Vet2011: Ring in the New Year by Celebrating your Profession!

By: Stephanie Silberstang

Cornell University, Class of 2013

The 250^th anniversary of the veterinary education, profession, and comparative pathobiology will benext year in 2011. To celebrate World Veterinary Year, which is the purpose of Vet2011, veterinary institutions around the world will be holding events to promote the veterinary profession. The Vet2011 National Committee has proposed that all participating nations promote awareness of the profession and its many facets at the institutions’ annual event.

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NAVMEC (round 3)

By: Stephanie Silberstang

Cornell University

The North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC) was started by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in order to keep veterinarians up to speed with the changing needs of society through discussion of education models, accreditation and licensing (http://www.aavmc.org/navmec.htm). This consortium includes over 200 groups and organizations interested in changing, supporting and improving veterinary education that will send a representative to the 3 national meetings in 2010 to discuss how veterinary medicine can evolve with society.

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Another Look at NAVMEC

By: Dalis Collins

University of Georgia, Class of 2013

It seems that if something has an acroymn, then it must be important. NAVMEC is no exception. It stands North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium, and this organization could drastically change not only our educational experience but the course the entire profession of veterinary medicine is taking. While you may not have heard of it, your administrators certainly have and more than likely someone from your school is participating in it. Here at UGA, Dr. Carmichael, our Dean of Academics, is our representative. Even SAVMA is represented by the two members of the SAVMA executive board. Composed of over 200 individuals from all aspects of the profession, the NAVMEC’s goal is to take a comprehensive look at veterinary curriculum try to determine how to structure education to best meet the changing needs of society. This may involve changes in everything from accredidation standards to tracking to required courses.

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The NAVMEC, is it an acronym worth remembering?

By: Matthew Inniss

Louisiana State University, Class of 2014

We all know the day to day trials of being a veterinary student. Sometimes we think to ourselves that it would be nice if someone could identify with the “old wooden roller coaster ride,” known as veterinary school, in an effort to make it a little less “bumpy.” Lucky, for all the students with this thought on their mind, instead of what’s on the next neurology test, their wish has been granted.

The North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium was formed for just this purpose. Of course, the purpose is more properly outlined beyond the point of vision of an “old wooden roller coaster ride,” but the intent is the same. The NAVMEC was formed in 2009 under the umbrella organization known as the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). The goal of the NAVMEC is to review current methods of veterinary education in order to identify points of improvement, for the future education of veterinarians.  The group was formed by invitation. Members of the not only the veterinary profession but the medical and dental profession were asked to participate in the consortium. There are two types of membership or participation that recognized by the NAVMEC. Co-Sponsors are designated by their financial contribution to the efforts of the consortium. There are also those members that are not financial contributors, but still have desires to aid in the efforts of the consortium.

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Women > Men (in numbers, that is)

By: Elizabeth Wormley

Iowa State Univeristy, Class of 2011

My, how times have changed. Not too long ago, my great aunt was essentially told to not even bother applying to veterinary school, as it was a man’s job. When taking a career aptitude test in high school (the year was 1959), her result was “farmer’s wife,” as that would be a good way for her to interact with and care for the animals she so adored.

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