AVMA highlights member accomplishments across the profession during the association's first-ever Member Appreciation Week

SCHAUMBURG, Illinois (June 10, 2021)—During its inaugural Member Appreciation Week June 13-19, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will honor the contributions that its 97,000+ members make every day to the association, their communities and the world by advancing veterinary medicine and protecting the health of animals, humans and the environment.

The AVMA will spotlight veterinarians and highlight the accomplishments, passion, resilience and creativity of its members from across the profession on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. AVMA members will also have a chance at winning prizes such as free membership, free AVMA Convention 2021 registration and swag bags.

"Members are the heart and soul of the AVMA," said Dr. Douglas Kratt, AVMA president. "No matter how you engage with the AVMA—whether you're an individual member, sit on a council or committee, or serve as a volunteer leader—none of the AVMA's achievements would be possible without you. Your input, your feedback, your passion and expertise are all integral in identifying AVMA priorities, developing AVMA resources, advocating for the veterinary profession and sharing the latest knowledge with your colleagues and the public."

That's the objective of AVMA's first Member Appreciation Week: to celebrate members.

"Member Appreciation Week is a chance for us to say thank you," said Dr. Janet Donlin, AVMA CEO and executive vice president. "Thank you for your membership; thank you for your contributions to AVMA's mission and achievements; and thank you for the hard work you do every day to improve the lives of patients, people and society."

First and foremost among those contributions is the response of veterinarians across the country during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, including finding ways to continue providing their essential veterinary services while protecting staff and client health; safeguarding the nation's food and minimizing disruptions in the food supply chain; and even assisting in the administration of human COVID-19 vaccines The AVMA created a web page ("Honoring COVID-19 veterinary responders") highlighting some of the remarkable achievements of its members in response to the pandemic.

Some of the many other contributions provided by AVMA members during the past year include:

• A record 97,000 diverse members powering and uniting the profession for the betterment of veterinarians and our patients.
• From our Board of Directors to our House of Delegates and our dozens of councils, committees, task forces, panels, and working groups, dedicated AVMA volunteers provided countless hours of effort to ensure that the needs of all AVMA members were met and that the veterinary profession remains strongly positioned to effect positive change.
• AVMA members contributed their expertise and input on the development of important professional policy and practice resources, providing guidance to their colleagues on such vital topics as animal welfare education, antimicrobial stewardship, telemedicine, cannabis in veterinary medicine, and emotional support/service animals.
• AVMA volunteers serve on the new joint AVMA-American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession.
• More than 50,000 veterinarians, veterinary students and friends of veterinary medicine participated in the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (AVMA-CAN), bolstering AVMA's advocacy work by reaching out to lawmakers on legislation that impacts the practice of veterinary medicine and by sharing their personal stories on important issues.
• Additional advocacy actions included 218 meetings between AVMA members and congressional lawmakers during the 2021 AVMA legislative fly-in, 227 veterinarians participating in AVMA town halls and round tables with members of congress, and AVMA Ambassadors participating in 76 events with 67 legislators across 34 states.
• $417,000 in scholarships were awarded to 142 veterinary students.

The AVMA could not be more humbled to serve the champions of animal and human health who power this association—and our profession. We thank you for your support—and for your service.

To learn more about AVMA's Member Appreciation Week, visit AVMA.org/MemberWeek.

Follow the AVMA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for member highlights, contest announcements and fun events all week long. AVMA members are encouraged to update their Facebook profiles with the "Member Appreciation Week" profile frame.

Not an AVMA member? Join today to be part of the celebration! 

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or msanfilippoavma [dot] org.