|
Veterinarians have an unusual set of talents that give them the opportunity to make profound changes, as long as they are given a chance to do it. Their broad
scientific and medical knowledge is exactly what is needed to help guide decisions in the halls of power.
It can be easy to get tied down to a routine that allows our goals to
get pushed back.
Whether you are finding a professional path, or looking for a new one, the American Veterinary Medical Association's Congressional Science and Executive Branch Fellowships offer you the chance to make a difference in the veterinary profession and the world we live in today. Whether you have just graduated from veterinary school or have years of experience, the program gives veterinarians a chance to try something new and different.
Experience a different side of the veterinary profession and make a difference on issues important to our nation and to our profession.
AVMA Fellows all have one thing in common – seeking change. The AVMA Fellowship Program offers veterinarians the opportunity to spend a year in Washington, D.C. working in the federal government as a scientific resource. The Fellowships are intended to help veterinarians garner a better understanding of the governmental process, gain insight into the future of science and the veterinary profession, while at same time assisting in creating the legislation and regulations that affect our nation and profession. The Executive Branch Fellow provides expertise as a member of the Department of Homeland Security. Participants in the Congressional Science Fellowship serve as scientific resources on Capitol Hill.
Your Impact in Government:
- Represent the veterinary profession in the Legislative and Executive branches of government
- Use science-based decision making in public policy development
- Experience and influence major public policy debates
- Network with government professionals
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
The AVMA Fellowships will begin in August of 2009 and will continue through August of the following year, via the participation in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellowship Program. While serving as an AVMA Congressional Science or Executive Branch Fellow, you will receive a $71,018 stipend to offset the cost of living in Washington D.C., as well as reimbursement for certain expenses incurred during the Fellowship. Additionally, Fellows may receive up to $6,000 to offset the cost of health insurance premiums for the year of their Fellowship.
What does it take to be a Fellow?
- Must be an advocate for veterinary medicine*
- Have an interest in public policy and/or politics
- Demonstrate competence in an area of veterinary medicine
- Exhibit an interest in applying scientific knowledge to address societal/public policy issues
- Analyze, identify, and easily explain core scientific issues to a variety of audiences
- Be able to write persuasively and convincingly
- Must be an AVMA member and U.S. citizen
- Possess the ability to pass a government background investigation
|
A Special Thank You!
The AVMA thanks the following organizations for their contributions to the Congressional Science and Executive Branch Fellowship Program:
To learn more about becoming a donor, contact Dorothy Gray at 800.321.1473 Ext. 3209.
|
Your Future
Former AVMA Fellows have returned to academia or private practice, while others have remained in Washington, DC to work at the:
- Department of Homeland Security
- National Institutes of Health
- Department of Health and Human Services
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Congressional Research Service
- Washington D.C. offices of other science-based organizations
- AVMA Governmental Relations Division
- United States Congress
Applications
Applications for the AVMA Congressional Science and Executive Branch Fellowship are due on
February 12, 2009
In addition to the application form, your application package must include:
- A letter of intent
- Curriculum vitae
- A letter of support from the applicant's local, state, specialty, or allied veterinary medical association
- Two (2) letters of reference from professional colleagues
- A personal statement (no more than 750 words) describing your qualifications, commitment to veterinary medicine, and why the fellowship is desired
 Download application form
Send completed application by February 12, 2009 to:
2009-2010 AVMA Fellowship Program
American Veterinary Medical Association
Governmental Relations Division
1910 Sunderland Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
If you have any questions, please contact 800.321.1473 or e-mail fellowship@avma.org
* The AVMA Congressional and Executive Branch Fellows are ineligible to serve on any AVMA or constituent organization legislative bodies, council, committees, task forces, or hold any AVMA or constituent organization offices while serving as an AVMA Congressional or Executive Branch Fellow.
|
= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
