Dr. Jim Weisman named Chief of Academic Affairs, Research & Accreditation for the American Veterinary Medical Association
(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) January 29, 2025—Dr. Jim Weisman, a small animal veterinarian and current Assistant Dean for Clinical Education at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been appointed as the American Veterinary Medical Association’s new Chief of Academic Affairs, Research & Accreditation, the association announced today. In transitioning into his new role as a member of the AVMA staff, Dr. Weisman will step down from the AVMA Board of Directors, and a successor will be elected to represent District VI, which includes Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Dr. Weisman will oversee the activities of the AVMA’s Division of Education and Research, which include accreditation of colleges/schools of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology programs; certification programs for veterinary specialists and foreign veterinary graduates; and advocacy and support for quality education and excellence in veterinary research.
“From his days as a veterinary student and throughout his professional career, Jim Weisman has been a dedicated leader and champion of our profession, and we are delighted to have him join the AVMA’s senior leadership team,” said Dr. Janet Donlin, AVMA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, to whom he will report.
An Evansville, IN native, Dr. Weisman earned his BS degree from Purdue in 1993 and graduated from the veterinary college in 1997. He practiced for 11 years after receiving his veterinary degree, then returned to Purdue to accept a faculty position at the veterinary college. Dr. Weisman served in a variety of roles at Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and he continues to practice medicine in the small animal emergency and critical care department at Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Weisman was the national Student AVMA treasurer while in veterinary college. He has served in various capacities with the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, including as president, and throughout his career has received more than a dozen awards for exceptional service, including the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Dr. Weisman is active in his community, serving as president of his home county’s 4-H council, 4-H center’s board, and county fair association. He also served on the Indiana State Fair Board.
Dr. Weisman said: “It is truly an honor to take on this exciting new role at the AVMA. I look forward to joining AVMA members, staff and volunteers, and colleagues everywhere, in working to achieve AVMA’s mission and support and strengthen our profession.”
Serving more than 108,000 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.