Externs on the Hill
Friday, August 15, 2025 at 12:00PM Outside the Exam Room: A Vet Student’s Dive into Policy, Advocacy, and Public Impact
Submitted by Justin Huff, University of Illinois
My name is Justin Huff, and I am a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Illinois. I have always been passionate about large animal medicine, public health, and the broader systems that support both. Over the past few years, I have grown increasingly interested in how veterinarians can influence policy, improve access to care, and advocate for the profession on a national scale. That curiosity is what led me to apply for the Government Relations Division (GRD) externship with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). I wanted to learn how organized veterinary medicine operates behind the scenes, how legislation is shaped and influenced, and how I, as a future veterinarian, can use my voice to make an impact beyond the exam room.
When I began my externship with AVMA GRD this July, I knew I was stepping into an exciting and unfamiliar world. I have always had an interest in organized veterinary medicine and public policy, but this was my first time seeing it in action on a national scale. I was eager to explore how veterinarians advocate for the profession beyond the clinic, and this experience did not disappoint.
From day one, I was immersed in the inner workings of veterinary advocacy. I attended GRD staff meetings, joined strategy sessions for the legislative fly-in, and had one-on-one conversations with the dedicated team leading AVMA’s advocacy efforts. I learned about the legislative process, the importance of grassroots involvement, and the nuanced roles veterinarians can play in shaping public policy. From discussions on the "Big Beautiful Bill" and student loan reform to foreign animal disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance, every day brought a new and meaningful perspective.
One of the most meaningful moments of my externship was attending the AVMA Legislative Fly In and meeting with the offices of Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Representatives Nikki Budzinski and. We advocated for critical legislation such as the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act and the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act is an issue that is deeply personal to me. I grew up on a family farm in southern Illinois, and I will never forget the day one of our cows was experiencing a dystocia and we could not find a veterinarian available to assist. That was not the only time we struggled to access care, and those experiences are what initially sparked my passion for large animal medicine and rural veterinary advocacy. Being able to stand in front of lawmakers and speak directly to the need for improved veterinary access in areas like mine felt like a full circle moment. It was both empowering and reaffirming, and it solidified my commitment to using my voice to help shape policies that will make a difference for future veterinarians and the communities they serve.
Throughout the month, I also had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of professionals who have taken non-traditional paths within veterinary medicine. I met with veterinarians at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), veterinarians working in multiple departments of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a veterinary medical officer in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), former AVMA Congressional Science Fellows, veterinary public health officials, and leaders in academic research. Their stories broadened my view of what is possible with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and helped me envision how I could combine my passions for large animal medicine, research, and advocacy into a meaningful career.
Although my school did not approve this externship for academic credit due to the absence of a traditional clinical component, I chose to use my vacation time to attend, and I can confidently say it was one of the most meaningful uses of my time. This experience helped me see just how vital veterinarians are outside the traditional clinic setting. It reaffirmed our profession’s commitment to “the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.” Those words from the Veterinary Oath came to life in every conversation and meeting I participated in. They are not just ideals, they are a call to action that veterinarians across federal agencies, policy organizations, and public health institutions are living out every day. I may not have earned academic credit, but I gained something far more valuable - the skills needed to advocate for a profession that I love.
This month was not all meetings and policy briefings. I was also fortunate to attend the AVMA Convention, which, luckily for me, only happens in Washington, DC, about once every five years. While at the convention, I had the unique opportunity to sit in on the House of Delegates meetings, where representatives from across the profession debated and voted on AVMA’s official positions regarding some of the most pressing and often controversial issues in veterinary medicine. Topics like sow housing, feline declawing, scope of practice, and prescription pet food regulations were discussed with depth and intention. It was eye opening to witness how much thought, research, and professional dialogue go into shaping these positions, and it emphasized just how important it is for students and future veterinarians to understand the policies that guide our profession, and the reasoning behind them.
Outside of the policy discussions, the AVMA Convention was also an incredible opportunity to connect with the broader veterinary community. I explored the exhibit hall, engaged with industry partners, and attended continuing education sessions on topics such as dermatology, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging therapeutics. One of the most memorable moments was celebrating outgoing AVMA President and fellow Illinoisan Dr. Sandra Faeh, whose leadership and advocacy for students and veterinarians has left a lasting impact. With each event, I left more inspired, more connected, and more committed to the future of veterinary medicine.
As I return to clinical rotations and prepare for the next steps in my veterinary journey, I feel more energized than ever to advocate for our profession. This externship reinforced that veterinarians are essential voices in public health, agriculture, and policy, and that by showing up and sharing our stories, we can shape a better future for both animals and people. I am incredibly grateful to the AVMA for this opportunity and look forward to staying involved in organized veterinary medicine for years to come.
