Access to Care” is not just a trendy catchphrase—it has a long history. Common usage of the term began during the 1960s, primarily as a means to improve the availability of health care to the elderly and the poor. Related efforts to increase such access ultimately resulted in Medicare and Medicaid. Gradually, access to care has expanded to other groups that struggle to acquire adequate healthcare.

Dr. Kelly Byam serves on the CVMA’s Board of Governors, representing District III (Kern County VMA and Orange Belt VMA). If you are a member of District III, you may contact Dr. Byam at kbyam@cvma.net. I spent undergrad at Fresno State, post-grad at Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand, and veterinary school at UC Davis.