I recently attended the 2018 annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) with the notion that it likely will be for the last time as your executive director. With that in mind, it caused me to pause and reflect on the nature of the relationship between the AASV and the rest of organized veterinary medicine.
The main reason I attend the AVMA convention is to observe the House of Delegates (HOD) meeting and support our volunteers in that body. The HOD consists of the delegates and alternate delegates from each state veterinary medical association and several allied veterinary medical associations, including the AASV. There are typically several resolutions that come before the HOD for consideration. Some of these are more pertinent for swine veterinarians than others, but all require study and scrutiny. Our HOD delegate is Dr Tara Donovan and our alternate delegate is Dr Deb Murray. They both spend a great deal of time on issues of importance to veterinary medicine within the governance of the AVMA. I extend a big thank you to them for their time and efforts!
I will be the first to admit that at times I have railed against the AVMA on various issues. As can be expected, the interests of AVMA and AASV have diverged at times. It is important, however, for AASV to maintain a viable relationship with the AVMA. Whether we agree or not, our voice needs to be heard in the broader perspective of organized veterinary medicine so that we can effectively advocate for the best interest of the pigs under our care. Albeit, sometimes we must raise our voice a bit louder and more forcefully. This has been true for the 49 years that AASV has been in existence. I have no doubt that it will continue long into the future.
The AASV is also able to send representatives to several AVMA committees. My philosophy has always been to send strong, willing, and able representatives to these committees. You never know when an issue might arise in a committee that requires immediate action. We send those who are not afraid to speak up and to hold the line on issues that might affect swine veterinary medicine. We expect our representatives to have insight into the issues at hand and to determine the appropriate course of action that best serves the needs of AASV members. It can be time consuming and even frustrating at times, but the best results arise from participation and open dialogue. Another big thank you goes to all our members who have represented AASV in the past or are currently representing AASV to the AVMA.
Organized veterinary medicine has changed over the years. The AVMA has grown in numbers but the percentage of AVMA members engaged in food animal practice has diminished. What has not diminished is the need for representation by veterinarians with experience and interest in food animal veterinary medicine. Actions taken by the AVMA have the potential to affect food animal industries with millions of animals. The health and welfare of the pig are our main concerns and deserve our full attention, not only on the farm but also in organized veterinary medicine.
Another change has occurred in veterinary medicine as alternative agendas arise in the areas of animal rights and the opposition to the use of animals for food. We need to continue to be advocates for animal protein as a food source that is safe and nutritious. It would be naïve to assume that the threat to animal agriculture does not exist within the AVMA. Let me assure you that it comes into play on a regular basis when issues such as animal welfare and use of antimicrobials come up. Beyond the AVMA, the AASV has enjoyed strong relationships with other food animal associations such as the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Avian Pathologists. We have often found that we can improve and strengthen our advocacy through collaboration and cooperation with our colleagues from cattle and poultry.
The archives at our office reveal that AASV (then AASP) and the AVMA have had a relationship dating back to 1969. With almost 50 years invested in organized veterinary medicine, it would be unwise to abandon relationship building with representatives from diverse areas of veterinary medicine. We can continue to advocate for our profession while serving the best interest of swine veterinary medicine. We can’t be shy if we need to confront other veterinarians or veterinary medical associations on issues affecting pig health and welfare. To do otherwise would not be sustaining the strong voice established almost 50 years ago by our founders.
Tom Burkgren, DVM
Executive Director