AVMA announces 2022-2023 congressional fellow
(WASHINGTON, DC) June 7, 2022—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has selected veterinarian Dr. Jacob Merryman of California to participate in the 2022-2023 AVMA Fellowship Program.
As an AVMA fellow, Dr. Merryman will spend one year in Washington, DC, as a full-time staff member for a congressional office or committee. Using his veterinary expertise, Dr. Merryman will serve as a scientific advisor to help shape and influence legislation across a variety of policy issues.
"The AVMA is excited about Dr. Merryman's opportunity to bring his unique perspective of veterinary medicine to shape public policy, gain knowledge about the political process, and work with congressional offices on issues important to the public and the veterinary profession," said Dr. José Arce, AVMA President.
Most recently, Dr. Merryman provided patient-centric care with an emphasis on exotic animals, reproduction, and public health for a small animal hospital in Sonoma County, CA. He also served as an academic prosector in southern California where he prepared anatomic models for veterinary students to learn about general animal anatomy. Additionally, Dr. Merryman worked as a laboratory technician at a small-scale lab producing vaccines for cattle with worldwide distribution.
A former U.S. Department of Agriculture extern, Dr. Merryman brings firsthand public policy experience that will be useful during his fellowship. In 2017, Dr. Merryman also participated in the Smith-Kilborne Program where he received training on the management of transboundary and emerging animal diseases that pose a threat to public and economic health, and how to communicate these important topics to the general public.
Dr. Merryman received a Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree from the University of California, Davis in 2013. In 2019, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western University of Health Sciences. In 2020, Dr. Merryman also earned a master's degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota.
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.