Dr. Henry E. Childers, Cranston, R.I., was elected by the AVMA House of Delegates July 24 to be AVMA president-elect for 2004-2005. Delegates elected Dr. Childers by unanimous consent while meeting in Philadelphia.

Flanked by his wife, Pat, Dr. Childers thanked his family and colleagues for their support.

The Rhode Island VMA nominated Dr. Childers as president-elect, and the motion was seconded by the delegates from California and New York.

"As we face many new and outside problem areas, it will be comforting to know that Henry Childers is on the job," New York delegate, Dr. Frederick B. Tierney, said.

Dr. Childers has said his priorities as AVMA president would be the economic health of the profession, mentoring, effective communication, accreditation standards, and professional unity.

Dr. Childers supports the AVMA taking an active role in assisting constituent associations' efforts to respond to legislative and regulatory initiatives. He believes it important for veterinary colleges to develop or enhance public health and food safety education in the veterinary curriculum.

Leadership is nothing new to the 1954 graduate of Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Childers was twice elected president of the Rhode Island VMA and has held the office of president of the New England VMA and the American Animal Hospital Association.

Since 1957, Dr. Childers, a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, has owned and managed a small animal practice in Cranston. In addition to running his practice and his participation in organized veterinary medicine, Dr. Childers is an assistant clinical professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Dr. Childers is the recipient of numerous awards, including the AAHA Practitioner of the Year Award. Tufts veterinary school presents extraordinary educators with an award named after the New England veterinarian.

He recently completed a six-year term representing District I on the AVMA Executive Board.