About
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) is a group of member veterinarians and allies who are elevating the veterinary profession through innovation, education, and advocacy of integrative medicine.
The AHVMA publishes the only peer-reviewed scientific journal focusing exclusively on integrative veterinary medicine, The Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, four times yearly.
The Association also holds an annual conference in various locations throughout the United States. This conference is the premier source of post-graduate integrative veterinary medical continuing education worldwide.
Membership in our Association includes access to the Journal, discounted conference registration rates, and many more benefits.
History
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association began as a small group of veterinarians who were interested in a holistic approach to veterinary medicine. They first met in 1982 at the Western States Veterinary Conference (now called the Western Veterinary Conference) and decided to create a formal organization.
Dr. Carvel Tiekert incorporated the group in Maryland, where its headquarters remain today. Dr. Tiekert published the first newsletter, began collecting dues, and created the annual conference.
From an initial membership of about 35, the organization has grown to close to 1,500 members. The small newsletter of interesting facts has evolved into a scientific Journal. Despite humble beginnings, the organization is now a member of the AVMA House of Delegates.
Mission
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association is the mindful leader elevating the veterinary professional through innovation, education, and advocacy of integrative medicine.
The objectives of the AHVMA are:
- To advance and educate in the science and art of holistic veterinary medicine
- To promote the health and welfare of all species of animals and to extend to the agricultural community and to the community at large the benefits of sound and progressive leadership in the care and treatment of animals
- To foster, maintain, and enlarge public understanding of the nature of veterinary holistic medicine
- To function as a forum to explore all the modalities considered to be in the field of veterinary holistic medicine
- To do all things necessary and desirable to further high standards in the care and the treatment of animals and continuing education of doctors of veterinary medicine
Constitution and Bylaws
The Constitution was updated, voted by the membership, approved, and accepted on May, 2016.
The Bylaws were approved and ratified by the Board of Directors on April 30, 2016, and updated December, 2021.
