Congratulations, Class of 2025!

This time of year marks a milestone for thousands of veterinary students: It's commencement season, and future veterinarians will be celebrating a major life achievement.

The AVMA celebrates alongside our future colleagues. We are energized by their passion. We are inspired by their commitment. We are excited about all the great things these rising stars of our profession have done and will do to help advance veterinary medicine and the care and welfare of animals. I am confident that the future of our profession is in good hands.

The AVMA celebrates alongside our future colleagues.

In my role as AVMA president, I have the opportunity to see this first-hand through multiple events. In March, for instance, I had the privilege of attending the Student AVMA Symposium, where I was once again impressed with the students I met. I felt their passion for organized veterinary medicine and clearly saw their dedication to the animals and people we serve.

While the symposium brought together veterinary students with a desire to enhance their own individual skills and knowledge, it was especially gratifying to see and experience the camaraderie and strength of the group. The students are focused on the good things they can do in support of each other and to make the profession even stronger.

AVMA: Committed to students, new graduates

As the graduating class of 2025 does their part in helping shape a better and brighter future for veterinary medicine, the AVMA is working on behalf of veterinary students and early-career veterinarians to ensure their needs are met. We are committed to providing them with the tools and resources they need for a personally and professionally rewarding career.

We continue to advocate for their interests on Capitol Hill, including in the areas of higher education and student loan debt relief, and we are focused on helping ensure a successful transition from veterinary school to their work as valued members of the veterinary team.

I am confident that the future of our profession is in good hands.

We will not waver from our ongoing commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, because we are committed to ensuring the profession attracts the best and the brightest from all walks of life. We value every voice and every contribution, whether focused on safeguarding animal health and welfare, ensuring a safe and secure food supply, advancing public health, or driving biomedical discovery. Our focus will continue to be on building environments and workplaces where veterinarians, members of their teams, and students from all backgrounds and experiences feel welcomed and supported. We firmly believe that promoting a positive workplace culture is essential to our ability to deliver high-quality veterinary care.

The veterinary profession remains vital and strong, and exceptionally talented doctors continue to join our ranks. Without question, our profession is full of opportunities and boundless rewards, and I am convinced that our future is very bright indeed.