American Veterinary Epidemiology Society announces name change

The American Veterinary Epidemiology Society (AVES) announced during the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Convention in Denver, Colorado it has changed its name and logo from AVES to the American Veterinary One Health Society (AVOHS).

"In this context, our board of directors felt that our name needed to better reflect the breadth of our awardees and our membership," said Jack Shere, DVM, AVOHS president.¹ "We felt it was not only appropriate, but also important, to include ‘One Health' in our new name."

According to the organizational release, the AVOHS board of directors decided a name change was needed, one being to clarify the AVHOS’ overall longstanding mission of promoting the national and international One Health.¹ The AVHOS also hopes that the new name will reflect the scope of the professional recognition awards it gives out. Each recipient has excelled in various disciplines revolving around One Health, not just epidemiology.

The AVOHS was founded in 1964 by James H. Steele who served as the first US assistant surgeon general for veterinary affairs at the CDC. He also helped pioneer the philosophy of human health being so deeply connected to the health of animals and the environment.

"Jim Steele would have fully approved of the name change as a progressive and visionary leader who loved change, especially when it was wholly justified," Karen Becker, DVM, AVOHS president elect.¹

Reference

AVES announces name change to reflect One Health mission. News releasee. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 18, 2023. Accessed July 18, 2023. https://www.avma.org/news/aves-announces-name-change-reflect-one-health-mission?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news