Comments Sought on NAVMEC Final Report to Help Shape the Future of Veterinary Education

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Want to help shape veterinary education to build the veterinary workforce of the future?  Now is your chance as public comments are sought on a groundbreaking report.

The North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC) has completed a draft report of recommendations for veterinary medicine and education, entitled "Roadmap for Veterinary Medical Education in the 21st Century: Responsive, Collaborative, Flexible."  It's available for public review at: www.navmec.org, and NAVMEC is seeking comments on the report.

This report follows three national meetings of over 200 veterinary leaders held earlier this year to discuss veterinary education and the future of the profession.  These NAVMEC meetings were organized by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and supported by several groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

"Veterinary medicine and veterinary education are changing rapidly today, and that's why this report is so important.  We need to prepare students today so they can respond to changing societal needs," explains Dr. Janver Krehbiel, AVMA Executive Board member representing District V and AVMA representative to NAVMEC.  "A great deal of thought, discussion and energy went into drafting this report, and now we're looking for constructive comments and suggestions on this important issue from our colleagues and the general public."

The report is already being used by veterinary schools across the country as they consider changes to improve their programs.  The NAVMEC initiative strives to answer a number of questions: what are the critical needs of society in the 21st Century that the profession must be prepared to meet; what are the core competencies that veterinarians must have in the future; what is the best way to educate veterinary students; and how can all aspects of veterinary education—from academia to accrediting bodies and licensing organizations—work together most effectively?

The NAVMEC draft report and recommendations can be accessed on NAVMEC's website at www.navmec.org, and the NAVMEC Report Feedback Form can also be found on that site as well.  The report is also available via email and in hard copy.  This consultative period will conclude February 28, 2011, and the revised report is expected to be approved by the AAVMC in March 2011.

For more information about the AVMA, please visit www.avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 80,000 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association