Meckes joins AVMA Washington staff

Washington, D.C. — Dr. R. Douglas Meckes, a former congressional fellow of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), joined the association's Governmental Relations Division in October to deal with research, Homeland Security, pharmaceuticals and other hot-button issues.

Prior to accepting the assistant director position with the AVMA, Meckes completed an AVMA Congressional Science Fellowship for 2005-2006. Working for Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Meckes was responsible for research, policy and appropriations recommendations, and constituent services on agriculture, energy and the environment.

At the AVMA, Meckes is responsible for establishing, enhancing and maintaining communication networks between the association and members of congressional staff, pertinent regulatory agency officials, state veterinary medical associations, allied veterinary groups and AVMA staff in Schaumburg, Ill., and Washington, D.C.

“I'm thrilled with this opportunity and look forward to working with the AVMA in Washington. We have a lot of important issues before us, and we need to be actively engaged,” he says.

“We're very excited to have Dr. Meckes join the AVMA team,” said Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, director of the Governmental Relations Division. “Dr. Meckes brings extensive knowledge in veterinary practices from his professional experiences, and his work as an AVMA fellow will enhance the AVMA stature on (Capitol) Hill.”

Meckes received his DVM degree from Auburn University in 1975, and he has 30 years' experience as a veterinarian. He also was a commissioner on the Apex, N.C., town board from 1995-2005. He can be reached at (202) 789-0007, Ext. 3210, or dmeckes@avma.org.