Phillip Nelson, DVM, Ph.D., dean of Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, recently received the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) 2016 Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award. The award will officially be presented at the AAVMC’s 2016 Annual Conference, March 4-6, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The award is given to current or former faculty, staff or students at an AAVMC member institution to recognize leadership in public policy that advances veterinary medical education and success in advocating for veterinary medical education on a national or international scale. Dr. Nelson has been very active in the AAVMC’s advocacy efforts, serving on numerous committees, including the Advocacy Committee, according to WesternU. Through the AAVMC, he has participated in “Hill” visits for more than a decade, developing relationships with governmental decision makers and lobbying Congress to address pressing issues such as the Veterinary Medical Student Loan Repayment Program. “The AAVMC is always pleased to recognize outstanding educators in academic veterinary medicine,” said AAVMC Executive Director Andrew Maccabe, DVM. “These are extraordinary people who exemplify excellence and inspire others through their commitment and visionary dedication to academic veterinary medicine.”
