AVMA surpasses 100,000 members

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has exceeded 100,000 members, furthering its growth and increasing its standing as a prominent voice for veterinarians nationwide.

According to an association release,¹ AVMA membership consists of approximately three-quarters of all US veterinarians, including members in every US state and territory and over 60 countries.

“Almost 160 years ago, about 40 veterinary surgeons from seven states gathered in New York to form what became the American Veterinary Medical Association,” said Janet Donlin, DVM, executive vice president and CEO of the AVMA, in the release. “We are so immensely grateful for the support and commitment of our members, and we are honored to serve them in all that we do, from policy, resources, tools and continuing education, to important advocacy work, insurance plans and so much more."

“When I reflect on the scientific advancements, education, training and expert care that have brought us to this day, and the dedication, compassion and service that our members deliver for our patients and clients on a daily basis, I see an innovative and ethically grounded profession with an amazing past and a very bright future. As always, we are stronger together,” Donlin added.

Millennials (those born between 1981-1996) consist of the largest generation represented in the association’s membership at 37.2%, but AVMA members range from the Greatest Generation (born 1901-1927, at 0.3%) to Generation Z (born 1997-2012, at 0.4%).¹

Additional generations represented include the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945, 6.2%), Baby Boomers (1946-1964, 25.8%) and Generation X (1965-1980, 30.1%). Those who identify as female consist of 61.5% of AVMA membership (up from roughly 50% in 2010), meanwhile those who identify as male represent 38.4% and those identifying as nonbinary comprise 0.1%.¹

Reaching 100,000 members is a significant milestone, according to AVMA President Lori Teller, DVM, DABVP (canine/feline), CVJ. This displays the success of AVMA’s efforts have been in meeting the evolving needs of the profession and society.

“Most of our current members can’t remember when society transitioned from horse-and-buggy days to automobiles, and the profession transitioned as well,” she commented, in the release. “The AVMA was there for its members then, and now, as we increasingly incorporate technology into our practices, the AVMA is here to help veterinarians utilize technology appropriately, not be replaced by it.

“The veterinary profession is vibrant because people can do a variety of things with a veterinary degree, and a diversity of opinions allows the AVMA to continue to be relevant,” Teller added. “The AVMA is known as the great convener because we are able to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to work together to find real solutions to problems that everyone can utilize.”

Reference

AVMA membership surpasses 100,000. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. September 20, 2022. Accessed September 23, 2022. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/avma-membership-surpasses-100000