miasms and materia medica, the examination took place on Sunday 22 of March. The candidates, Marc Baer and the translator met in the sports complex of the Moscow Veterinary School at 9 am. After the 70 minutes multiple-choice written examination was done, a two hours exam of solving three cases and the oral exam followed. Of the four candidates three passed: Olga Berenzina, Elena, Shestakova and Irina Inozemceva.
It was interesting to see that the Multiple Choice questions of the IAVH was an excellent tool, as the results did have a good correlation with the overall marks, the candidates acquired. This by the way is the same in our Swiss National Exams. In the oral exams some candidates were nervous, but not so distracted that the knowledge in Materia Medica, Theory and the Repertory disappeared completely. All in all the candidates stated, it was a good experience for them to study homeoapthy further.
The exam was prepared by Marc and Stefan with a lengthy preparation time, partly due to the fact that all items had to be translated into Russian.
I want to congratulate the three colleagues from Russia, the first to have passed the IAVH exams and thus the first in Russia, who can claim to be a veterinary homoeopath accredited by the IAVH. Thanks to everybody who helped, especially Irina, who organized the exam from the Russian side.
Marc Baer, April 2015
President’s Letter
‘All things change’. Our constitution recognises this and indeed caters for the need for change, hence officers are elected for a period of 3 years; if the incumbent is willing, and there are no other suitable candidates, they may be elected for a further period of 3 years. This is a common length of appointment for an organisation, for instance members of parliament in Australia are elected for precisely this period, and it recognises that not only can a person’s life change, but their energy for the necessary tasks may wane. For these and other reasons, we find ourselves facing important changes in our team. Most importantly, Helene has found it necessary to step down as secretary; Edward de Beukelaer now becomes acting secretary, until we can find a replacement. Helen has done a wonderful job for the Association, well beyond the period she committed to and I am personally very grateful for all, she has done for us. She volunteered at a time, when we desperately needed someone to take on the position and brought a freshness and humour to the post. Since then, she has worked incredibly hard for us and I want to acknowledge this and wish her every success.
Using a football metaphor: a new manager provides new ideas and an enthusiasm, which can push the team, and the club as a whole, forwards, however after a few seasons, their energy starts to wane and a change in manger is required to bring new ideas and a new enthusiasm. The smart manager recognises this and leaves before he is pushed. There are a few exceptions of course; in UK Alex Ferguson successfully managed Manchester United for twenty-seven years and Arsene Wenger remains at Arsenal after nearly twenty. These are remarkable and unique achievements to which the rest can never aspire. In this spirit I have to admit that the three year limit suits my abilities admirably, and
now being half a year beyond my ‘best by’ date I am ready to hand on my responsibilities to someone (younger and) more energetic. To that end, I have requested Edward to take over as President, which he has agreed to do, with effect from our Board meeting in Holland in September. As a native Belgian living in UK, he is a true international citizen; also a committed and experienced homeopathic vet with a head for organisation and the necessary sense of humour. He will bring his own energy to the Association and I look forward to his period of tenure.
You will note therefore that we will be needing a new ‘permanent’ secretary, so please let the Officers know, if you would like to consider the post yourself, or know of someone who might do so.
Last, but not least, we say thank you to Marcie Fallek for several years as National Representative for USA. We will miss her energy and humour, but look forward to working with Sara Chapman, who has taken on the role. Sarah is officially the representative of the (American) Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy and this change represents a step forward in our relationship with the organisation. Sara is well known to British members, having trained at the HPTG in Oxford, and a regular attendee at BAHVS conferences. We look forward to her participation and working more closely with the AVH.
The flux in Officers and Board members means that Markus and the Office provide a solid foundation at the heart of the organisation and I thank them for holding this important role. Changes in our personnel reflect the continuing changes in nature; here in Southern UK the sun is becoming warmer and the early spring flowers are beginning to emerge. I hope the changes in your own lives are positive ones, and bring you success and happiness.
Very best wishes Peter
Marc Baer with Olga Berenzina and Elena Shestakova
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