Campaigns for AVMA presidency, vice presidency get under way

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Dr. Clark K. Fobian
Dr. Fobian
Dr. James E. Smallwood
Dr. Smallwood
Dr. Walter R. Threlfall
Dr. Threlfall


Dr. Clark K. Fobian of Sedalia, Mo., announced his candidacy for AVMA 2012-2013 president-elect July 15 at the Candidates' Introductory Breakfast in St. Louis.

Additionally, Drs. James E. Smallwood of Raleigh, N.C., and Walter R. Threlfall of Powell, Ohio, kicked off their campaigns for the Association's vice presidency. The winner will succeed Dr. Jan K. Strother of Hartselle, Ala., who is AVMA vice president for 2010-2012.

Dr. Fobian has practiced small animal medicine since graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. He currently represents District VII—Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota—on the AVMA Executive Board and chairs the American Veterinary Medical Foundation board of directors.

Dr. Fobian says he is running for the AVMA presidency out of a desire to provide the next generation of veterinarians opportunities for a successful and fulfilling career. "There can be a better economic environment for veterinarians, and I believe the AVMA has a role in that," he said.

The AVMA vice president serves a two-year term as the Association's liaison with the Student AVMA and AVMA student chapters. The vice president is also a voting member of the Executive Board.

Dr. Smallwood is a professor of anatomy at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and faculty adviser to the college's student chapter of the AVMA. Dr. Smallwood says the AVMA vice presidency would give him the opportunity to share his passion for veterinary medicine "with more students than just my own."

Dr. Threlfall taught at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine for nearly 40 years before recently becoming a theriogenology consultant. Each generation of veterinarians faces their own particular set of challenges, according to Dr. Threlfall, who wants to use his knowledge, passion, and heart to aid this current generation.