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AVMA, AAVMC form Veterinary Futures Commission

A Veterinary Futures Commission has been established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). [Source: AVMA Press Release, April 3, 2018]

Comprised of thought-leaders from academia, industry, professional practice and other officials, the group will evaluate challenges and opportunities within the veterinary profession, identify priorities guided by societal needs, and develop evidence-based recommendations regarding potential courses of action.

"We're very excited to bring together such a visionary and diverse group of 'big-picture' thinkers to participate in these critical discussions," said Dr. Michael J. Topper, president of the AVMA. "They are just the right folks to participate in the critical strategic discussions we need to be having, asking the right questions, and, when need be, challenging assumptions that might be holding us back."

The AVMA-AAVMC Veterinary Futures Commission, which arose from discussions held through the AVMA/AAVMC Joint Committee, held its first meeting April 8-9 in conjunction with the Innovation Summit at Texas A&M University.

"The purpose of this group is to help shape a better future for the profession of veterinary medicine," said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. "I think the diversity of perspective and experience that commission members bring to the table is going to promote some innovative thinking and help generate the kinds of ideas that will create opportunities and foster better decision-making."

The AVMA/AAVMC Joint Committee is comprised of senior leaders from each organization. The group meets every six months to collaborate on current issues in veterinary medicine.

Members of the Veterinary Futures Commission include:

  • Eleanor Green: Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University College Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (Chair)
  • Warwick Bayly: professor of equine medicine, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Steve Curvey: chief operating officer, Veterinary Study Groups Inc.
  • Carla Gartrell: associate dean for academic affairs, Midwestern University
  • Christine Jenkins: chief medical officer, vice president of veterinary medical services and outcomes research at Zoetis
  • Jason Johnson: vice president and dean, Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Adam Little: director of veterinary innovation and entrepreneurship, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • Shannon Mesenhowski: program officer, livestock/agriculture development team, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Ken Rotondo: president and founding partner, Mind Genomics Advisors
  • Nancy Turner: independent relief veterinarian, McKinney, Texas

The Veterinary Futures Commission will meet up to three times per year, along with conference calls as needed, to identify and evaluate issues of interest and develop evidence-based recommendations based on its findings for consideration by the AVMA and AAVMC boards of directors.