Dr. Peter F. HaynesDr. Peter F. Haynes, dean of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, has earned the 2008 AVMA Award.
Marked as the Association's highest honor, the award recognizes distinguished contributions to the advancement of veterinary medical organizations.
"It is a great personal honor to be included in the company of the outstanding veterinarians who have been previously recognized for this prestigious award," Dr. Haynes said.
Dr. Haynes has an extensive background in organized veterinary medicine. An AVMA member since 1969, he served for 17 years in the House of Delegates. He was instrumental in the development of the first winter HOD session, held this past January. The annual HOD session takes place in conjunction with the AVMA Annual Convention.
Dr. Haynes served as president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in 1991. As part of that association, he helped guide its strategic planning initiative and governance changes and served on numerous other committees.
In addition, Dr. Haynes has participated on a variety of committees of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He also helped codevelop the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association's Equine Committee.
"In some ways, (the AVMA award) validates that the time, effort, and outcomes of my engagement in organized veterinary medicine have been valued, have made a difference, and have improved the profession," he said.
Looking to enhance his personal and professional development, Dr. Haynes became involved in organized veterinary medicine after earning his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1969 and subsequently his ACVS specialty certification.
Throughout his career, he said, he has watched how the profession's increasing knowledge base and specialty focus has led to a growing number of veterinary medical organizations.
"I believe that the future success of veterinary medical organizations will be underpinned by effective strategic planning, and those that do it well will best meet the needs of the animals and publics served, as well as their membership," he said.
He also noted that organized veterinary medicine needs to have a strong awareness of and commitment to effective leadership training. "Successful organizations will need to attract new volunteer leaders by providing more focused assignments and shorter time commitments that will fit the lifestyles of the younger generation of veterinarians today," he said.
Along with his involvement in organized veterinary medicine, Dr. Haynes has held a variety of roles at the LSU veterinary school since joining its staff as an equine clinician in 1974. He was executive associate dean from 2000 through 2006 and interim dean from July 2006 until June 2007, when he was named dean.
