May 01, 2012
An Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges survey found veterinary academic institutions are generally succeeding at fostering a climate of inclusiveness on their campuses. Most minority veterinary students reported experiencing a high degree of support from college faculty, staff, and fellow students. The survey also provides the first quantitative data on the size of the LGBT veterinary student population. About 6.5 percent of respondents identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning their sexuality, with another 0.5 percent saying they are transgender.
AVMA
The Student AVMA House of Delegates has passed a series of measures to help veterinary students manage the rising costs of their education and increase their business savvy. One of these initiatives calls for SAVMA and national organizations such as the AVMA to collaborate on plans addressing veterinary economic issues.
Issues
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' recent annual conference focused on strategies for addressing the veterinary profession's financial challenges. Veterinary college deans and AVMA officials met during the conference for a second summit to explore ways they can, together, respond to a declining number of veterinary visits, high veterinary student debt load, and the job market for new graduates.
Community
Veterinarians in parts of the world with little access to continuing education in equine medicine benefit from biennial congresses and intermediate meetings conducted by the World Equine Veterinary Association. Created in 1985 under the World Veterinary Association, WEVA became an independent organization in 1999, dedicated to improving the health and welfare of horses.
Correction
The article "AVMA updates model practice act" in the March 1, 2012, issue of JAVMA News inaccurately quoted part of the new AVMA policy "Annual Rabies Vaccination Waiver." The policy actually states: "AVMA recognizes some animals might require a waiver from rabies vaccination because the vaccination poses an unacceptably high risk to the health of the individual animal, or a waiver might be necessary for research purposes."
The article inadvertently quoted from a draft that was subsequently amended by the House of Delegates prior to approval of the policy.