A record 365 attendees tuned into the AAVMC’s first virtual conference, “Catalyze 2021: Connect and Innovate in the Face of Global Challenges,” March 3-5. 2021. Conference officials noted registrants representing 37 U.S. schools, 20 international schools (including 14 from the University of Seoul in South Korea) and about a dozen corporations and associations. The AAVMC managed to present last year’s conference just days before the pandemic jolted the world “fast-forward” into digital interaction. This year’s virtual conference was presented seamlessly through a specially created conference website integrating Zoom sessions and breakout rooms with a content-rich platform, a virtual photo booth, live question-and-answer sessions, and interactive social media chats. Learn more.

New leaders have taken their seats on the 2021-22 AAVMC Board of Directors and the board has been expanded to include a new non-voting liaison from the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE). Dr. Paul Lunn, dean of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has become President and Board Chair. Lunn, who served for the past year as President-Elect, replaces Dr. Mark Markel, dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, who now moves to the office of Past-President. Dr. Susan Tornquist, the Lois Bates Acheson Dean of the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University, was elected President-Elect and becomes a member of the Executive Committee. Learn more.

Beginning in July 2021, the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education (JVME) will adopt a hybrid print and online publishing model which will incorporate open access of all published content. The move is being undertaken to expand access to important developments in veterinary medical education. JVME’s transition to a hybrid publishing model will amplify its global reach to veterinary medical practitioners, educators, researchers, prospective and current veterinary medical students and other stakeholders. Under the new operating model, all content published in JVME will be published with a 12-month open access embargo. Learn more.

A new partnership between AAVMC’s Council on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) has been established. “The WVA is excited to partner with AAVMC’s CIVME to launch a project on Global Quality Standards for Veterinary Education to improve the quality of veterinary education around the world and to develop a self-assessment mechanism for veterinary colleges in regions or countries without formal accreditation systems,” said Dr. Patricia Turner, President of the WVA. The new project emerged from the two organizations’ mutual interest in promoting, supporting, and advancing international veterinary education. The two-year project includes a survey and the development of a self-assessment tool For more information, please contact [email protected], Learn more.

The AAVMC’s Council on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME) has funded three program grants designed to foster the enrichment and advancement of international academic veterinary medicine and two Antimicrobial Stewardship Grants, sponsored by MSD Animal Health. As a result of the success of last year’s inaugural presentation of the MSD Animal Health CIVME Antimicrobial Stewardship Grant, the program was expanded to include two grants this year. These are designed to improve instructional programs related to antimicrobial resistance in educational institutions around the world. CIVME was founded in 2016 to help advance AAVMC interests in elevating the quality of international academic veterinary medicine. Learn more.

The AAVMC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have released a Joint Statement from AAVMC/AVMA Regarding Mental Health and Suicide in the Veterinary Profession urging members of the profession to be aware of the importance of mental health and wellbeing and the resources that are available to help. In November 2019, a toolkit for colleges of veterinary medicine was created by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in partnership with the AVMA and the AAVMC. The AVMA’s Dr. Jen Brandt, Director of Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, and the AAVMC’s Ms. Makenzie Peterson, Director for Wellbeing, will be hosting a webinar for the veterinary community on a systems-based approach to supporting mental health and suicide on Thursday, March 18th, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. EST. This webinar will provide information, education, and support, with resources developed in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Webinar registration information will be available soon. Learn more.

Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) has agreed to co-chair the Veterinary Medicine Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. The AAVMC has worked closely with the American Veterinary Medical Association to support the caucus since its inception in 2013. Representing South Dakota, this is Johnson’s second term in Congress. He currently serves on the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Johnson will work with Congressman Dr. Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon), who has helped lead the caucus since its inception and is the only veterinarian serving in Congress. Johnson replaces Congressman and veterinarian Dr. Ted Yoho (R-Florida), who chose not to run for reelection to the 117th Congress. Learn more.

Nominations are now being accepted for two AAVMC Awards which recognize excellence in institutional advancement among AAVMC members. The window for submitting nominations runs from February 1, 2021 – March 31, 2021 and the awards consider organizational performance during calendar year 2020. The AAVMC’s Communications Excellence Award recognizes the important role communication plays in advancing academic veterinary medicine. The AAVMC’s Excellence in Scholarship Fundraising Award is designed to inspire and recognize professional excellence and achievement in fundraising for DVM student scholarships. Please click the links for more detailed information about the program.

The National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education (NIAMRRE) Annual Conference is April 20-21, 2021. The conference will be held in four, two-hour blocks over the course of two days, with a dedicated virtual poster session during the lunch break each day. The #EngageAMR21 virtual conference includes a variety of traditional presentations, interactive talks, and facilitated discussions. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to society, human and animal health, and economic prosperity. NIAMRRE was established following a multiyear collaboration between the AAVMC and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. For more information about the NIAMRRE Annual Conference, contact Erica Hellmich at [email protected] or 515.294.3352