AVMA selects 2023-2024 congressional fellow

For more information Phone: 202-641-2533 Cell: 202-641-2533
For immediate release:

(WASHINGTON, DC) May 24, 2022—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced that veterinarian Dr. Mariah Lancaster of Massachusetts has been selected to participate in the 2023-2024 AVMA Fellowship Program.Dr. Mariah Lancaster

Through the AVMA Fellowship Program, Dr. Lancaster will serve as a full-time scientific advisor in a congressional office or committee. Utilizing their veterinary expertise, they will work with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to shape and influence legislation across a variety of policy issues.

"Dr. Lancaster's opportunity to work directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and gain valuable knowledge about the legislative process represents a core belief of the AVMA – the veterinary community must be heard when public policy decisions impacting animal welfare and the veterinary profession are being made," said Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA President. "As veterinarians, we play an essential role in the health of animals, humans, and the environment. The AVMA is pleased to know that this unique perspective will be amplified in Congress by veterinarians like Dr. Lancaster."

Most recently, Dr. Lancaster worked as an emergency and general practice relief veterinarian in Washington, DC, and their home state of Massachusetts. They also interned for the Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in Rhode Island and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Florida.

As a current fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) at the U.S. Department of State, co-chair of the One Health Affinity Group (AAAS), and former member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians' Legislative Committee, Dr. Lancaster brings a wide array of public policy experience that will be essential during their AVMA fellowship. They also served on the Government Relations and Advocacy Committee for the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association from 2018 to 2021.

Dr. Lancaster received a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013. In 2017, they received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

About the AVMA

Serving more than 105,000 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.