Candidates vie for AVMA presidency

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. —The 2006 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) presidential election promises a race between at least two candidates.

Dr. Charles Stoltenow

While Dr. Charles Stoltenow, of North Dakota, and Dr. Greg Hammer, of Delaware, confirmed with DVM Newsmagazine their candidacies, they will not be formally nominated and announced until the AVMA Annual Convention in July. Reports of a third candidate circulate, but the rumored contender's identity was not determined by presstime.

Next year's Honolulu convention is set to host AVMA's first contested presidential race since Dr. Jan Bartels lost to Dr. Jack Walther in 2002. The president acts as the figurehead representing the profession for a one-year term, and President-elect Dr. Henry Childers intends to take the reigns from President Dr. Bonnie Beaver when AVMA meets this year in Minneapolis.

AVMA commitment

Stoltenow aims for Childers' seat in 2006.

The North Dakota extension veterinarian, father of eight and chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Task Force says he's ready to direct the profession. An epidemiologist by training, Stoltenow spends his spare time consulting with NATO on anthrax, educating dairy farmers on milk production in China and teaching North Dakota State University students.

He promises to make time for the presidency.

"I have arranged to make time for it," Stoltenow says. "AVMA rules really don't permit me to talk about my candidacy until it's announced. I can say though that the job really comes down to leadership."

Winning experience

Considering Hammer's role as a former delegate, current Executive Board member and chair of the Legislative Advisory Committee, the mixed animal practitioner says he has the most experience. He also touts his role working 50 hours a week as a practicing veterinarian.

Dr. Greg Hammer

"Unlike Dr. Stoltenow, I'm an actual practitioner, which represents 75 percent or more of our membership," he says. "I enjoy talking and meeting people and I think I would do a good job speaking for our membership."

As for leaving a legacy, that's not on Hammer's agenda.

"I think many presidents want to do that, but I don't think its necessary," he says. "At this point, I think my main issues are communication, continuity of our programs and common sense."