Be part of the dialogue

One way that AVMA members can voice their views on veterinary issues and collaborate on efforts to advance veterinary medicine is through service on a council, committee, or other AVMA entity or as a liaison.

These entities help develop AVMA policy and influence such important areas as animal welfare, clinical practice, and food safety.

Nominations are being invited for 68 upcoming vacancies. A strong response is sought that represents the diverse demographics of the AVMA membership, since a key objective in the AVMA Strategic Plan is to engage increased and diverse membership participation at many levels of interest and capacity.

AVMA President Clark K. Fobian said, “Any member looking to positively impact the contributions of veterinary medicine will find these volunteer opportunities to be an exceptional outlet.”

The Missouri practitioner has found service in organized veterinary medicine to be “every bit as gratifying as administering to the needs of animals.” He said, “It’s another way to make a difference in the lives of animals and those who care for them.”

Dr. Fobian noted that a personal request and encouragement from a colleague, mentor, or friend was what prompted the involvement of most veterinarians who have volunteered for AVMA activities and entities. He said, “A verbal invitation garners the most consideration. If you are currently a volunteer, or are just someone who cares deeply about veterinary medicine, share this invitation with someone you know.”

The Executive Board will fill at least 54 vacancies on AVMA committees and other bodies at its meeting April 10-12, 2014. It will also appoint or reappoint one of the two North American councilors to the World Veterinary Association and a liaison to the Pan-American Association of Veterinary Sciences Directive Council. Nominations are also invited for an AVMA Political Action Committee Board member, who will be appointed by the House (of Delegates) Advisory Committee in July 2014.

Nominations may be made by AVMA members on their own or another’s behalf, by local or state veterinary associations, by organizations represented in the HOD, by a specific organization to be represented by the nominee, or as otherwise stated in the entry description.

Council members will be elected by the HOD, which will fill at least 14 vacancies when it convenes in July 2014 in Denver. Council nominations may be made by organizations represented in the HOD or by petition of 10 AVMA voting members.

The AVMA Office of the Executive Vice President must receive nominations for committee and trust seats and liaison positions by Feb. 24, 2014, and nominations for councils by April 1, 2014.

Nomination materials—including forms, entity descriptions, and vacant positions—are available here. They are also available by calling AVMA headquarters at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6688, or by emailing OfficeEVPavma [dot] org (OfficeEVP[at]avma[dot]org).