AVMA names congressional fellow for 2024-2025
(WASHINGTON, DC) May 8, 2024—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced that veterinarian Dr. Michael Streitz of Minnesota has been selected to participate in the 2024-2025 George W. Bishop AVMA Congressional Fellowship Program.
During Dr. Streitz’s time as an AVMA congressional fellow, he will serve as a full-time scientific advisor in a congressional office or committee. Utilizing his unique skillset as a veterinarian, Dr. Streitz will work with lawmakers in Congress to help shape and influence legislation across a wide array of policy issues.
“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 Dr. Rena Carlson, AVMA President. “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. We are delighted that Dr. Streitz will echo our perspective on Capitol Hill, and we encourage more veterinarians to get involved in the world of public policy.”
Currently, Dr. Streitz 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, Georgia. In addition, he practices part-time with ShotVet in Atlanta, Georgia where he provides physical exams and vaccines to cats and dogs as part of a mobile veterinary care team. 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.
Bringing a strong set of public policy experiences, Dr. Streitz has held roles with the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and an externship with the National Pork Producers Council.
Dr. Streitz received a Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2016. In 2023, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine/School of Public Health.
Serving more than 105,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.