Views from the Profession
The AVMA
“The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 73,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. Structured to work for its members, the AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession.
The AVMA provides a number of tangible benefits to its members, including information resources, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services.
AVMA also provides many important intangible benefits to its members...such as state and federal advocacy that helps provide a better legislative and regulatory environment for the profession, opportunities to address issues and affect policy that govern the profession and the practice of veterinary medicine, professional fellowship and contacts that enhance growth and experience, and providing a platform for the profession for a collective, organized voice on a national level...that often prove to be most valuable, over time.” (http://www.avma.org )
The AAVMC initiative, Diversity Matters
“The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) coordinates the national and international affairs of all veterinary medical colleges in the United States and Canada, eight departments of veterinary science, eight departments of comparative medicine, two animal medical centers, and three international colleges of veterinary medicine. We foster the teaching, research and service activities of our members, both nationally and internationally.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people and animals by advancing veterinary medical education, improving animal health and welfare, strengthening biomedical research, promoting food safety and food security, and enhancing environmental quality.” ( http://www.aavmc.org )