The AAVMC has changed its name from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.
The wording change, although subtle, now correctly denotes that international members are part of an American-based association, linked by a common accreditation system. In contrast, the former name described the colleges as American-based.
This action was undertaken to recognize the AAVMC’s evolving role as an international organization. AAVMC leaders have been considering the need for a name change ever since international colleges and schools of veterinary medicine became eligible for accreditation by the Council on Education (COE), thereby qualifying for AAVMC membership.
Presently, 22 of the 55 COE-accredited schools are outside the United States. In addition, AAVMC includes 12 Collaborative and Provisional Members from outside of the United States that are not yet accredited by the COE.
“Our international members told us that they wanted us to retain the word ‘American,’ indicating their association with the American accreditation system,” said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “Because of that preference, the term ‘international’ was not included in the new name, even though institutions from throughout the world are eligible to qualify for membership.”
The new name preserves the existing acronym, which has earned strong brand recognition among internal and external stakeholders, so it will require minimal work in rebranding. The AAVMC conducted a brand refresh following the introduction of the new strategic plan last year, and the graphic “look” of our organization will remain the same.
The name change became official on April 9. The process of fully implementing the new name is expected to take several months. If you have any questions or needs related to this matter, please contact Chief Communications Officer Jeff Douglas at jdouglas@aavmc.org.
About the AAVMC
The member institutions of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) promote and protect the health and wellbeing of people, animals and the environment by advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and preparing new generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of a changing world. Founded in 1966, the AAVMC represents more than 40,000 faculty, staff and students across the global academic veterinary medical community. Our member institutions include veterinary medical colleges and schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand as well as departments of veterinary science and departments of comparative medicine in the U.S.
