The Australian Veterinarians in Industry (AVI) Special Interest Group has been a valued part of the AVA for over 60 years. Led by newly appointed President Dr Larissa de Carle, the AVI continues to highlight the unique and meaningful contributions of industry vets.
Representing veterinarians in pharmaceuticals, research organisations and consultants, AVI provides a voice within the AVA and builds connections across the profession. Membership offers not only networking and collaboration, but also recognition of the crucial role industry vets play.
Can you share an overview of the AVI Group and its mission within the AVA?
The AVI serves as a platform for veterinarians employed across various industrial sectors. AVI advocates for issues of relevance to veterinarians working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, research organisations and consulting forms. Additionally, AVI offers expertise to the AVA, drawing from professionals immersed in these specialised fields.
What are the benefits of joining the SIG and how does it support veterinarians in their careers?
Being part of the AVI committee and making a contribution to the AVA provides a benefit to one’s feeling of their value as a vet – working for Industry is called ‘going to the dark side’ and can result in a feeling of being devalued both personally and professionally. Contributing to the AVA and collaborating with similar colleagues plus colleagues in practice reminds us that we are making a contribution, albeit of a different nature to practicing vets, and that our contribution is valuable and valued.
What unique opportunities does a career in industry offer to veterinarians compared to private practice?
Many industry roles use the skills that are developed in practice – ability to analyse data and apply to different situations, communication of technical material and a focus on the health and wellbeing of animals. I like to think that in industry you might be able to achieve something (new product registration, treatment protocol, disease identification) that will improve the lives of many animals, and help the veterinarians that treat them.
In general, we get to spend more time on a project (which I love), and it is possible to plan out your work time rather than just reacting to emergencies that come through the door (although we do sometimes have urgent tasks come up). It also opens opportunities to provide guidance on overall animal health elements, rather than the individual.
What advice would you give to veterinary students or early-career veterinarians considering a move into the industry sector?
Think about the type of work environment that you would enjoy and how you might build your skills to be ‘job ready’ for a move into industry. Many of us started as technical services veterinarians but there are also entry level roles in sales and in research and development. Make connections with vets in industry – either through AVI or talking to industry vets you might come across in practice.
Are there any events coming up for AVI members this year?
Yes! Save the date for the AVI Dinner Seminar on 20 November 2025, from 6:30pm in Sydney. Dr Mark Westman will be presenting ‘Shelter veterinarian and charity founder to academic and government researcher: confessions of an eternal optimist’.
He has faced numerous challenges during his career and will share the outlook and mental tricks he has used to help him overcome these significant challenges. Through his story Mark hopes to put a little positivity and self-confidence into the world, no matter what your path.
His work on feline retroviral diseases, including postdoctoral research at the University of Glasgow, has led to published Australian and New Zealand guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and management of FIV and FeLV. Mark currently works as a veterinary microbiologist at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (NSW DPIRD). He is also co-founder of Pets in the Park, Australia’s largest charity dedicated to providing free veterinary care to people experiencing homelessness.
Save the date for this exciting event, it will be the final AVI event of the year – open to all AVI and ASAV members!
What do you love about the SIG and working as an industry vet?
I love being able to connect with other Industry vets, especially our dinner events with guest speakers – the discussions are always so illuminating. I’ve been working in the pharmaceutical industry for over 16 years in a few different roles and it’s great to feel included in the AVA despite no longer being in clinical practice.