News from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges

May 2018

AAVMC Climate Study Analysis Reveals Progress, Challenges

Fostering appropriate levels of diversity and inclusion on campus is an important strategy for helping the profession best serve society, and understanding the current environment is a critical step in that process. To accomplish that, the AAVMC recently completed some major research as part of its DiVersity Matters Culture and Climate Initiative. This was the second study undertaken to assess the climate at schools and colleges of veterinary medicine by the AAVMC, and more robust in scope than the charter effort in 2011. Findings show some improvement since 2011, but plenty of challenges remain. Learn more.

Veterinary Futures Commission Looks Ahead

The Veterinary Futures Commission held its first meeting April 8-9, 2018 in conjunction with the Veterinary Innovation Summit at Texas A&M University. The Veterinary Futures Commission is a semi-autonomous "visioning body" formed by the AVMA and the AAVMC to evaluate challenges and opportunities in the veterinary profession's present and future operating environments. "Our goal here is to create the kind of future we need for veterinary medicine, not just let the future 'happen' to us, and that takes a lot of vision and foresight," said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. "We don't have a crystal ball, but we do have an exceptional group of people on board. They're asking the right questions, focusing on process and putting some solid strategies in place. I think something very exciting is beginning to take shape." Learn more.

Graduates Begin Their Careers as Applicants Begin Their Education: VMCAS Cycle Opens

More than 3,000 new veterinarians will recite the "Veterinarian's Oath" during dozens of commencement ceremonies underway at AAVMC member institutions this May. But for many thousands of prospective students, the journey toward becoming a veterinarian is just beginning. Beginning May 11, they'll be applying for membership in the Class of 2023 through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). The annual application cycle will remain open through September 17th at midnight EST. More than 25 years old, the sophisticated common application service is refined every year to make it more effective for both applicants and admissions officers. Learn more.

2018 AAVMC Assembly Approves Five New Affiliate Members

Five new educational institutions were approved for affiliate membership in the AAVMC. Those institutions include Riphah International University College of Veterinary Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan; Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia of the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas in Mexico; Bristol Veterinary School at the University of Bristol in Langford, Bristol, England; University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Slovak Republic; and City University of Hong Kong in Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Learn more.

AVMA, AAVMC and Zoetis Present Wellbeing Summit

About 175 people from throughout the veterinary profession and the mental health community gathered in Schaumburg, Illinois April 15-17 for the 2018 Veterinary Wellbeing Summit, which was convened by the AVMA, the AAVMC and Zoetis. The summit advanced an ongoing effort to focus attention and resources on promoting mental health and wellness in veterinary medicine and in the academic institutions that support it. Presentations, workshops and panel discussions held over the two-and-a-half day event focused on practical tips and strategies concerning how organizations can promote a culture of wellbeing and how individuals must take personal responsibility for their own health and wellness. Learn more.

AAVMC's Mashima Moderates Panel During National Academies' Workshop on Stress and Well-being in Healthcare Education

AAVMC Senior Director for Academic Affairs and Research Dr. Ted Mashima led a panel discussion on April 26 focused on work induced stress and wellbeing in healthcare as part of a symposium convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Washington, D.C. The workshop was titled "A Systems Approach to Alleviating Work-induced Stress and Improving Health, Well-being and Resilience of Health Professionals Within and Beyond Education." The goal was to focus on causes and downstream effects of stress in healthcare education. The workshop also considered strategies for stress reduction and resilience-building. Learn more.

Interprofessional Education Collaborative Schedules 2.0 Workshop for October in Phoenix

Interprofessional education in the health sciences helps develop multidisciplinary teams and approaches that lead to better health outcomes. Faculty members in the health professions who are currently involved with an existing program may wish to enroll in an Interprofessional Faculty Development Institute specially targeted for taking an existing program to the next level. Sponsored by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), "Interprofessional Education: Advancing & Sustaining Your Program for Collaborative Practice" will be held October 3-5, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. View additional institute details here. The AAVMC joined IPEC in 2016. Learn more.