Strategic thinkers identify critical issues for AVMA

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — A visioning team of AVMA's Strategic Planning Committee and various group leaders has developed a list of directional goals to measure future initiatives against.

Executive Board members approved the visioning session's objectives last month, designed to guide the American Veterinary Medical Association on important issues pertaining to the profession.

"It outlines where the association should be focusing its efforts," AVMA spokeswoman Sharon Granskog says.

The following list charts AVMA's goals designed to advance top issues:

Animal welfare

• AVMA is the leading advocate for, and the authoritative, science-based resource on animal welfare.

• AVMA has definitive core values and principles to guide policy development for animal welfare.

• All audiences are aware of the veterinary profession's animal welfare role.

• To promote unity, all veterinarians have a clear understanding and appreciation about the science and ethics of animal welfare including historical, political and social constructs.

• The legal status of animals is defined in all states consistent with AVMA policy.

• AVMA has the infrastructure and resources to anticipate and proactively address emerging animal welfare/rights issues.

Veterinary workforce and economic viability

• Critical workforce shortages and global societal needs are identified and solutions developed in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Opportunities are identified and developed that ensure full integration of veterinarians within the evolving scope of one medicine.

• The nation maintains the infrastructure and resources to anticipate and respond to public health and animal health disasters.

• The veterinary profession's economic viability and sustainability is evaluated and strengthened within all segments.

• Government and/or private resources adequately fund critical veterinary research.

• AVMA members and leaders are committed to ensuring that their association is the leading force on veterinary related issues in local, state, federal and international legislation and regulation.

• Veterinarians and the public are fully educated to understand the implications of a change in the legal status of animals.

• Veterinary care is delivered in the most efficient and effective manner.

Veterinary education

• The AVMA Council on Education accreditation process is the premier standard for veterinary medical education globally.

• Robust support exists for veterinary medical education through public policy and other efforts.

• The applicant pool remains strong and reflects society and its needs.

Veterinary services

• AVMA enables veterinarians to be recognized as the leading resource in animal health/animal welfare policy issues.

• AVMA is committed to be the leader in legislative advocacy.

• AVMA is dedicated to the use of contemporary information technology.

• AVMA identifies and responds to veterinary issues in a timely manner.

• AVMA encourages and supports the continual advancement of quality veterinary services.