AVMA Congressional Science Fellows named

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Dr. Doyle
Dr. Matthew Doyle
Dr. Harvey
Dr. Reid Harvey
Dr. Smilie
Dr. Richard Smilie

In late August, the AVMA announced that Drs. Matthew Doyle of Plymouth, Mich.; Reid Harvey of Gaithersburg, Md.; and Richard Smilie of Stayton, Ore., were selected as the 2011-2012 AVMA Congressional Science Fellows.

AVMA fellows work alongside congressional staff members and provide science-based expertise on veterinary– and public health–related issues to members of Congress. The one-year fellowship program also offers veterinarians the opportunity to learn how federal public policy is made.

"The fellowships are great opportunities for veterinarians to share their knowledge and expertise with members of Congress and their staffs as they craft national legislation and policy that impacts veterinary medicine," said Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, director of the AVMA Governmental Relations Division. "It is rewarding to the members of Congress as well as for the fellows and our profession as a whole."

Dr. Doyle is a 2008 graduate of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The former AVMA GRD student extern also earned a master's in public health from the University of Minnesota. For the past three years, Dr. Doyle has practiced in a three-doctor small animal practice with a focus on preventive medicine and nutrition.

"Over the next year in D.C., I hope to learn more about how policies affecting a broad range of issues related to veterinary medicine are created and implemented, as well as represent the profession on Capitol Hill and demonstrate what veterinarians can offer in the public service arena," he said.

Dr. Harvey completed his veterinary training at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, when he was also awarded a master's in public health. In addition to working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Agriculture, Dr. Harvey recently completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Gaithersburg, Md.

"It is my honor to represent the profession during what will undoubtedly prove to be a challenging year for all on Capitol Hill," Dr. Harvey commented. "In that regard, I hope to apply the fundamental skill I have developed as a veterinarian—problem solving—to make a difference and embrace compromise as many difficult decisions are being made, regardless as to whether I am working on issues surrounding agriculture, public health, or even energy and natural resources."

After graduating from the University of Illinois-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989, Dr. Smilie completed a food animal medicine and surgery residency at The Ohio State University, where he also earned a master's degree. He has spent the ensuing years as a relief veterinarian, business owner, and practitioner, most recently working at a mixed practice in Oregon.

"My special professional interest in veterinary public health, combined with my specialty training in food animal (medicine), and my experience owning three different veterinary practices gives me perspective and scope that I can use as a force for good," Dr. Smilie said. "I look forward to, and understand the importance of, serving our nation and representing our profession in increasingly meaningful ways."

For more information about the AVMA Congressional Science Fellowship and the requirements, or to apply, contact Dotty Gray, associate director in the AVMA Governmental Relations Division, at (800) 321-1473, Ext. 3209. The application deadline for the 2012-2013 fellowships is Feb. 12, 2012.