American Veterinary Medical Association

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, and advancing the veterinary profession. Founded in 1863 as the United States Veterinary Medical Association, it is the largest and oldest organization representing veterinarians in the United States.

History

AVMA was established with the goal of elevating the standards of veterinary education and practice. Over time, the organization has evolved to include more than 99,500 members across various fields, including medical research, industry, and food safety. Throughout its history, the AVMA has undergone significant changes, adapting to shifts in the profession such as the increasing prevalence of small animal practitioners and the development of specialized fields like public health and wildlife medicine[2][3].

Mission and Values

AVMA's mission is to "lead the profession by advocating for our members, and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health." The organization's core values include being ethical, inclusive, science-based, animal-focused, member-centric, supportive, fiscally responsible, efficient, and innovative. However, AVMA has faced criticism for some of its positions on animal welfare issues[3].

Activities and Programs

AVMA develops positions on key animal welfare issues, offers accreditation and certification programs, and provides resources for veterinarians. It also lobbies for legislation beneficial to veterinarians and the animals they treat. Additionally, AVMA conducts surveys and research to better understand the profession and improve practices[2][3].

AVMA is associated with several related organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, which supports graduate fellowships, undergraduate scholarships, and disaster relief programs[1]. Another related entity is the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, which focuses on excellence in academic veterinary medicine[4].

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its contributions to veterinary medicine, AVMA has been criticized for its stance on certain animal welfare issues, such as its endorsement of ventilation shutdown plus, a method used to depopulate animals in agriculture[3]. These controversies highlight the complexities in balancing the interests of veterinarians with those of animal welfare advocates.