Dr. Gregory S. HammerThe term of AVMA President Gregory S. Hammer ends at the close of the AVMA Annual Convention. Dr. Hammer will remain on the Executive Board for another year as immediate past president, but he's looking forward to spending less time on the road and more time at home and his practice. Dr. Hammer spoke about his experience as AVMA president—what he achieved and what he hopes his legacy at the Association will be.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
When we started in July 2007, there were some goals that we hoped to accomplish. Among those were improvement of the veterinary workforce, closer relationships with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and more emphasis on animal welfare. Although we may never finish all that we had hoped, we have made great strides in all these areas.
First, the Veterinary Workforce Grant program was not included in the final version of the farm bill; however, veterinarians were active on Capitol Hill as never before. Our members contacted their congressional delegations in record numbers and "made some noise." Congress is finally aware of the crisis in rural veterinary medicine, food supply, and public practice. Congress is actively involved in funding the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank and the National Veterinary Medical Service Act.
Second, AVMA has a new, improved working relationship with AAVMC and the veterinary colleges. We have joined forces to improve educational goals, lower student debt, and increase the size of the veterinary workforce. We have also collaborated on common strategic goals. Third, AVMA has taken a new approach to animal welfare issues. No longer will we sit back and let the issues come to us. We are going to make sure that our science-based policies drive the discussion on animal well-being. We will be the leading voice on animal welfare.
How does the AVMA and city of New Orleans each benefit from the Association holding its annual convention here?
The AVMA is the premier veterinary convention that rotates around the country. That gives an opportunity for those veterinarians within driving distance a chance to attend a large convention in a destination city that they don't have to fly to. That's always been one of our strong points. Being in New Orleans shows people that the city really is back and how the people here are genuinely glad to see us helping their city.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation's Our Oath in Action voluntourism project helping area animal shelters has proven very popular with attendees. Why is that?
Veterinarians and their spouses have always helped out. That's what we do, whether it's with their animals, their families, or the public. That all the volunteer spots were filled a long time ago is a testament to this. It shows our volunteer attitude, and how we're willing to jump in even when we're on vacation or going to [continuing education] to help out a city that is coming back but still needs help.
What do you hope your legacy at the AVMA will be?
I don't know that any president really leaves a legacy. I hope that we have been able to stir veterinarians to become more politically active. If our voice is not heard, it will be because we remained silent. Others are ready to speak on behalf of veterinary medicine to legislatures and the public. We cannot let that happen. Last, but not least, I hope we have started AVMA on a much more proactive course for animal well-being. We must lead and not wait to follow.
What are your plans for life after the AVMA presidency?
I'm going back to work at Brenford Animal Hospital. I look forward to returning to clinical practice. My wife and I have been traveling most of the year, and I've had little opportunity to interact with my hospital staff or my clients, and I miss that a lot.
