Medical Reserve Corps seeks veterinary volunteers

Washington - 11/9/07 - With 70 percent of the Medical Reserve Corps units lacking veterinarians, the national network is looking for DVMs to join the local community ranks as volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists and dentists, among other professional health positions.

Under the sponsorship of the U.S. Surgeon General , the 5-year-old corps provide emergency response and public health resources. The group needs veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide support to local health departments and respond in times of disaster.

"Veterinarians are well suited to work across species and in various settings," says Dr. Lynne White, American Veterinary Medical Association Scientific Activities Division assistant director. "They have the expertise to provide emergency care for animals and to provide assistance to promote public health."

There are multiple areas where DVMs and their staff members can get involved, says Capt. Robert J. Tosatto, RPh, MRC director. "The needs are great to have individuals with those skill sets to help out in emergencies and also strengthen the public health infrastructure," he says.