AVMA, AAVSB talks productive

Three members of the AVMA Executive Board and three officers of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards came together Sept. 23–24 in Dallas to begin building a relationship they hope will lead to unified action on several divisive issues.

Foremost were the controversies over having two model practice acts, and the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence, an AAVSB alternative to the AVMA's Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates program.

AVMA Executive Board chair, Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver (District VIII), College Station, Tex., characterized the summit as productive.

"Having the opportunity to understand how the AAVSB functions and what their goals are was a very positive experience," Dr. Beaver said. "We were able to work together constructively."

AAVSB president, Dr. James R. Corley, Lafayette, La., said he echoes Dr. Beaver's sense of optimism. "I'm very optimistic we're going to develop new and better, cooperative relationships. We agreed to work together in areas of mutual concern. This is just the first step in that process. I look forward to our next meeting in January."

The other members of the AAVSB delegation were Drs. J. Lynn Lawhon, Abilene, Texas, president-elect, and Thomas Whitley, Tallahassee, Fla., treasurer. The AVMA contingent included Executive Board members, Drs. Roger K. Mahr (District V), Geneva, Ill., and Robert E. Hertzog (District VII), Lees Summit, Mo.

The representatives forged the following five official statements:

"1) Whereas AVMA/AAVSB recognize the important role each organization maintains for their respective constituents;

"And whereas both organizations strive to improve animal and human health, promote public health, safety and welfare, thereby benefiting society;

"And whereas both organizations strive to insure the delivery of competent veterinary care to the consuming public;

"And whereas we can achieve more by working together, thereby gaining respect and trust for each other;

"Be it resolved that AVMA/AAVSB agree to work together in order that constructive relationships will be established to address issues of mutual concern.

"2) Whereas both AVMA/AAVSB recognize the important role of the Council on Education in the accreditation of the veterinary programs in order to insure the delivery of quality veterinary education,

"Be it resolved that AVMA/AAVSB commit to the maintenance of the current accreditation process.

"3) Be it resolved that AVMA/AAVSB agree that specialty board status should not be an alternative pathway for the acquisition of an ECFVG certificate.

"4) The AAVSB and AVMA joint committee has structured a tentative proposal regarding the status of PAVE and ECFVG. No further details will be forthcoming until the full executive boards of both organizations have had an opportunity to discuss the specific details.

"5) The joint committee of AAVSB and AVMA agree to continue efforts to create a structure under which a model practice act can be developed. The next meeting is scheduled Jan. 21, 2002."