World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association Programs & Services  

In 2005/6, a small group of veterinarians came together to form the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA) as a global organization. Their intention was to address issues affecting aquatic veterinary medicine, and support aquatic veterinarians. It has since grown to include members (including veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians/nurses and para-veterinary professionals) in more than 57 countries, who work together to advance aquatic veterinary medicine and provide veterinary services to animal industries and owners around the world.

This increase in membership over the last decade reflects the number of member programs and services WAVMA has been able to develop.  More details are available at www.WAVMA.org. Important ones include:

∙βMembers-L, and Students-L listservs for discussions on any topic of interest to members, but frequently focus on sharing clinical cases and client services;

∙βThe Aquatic Veterinarian, a quarterly publication with news, peer-reviewed contributions, clinical cases, jobs, meetings, and more;

∙βA Member Directory tool to locate other members and for vet students to locate mentors;

∙βAn Employment Opportunities webpage with available aquatic veterinary jobs;

∙βAn Image Library containing images useful for presentations, diagnostic interpretations, and more;

∙βA Video Library with videos on numerous aquatic veterinary techniques and procedures;

∙βA WebCEPD Program with monthly live and recorded webinars, courses, and presentations that are also available for CEPD credit;

∙βA CertAqV Program a program for identifying and certifying veterinarians with competency in core subject matter necessary for practicing aquatic veterinary medicine;

∙βThe John L. Pitts Aquatic Veterinary Education Awards Program that provides financial support for veterinary students and new graduates to increase their experience in aquatic veterinary medicine; and,

∙βWAVMA Student Chapters at veterinary schools and colleges around the world to assist veterinary students and faculty learn more about aquatic veterinary medicine.

To keep others updated and informed about new issues in aquatic veterinary medicine, members, animal owners and para-veterinary professionals can now subscribe to WAVMA's Twitter feeds and Facebook page, and the monthly WAVMA e-News which is distributed >1,200 subscribers.