Harold Davis – NAVTA Treasurer
Credentials/Certifications: BA, RVT, VTS (ECC) (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
Number of years as a Credentialed Vet Tech: 43yrs (46 years in the profession)
Why/how did you decide to become a Credentialed Veterinary Technician?
I didn’t really know the career path existed until I became a pre-vet student, working to gain veterinary experience for veterinary school. I worked as a veterinary assistant and enjoyed caring for patients and the variety of job tasks. I had the opportunity to take the state credentialing exam to become a Registered Animal Health Technician (that’s what we called because the AVMA did not allow the word “veterinary” to be used with technician as a job title). It was like a calling … I realized I had found my niche, and I was good at it. I have never looked back.
Why did you volunteer to serve on the NAVTA Executive Board?
There are a couple of reasons 1. Years ago, I had some concerns about NAVTA that I complained about, and I felt I didn’t have a right to complain unless I was willing to get actively involved in a positive way. 2. I felt I could make a difference in helping the organization and the profession move forward.
What do you feel is your greatest professional/personal accomplishment to date?
That is hard; I have several accomplishments I am proud of. Being a founding member of AVECCTN and AVTAA, traveling the world and sharing my passion for emergency and critical care nursing, and becoming president of three great organizations, AVECCTN, VECCS, and NAVC. Oh, and co-editing the textbook Advanced Monitoring and Procedures for Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care. I view these all as great accomplishments equally.
How do you balance your work/volunteer/home commitments?
I retired from my day job, seriously, not an easy task, and it is still a work in progress.
What is your most memorable case (good or bad)?
Performing internal cardiac massage during CPR; while compressing the dog’s heart, I looked down at him, and he lifted his head and looked up at me. He survived. Two hours later, he was standing up in the cage and barking like nothing had happened.