Seniors association wants to recruit, increase representation

Published on May 01, 2011
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An organization representing senior veterinarians hopes to build its membership and gain representation in AVMA governance.

Dr. G.A. "Bert" Mitchell, president of the American Association of Senior Veterinarians, said his organization is working on building from a 300-member organization to one that would have representation in the AVMA House of Delegates. The AASrV was founded in September 1987 as the American Association of Retired Veterinarians, and its name changed in September 2009.

An organization that wants recognition in the AVMA House of Delegates as a Constituent Allied Veterinary Organization needs to include as members at least 1 percent of all voting members of the AVMA. In addition, at least 90 percent of the organization's voting members must be voting members of the AVMA. The AVMA has about 81,400 voting members.

Such an organization also needs a national scope, representation across a broad range of veterinary activity, organizational documents compatible with the AVMA Bylaws, and a focus on some phase of professional veterinary activity. Specialty boards and colleges recognized by the AVMA cannot become Constituent Allied Veterinary Organizations.

AASrV officers plan to distribute to veterinary publications a letter that invites "senior-age" veterinarians to become members, and a copy provided by Dr. Mitchell states that the AASrV offers involvement in issues affecting the veterinary profession and gives members information on subjects such as healthful living and financial security. It also gives money to charitable causes connected with veterinary medicine, advises professional and governmental groups, and maintains a close alliance with organizations such as the AVMA.

"If you would like to stay abreast of current topics in veterinary medicine, advance the science and art of the profession, and strengthen the bonds of friendship with colleagues, consider joining the AASrV," the letter states.

More information is available from Dr. Robert H. Ranier, Eastern region officer, at (317) 598-9120 or bnrainatsbcglobal [dot] net; Dr. Robert A. Dietl, Central region officer, at (612) 869-2505 or radietlatmsn [dot] com; and Dr. Richard E. Coon, Western region officer, at (503) 357-9582 or vetcoonsataol [dot] com.