Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is a non-profit organization that plays a pivotal role in the advancement of veterinary medical education across the United States and internationally. Established in 1966, the AAVMC serves as a collective voice for its member institutions, which include veterinary medical colleges, schools, and departments in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Mexico. The association is dedicated to fostering excellence in academic veterinary medicine, improving animal and human health, and promoting innovative educational practices.

Mission and Vision

The AAVMC's mission is to advance veterinary medical education, research, and service to society. It aims to prepare the veterinary workforce to meet the evolving needs of animal and public health. The vision of the AAVMC is to be a global leader in championing the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment through advanced veterinary education, collaboration, and advocacy.

Membership

Membership in the AAVMC is comprised of institutions that offer accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs, veterinary medical education programs, or related degrees. This includes over 50 member institutions across the globe. Members benefit from the AAVMC's resources, including educational initiatives, research opportunities, and advocacy efforts.

Key Initiatives

The AAVMC focuses on several key initiatives to fulfill its mission:

• Veterinary Medical Education: The AAVMC works to advance the quality and innovation in veterinary medical education. This includes curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation standards.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary profession is a priority for the AAVMC. It offers resources and programs to support underrepresented groups in veterinary medicine.
• Research: The AAVMC fosters veterinary medical research to improve animal and human health. It advocates for funding and resources to support veterinary research initiatives.
• One Health: The AAVMC promotes the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnection between animal, human, and environmental health. It encourages collaboration across disciplines to address global health challenges.
• Advocacy: The AAVMC advocates for policies and funding that support veterinary medical education, research, and the veterinary profession at large.

Educational Resources

The AAVMC provides a wealth of educational resources for its members and the public. These resources include data services, professional development programs, and publications related to veterinary medical education and the profession.

Annual Conference

The AAVMC hosts an annual conference that brings together leaders in veterinary medicine from around the world. The conference features workshops, presentations, and discussions on current issues and trends in veterinary medical education, research, and practice.

Accreditation

The AAVMC plays a critical role in the accreditation process for veterinary medical colleges through its affiliation with the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Accreditation ensures that veterinary medical programs meet or exceed standards for education quality.

Conclusion

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges is a cornerstone of the veterinary medical education community. Through its initiatives, resources, and advocacy, the AAVMC promotes excellence and innovation in veterinary medicine to improve the health and well-being of animals and humans worldwide.