Advisory board created for Veterinary Innovation Council

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An advisory board has been formed for the Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC) of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). Comprised of veterinary leaders from across the industry’s spectrum, the board brings together practitioners, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from animal welfare organizations.

Advisory board members include practitioners, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from animal welfare organizations. The goal of the advisory board is to create a multi-dimensional perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, according to an NAVC release. Members will work toward generating awareness and understanding of a diverse set of issues that affect the profession and collaborate with the VIC Board of Directors to identify solutions.

"This is a pivotal moment for veterinary medicine," said Jennifer Welser, chief strategy officer at CityVet based in Dallas, Texas, and the VIC Board of Directors chair, in the release. "The establishment of this advisory board marks our commitment to broadening our understanding of the complex landscape in which our profession operates and to having a positive impact. We aim to foster a dialogue that is both inclusive and forward-looking, ensuring the best possible care for animals and support for those who dedicate their lives to this noble cause."

The VIC was formed in 2015 with the purpose of “advancing the field of veterinary medicine through innovation, education, and advocacy,” according to NAVC. The advisory board plans to meet regularly and will provide recommendations and guidance to the VIC. Their perspectives will provide insights that are expected to shape the council's strategies and initiatives. "We believe that the collective wisdom and experience of our Advisory Board members will be invaluable in guiding our efforts," said Aaron Massecar, executive director of the VIC, in the release. "Their input will help us not only to address current challenges but also to anticipate and prepare for future developments in veterinary medicine."

The VIC Advisory Board members are as follows:

• Douglas G. Aspros, DVM and chief veterinary officer for Veterinary Practice Partners based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
• James W. Lloyd, PhD, DVM, dean emerita and senior consultant at Animal Health Economics in Sears, Michigan
• Brianna Armstrong, DVM, medical director and co-owner at Firehouse Animal Health Center in Austin, Texas
• Adam Little, DVM, entrepreneur based in Vancouver, British Columbia
• Valerie C. Marcano, DVM, co-founder of Pawsibilities Vet Med based in Cary, North Carolina
• Samuel Schopler, student veterinarian at The College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University in Raleigh
• Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, director of the Program for Pet Health Equity, College of Social Work, at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville
• Emmitt Nantz a cofounder of Inventory Ally based in Vancouver, Washington
• Niccole Bruno, DVM, CEO and founder of blendvet based in Katy, Texas
• Christina Tran, DVM, founding dean and clinical professor at Hanover College School of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana
• Ashby Green, founder of Gazelle Capital based in Portland, Maine

Reference

Veterinary Innovation Council launches advisory board to provide feedback and guidance on profession-wide issues. News release. North American Veterinary Community. February 27, 2024.