Salois is the AVMA's new chief economist

Published on
information-circle This article is more than 3 years old

The AVMA has announced that Matthew J. Salois, PhD, joined the Association's Veterinary Economics Division as director April 2 following the retirement of Michael R. Dicks, PhD, the AVMA's first chief economist.

Matthew J. Salois, PhD

​Dr. Salois comes to the AVMA from Elanco Animal Health, where he served as director of global scientific affairs and policy since 2016, and as an economic research and policy adviser from 2014-16. Prior to joining Elanco, he worked as the chief economist for the Florida Department of Citrus and as an assistant professor in economics at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Dr. Salois received a doctorate in applied economics in 2008 from the University of Florida.

"Matt brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge of economics and research," AVMA President Michael J. Topper said. "He has the opportunity now to build upon the AVMA economics division's solid foundation to ensure that all the incredible data we have are turned into the most effective tools and resources for our members and the profession."

Dr. Salois said the scope of achievement already accomplished by the AVMA Veterinary Economics Division has been "breathtaking" and that the economics team currently in place is a testament to the AVMA's commitment to the veterinary profession. "I feel very privileged to be joining not only a team that I admire but also to be a part of the AVMA and a world-class group of people dedicated to providing value to its members," he said.

One of Dr. Salois' goals in his new position is to deliver economic analyses that provide tangible and actionable direction for the veterinary profession.

"Like many economists, I have a genuine passion for the field," Dr. Salois said. "But my ‘why' is more than just about economics; it's about acting on the insights generated through economics to help guide decisions and, hopefully, lead the veterinary profession to a stronger place."

The AVMA, according to Dr. Salois, has already done much to benefit its members and the profession, such as taking the many sources of data available and identifying the most relevant and valuable information "hiding inside." But, he says, veterinarians can do more to help economists.

"I have been privileged to work with some top-notch veterinarians the last few years, and they have truly helped me be a better economist by bringing their insights and perspective into my work," Dr. Salois said. "By partnering together, I believe that economists and veterinarians can become more than the sum of their parts. I want to hear our members' perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession and how they see economics ultimately helping them."