Feedback sought on roadmap that charts course for veterinary medical education

The North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC) was created in 2009 by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) to ensure that veterinary medical education meets society's changing needs. NAVMEC recently released a draft report and recommendations, called Roadmap for Veterinary Medical Education in the 21st Century: Responsive, Collaborative, Flexible, and is seeking public review and comment.

The draft report was developed with input from leaders in veterinary medical education, veterinary medicine, animal health and welfare, global and public health, and public policy to address ongoing and upcoming challenges in veterinary medical education.

According to the draft report, NAVMEC has five strategic goals, which are to

• Produce career-ready veterinary graduates who are educated and skilled in agreed areas of core competencies
• Ensure that competency drives admissions, curricula, accreditation, and testing and licensure
• Aim for maximally cost-effective veterinary education
• Sustain an economically viable veterinary medical education system
• Generate a sense of urgency and focus on action throughout the profession

In preparation of the final draft roadmap, which will be submitted to the AAVMC Board of Directors for its consideration and adoption, NAVMEC is inviting input from all veterinarians until May 1, 2011. To access the report and submit your feedback, go to www.aavmc.org/navmec.htm.