Brand new SIG for vets in education and research!

Veterinarians in Education, Research and Academia (VERA) is the AVA’s newest special interest group!

VERA was approved at the January 2012 AVA Board meeting and is now open for business.

It’s designed especially for veterinarians working in educational institutions, government, research bodies, and members in practice who are involved in undergraduate and postgraduate education. It aims to:

• Provide continuing education to members including the development and provision of offerings through the AVA Annual Conference Education Day
• Provide input to policy development with regard to veterinary education and research , including representation on the Policy Advisory Council
• Provide input to government policy development and lobbying on issues linked to veterinary education and research of national importance to the profession in consultation with the Board
• Provide input into policy on education and research at the regional level in consultation with divisions
• Represent the AVA on government and industry committees
• Provide opportunities for networking and social activities for members
• Be involved in the development and implementation of policy, as well as in the establishment and monitoring of national standards and accreditation programs in consultation with the Board and divisions
• Inform members of the policies and projects of the association.

A VERA subscription for 2012-2013 will cost $55.

Just over 50 current AVA members expressed their interest in joining the SIG, and they will be signed up to their VERA membership over the next month. If their renewal is due this year, their renewal invoice will include a VERA subscription. If they’re not due for renewal till 2013, AVA will send an invoice for a VERA subscription up to 30 June 2013.

Others who would like to join can contact National Office on 1300 137 309 or members [at] ava [dot] com [dot] au.