Dr. Larry Kornegay elected AVMA president Atlanta — Dr. Larry Kornegay was installed president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) at the association's 147th Annual Convention in Atlanta today.
In a speech before the AVMA House of Delegates, Dr. Kornegay outlined his platform and goals as unity in the profession, diversity and boosting the AVMA's lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.
He said that as a veterinarian he has witnessed significant changes in his clients and among his peers. Female veterinarians now outnumber men, and he's hired bilingual employees at his clinic to reach out to a more diverse community.
"Diversity also means that everyone is involved. I will work tirelessly over the next year to welcome everyone to the table," Dr. Kornegay said. "While I am so proud of what we have already accomplished, particularly when it comes to the great work our staff is doing to enhance diversity in the profession, you and I both know we can do more."
Dr. Kornegay has a great deal of experience in leading the veterinary profession, having served as president of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association in 1981 and as president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association in 1991.
A 1971 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kornegay has practiced companion animal veterinary medicine in Houston for 36 years, and his leadership at the AVMA includes service on the AVMA Executive Board representing Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Dr. Kornegay has served as Executive Board liaison to the Council on Communications, the Committee on Human-Animal Bond, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, the Member Services Committee and the Council on Veterinary Service.
In 2005 and 2006, Dr. Kornegay served as chair of the AVMA Diversity Task Force and of the Executive Vice President Search Committee in 2006-2007.
He has also served as a director of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and is a member of the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee and the AVMA Council on Education Member Selection Task Force.
For more information, visit www.avma.org, and to watch a video of the speech, click here.
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The AVMA and its more than 80,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care.
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