2022-2023 AVMA fellow to serve in congressional office

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced that Jacob Merryman, DVM, MPH, the 2022-2023 AVMA congressional fellow, has secured a yearlong placement as a full-time staff member in US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's office.

According to an association release,¹ Merryman will leverage his extensive background in veterinary and public health to offer science-based counsel directly to Gillibrand and her staff. Merryman most recently served in patient-centric care with a focus on exotic animals, reproduction, and public health for a small animal hospital in Sonoma County, California. As a former US Department of Agriculture extern, Merryman provides firsthand public policy experience that will be advantageous throughout his fellowship.

"The AVMA is thrilled about Dr. Merryman's unique opportunity with Senator Gillibrand's office to help shape legislation that impacts the country," stated Lori Teller, DVM, DABVP (canine/feline), CVJ, AVMA President, in the release. "By extending his scientific expertise to lawmakers and their staffs, a voice from our profession will influence Congress and public policy decision-makers to take an evidence-based approach to legislative problem solving."

"I aspire to learn how policy is made first-hand and how scientists can contribute," expressed Merryman. "During my fellowship, I will be promoting One Health and providing a veterinarian's perspective on a broad set of legislative issues. I know my time on Capitol Hill will be invaluable and look forward to working with Congress and seeing what we can accomplish together. Thank you to the AVMA and Senator Gillibrand's office for this exciting opportunity and my mentors at VCA Sequoia Valley Animal Hospital and Western University of Health Sciences for their unwavering support."

In 2013, Merryman achieved a Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree from the University of California, Davis. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in 2019. Additionally, in 2020, Merryman received a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota.

Reference

2022-2023 AVMA fellow placed in congressional office. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. October 6, 2022. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/2022-2023-avma-fellow-placed-congressional-office