One of the 'true champions' of veterinary medicine
Dr Janet Donlin has been named executive vice-president/CEO of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Dr Donlin succeeds Dr Ron De Haven, who is retiring after nine years service. Taking up her new post on September 12, she will become the organisation's first female CEO.
Commenting on the appointment, AVMA president Dr Tom Meyer said: "Dr Donlin is one of the true champions of veterinary medicine and all it stands for. She has an outstanding record of success in both the veterinary association arena and in the animal health industry."
Janet first started working for the AVMA in 1991 as an assistant director in the Scientific Activities Division. Over the course of the next 17 years, she served as an interim division director, associate executive vice president and assistant executive vice president.
Outside of the AVMA, she served as chief veterinary officer in the Global Business Channel of Hill's Pet Nutrition. She received both her DVM and BS degrees from the University of Minnesota and is also a graduate of the veterinary technician programme at the Medical Institute of Minnesota.
"My time at the AVMA and my experiences across the profession have reinforced for me time and time again that our membership is very diverse, our needs are constantly evolving and our profession continues to face new challenges and opportunities," said Donlin.
"I'm excited to work closely with AVMA leadership and staff, and our colleagues and strategic partners, to advance the AVMA's mission 'to lead the profession by advocating for our members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health’”.
Image (C) AVMA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
