AVMA support of comparative medicine programs at the National Institutes of Health

The AVMA strongly supports and affirms the recognition by the National Institutes Health (NIH) of the role of veterinarians as scientists, educators, trainers, and collaborating partners in scientific research that takes a comparative, One Health approach to improvements in human and public health as previously reviewed in the NIH Physician Scientist Workforce Report; an NIH-sponsored research training tool; and other NIH reports.

Contributions by veterinary scientists are critical for promotion of clinical and translational research advances. The AVMA recommends that NIH support and expand opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary students to engage and participate in scientific education and training, research teams, and science policy and leadership roles. This may occur through the expansion of formalized training positions (e.g., F,T and K awards), broadening of debt-forgiveness clauses, appointment on NIH committees and councils, and other initiatives such as support of comparative medical research-training opportunities.