Dear ACVIM Diplomates,

Autumn is here, and so it feels appropriate that the ACVIM is also undergoing a period of change and transition. There are many initiatives underway, and I am encouraged by the direction our organization is taking to continue supporting our members and serve as trusted leaders in the veterinary profession.

As you are likely aware, our efforts to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture are ongoing; not only for the ACVIM, but also for our profession. I want to personally thank everyone who offered their input and participated in the DEI survey that was open to all Diplomates and Candidates during the month of August. Our partner, The Equity Project, is currently assimilating the responses collected, which we will carefully consider and use to inform our strategies moving forward.

I also want to thank those who participated in the recent bylaws amendment vote regarding lowering the simple and super voting majority. With 901 (27%) of eligible members casting votes on the motions, the following results have been determined:

• The motion to lower the supermajority from 75% to 60% passed, with 87% voting in favor.
• The motion to lower the quorum from 20% to 10% failed, with only 67% voting in favor.
  

Additional bylaws amendment votes are forthcoming, specifically regarding the establishment of a Certification Council, among other updates. Given that the 20% quorum requirement has remained, I encourage you all to keep an eye out for future voting opportunities and to participate in order to help direct the future of our college.

Another priority issue is our certification examination and the administration process for examination. In light of the critical nature of this issue for both Diplomates and Candidates, the ACVIM leadership has scheduled a town hall dedicated to acknowledging challenges during the most recent administration of examinations while informing you of updates to the process that are currently in progress. Please join us on Thursday, October 27 at 10:00 am PT / 11:00 am MT / 12:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm ET for this important discussion. We will dedicate as much time as possible to listen to and address your feedback.

In closing, I want to acknowledge another significant shift coming to the ACVIM in 2023, as our CEO, Dr. Linda Fineman, steps down from the role and into retirement. She will remain on staff in 2023 in a consultancy role as a Diplomate Advisor, while our current Chief Strategy Officer, Shannon Carter, will step into the CEO role in January. Linda has guided our organization through some of the most challenging years since the ACVIM’s inception, and I know I echo many when I express my gratitude for her composed and thoughtful leadership over the course of her tenure. She has laid solid groundwork that will enable Shannon to lead us forward with confidence.

I wish each of you the best as we enter the last few months of 2022. Please reach out to Membership@ACVIM.org with any feedback or questions you might have.

Sincerely,

Jane Sykes, BVSc (Hons), PhD, MBA, DACVIM (SAIM) ACVIM President