The Academyof Rural
VeterinariansPromoting the Rewards of Veterinary Practice in Rural America & Around the World
ARV: The Mission
To promote and advance the rewards of Veterinary
Practice in Rural America through example, education,
outreach and advocacy.
ARV: Our History
In 1998, a group of dedicated rural veterinarians met while taking the Beef Cattle Production Management Course at Clay Center, Nebraska.
A common belief in thevalue of rural practicefound; visited practicesoffering critiques
Challenge of findingqualified associates
ARV: Our History
Rural Veterinarians - To promote the noble profession fight stereotypes, i.e. low pay and poor quality
The Academy of Rural Veterinarians formally founded in 2003 in Buffalo, Wyoming.
Plunged into the work by organizing school visits - to speak directly to students
1st school meeting presented in2004 at Texas A&M.
ARV: Growth & Outreach
Over the last six years, continued growth and success.
Currently 350 veterinarianmember-mentors and1,200+ veterinarian students
Members represent everystate in the nation
Presence at every vet school In 2008, created a
National Office
ARV: Our Leadership Today
Rexanne Struve, DVMImmediate Past President
Iowa
Lisa Willis, DVMSecretary
Texas
Shelley Lenz, DVM, PhDPresident
North Dakota
Dean Christianson, DVMVice PresidentNorth Dakota
Brett Andrews, DVMTreasurerNebraska
Paul Click, DVMPresident-Elect
Alabama
ARV: Our History
The ARV “Originators”
ARV: Ensuring the Survival & Growth of the Rural Practice
How do we do it?
Only national organization dedicated to the needs and issues of rural vet practice
Setting the example throughour members and theirsuccessful practices
Outreach to the schools Outreach at the community level, i.e. FFA Outreach at the professional level, i.e. AABP
ARV: How Do We Do It?
Veterinary School Visit Program Externship Grant Program ARV Website – www.ruralvets.com The Rural Vet, Our Newsletter Visibility in National and
Professional Publications Open to New Ideas to Get
Message Out
ARV: Effective Operations
ARV - Doing it longer than anyone on a national level
Recognized as the leaderon rural vet issues.
A generation of graduates inpractice that know ARV andwhat it does.
Dedicated volunteer Board of Directors provide vision and coordinate activities
ARV is “grassroots” and believes foundation for success is motivated rural veterinarians.
ARV: Effective Operations
ARV is comprised of “real” veterinarians in practices across the country
We tell our stories to students; lead by example
Established communications tools to reach our audience, support our mission and members
Efficiently run and provides a least-costprogram to get the job done
ARV utilizes association managementto help Academy’s efficiency
ARV: A Good Partner
A Major Goal for the Academy – To Collaborate Across the Profession
Student Organizations Seek Out ARV ARV Veterinary Training Survey shared with
North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium
ARV Invited to Appoint Representative to AAVMC’s Food Supply Veterinary Medicine Committee
ARV: A Good Partner
ARV present on AVMA; other national & international committees
In collaboration with Oregon,Ohio, Michigan and Colorado State, ARVconducted a nationwidesurvey addressing theissue of retention of ruralveterinarians. Articles will appear in JAVMA.
Thank you for this opportunity
to tell you about ARV
Feel free to ask about our mission, operation and future