American Veterinary Medical Association

American Veterinary Medical Association. The American Veterinary Medical Association is the primary professional organization representing the veterinary medical profession in the United States. Founded in the 19th century, it establishes educational standards, advocates for the profession, and provides resources on animal health, public health, and food safety. With its headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, it serves over 100,000 member veterinarians and is a leading voice on issues ranging from zoonotic disease control to veterinary ethics.

History

The organization was established in 1863 by a group of veterinarians including Alexandre Liautard, who is often called the father of the modern association, during a meeting in New York City. Its early focus was on standardizing veterinary education and combating livestock diseases like contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. A pivotal moment came in 1915 with the hiring of its first full-time executive secretary, John R. Mohler, who significantly expanded its influence. Throughout the 20th century, it played critical roles during events such as World War II, advising the military on equine care and food inspection, and later addressing public health challenges like avian influenza and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The association moved its headquarters from Chicago to its current location in Schaumburg, Illinois in 2008.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the House of Delegates, a representative body comprising delegates from state and allied veterinary groups. Key leadership positions include the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past President, who serve one-year terms. Major operational divisions include the Council on Education, which accredits Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs, and the Judicial Council, which interprets the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics. The executive arm is led by the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing a professional staff at the Schaumburg, Illinois headquarters and in Washington, D.C..

Activities and programs

Core activities include accrediting veterinary colleges through the Council on Education and administering the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates program. It hosts the annual AVMA Convention, one of the largest veterinary conferences globally. Public health initiatives focus on One Health collaborations with agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. The association also runs the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database for clinical trials and provides extensive continuing education through the AVMA Axon platform. Disaster response efforts are coordinated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

Publications and communications

Its flagship publication is the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. It also publishes the American Journal of Veterinary Research, focusing on advanced biomedical studies. For practicing veterinarians, it produces AVMA@Work and the news magazine JAVMA News. The public-facing website and social media channels disseminate information on pet care, while the AVMA Policy Manual provides official positions on issues like animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance. Historical archives are maintained through the American Veterinary Medical History Society.

Advocacy and policy

The association maintains a strong advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., lobbying on issues such as the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, the Minority Veterinarian Diversity Initiative, and amendments to the Animal Welfare Act. It develops model legislation for states on topics including veterinary telehealth and compounding of animal drugs. Key policy areas involve supporting the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, promoting biosecurity measures, and engaging with the World Organisation for Animal Health on international standards. Its political action committee, the American Veterinary Medical Association Political Action Committee, supports candidates favorable to veterinary interests.

Related organizations and affiliates

The association works closely with over 50 allied veterinary groups, including the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. It is a founding member of the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium. Key affiliates include the AVMA Group Health and Life Insurance Trust, which provides member benefits, and the AVMA Foundation, which funds research and scholarships. It also collaborates with international bodies like the World Veterinary Association and the Pan American Health Organization. Student chapters are active at all accredited colleges, supported by the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. Category:Veterinary organizations in the United States Category:Medical and health organizations based in Illinois Category:Organizations established in 1863