Sydney Australia – 12 January 2021 – The voice of Australia’s veterinaryprofession, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), celebrates itsCentenary in 2021.
“From small beginnings, something strong has grown – we can be proud of whatthe AVA has achieved over the last 100 years, and it’s the perfect time tocelebrate the achievements of veterinarians and the profession. The AVA iscommitted to empowering the veterinary profession to thrive by providing astrong and united voice, underpinned by a focus on support, education andcommunity”, said Dr Warwick Vale, AVA President.
The inaugural meeting responsible for the formation of the AVA was held at theUniversity of Melbourne on 12 January 1921. Since then the AVA has made asignificant impact in areas such as antimicrobial resistance and prescribingguidelines, the welfare of racehorses over their entire lifetime, and the careof livestock and wildlife affected by environmental disasters. The AVAprovides essential leadership on animal welfare issues, contributes togovernment policy development, lobbies for improvements in legislation, anddevelops quality assurance programs that relate to standards of care forpatients in veterinary hospitals.
“The veterinary profession and the leadership delivered by the AVA over thelast 100 years in animal welfare disease prevention and veterinary serviceshas been a key part of the success of Australia. Veterinarians provide uniqueand vital services that are essential to our community. Australians can feelproud of our veterinarians in the contribution they have made to animal healthand welfare of pets, farm animals and wildlife over the last 100 years – at alocal, national and international level”, said Dr Vale.
“The AVA advocates in a way that ensures that veterinarians’ professionalknowledge, scientific expertise, and our empathy and compassion for animals isat the forefront and is making a difference. The AVA also advocates for betteroutcomes for veterinarians and the animals they care for, as the ongoing needsof veterinarians is our highest priority”.
Having been an active member of the AVA since 1965, at a time when there was ascarcity of female representation in the veterinary profession, veterinarianMary Barton, an Emeritus Professor in microbiology and public health at theUniversity of South Australia who was the AVA’s second female President from1988 to 1989, celebrates the changing demographics of the veterinaryprofession in recent decades.
“It’s been wonderful to see an increase in the number of female veterinariansin the profession. Over the years, I’ve also noticed a shift from large animalto small animal practice, with increased part-time work. Not everyone has towork in a clinical practice to be a ‘real’ vet. I think it is important toremember the key roles that veterinarians have played in the economic securityof Australia over the last 100 years, such as in the area of disease controleradicating Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis, and in the control of exoticdisease incursions from the earliest days”, said Professor Barton.
“The role of veterinarians has evolved as the community has changed over time,with developments in animal welfare, the importance of public health as morezoonoses have been recognised, and the changing role of pets in society withthe community having higher expectations of the outcomes of veterinarytreatment”.
Recognising the changing demographics and workplace of the profession, the AVAhas introduced programs such as the Return to Work online learning resourcefor vets returning to the workforce, and the Employer of Choice programdeveloping leading veterinary workplaces that maximise the full potential oftheir workforce. The AVA also provides a range of veterinary mental health andwellness services including the new graduate mentoring program and educationalmental health and wellbeing resources.
The veterinary profession has diversified over the last century, seeingincreasing specialisation and technological developments such as the use ofveterinary telemedicine, but there remains a common bond which linksveterinarians together – a focus on keeping a strong professional identitywhich is supported by the AVA.
“First and foremost veterinarians have a commitment to animals. Science isalso critical, but I think that one of the most central aspects of our role asvets is the trust that is inherent in our role. Pet and livestock owners trustus every day, and that will always be an integral part of how we practice ourprofession”, said Dr Zachary Lederhose, who graduated as a veterinarian fromCharles Sturt University in 2016 and owns a small animal veterinary practicein Goulburn in regional New South Wales.
“I became a vet because of my curiosity, I wanted to understand medicine,surgery, and everything in-between. Once I dipped my toe into the industry, Irealised it was all about people, which makes me love it even more! I lovehelping people to have the best relationship they can with their pet, and as avet, I feel fortunate to be such a critical part of so many people’sfamilies”, said Dr Lederhose.
“The past 100 years of the AVA covers a huge change in the role ofveterinarians in society. In the time that pets have gone from the backyard tothe bedroom, vets have become a more critical part of many people’s lives. Asa younger member of the AVA, as we reflect on how we got here, I’m excited tosee where the next 100 years takes us!”.
The AVA’s Centenary program brings together a collective brand thatacknowledges our history and longevity whilst celebrating this fantasticmilestone. A range of activities are planned for the AVA’s Centenary year tohighlight the significant contributions of veterinarians to Australia, alongwith exploring what to expect in the field of veterinary science in the yearsahead.
Join us on the AVA’s 100 Years and Beyond journey.
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