AASV names Gillespie president

RENSSELAER, IND. - 5/19/05 - Dr. Tom Gillespie takes the reigns of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). He was named president during the group's recently concluded annual meeting.

During his yearlong term, animal welfare will top the swine practitioner's agenda.

"I think it's one of the more pressing issues of our profession," says Gillespie, a 1979 Purdue University graduate. "We're dealing with defending our AASV position on housing sows."

The Indiana-based veterinarian also wants to add value to the AASV membership by addressing antibiotic and economic issues.

"I'm out here on the front lines getting beat up just like everyone else in our membership," he says. "As our industry continues to change, more demand is placed on us to change with it."