The communication program at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, led by Communications Director Megan Palsa, Ph.D., has been recognized with the 2016 AAVMC Communications Excellence Award. The six-member judging team was impressed with the strategic focus, comprehensive nature and overall sophistication of its communication program. Judges also noted the college's exceptional engagement with the AAVMC's 50th Anniversary celebration, which coincided with planning for the Texas A&M college's own 100th anniversary in 2016. Learn more.

	Dr. Shaw (left) and Dr. Cornell

Dr. Karen Cornell from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences (CVM&BS) and Dr. Darcy Shaw from the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) in Prince Edward Island, Canada, have been chosen to head up the AAVMC's Leadership Academy. Drs. Cornell and Shaw are replacing the academy's founding leaders, Dr. Mike Chaddock, associate dean for administration at the University of Michigan College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Jim Lloyd, dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. The AAVMC launched the Leadership Academy in 2012 to focus on developing future leaders in academic veterinary medicine. Learn more.

The AAVMC is conducting its 2016 Stakeholder survey, which gathers data and generates insights about the AAVMC communication program. In addition to examining information consumption patterns and preferences, the survey also examines stakeholder perceptions regarding economic issues within the profession, perceived levels of understanding about the importance of veterinary medicine in society among certain stakeholder subsets, the role of the profession in human health and wellbeing and other areas. The data will help inform and shape key communication programs. If you would like to participate in the survey, please click here. Learn more.

The AAVMC will present a Legislative Briefing focused on the role of veterinary medical research in preventing and mitigating global infectious disease outbreaks on Tuesday, June 21 in Room 121 of the Cannon House Office Building from noon-1:30 p.m. Participants will focus on critical gaps in information about Zika, Ebola, and other potential and emerging public health outbreaks, highlighting how veterinary research can help fill these gaps. Panelists will explore why and how these knowledge gaps impact an effective public health response.  Learn more.

A regulatory statement issued by the U.S. Department of Labor on May 17, 2016, regarding overtime pay for salaried employees has substantially increased the salary threshold for employees entitled to overtime pay. The ruling will likely impact some staff, graduate students, research assistants and post-doctoral students at member institutions. However, as outlined in a letter from AAVMC Executive Director Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe to deans of U.S. member institutions on April 28, "it is clear to us that veterinary medical interns and residents are exempt from the rule" under both the "Practice of law or medicine" and "Learned professional" exemptions. Learn more.

The AAVMC will present two online Vet Med Fairs, sponsored by Liaison International: the first on Thursday, July 14, and the second in the fall. Liaison International is the Boston based company that works with the AAVMC in operating the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). These interactive, virtual events are designed to showcase veterinary medical schools and provide a rare opportunity for high school students and other prospective students to interact with schools directly, according to Tony Wynne, the AAVMC's director of admissions and recruitment affairs. Eleven veterinary medical schools are scheduled to participate in the fair, which will feature branded information such as videos and web information, as well as interactive online chats with representatives. Learn more.

The mission critical role veterinary medicine plays in the military was highlighted during the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps 100th anniversary celebration held on June 3rd at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a monument commissioned to commemorate the special role of the Veterinary Corps. Created by San Antonio artist Donna Dobberfuhl and installed at the Army Medical Museum, the statue depicts four veterinarians at work during different periods over the past 100 years. The AVMA funded the work. Every year a number of graduates from AAVMC member institutions join the Corps. Learn more.

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