Futurist to address veterinary economics at AVMA General Session

As we enter a new century, veterinarians will have an opportunity to provide even more services to people and their pets.

Lowell Catlett, PhD, economist, futurist, and enthusiastic speaker headlining the General Session of the AVMA Annual Convention, says consumers will have more disposable income to spend on veterinary care, entertainment, and other services. Attendees of the AVMA Annual Convention can hear Dr. Catlett's forecast of the future of veterinary medicine Saturday, July 22, at 5:30 pm at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, following the prestigious AVMA awards ceremony.

Dr. Joseph Alexander, chairman of the AVMA Convention Management and Program Committee, said, "Dr. Catlett is a person who has the appropriate background and facts to back up his futuristic predictions about the American economy and society. He does a great job of explaining how veterinarians can be a viable part of the economic and social fabric that he predicts for the future."

Dr. Catlett is a professor of agricultural economics and agriculture business at New Mexico State University and a consultant and adviser to the USDA, US Department of the Interior, and US Army.

Because of his diverse agricultural background, "He'll be talking to veterinarians from all walks of life, ages, and economic strata," Dr. Alexander said.

Dr. Catlett has authored several books on economic and futuristic issues, including two textbooks, "Farm and Ranch Financial Management" and "Cash Flow Management." He is working on other books that look at emerging trends likely to have an impact on society, careers, and lives in this new century.

He was voted Teacher of the Year at New Mexico State University, and received the Don C. Roush Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for outstanding university teaching. In 1991, Dr. Catlett earned the Westhafer Award, the highest honor the university bestows.

Watch JAVMA for future articles on the advantages of making the AVMA Annual Convention your convention for premier continuing education.

"The AVMA's continuing education program will continue to be the hallmark of the AVMA Annual Convention," Dr. Alexander said. "We have put together an outstanding program."