When Karen Settle returned from living overseas with her husband in the military, she was eager to get back to work as a veterinarian.
But rules kept her from practicing while abroad, and her ability to become licensed in Maryland was jeopardized.
“As part of your military career, an overseas assignment is going to happen at some point,” said Settle, of Clarksville in Howard County. “This happens to professionals all over.”
A current measure in the General Assembly would waive requirements that a veterinarian be practicing for five years before seeking a state license if he or she is relocated overseas for government service or that of a spouse. This could clear the way for Settle and other vets facing barriers to working in Maryland.
“If you are in service of government overseas or accompanying a spouse overseas, that requirement would be waived,” said Del. Shane Pendergrass, D-Howard, who sponsored the legislation in response to Settle?s situation.
Settle had been practicing in Florida since 1990 until her husband, also a veterinarian, was relocated to Italy for the military. Settle couldn?t practice there because of rules preventing her from working under her husband in the military.
Now her husband is working at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, and Settle is struggling to get back to work.
Settle, who works mainly with cats and dogs, was told by the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners she had to retake the board certification exam, a grueling two-day test she took nearly 20 years ago.
“I stewed on that for a couple months and then I got angry,” Settle said.
She reached out to Pendergrass, who, along with Democratic Dels. Guy Guzzone and Frank Turner, both of Howard, has taken up her cause.
The board reviewing the legislation has not taken a position, said Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Sue DuPont. The board is affiliated with the department.
“Ultimately our goal is to make sure someone is competent to practice here,” she said.
