Most people are familiar with human medical specialists like cardiologists and dermatologists. But very few members of the general public know there are specialists in veterinary medicine as well. Jean Hall, Chairman of the board of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and an OSU Professor, is working to change that. “Part of our objective at ACVIM is to educate the public,” she says. “Our affiliated foundation is raising money to promote specialists. General veterinarians provide excellent care but there may be tests or equipment or expertise that they don’t have.”
The ACVIM is a national non-profit organization that certifies veterinary specialists in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and internal medicine. Currently in her fourth year of service with the organization, Hall has been instrumental in a large-scale reorganization of the ACVIM to make it more responsive to member’s needs. Most recently, she led a search committee that hired a dynamic new CEO who will implement many new initiatives set by the governing board. “She has lots of experience running organizations,” Hall says, “and is well poised to lead us to the next level.”
Hall is excited about the new initiatives on the table. In addition to ramping up promotion of veterinary specialists, the ACVIM is planning to become a resource center for members. “We want to help them with advertising and marketing,” she says. “It makes sense not to recreate the wheel for each practice, and if we band together, we get strength in numbers.” The ACVIM also plans to provide help with technical, licensing, and legal questions.
Another new initiative underway at the ACVIM is in response to practicing veterinarians who have expressed an interest in being involved in research. The organization is investigating ways to connect veterinarians, who see a vast number of animal cases and have a wealth of real-world knowledge, with university researchers who have the tools and research expertise.
Hall acknowledges that her work with the ACVIM has put a dent in her personal life but she goes into her last year of service with a real sense of accomplishment. “I love to go into organizations and make them better. Where some people are better at tackling day-to-day details, I think I offer an ability to envision the future. I am honored to have been asked to serve.”
