AVMA, new Chinese VMA reach out to each other in partnership
Source:
February 1, 2010
"This is an important event for veterinary medicine across the globe."

So said AVMA CEO W. Ron DeHaven as he congratulated one of the world's ancient cultures on forming its first national veterinary association.

In Beijing for the Oct. 28, 2009, launch of the history-making Chinese Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. DeHaven presented a gift from the AVMA at the opening ceremony. As a guest speaker at the inaugural seminar, he shared words of inspiration and a pledge of collaboration.

"AVMA is one of the oldest, largest veterinary medical associations in the world. We understand the value and power of organized veterinary medicine. We are able to speak for all veterinarians in the United States of America. My hope is that the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association will assume the same position in China," Dr. DeHaven said.

Chinese veterinarians already have local organizations such as the Beijing Small Animal Veterinary Association, but the Chinese VMA is their first national association. Government approval was required to establish it.

Dr. Jia Youlin is the new association's chairman. Dr. DeHaven began a working relationship with Dr. Jia while on a 2004 trip to China. They had held corresponding positions as chief veterinary officer in their respective countries, Dr. DeHaven as director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Dr. Jia as director of the Veterinary Bureau of China's Ministry of Agriculture. When Dr. Jia retired, he took on the challenge of forming a national association. Now, each is CEO of his association. The connection the colleagues developed as they worked together and shared ideas is a testament to what two veterinarians can set in motion.

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