(SCHAUMBURG, Ill.) January 10, 2013 " During the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) 150th anniversary celebration, the Association will thank those who made the auspicious anniversary possible—it’s members.
“I’m extremely proud that the AVMA is turning 150 this year, but even more than that I’m extremely proud of the accomplishments of our members over the past 150 years,” says Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, president of the AVMA. “Among many contributions, our members have been at the forefront of medical research. They’ve preserved the safety of our food supply and health of our livestock. They’ve gone to war with our troops to help maintain the health of animals in combat situations, and they work tirelessly to keep our pets at home healthy. In short, they’ve saved many lives and made the lives of innumerable animals and people far better. Our 150th Anniversary is an opportunity to remember these accomplishments and to thank our members for everything that they do.”
The AVMA was founded as the United States Veterinary Medical Association at a meeting at the Astor House in New York City on June 9 and 10, 1863, during the U.S. Civil War. Representatives of seven states attended, including New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maine, Ohio and Delaware.
The AVMA is undertaking a number of efforts to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Association and the long and impressive history of the profession.
*“The AVMA: 150 year of Education, Science and Service” was recently published as a celebration of the profession. It includes a history of the AVMA, including the association’s involvement in improving veterinary education, its advocacy efforts, the convention, the creation and production of the AVMA’s journals, and progress made by the profession since 1863.
The book will be available for purchase at www.avma.org, with proceeds directed to AVMA future-generation programming, which includes support of initiatives such as the Early Career Development Committee and the Compass Mentoring Program.
*The AVMA has also secured a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution to create a 1,000-square-foot exhibition on wheels that will tour the country from coast to coast, introducing visitors to innovative fields of veterinary research and application, and giving them new ways to look at the enduring relationship between animals and people. This traveling exhibit will begin its two-year, 75-city tour during the AVMA’s annual convention in Chicago July 19-23, 2013, and it will include visits to state and county fairs, science museums, veterinary medical schools, schools, zoos and other animal-related locations.
*The AVMA will host special events at its annual convention held in Chicago July 19-23, 2013, including a one-day symposium, “Understanding Our Past to Transform Our Future.” Eight veterinary students will speak at this event, and each will receive a $2,500 scholarship award from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.
*The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) will feature articles commemorating the 150th anniversary, including a series, “Legends in U.S. veterinary medicine,” which will profile 12 individuals who have made substantial contributions to the American veterinary profession.
For more information about the AVMA and the 150th anniversary of the association, visit www.avma.org.
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 82,500 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine.