Minnesota veterinarian will advise Congress as AVMA fellow

A Minnesota veterinarian is preparing to put his passion for government policy, One Health, and public health issues to work as an AVMA congressional fellow.

Meet Dr. Michael Streitz 

Dr. Michael Streitz has been selected to participate in the 2024-2025 George W. Bishop AVMA Fellowship Program, serving as a full-time scientific advisor to a congressional office or committee. Dr. Streitz will apply his unique skills and veterinary knowledge to help shape public policy on a wide range of issues.

Dr. Streitz brings a wide array of public policy experience to this role. He currently serves as a policy liaison fellow in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, in Atlanta. His background also includes roles with the Mayo Clinic and U.S. Department of Agriculture, and an externship with the National Pork Producers Council.

The unique viewpoint of veterinarians created through our education and training must be considered when Congress addresses matters affecting animal and public health, and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Streitz also serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, reviewing veterinary-related legislation and advocating on behalf of Georgia veterinarians. In addition to his policy-related work, he practices part-time with ShotVet in Atlanta, where he provides physical exams and vaccinations to cats and dogs as part of a mobile veterinary care team. 

A 2023 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Streitz also holds a master’s degree in public health. 

“Through the AVMA’s fellowship program, Dr. Streitz will have the opportunity to work alongside lawmakers and their staffs on legislation that will directly impact animal welfare and the veterinary profession,” said AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson. “His role embodies a fundamental principle of the AVMA that the unique viewpoint of veterinarians created through our education and training must be considered when Congress addresses matters affecting animal and public health, and veterinary medicine.”

Find more information about the AVMA’s congressional fellowship program at avma.org/Fellowship.