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September 2013                                                                                         
Greetings from the AAVMC
Dr. Maccabe
A burst of energy always seems to surge through academia when a new school year gets under way, and our member institutions are no exception. Here at the AAVMC, we've been busy this summer laying the groundwork for a number of important initiatives. We're introducing a new, more precisely focused strategic plan, preparing for more substantial representation on the AVMA Council on Education, coordinating partnerships that advance online resources, improving legislative outreach, and much, much more. Learn about the AAVMC's recent activities and get the latest news from academic veterinary medicine in this issue of the Vet-Med Educator.

Dr. Andrew Maccabe 
Executive Director, AAVMC
AAVMC Developing New, Refocused Strategic Plan

The AAVMC is developing a new strategic plan that preserves the association's core values and mission while optimizing resources, flexibility and decisive action. The new plan preserves the organizational focus on instructional excellence, recruitment, research, diversity and one health.  But it vigorously focuses on the AAVMC's historic strengths in data collection, advocacy and catalyzing and convening to achieve them and includes highly operationalized, program-based work plans. Learn more. 
AAVMC Elects New Officers 

Dr. Kent Hoblet, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, began his term as president of the AAVMC at the annual meeting of the AAVMC Assembly in Chicago. Dr. Hoblet, who also serves as a professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, has special academic interests in dairy production medicine and veterinary medicine in developing countries. Dr. Trevor Ames, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, was elected to the office of president-elect. Learn more about the AAVMC's new officers. 
Veterinary Medicine Caucus Holds First Briefing, Debuts New Website

The recently formed Veterinary Medicine Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives held its first "Hill" briefing on July 25 with a focus on workforce issues in the veterinary medical profession. The caucus looked at issues facing the profession as outlined in the AVMA's 2013 U.S. veterinary workforce study, as well as the need to build public understanding and appreciation for veterinary medicine. Learn more
Collaborative Online Education Project Makes Significant Progress

Online teaching is shaking up the world of education with Massive, Open, Online Courses (MOOCs), online academies and new platforms that transcend traditional teaching modes. A picture is beginning to emerge of what the future might look like for academic veterinary medicine as member institutions join forces to create online courses that teach entry-level surgical skills. Learn more. 
Workforce Debate, Glance into Crystal Ball Highlight Banfield Summit

A riveting "presidential style" debate concerning capacity and demand in veterinary medicine and a renowned futurist seeing good things for veterinary medicine highlighted the Banfield Pet Hospital's 2013 Pet Healthcare Industry Summit in Portland, Oregon. Learn more.

Historic Changes in AVMA-COE Composition Create More Academic Representation 

The AAVMC will have more representation on the AVMA Council on Education following a July 19 vote by the AVMA House of Delegates to change the COE's structure and some operations. Members of the COE will now be appointed by the AAVMC and AVMA instead of being elected by the AVMA House of Delegates. In addition, site visits to institutions seeking accreditation or reaccreditation will now be conducted by individuals who are not current members of the COE. Learn more.
AAVMC Representatives Join AVMA Working Group on Career Opportunities

Responding to recent workforce issues in veterinary medicine, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) created the Working Group on Veterinary Medical Career Opportunities and Awareness. The group seeks to attract talented students and inform them about the broad array of professional opportunities available in veterinary medicine. Learn more.

NAVMEC Lives on in Modern AAVMC Programs, Initiatives

The good works envisioned as part of the NAVMEC program live on and continue to enrich the profession. Members and guests attending the Annual Assembly Meeting in Chicago heard a presentation concerning a variety of AAVMC programs and initiatives underway in the profession that resonate with the NAVMEC program. Learn more.
Merial-NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium Nurtures Research Careers

Veterinarians play a major role in basic and applied research. Encouraging veterinary students to consider these careers is an important part of broadening the profession's reach and contributions. The Merial-NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium, co-sponsored by the AAVMC, is designed to unite outstanding scientists and veterinary students in mentored research experiences that advance scientific frontiers and inspire students. The most recent symposium was held in July at Michigan State University. Learn more.
Primary Care Veterinary Educators (PCVE) to Hold World Symposium

The Primary Care Veterinary Educators (PCVE) will present a World Symposium, Oct.17-20, 2013, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. One designated representative from each AAVMC international and U.S. veterinary college or school will be provided registration and accommodation at no charge, plus travel and transportation up to $750 (e.g. airfare, mileage, shuttle) to attend the meeting. Learn more and register here.
"Twinning" Project Builds International Quality in Veterinary Education

The University of Minnesota (USA) and Chiang Mai University (Thailand) are engaging in the first twinning project under the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Veterinary Education Twinning Programme. As "twins," the universities will share knowledge, ideas and experience to help ensure that member countries develop modern educational facilities and methods, based on accepted international standards. Learn more. 
CVM Deans Honored for Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. James W. Lloyd, dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, were recently honored for their leadership in advocating for diversity and inclusion within the veterinary profession. Learn more.
Nominations Open for Unsung Heroes of Public Health

Do you know someone in public health veterinary medicine who is worthy of special recognition?  If so, consider nominating them for an "Unsung Heroes of Public Health" award, sponsored by the Campaign for Public Health Foundation. Learn more.

Association of American Veterinary
Medical Colleges
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www.aavmc.org