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Associations & Organizations
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Veterinary group pumps new blood into leadership
4/22/2013
Ethics society chooses Petco doctor as president
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Task force to alter AVMA governance regroups after backlash
1/16/2013
House delegates could be asked to vote on their own demise
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Veterinary prescription problems aired with regulators
1/12/2013
Pharmacy boards urge veterinarians to file complaints
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AVMA delegates to scrutinize veterinary homeopathy
1/3/2013
Debarking, stem cell policies among several up for debate
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GHLIT health insurance for veterinarians to end by 2014
12/26/2012
Obamacare killed association-based plans, officials say
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Government orders veterinary-school accreditor to correct problems
12/14/2012
Veterinarians air criticisms before education panel
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AVMA’s role as education accreditor scrutinized
12/11/2012
USDE addresses critics as scheduled review of COE draws near
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British veterinarians welcome advertising ban on antimicrobials
10/16/2012
Efforts made to curb antimicrobial resistance
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Welfare college receives provisional recognition
8/16/2012
Veterinarians eager to watch specialty group evolve
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AVMA proposed stance on raw diets draws critics
8/2/2012
Group stresses that policy — not law — is up for consideration today
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Veterinarians brainstorm to change AVMA governance
7/20/2012
Efforts to enhance democracy reflect ongoing transformation
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Helping Pets Fund closes
7/19/2012
AAHA cites decline in donations
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Ohio Veterinary Medical Association building burns
6/1/2012
Flames destroy more than half of structure
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Challenges face proposal to create welfare specialty
5/1/2012
Appeal to overturn COE's rejection of the group underway
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California veterinarians ready to testify against lay dentistry
4/16/2012
Scope-of-practice battle wages over teeth cleaning
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AVMA issues email fraud alert
4/6/2012
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Private university in Arizona plans new veterinary school
3/8/2012
Midwestern University cites shortage of rural practitioners
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AAVMC leadership change puts Osburn at helm
10/21/2011
Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou resigns to pursue work in public health
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AVMA challenges Wal-Mart’s push to make veterinarians script out
10/5/2011
Fairness to Pet Owners Act sits at controversy's center
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St. George’s veterinary school receives U.S. accreditation
9/23/2011
Roughly 90 percent of program's graduates draw from North America
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AVMA asked to acknowledge court ruling in compounding brochure
9/20/2011
Some celebrate while others downplay ruling's significance
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GAO calls for better data on antibiotic use in livestock
9/13/2011
Federal auditor finds little progress in past decade
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North Carolina veterinarians brace for Hurricane Irene
8/26/2011
NCVMA collects names of volunteers
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AVMA mulls governance overhaul
7/26/2011
Calls to upend entrenched bureaucracy surface at House session
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AVMA task force to review merits of foreign accreditation
7/20/2011
Resolution stripped of economic language on advice of AVMA lawyer
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Veterinarians challenge authority of AVMA Executive Board to make policy
6/16/2011
Calls for change prompted by controversial revision to Veterinarian's Oath
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Antibiotics: spinning the data from Denmark
5/27/2011
Antibiotics do little to enhance growth, yet producers still use them
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Antibiotics: precaution vs. proof
5/26/2011
Weighing risk to public health from antibiotics used in livestock
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FDA: Food-animal antibiotic consumption dwarfs human medical use
5/25/2011
New data reveal flaws in figures presented by AVMA, industry
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Scrutiny of livestock antibiotic use pressures veterinary profession
5/24/2011
AVMA negotiates shifting regulatory landscape
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Resolutions ask AVMA to explore foreign accreditation, globalization efforts
5/20/2011
Members seek greater transparency into AVMA's international activities
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Report: unprecedented change in store for AVMA, profession
4/28/2011
'Continuous improvement' prescribed for nation's largest veterinary association
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AVMA terminates online CE venture
4/22/2011
AVMA Ed to close by Dec. 31
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PLIT rolls back workers' comp advice for relief veterinarians
3/29/2011
Broker Hub International issues clarification
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New blood challenges seasoned official for AVMA Executive Board seat
3/16/2011
Veterinarians urged to get ballots to AVMA headquarters by April 1
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NAVMEC addresses great challenges facing veterinary profession
3/8/2011
Economist's call for change goes beyond NAVMEC recommendations
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AVMA raises dues as membership numbers climb
1/25/2011
Incremental increases to generate $4 million in three years
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AVMA seeks members’ opinions on ‘critical initiatives’
1/19/2011
Critic says it is a start, but more conversation needed
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GHLIT ends endorsement of Pets Best while severing ties with Aetna
1/14/2011
Deal dies quietly as GHLIT exits pet health insurance arena
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AVMA delegates reject bid to add transparency to governing processes
1/11/2011
Delegates expressed fears of retribution by public on controversial issues
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Decision to alter Veterinarian's Oath strikes discord
1/6/2011
Faction of AVMA members report feeling disenfranchised
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Proposed welfare specialty college bends to veterinarians' concerns
12/16/2010
AVMA welfare principles no longer a point of contention
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California veterinarians target unlicensed care
12/14/2010
Conflict between profession, lay practitioners intensifies
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AVMA seeks third-party audit of accreditation program
12/10/2010
Voluntary review meant to allay scrutiny, concerns raised by veterinarians
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Texas veterinarians author legislation to bridle lay dentists
12/3/2010
Judge's order prompts end to regulatory crackdown on unlicensed teeth floating
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AVMA condemns activists targeting UC Davis researchers
12/1/2010
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AVMA solicits public input on model veterinary practice act
11/11/2010
Comment period begins in January
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NAS veterinary workforce study nears release
10/28/2010
Stakeholders expect report to shed light on supply and demand in America
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Calif. spay/neuter program breeds skepticism among veterinarians
9/23/2010
State attempts to tackle pet overpopulation by selling specialty license plates
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Veterinary regulators poised to define parameters of lay dentistry
9/9/2010
Stakeholders across America watch as Texas takes on controversial issue
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Texas veterinarians mull reviving bid to examine AVMA’s role in global accreditation
8/19/2010
Those calling for audit face accusations of racism; issue clouded by politics, some contend
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Proposed animal welfare college challenged by veterinarians
8/5/2010
Critics lambast mandate to sign AVMA welfare principles
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Veterinarians challenge AVMA’s governance in quest to be heard
7/30/2010
‘1 Member, 1 Vote’ drive kicks off at annual convention in Atlanta
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Foreign-school accreditation clash continues in JAVMA
7/21/2010
Editorial letters express concern in July 15 edition
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What's happening with accreditation of foreign health professional schools?
7/13/2010
Veterinarians in heated debate; dentists pushed to test water; physicians eye from a distance
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Veterinarians question AVMA's role in international accreditation
7/13/2010
Texas resolution calls for self-study
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Veterinarians to AVMA: Talk to us
7/6/2010
In VIN survey, group rates low on communication, high on leadership
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Western U receives full accreditation
3/5/2010
COE grants three-year window
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Accreditation under fire in veterinary medicine
2/26/2010
Concerns surface with the accreditation bids of two controversial programs
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Osburn resigns from Banfield board of directors
2/13/2010
UC Davis dean cites potential conflict of interest as impetus for decision
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AVMA seeks to deter news investigation
1/21/2010
Alleges reporter misappropriated confidential documents
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Pets Best flap revives debate about merits of pet insurance
12/15/2009
DVMs concerned Aetna policy portends a future similar to human health insurance issues
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PAC pits school against school for donations
8/27/2009
Competition designed to spur fundraising surge
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Activists go after stores selling dogs from puppy mills
7/27/2009
Movement to stamp out large commercial breeders gains traction
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Leaders ask California DVMs to watch for local ordinances
7/22/2009
New law safeguards veterinary practice, but opens window for bans
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Survey: Rescue organizations turning away 38 percent of unwanted horses
7/15/2009
Economic downturn highlight, exacerbates ongoing problem
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Prop 2 rattles Calif., prompts welfare council
7/15/2009
Advisory group receives mixed reaction
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AVMA town hall meeting skims tough issues facing profession
7/12/2009
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AVMA debates profession's role concerning antimicrobials in livestock
7/11/2009
Resolution gets pushed aside for further review
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New AVMA president-elect calls diversifying profession a major priority
7/11/2009
Kornegay sails into top elected seat following uncontested presidential race
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MARKETLink proceeds help fuel AAHA PR campaign
7/1/2009
National groups freeze dues hikes
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Funding woes kill Fresno lab, haunt DVM program
6/26/2009
Calif. budget crisis wreaks havoc on veterinary medical education
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AVMA, GHLIT respond to VIN survey
5/7/2009
Neither group directly addresses objections to GHLIT-Pets Best partnership
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'Swine influenza' name sickens U.S. pork markets
4/29/2009
AVMA issues statement; efforts underway to rename virus
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Dr. Janis Audin dies
4/23/2009
Longtime JAVMA head leaves legacy, official says
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Veterinarians must comply with Red Flags Rule by May 1
4/22/2009
Most practice owners already meet requirements, AVMA official says
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HSUS to take Prop 2-like action to Ohio
4/6/2009
Veterinarians gear up for talks to thwart high-stakes conflict with activists
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Veterinary charity highlighted by economic woes
3/30/2009
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Survey shows veterinarians wary of AVMA GHLIT-Pets Best deal
3/23/2009
AVMA, GHLIT promise to respond soon
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AVMA portfolio in the red
2/24/2009
Economy batters association’s investments; dues increase looms
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Off the table?
2/12/2009
Calif. sales tax on veterinary services loses steam
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Veterinary Behaviorists Question Dominance Theory in Dogs
2/5/2009
Position Irks Some Trainers
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AVMA announces new strategy for annual meeting
1/22/2009
Are conferences in trouble?
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Consulting firm releases user guide that avows pet insurance merits
1/21/2009
AVMA issues policy shift as criticisms of GHLIT-Pets Best partnership ensue
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About-face by Florida regulators eases permit policy for DVMs
1/14/2009
Refunds are on the agenda, FVMA says
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MVMA pushes animal protection legislation
1/14/2009
Measure directs courts to consider pets when issuing domestic violence protective orders
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Application deadline nears to certify for exotic mammal specialty
12/16/2008
New group focuses on ferrets, rabbits and other small pets
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FDA puts cephalosporin ban in abeyance
12/11/2008
Veterinary medicine credited by some for pushing last-minute change
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AVMA unveils online CE
12/8/2008
Leadership confident state regulators will accept association-branded education
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AVMA investments take hit, treasurer says
10/21/2008
Market turmoil impacts veterinary medicine’s largest association
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AVMA leaders think like you do, survey reveals
10/17/2008
Group seeks to remain relevant to membership
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Internships, residencies skyrocket in popularity, AVMA says
10/17/2008
40 percent of 2008's graduating class to seek advanced training, report shows
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AVMA falls short of $1 million goal for PAC
10/9/2008
Campaign for contributions underway
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AVMA addresses Congress on antimicrobial resistance
9/26/2008
Delegates to challenge national association’s stance in January
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Colorado to release welfare principles
9/25/2008
Association awaits leadership’s approval
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Mexican university seeks AVMA accreditation
9/22/2008
COE nod could usher Mexican veterinarians into the United States
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AVMA condemns alleged abuse at swine operation
9/17/2008
Undercover PETA video shows animals kicked, beaten and inhumanely slaughtered
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NJVMA wins NPI exemption for veterinarians
9/9/2008
State backtracks on law designed to track Medicare/Medicaid fraud
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AVMA to release economic data
9/9/2008
Biennial economic survey, starting salaries report set for publication
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AVMA launches Web-based TV channel
9/3/2008
AVMAtv provides public information about veterinary medicine
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CVMA mum as AVMA moves in on Prop 2
8/27/2008
Association sits quietly as AVMA adopts a contradictory stance on ballot state initiative
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HSVMA to launch insurance options, recruitment campaign
8/25/2008
Membership drive markets group as a welfare-friendly alternative to AVMA
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GHLIT tackles latest PR flap concerning Pets Best deal
8/22/2008
Promotional e-mail advertises AVMA’s endorsement of insurance agency
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AVMA wants YOU!
8/20/2008
Volunteer opportunities abound; leaders welcome nominations
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Senate to consider bill prompted by declaw ban
8/18/2008
Measure protects medical procedures from local meddling, CVMA says
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AAEP wants veterinarians to inspect shows for welfare violations
8/8/2008
Group issues white paper suggesting ways to end ‘soring’
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Disgruntled CVMA members spin off with new group
8/5/2008
Association's support of Proposition 2 divides California veterinarians
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GHLIT-pet insurance partnership raises red flags
7/28/2008
Competitors question ethics, legality of Trust’s newfound relationship
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No dues increase — this time, AVMA reports
7/21/2008
$29.6 million budget detailed during annual convention
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GHLIT rate increases slow
7/3/2008
Premiums jump 1.1 percent, compared to a 12.8-percent hike in November
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UPDATE: FDA bans cephalosporin drugs in food animals
7/3/2008
Federal regulators issue change amid concerns about antimicrobial resistance
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AAHA enters $10 million tentative deal to sell MARKETLink
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On the record
The VIN News Service recently conducted a Q&A session with the American Veterinary Medical Association and its indemnity arm, the Group Health and Life Insurance Trust (AVMA-GHLIT). The discussion explores the controversial partnership that’s emerged between GHLIT and Pets Best Insurance, a private entity.
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Associations & Organizations
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AVMA delegates reject bid to add transparency to governing processes
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January 11, 2011
By: Jennifer Fiala
For The VIN News Service
A plan to shed light on how the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) leadership votes on policies impacting the profession provoked fears that sharing such information might incite a backlash on individual veterinarians.
During a meeting last Saturday in Chicago, the AVMA House of Delegates defeated a resolution that called for posting how individual delegates vote on issues and elections within the Members Only section of the AVMA’s website. After hours of debate, more than 60 percent of all delegates elected to maintain the secretive nature of House balloting processes.
The House of Delegates, or HOD, is one of two policy-making bodies in the AVMA, with representatives from every state veterinary medical associations as well as 16 allied organizations. The House, which casts votes on resolutions as well as authorizes candidates for a variety of AVMA councils and committees, convenes twice annually. (The AVMA's 16-member Executive Board also creates policy but serves administrative functions as well, meeting six times a year.)
Currently, the voting habits of individual House delegates are private. The resolution to open that process came from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association.
The impetus for change: Arizona leaders reportedly were kept in the dark on the breakdown of a tally concerning a candidate from the state who was not elected to serve in the AVMA during last summer's HOD session in Atlanta. Additionally, the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association was denied access to how individual delegates voted on its resolution concerning antimicrobial resistance, which failed during the same meeting.
The goal, supporters say, is to end the air of secrecy that has earned the AVMA criticism of its governance structure and political processes.
“The votes we cast should be available for the members we represent to review and to comment upon if desired. … The intent of this resolution is to encourage a more open and transparent process, not to increase its complexity,” the resolution stated.
But exposing how delegates vote could carry unintended consequences, critics noted. While debating the resolution’s merits, many delegates expressed trepidation, believing that if the way they vote on controversial issues, especially those concerning animal welfare, were known by the general public, reprisal from activists could follow. Some expressed fears of terrorism akin to what’s been experienced by some researchers who work with animals, especially primates.
Alternatively, those in favor of publicizing how delegates vote say that defeating the resolution fosters ambiguity and sends the wrong message to the AVMA’s 81,500 dues-paying members.
“I think this is a situation where we should look at ourselves through the lens of our constituents,” said Dr. C. Jeffrey Brown, delegate from Arizona in defense of the resolution. “The goal of this resolution is to make us more transparent. What kind of message is this sending if we reject this?”
Arizona’s Alternate Delegate Dr. James McDonald reasoned that the fear argument is “relatively overstated.”
“The benefits of doing this way outweigh the downside. Opening this thing up — while there is some risk, our image with the rest of our membership is going to improve,” he said.
The image problem McDonald speaks of stems from what some believe is a disconnect between the AVMA leadership and its general membership, most recently typified by the AVMA Executive Board’s seemingly sudden changes to the Veterinarian’s Oath.
That controversial move created chatter among delegates during the meeting, many of whom expressed a desire for more notification and an ability to comment on such major decisions. Those in support of transparency surmised that the real reason for the House’s widespread apprehension toward the resolution had more to do with political vote trading — a practice reportedly rampant among delegates. With large states like California and Texas carrying more voting power than smaller ones, deals are made to get candidates elected and resolutions passed. Transparency could add to the “influence peddling,” some contend.
“I’m concerned that this type of voting, which is the same type of voting done in Washington, will promote political consequences,” argued Dr. Benjamin Franklin, delegate representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
To that, Dr. Myron Downs, alternate delegate from Georgia, asked: “Are you a politician or are you a statesman? The issue of transparency … it’s kind of counterintuitive. When you have transparency you might be affected by outside sources.”
Connecticut Delegate Dr. Stewart “Chip” Beckett fired back his belief that transparency would open the door to better policy making: “If you don’t know why a resolution passed or failed, you can’t modify it; there’s no way to bridge the gap. I agree that this is a very politicized body, and it’s not going to be any worse if there’s transparency.
“We don’t allow people to review our work and see what we’re doing. Let’s not act like we’re hiding behind a curtain, and it’s protection.”
Dr. Gary Thompson, Ohio delegate, echoed those sentiments.
“Transparency can blow up in your face, I agree. I’m wrong about a lot of stuff, but I think the view is always better from the high ground,” he said.
Despite the bevy of arguments favoring the resolution, they did not provide enough traction for its passage. Spouting a reference from the Bible, Georgia Delegate Dr. Timothy Montgomery stood before his colleagues and noted that veterinarians are honest and reputable, negating a need for opening the House voting processes.
Furthermore, he stated, when it comes to controversial animal welfare topics, veterinarians don’t have the means to go back to their hometowns and face a backlash.
“We don’t have the income that a U.S. representative or senator has,” Montgomery argued. “We have to go home to be selected as the poster child representing a particular view on an issue and have that become a media circus … subject to media scrutiny and the Internet.”
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