AVMA Winter House of Delegates Meeting 2025
The countdown is on for the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) Winter Meeting this January! This gathering will tackle critical issues shaping the future of veterinary medicine, and your input matters. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the agenda, why it’s important, and how you can get involved—even if you’re not attending in person.
Top Resolutions for Review 📝
The HOD will focus on three key resolutions submitted within the required pre meeting window:
- Resolution 1. Officer Campaign Rules Update: Guidelines for AVMA officer election campaigning.
- Resolution 2. Biosecurity Policy: A resolution focused on evidence-based practices to enhance biosecurity.
- Resolution 3. Cellular Agriculture Policy: Endorsing research, production, and sales of cellular agriculture animal protein products for food.
Additionally, five more resolutions (Resolutions 4–8) will be reviewed if the HOD approves a waiver of prior notification:
- Resolution 4. Antler Removal and Velveting Policies.
- Resolution 5. Membership Dues Increase: A potential change likely to generate significant discussion.
- Resolution 6. Alternative and Integrative Medicine: A policy addressing complementary treatments.
- Resolution 7. Licensing by Endorsement: Supporting veterinarians moving between jurisdictions.
- Resolution 8. Pet Ownership Guidelines: Revised policies on responsible pet ownership.
These resolutions are crucial for ensuring AVMA policies remain current and effective.
Veterinary Information Forum Topics 💬
This session’s Veterinary Information Forum (VIF) will cover two pivotal topics:
- Current status of accreditation in veterinary education
- A discussion on the role of the AVMA Council on Education (COE) in accrediting veterinary schools and potential changes on the horizon.
- Supporting Rural Veterinarians
- Strategies to advocate for resources, tools, and policy changes to support rural practitioners.
- This topic isn’t limited to large or mixed-animal veterinarians – it’s about finding solutions for all veterinary professionals in rural settings.
These discussions aim to address pressing challenges and identify opportunities for growth across the profession.
Why Your Voice Matters 🌟
The decisions made at the HOD Winter Meeting impact all veterinarians, whether you’re in private practice, academia, research, or public health. Your input ensures that AVMA policies reflect the real-world needs of the profession.
If you’re not attending in person, you can still make your voice heard by sharing your perspective with your delegate. Unsure who your delegate is? I’m happy to help you find them!
How to Share Your Input ✉️
Want to contribute to these important discussions? Here’s how:
- Find Your Delegate:
Your delegate represents your interests. Visit the AVMA HOD Resolutions page to learn more. - Ideally Submit Feedback by January 3:
To ensure your delegate has time to review your input, reach out at least a week before the session. - Engage in the Conversation:
If you’re attending the meeting, participate in discussions and share your insights directly. Go to the reference committees and district caucus meetings too.
Let’s Connect at the Winter Meeting!
I’ll be at the AVMA Winter Meeting and look forward to diving into these important topics. Whether it’s accreditation, rural support, or the proposed resolutions, these conversations will have a lasting impact on our profession.
If you’re attending, let’s connect!
And if you’re not, be sure to share your thoughts with your delegate ahead of time.
Together, we can ensure veterinary medicine continues to thrive.
Who is Jen?
As a modern veterinarian with diverse roles, including Chief Veterinary Officer at Otto, I have developed technology solutions for veterinary practices and fostered collaboration within the field. My commitment to learning, leadership, and organized veterinary medicine, along with my ability to connect with others, drives my vision as the next AVMA President-Elect.