New commission will help shape the future of veterinary medicine

Veterinary medicine today faces both big opportunities and complex challenges. A new group called the Veterinary Futures Commission is working to provide the focus and multidisciplinary perspective needed to guide our profession forward.

Convened jointly by the AVMA and the Association of American Veterinary Medicine Colleges (AAVMC), the commission held its first meeting April 8-9 following the Veterinary Innovation Summit at Texas A&M University. Members discussed how to identify and analyze emerging trends and advancements that may affect the profession.

The commission is comprised of thought leaders from academia, industry, professional practice and other parts of the profession. They are tasked with evaluating the challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary profession today and in the years ahead – identifying critical issues, pinpointing priorities, and making evidence-based recommendations to the AVMA and AAVMC. The goal is to ensure the success of the profession by anticipating and actively preparing for its future.

“We have lived through so many cultural and technological changes,” said AVMA President Dr. Michael J. Topper. “The veterinary profession needs to stay on top of how future developments may alter and affect the nature and practice of veterinary medicine.”

The commission plans to meet up to three times in the coming year. Its work will culminate in a report highlighting its findings and recommendations for consideration by the AVMA and AAVMC boards of directors.

Thank you to these volunteers who are serving on the Veterinary Futures Commission:

• Eleanor Green: Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University College of 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, 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