title: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): 50 Years of History and Service.
abstract: The mission of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is to advance the quality of academic veterinary medicine. Founded in 1966 by the 18 US colleges of veterinary medicine and 3 Canadian colleges of veterinary medicine then in existence, the AAVMC is celebrating 50 years of public service. Initially, the AAVMC comprised the Council of Deans, the Council of Educators, and the Council of Chairs. In 1984, the tri-cameral structure was abandoned and a new governing structure with a board of directors was created. In 1997, the AAVMC was incorporated in Washington, DC and a common application service was created. Matters such as workforce issues and the cost of veterinary medical education have persisted for decades. The AAVMC is a champion of diversity in the veterinary profession and a strong advocate for One Health. The AAVMC has adopted a global perspective as more international colleges of veterinary medicine have earned COE accreditation and become members.
authors.forename: Andrew T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Maccabe
authors.forename: Lester
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: Lawrence E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Heider
authors.forename: Billy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hooper
authors.forename: Curt J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Marguerite
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pappaioanou
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D004520:Education, Veterinary / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D012582:Schools, Veterinary / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012952:Societies / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States
keywords: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC); Veterinary Medical Caucus, veterinary medical workforce; Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS); diversity in veterinary medicine; federal investment in veterinary medical education