AVMA president-elect represents U.S. veterinarians at two international events

More than 100 military veterinary personnel from 18 countries congregated in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, for the International Military Veterinary Medical One Health Symposium. The April 29 to May 2 event, hosted by Public Health Command Europe, brought together military veterinarians to share knowledge and build relationships, with a theme focused on food protection, veterinary medicine, and public health.

As the national veterinary professional association in the U.S., the AVMA has always played an important role supporting military veterinarians through legislative and policy initiatives. Veterinarians not only provide care to military animals, but also ensure safe, wholesome food sources for service members and their families through sanitary inspections on military installations and commercial food audits. Partnerships between uniformed services veterinarians, associations like the AVMA, civilians and nations are fundamental in protecting both animal and public health.

AVMA President-elect Dr. John Howe attended the symposium and highlighted in his presentation to attendees several AVMA efforts that directly impact military veterinarians, such as the use of telemedicine to support veterinary patients in remote areas. In addition, Dr. Howe received a Certificate of Appreciation from Capt. Kate Fodor, officer in charge at the Naples Veterinary Treatment Facility, on behalf of Col. Rebecca Porter, Commander of Public Health Command Europe.

“Due to globalization in the 21st century, it is important that our civilians and military forces work together to promote the health of all species worldwide,” said Dr. Howe. “Today, in this increasingly shrinking global community, the borders that separate us are simply lines on a map.”

Dr. Howe also will be attending the European Association of Establishment for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) General Assembly and Educational Day in Croatia at the end of May. The EAEVE consists of European schools and colleges of veterinary medicine, and the theme of the event will be “New Challenges in Veterinary Education.” Representing the AVMA, Dr. Howe will present an update on our association’s activities.