(SCHAUMBURG, Ill.) July 10, 2007—Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will provide the keynote speech at the 144th Annual Convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, July 14.
Dr. Gerberding’s speech will focus on the increased role veterinarians play in achieving optimal public health. In the past 25 years, 75 percent of emerging diseases have been zoonotic, such as avian influenza, West Nile virus, and SARS, and collaboration between leaders in animal and human health has become increasingly vital to identify, track, and treat illness.
This collaboration moved forward in June when the American Medical Association adopted a “One Health” resolution promoting a closer partnership between human and veterinary medicine.
Other topics of Dr. Gerberding’s keynote include:
- Why zoonotic diseases are listed as a top priority at the CDC
- Why veterinarians and physicians must talk to each other on every level
- Why more veterinary students must pursue careers in public health, epidemiology, and research
- Why veterinary medicine is more important to the well-being of our nation and the world than ever before
After her presentation, Dr. Gerberding will hold a 30-minute press conference. Press must be registered to attend.
For more information, or to register for onsite press credentials, please contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at 847-285-6687 (AVMA headquarters, through Wednesday, July 11), 847-732-6194 (cell), 202-249-4076 (Convention Press Room, beginning Saturday, July 14), or msanfilippo@avma.org.
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 75,000 member veterinarians engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.