Brea, Calif. (March 03, 2010) – Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, is pleased to announce that one of the most recognized and respected leaders in veterinary medicine, John W. Albers, DVM, has joined the company’s Veterinary Advisory Board. For 23 years, Dr. Albers distinguished himself as the executive director of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) until he stepped down from that position in late 2009. Today, Dr. Albers leads the efforts of the Denver, Colo., based veterinary consulting and advising firm Albers Veterinary Strategies.
“We are honored to have John Albers join our team of dedicated veterinary advisors,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “I and so many others in the veterinary healthcare community are aware of John’s quality efforts and accomplishments during his time at AAHA. I know VPI will benefit from his wealth of experience as well as his commitment to improving the lives of pets.”
A recognized leader throughout his career, Dr. Albers served on the panel that authored the seminal Pew Foundation sponsored publication, Future Directions for Veterinary Medicine, which drove change in the delivery of veterinary education. In 1995, Dr. Albers authored the AAHA Report: A Study of the Companion Animal Veterinary Services Market, the first substantial work to examine the animal health delivery system, pet owner attitudes towards their pets, and the potential impact of consolidation on the companion animal segment of the profession.
In the late 1990s, Dr. Albers’ leadership was instrumental in the comprehensive economic study, The Current and Future Market for Veterinarians and Veterinary Medical Services in the U.S., and the subsequent formation of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI). A founding member of the NCVEI, he served as a Director for almost 10 years and was a primary presenter of the study results for the first two years following its publication.
On the for-profit side, Dr. Albers led the creation of AAHA Services Corporation, an animal health distribution company doing business as AAHA MARKETLink. He served as the CEO of the company from its inception in 1996 through its sale in 2008, at which time it had grown to a company with more than $58 million in annual invoiced and agency sales.
The seven member VPI Veterinary Advisory Board (VAB) was created for the purpose of providing insight and guidance to the company regarding industry trends and practices. The VAB is comprised of veterinary and business experts who bring a valuable perspective on VPI practices, products, and strategic business initiatives. The group, which met for the first time in March 2006, has enhanced VPI’s ability to support and communicate with the veterinary community and pet owners.
Dr. Albers joins the following leading veterinary and business professionals: Tom R. Kendall, DVM, CVPM; Alan R. Klag, DVM, DACVIM; Sheldon (Shelly) B. Rubin, DVM; Margaret (Peggy) J. Rucker, DVM; Joni M. Samuels, DVM; and Jim F. Wilson, DVM, JD.
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 475,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies.
Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet CareGuardSM for routine care is also available.
Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.