1. The Academy of Rural Veterinarians
Promoting the Rewards of Veterinary Practice in Rural America & Around the World

2. ARV: The Mission
To promote and advance the rewards of Veterinary Practice in Rural America through example, education, outreach and advocacy.

3. ARV: Our History
In 1998, a group of dedicated rural veterinarians met while taking the Beef Cattle Production Management Course at Clay Center, Nebraska.
A common belief in the value of rural practice found; visited practices offering critiques
Challenge of finding qualified associates

4. ARV: Our History
Rural Veterinarians - To promote the noble profession fight stereotypes, i.e. low pay and poor quality
The Academy of Rural Veterinarians formally founded in 2003 in Buffalo, Wyoming.
Plunged into the work by organizing school visits - to speak directly to students
1st school meeting presented in 2004 at Texas A&M.

5. ARV: Growth & Outreach
Over the last six years, continued growth and success.
Currently 350 veterinarian member-mentors and 1,200+ veterinarian students
Members represent every state in the nation
Presence at every vet school
In 2008, created a National Office

6. ARV: Our Leadership Today
Lisa Willis, DVM Secretary Texas
Shelley Lenz, DVM, PhD President North Dakota
Dean Christianson, DVM Vice President North Dakota
Brett Andrews, DVM Treasurer Nebraska
Paul Click, DVM President-Elect Alabama
Rexanne Struve, DVM Immediate Past President Iowa

7. ARV: Our History
The ARV “Originators”

8. ARV: Ensuring the Survival & Growth of the Rural Practice
How do we do it?
Only national organization dedicated to the needs and issues of rural vet practice
Setting the example through our members and their successful practices
Outreach to the schools
Outreach at the community level, i.e. FFA
Outreach at the professional level, i.e. AABP

9. ARV: How Do We Do It? Veterinary School Visit Program
Externship Grant Program
ARV Website –
The Rural Vet, Our Newsletter
Visibility in National and Professional Publications
Open to New Ideas to Get Message Out

10. ARV: Effective Operations
ARV - Doing it longer than anyone on a national level
Recognized as the leader on rural vet issues.
A generation of graduates in practice that know ARV and what it does.
Dedicated volunteer Board of Directors provide vision and coordinate activities
ARV is “grassroots” and believes foundation for success is motivated rural veterinarians.

11. ARV: Effective Operations
ARV is comprised of “real” veterinarians in practices across the country
We tell our stories to students; lead by example
Established communications tools to reach our audience, support our mission and members
Efficiently run and provides a least-cost program to get the job done
ARV utilizes association management to help Academy’s efficiency

12. ARV: A Good Partner
A Major Goal for the Academy – To Collaborate Across the Profession
Student Organizations Seek Out ARV
ARV Veterinary Training Survey shared with North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium
ARV Invited to Appoint Representative to AAVMC’s Food Supply Veterinary Medicine Committee

13. ARV: A Good Partner
ARV present on AVMA; other national & international committees
In collaboration with Oregon, Ohio, Michigan and Colorado State, ARV conducted a nationwide survey addressing the issue of retention of rural veterinarians. Articles will appear in JAVMA.

14. Thank you for this opportunity to tell you about ARV
Feel free to ask about our mission, operation and future