This past July, the AVMA House of Delegates convened in Anaheim, CA, in conjunction with the annual convention. The House of Delegates is the principal body of the Association responsible for establishing policy and providing direction for matters relating to veterinary medicine. Dr. Carolyn Naun (delegate) and Dr. Jenee Odani (alternate delegate) participate in discussions on policy updates and other topics related to our profession.
Updates on the Federal Student Loan program were presented, including the $200,000 professional education loan cap and the new tiered standard plan (TSP). Other AVMA activities, the AVMA Annual Report, and recent legal cases relevant to our profession were discussed.
Dr. Jen Quammen was inducted as the new AVMA President at this convention. In her speech, she reminded us that “The future of veterinary medicine won’t be built by any one of us. It will be cultivated by all of us.” Dr. Robert Knapp (OH) was elected as 2026-2027 president-elect; he will serve as AVMA president when Dr. Quammen’s term ends next July. Dr. Boggier (NJ) was elected as 2026-2027 vice president. Two candidates have been announced for the 2027-2028 AVMA president-elect: Dr. Sandy Willis (WA) and Dr. N. Isaac Bott (UT). Dr. Richard Sullivan (CA) was elected AVMA Board of Directors Chair, and Dr. Amanda Bisol (ME) was elected as vice chair.
Two Veterinary Information Forum Topics were discussed:
- Educational Update on Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Practice.
- Responding to New World Screwworm
Additionally, several policy updates and resolutions were passed, including:
- Free-roaming cats
- Animal Abuse and Neglect
- Calf Management
- Encouraging State Proclamations Recognizing November 3 as One Health Day
- Bylaws Amendments, Extension of the Grace Period for Constituent Allied Veterinary Organizations
If you have any questions about these topics or the AVMA House of Delegates, please feel free to reach out to your Hawaii AVMA Representatives: Carolyn Naun and Jenee Odani.