Case, Hoang join AVMA Scientific Activities Division

Drs. Heather C.F. Case and Christine Hoang joined the AVMA Scientific Activities Division as assistant directors in August.

Dr. Case's responsibilities include oversight of the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams, policy coordination, and education and outreach. Dr. Case will work closely with AVMA volunteers, VMAT members, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, and certain government agencies.

"I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve the AVMA and the profession within the Scientific Activities Division," Dr. Case said. "I believe this position affords me a unique opportunity to blend my background and interests in animal health, public health, public policy, and disaster preparedness and response."

Dr. Case's experience includes serving as a member of VMAT-5, where she gained firsthand emergency response skills. She was an AVMA Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the office of Rep. Robert E. Andrews of New Jersey from 2006-2007. In addition, she held the position of assistant state veterinarian on the Minnesota State Horse Racing Commission in 2006, and has experience as a clinical practitioner.

Dr. Case received her DVM degree in 1998 from the University of Minnesota, which is also where she earned her master's degree in public health in 2006. In addition, she did an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and was a postdoctoral fellow, clinical instructor, and veterinary public health resident at the University of Minnesota's Center for Animal Health and Food Safety.

Hoang focuses on public health

"I am very excited to join the AVMA staff in active support of our community as we manage issues involving veterinary medicine as well as provide a contribution to the advancement of our profession," Dr. Hoang said. "As the lines of human health and animal health converge, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the leaders of our community and share in their wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise."

Prior to joining the AVMA, Dr. Hoang was an intern with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, aiding in avian influenza control and eradication efforts in Vietnam. She has held an externship with the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services staff, in the National Center for Animal Health Programs in Maryland and in the Eastern Regional Office in North Carolina. Dr. Hoang also served as an intern for the Public Policy Center of the National Pork Producers Council in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Hoang received her DVM degree in 2007 from the University of Minnesota, which is also where she's completing her master's degree in public health. Prior to earning her DVM degree, Dr. Hoang was a technical consultant and senior research scientist for 3M Pharmaceuticals.