Four veterinary leaders speak out

UNITY NEEDED

The AVMA and the veterinary colleges should stand together on the workforce expansion initiative. This is an issue for the entire profession and Dr. Cook can and should enlist all veterinarians by making sure they all are aware of what's going on and encouraging all organizations to get involved. There is also a lot of work that needs to be done in reducing the student debt load. Educating the public about food safety and food-animal issues also are of top priority.

John Albers, American Animal Hospital Association

GRASSROOTS EFFORT

Legislative challenges at the state level, such as non-economic damages being awarded based on emotion instead of the true value of the animal, will mean continuing to work on ownership vs. guardianship, which Dr. Cook is very well positioned to deal with. Increasing the work force by continuing to be in the ears of Congressmen and Senators also will be a priority. AVMA and its president need to support the states that have some funding for debt repayment, and help expand the program nationwide with a grass-roots effort.

Greg Hammer, AVMA president

FACE THE FUTURE

The one role of the president is to be the face of the profession, whether that be with members across the country, attending conferences or in Congress when there are hearings. The challenge is being media-savvy and having public-relations abilities. Because there are so many issues and because AVMA is so diverse, a lot of times the issues drive the person rather than the person driving the issues. So, the president needs to keep an open mind in order to go forward and recognize changes taking place in the United States and abroad.

Robert Gordon, New Jersey VMA

WELFARE OR WARFARE?

Animal-welfare issues top the list of veterinarians' concerns in California, as well as the public's perception of animal welfare. While veterinarians are the experts when it comes to these issues, it's difficult to find that common ground between science and animal activists. But education is really the key to all sides of the issue.

While this is something the AVMA is looking at, it would be great to have an overview from the national organization on the issue. Regulatory board issues also are on the minds of California vets.

Valerie Fenstermaker, California VMA

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