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