Share Your Voice: Distance Education in Veterinary Medicine 🐾💻

Jen here with an important opportunity to make your voice heard. The AVMA Council on Education (COE) is actively seeking feedback on distance education in veterinary medicine—but time is running out! You only have until January 13, 2025, to submit your comments.

This is a rare chance to help shape the future of veterinary education, so don’t wait—let’s dive into why this matters and how you can get involved.

 

What Is Distance Education?

Distance education refers to using technology to deliver instruction when instructors and students are separated by time or space. Think of it as online learning, like Zoom lectures or virtual coursework.

While it offers flexibility, it also raises critical questions about the quality of education and how veterinary students and faculty navigate this approach. If you’re pursuing or have earned a DVM or VMD degree, this could directly impact you. Even if you’re practicing or working in research, your perspective on distance education matters for the profession and the health of animals everywhere.

 

Why the Clock Is Ticking 🕒

The COE rarely seeks input from the broader veterinary community, so this is a unique and time-sensitive opportunity. Your comments could influence key decisions about:

• The quality and effectiveness of distance education compared to in-person learning.
• Challenges and opportunities for students and instructors using remote methods.
• How distance education could impact the future of veterinary practice.

The deadline to submit your feedback is January 13, 2025—and this window won’t come around often. Take a few minutes now to share your thoughts before it’s too late.

 

How to Share Your Comments 🗓️

It’s easy to get involved and share your perspective!

1. Submit your comments via the online form HERE
2. Visit the AVMA blog post on distance education for more details.
3. Review the official definition of distance education for context.

 

Why Your Input Matters 💬

Whether you’re in a state with a veterinary school, a proposed school, or practicing in the field, your feedback is critical. Distance education could shape how future veterinarians are trained, how they enter the workforce, and ultimately, how we ensure the health and welfare of animals.

The COE is counting on the profession’s input to guide their decisions. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to influence the future of veterinary medicine—January 13, 2025, will be here before you know it!

 

Let’s Discuss! 🐾

What are your thoughts on distance education in veterinary medicine? Are there specific benefits or challenges the COE should consider? Comment below or submit your feedback directly to the COE.

Thanks for helping make veterinary medicine even stronger. Together, we can ensure the education of tomorrow’s veterinarians is as impactful as the profession they’ll serve.