On May 30, 1996, the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) hosted a symposium sponsored by the CVM Training Committee. The invited speaker was American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President-Elect, Mary Beth Leininger, D.V.M.

Dr. Leininger highlighted the attributes of the veterinary medical profession and emphasized the importance of the profession to the general well-being of humans as well as animals. She spoke of the new atmosphere at the AVMA to focus on serving the needs of its members. Dr. Leininger discussed the various tasks facing the AVMA such as representing the veterinary profession to the world, and providing a network to connect all of the diversities within the profession.

Dr. Leininger informed the seminar attendees about ways to access the AVMA. She discussed how to get questions answered, how to get action from the AVMA, how to get scientific articles published in the organization's two journals, and how to get involved in the AVMA. Dr. Leininger emphasized the availability and willingness of the AVMA staff members answering the telephones to assist veterinarians. Dr. Leininger even offered her voice mail telephone number and electronic mail address followed by a sincere invitation for veterinarians to use these means to contact her. Dr. Leininger may be reached at the AVMA by calling 1-800-248-2862, Extension 318. Her e-mail address is 74232.1150@compuserve.

Dr. Leininger responded to questions from the audience. She addressed issues such as the increasing legal value of companion animals, pet health insurance and third party payment of animal health care, and the roles of the AVMA President. Dr. Leininger cited the roles of the AVMA President as being chief spokesperson for the organization and the primary public relations person for the veterinary medical profession. Her goals for her term as AVMA President are to re-emphasize the importance of AVMA members and provide for their needs. The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Center Director Stephen F. Sundlof and presentation of a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Leininger.