Preliminary data from the 2016 VMCAS application cycle show a total of 6,660 students have applied for admission to the Fall 2016 classes of AAVMC member institutions participating in the VMCAS program. Compared to the 6,681 students who sought admission last year, it represents a decrease of a statistically insignificant fraction of one percent. During the year before that, there were 6,744 applicants. Learn more.

This infographic depicts characteristics of the average applicant based upon 2014-2015 applicant data.

Nominations for the AAVMC's 2016 series of professional achievement and distinguished service awards are being accepted through October 16, 2015. Each year, the AAVMC presents five major awards designed to inspire and recognize professional excellence in various sectors of academic veterinary medicine. These include the AAVMC Excellence in Research Award, presented by Zoetis; the AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, presented by Zoetis; the Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award; the Iverson Bell Award, and the Recognition Lecture. Learn more.

Launched in 2005, the AAVMC's DiVersity Matters program advocates for the recruitment and retention of underrepresented persons as students and faculty, ultimately fostering their success in veterinary medicine. Ten years later, successes have been recorded, but plenty of challenges remain. It's clear that progress in achieving appropriate levels of diversity and inclusion will require continued diligence, creativity and resolve. Learn more.

This summer the staff of the AAVMC conducted a survey to determine the availability of institutional scholarships and grants to veterinary medical schools. The data reveal that $29 million is available for student aid in the U.S. Unfortunately, these funds do not go very far in providing relief to escalating student costs. Generally, fewer veterinary students receive less institutional aid than AAVMC has historically reported (approximately $3,000). Fewer than 50% of veterinary students are receiving institutional aid in the US, and only 40% of first year veterinary students are receiving aid. The average amount of funding received by all veterinary students receiving aid is $2,488; the average amount of aid awarded specifically to first year veterinary students is $5,429. Learn more.

Academic veterinary medicine is well represented on the Obama Administration's recently established Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. The Council's Vice Chair is Dr. Lonnie J. King, chair of the APLU-AAVMC Joint Task Force on Antibiotic Resistance in Production Agriculture. It also includes three other professors from AAVMC member institutions. King will help lead the 15-member group established to advise Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell on programs and policies related to combating the antibiotic resistant bacteria problem. Learn more.

Members of Congress and staffers were reminded of the important role companion animals play in modern family life during one of the animal health industry's premiere networking and advocacy events on Capitol Hill. Several AAVMC representatives joined about 150 others during the Animal Health Institute's 19th Annual "Pet Night on Capitol Hill" on Thursday, September 18 in the Cannon House Office Building. The AAVMC is an affiliate sponsor of the event that attracts a range of senior corporate executives and government officials. Learn more.

Sign up to receive the Vet-Med Educator in your inbox here.