To better evaluate the challenges and opportunities within the veterinary profession, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) have established a Veterinary Futures Commission comprised of individuals from academia, industry, professional practice, and other sectors of the profession. “We’re very excited to bring together such a visionary and diverse group of big-picture thinkers to participate in these critical discussions,” said Michael J. Topper, DVM, Ph.D., DACVP, 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 commission, a result of the AVMA/AAVMC Joint Committee, will hold 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 Andrew T. Maccabe, DVM, MPH, JD, AAVMC CEO. “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.
