Several state associations and individuals have deemed the accreditation of veterinary schools of “urgent, national importance to the veterinary medical profession.“ I urge you to become involved in the dialogue, and to take action as outlined below.

I believe all colleagues should understand AVMA’s role in veterinary school accreditation and make their opinions known to the only organization that can make an impact: the U.S. Department of Education’s National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI).

This issue will come to a head this December when NACIQI reviews AVMA’s role in accreditation.  

The Department of Education is currently accepting public comments on the issue.  The deadline for written comments is less than a week away – September 22, 2014.

If you do nothing else, I urge you to send a letter to NACIQI stating your support or lack of support for the way in which the AVMA Council on Education has applied the 11 standards for accreditation of veterinary schools.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Spend a few moments educating yourself by reviewing the 11 standards and perusing background information and information and links that instruct and help you send feedback to NACIQI: http://beta.vin.com/Link.plx?ID=6446322.
2. Make your voice heard – in favor of, against, or with recommendation on how to change the role of the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA-COE) in accrediting veterinary schools.

WHAT DO I THINK?

On the surface, this is a complex issue. However, what I believe we need to move forward and find peace within our profession is not that complicated. The AVMA Council on Education should be spun off from AVMA and reformed as an independent body, similar to how accreditation operates for human medical schools.  

I believe a Veterinary Council on Education that is independent of AVMA and AAVMC (American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges) politics and direct influence will best serve our profession in the same way that the NAVLE (National Board Examination) has gained credibility and wide support within our profession since being spun off from AVMA.

The current Council on Education has in place much of what is needed. I believe it needs to be provided with the resources to set its own independent path, and budget, as well as independent legal counsel, and a selection process that insulates it from being largely staffed by the same individuals who serve year after year in AVMA and AAVMC leadership positions.

I urge you to make your voice heard on the role of the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA-COE) in accrediting veterinary schools.

My personal feelings on the topic are driven by my concern for the future of our profession, the future of veterinary education, and the impact upon our colleagues – young and old, associates and practice owners.   

I have hesitated to reach out in a communication like this because I view VIN’s role and my role in the profession as promoting education and building a unified community – not a political entity. I am sending this letter because I believe veterinary school accreditation has created an increasingly large divide within our profession. It has placed AVMA at odds with its members, our veterinary schools at odds with its students and alumni, and colleagues at odds with colleagues.  

This divide is growing at a time when our profession needs to unify. We need to find ways to put aside our differences and stand together with our schools and local, state and national organizations in order to support each other and give a unified message to the public.

A strong AVMA with a focus upon its members is critical to the future of our profession, especially our young colleagues. AVMA’s continued direct involvement in veterinary school accreditation is a major conflict of interest and distraction that keeps AVMA from maintaining focus upon its members’ well-being and the well-being of the profession overall.

We need to put the accreditation issue to rest and get on with the business of advocating for and supporting each other and our profession. This is critical if we are to be a strong profession, focused on advancing and providing the best care for our patients, clients, and society-at-large.

I am happy to discuss this one-on-one or in a rounds discussion. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me – or join some of the ongoing discussions related to this issue on the message boards.

Thanks!

>>>Paul<<<

Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Co-founder, VIN
Paul@vin.com
530-757-6881