Howell to be next AVMA president
"This is a great time to be a veterinarian and an even greater time to have a major leadership role," Oklahoma practitioner, Dr. Joe M. Howell said following his election as 2001-2002 AVMA president-elect by the House of Delegates, July 13. Dr. Howell ran unopposed and will succeed Dr. James H. Brandt as president in Nashville, Tenn., next year. The Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas veterinary medical associations nominated Dr. Howell for the office. He has indicated that as AVMA president he will continue the work of his predecessors to find solutions for the veterinary profession's economic problems, particularly veterinarians' stagnant income. He supports the initiative begun during Dr. James E. Nave's term to design models and programs for mentoring veterinarians through various career stages. "President Nave has not only mentored me but he's challenged me to follow through with his progressive, monumental ideas that he has instigated and nurtured over time," Dr. Howell said. Dr. Howell is a 1972 graduate of Oklahoma State University. He served as an alternate delegate for Oklahoma in the HOD and represented District VII on the AVMA Executive Board from 1998-2000. Dr. Howell is also a former president of the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, as well as the Oklahoma County VMA. His entrepreneurial endeavors include part ownership of an AAHA-accredited small animal practice in Oklahoma City and full ownership of an investment company. Dr. Howell is politically active, having chaired campaigns for candidates in gubernatorial, state legislature, and mayoral races, and was instrumental in the creation of a political action committee within the Oklahoma VMA. | ||
