Externs on the Hill

Submitted by Shannen Auffarth, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

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When I attended the AVMA’s Legislative Fly-In in April 2023, I had no clue what

to expect. During this experience, I learned about organized veterinary medicine, met

with my legislators to advocate on behalf of the veterinary profession, and connected

with veterinarians from all over the country. I had never encountered something like this

before, but by the end of the event, I knew I wanted to continue pursuing grassroots

efforts that support the interests of a profession I care about so deeply.

After attending the fly-in, I thought more about how policy will continue to play a

role in my work as a future veterinarian. From here, I even decided to pursue a master’s

in public health in addition to my veterinary degree, thanks to my school’s dual degree

DVM/MPH program. As I continued to pursue my interests in infectious disease and

population health in school, I gained a new perspective from my experiences at the fly-

in. When the opportunity to apply for the AVMA’s Government Relations Division

externship arrived, I was ecstatic to further grow my insight and learn about the inner

workings of government, policy, and legislation.

As I reflect on the past three weeks before entering the final week of this

externship, I feel extremely grateful for the chance to see in real-time how change can

be made. Veterinarians serve a variety of crucial roles in society, but the needs of the

community are not always obvious to lawmakers. By engaging in grassroots advocacy ,

the voice of our profession and the issues we care about are amplified in Congress.

During my time with the AVMA, our focus has been on pressing and popular issues

regarding xylazine, new world screwworm, and supporting the rural veterinary

workforce. I have been able to connect with legislators and their staff in meetings both

on and off Capitol Hill, attend congressional committee hearings, learn about the

legislative process, and network with other students with similar interests. Though it was

not all work and no play, as I also got to attend the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party and

Congressional Baseball Game for fun, too!

With my final week approaching, I am using the rest of my time to continue

exploring less traditional career paths within veterinary medicine. This externship allows

students to connect with veterinarians in various roles, from government to research,

institutional medicine, and beyond. I have met with the Maryland State Public Health

Veterinarian, USDA APHIS veterinarians, and a National Zoo veterinarian (just to name

a few). One of the most exciting parts of the veterinary career is the wide variety and

scope of our practice, further highlighting the need to advocate for a profession that can

be so pervasive. This externship has provided me with many invaluable skills and

resources that I look forward to carrying with me as I begin my fourth year of veterinary

school and my career journey.

When I attended the AVMA’s Legislative Fly-In in April 2023, I had no clue whatto expect. During this experience, I learned about organized veterinary medicine, metwith my legislators to advocate on behalf of the veterinary profession, and connectedwith veterinarians from all over the country. I had never encountered something like thisbefore, but by the end of the event, I knew I wanted to continue pursuing grassrootsefforts that support the interests of a profession I care about so deeply.After attending the fly-in, I thought more about how policy will continue to play arole in my work as a future veterinarian. From here, I even decided to pursue a master’sin public health in addition to my veterinary degree, thanks to my school’s dual degreeDVM/MPH program. As I continued to pursue my interests in infectious disease andpopulation health in school, I gained a new perspective from my experiences at the fly-in. When the opportunity to apply for the AVMA’s Government Relations Divisionexternship arrived, I was ecstatic to further grow my insight and learn about the innerworkings of government, policy, and legislation.As I reflect on the past three weeks before entering the final week of thisexternship, I feel extremely grateful for the chance to see in real-time how change canbe made. Veterinarians serve a variety of crucial roles in society, but the needs of thecommunity are not always obvious to lawmakers. By engaging in grassroots advocacy ,the voice of our profession and the issues we care about are amplified in Congress.During my time with the AVMA, our focus has been on pressing and popular issuesregarding xylazine, new world screwworm, and supporting the rural veterinaryworkforce. I have been able to connect with legislators and their staff in meetings bothon and off Capitol Hill, attend congressional committee hearings, learn about thelegislative process, and network with other students with similar interests. Though it wasnot all work and no play, as I also got to attend the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party andCongressional Baseball Game for fun, too!With my final week approaching, I am using the rest of my time to continueexploring less traditional career paths within veterinary medicine. This externship allowsstudents to connect with veterinarians in various roles, from government to research,institutional medicine, and beyond. I have met with the Maryland State Public HealthVeterinarian, USDA APHIS veterinarians, and a National Zoo veterinarian (just to namea few). One of the most exciting parts of the veterinary career is the wide variety andscope of our practice, further highlighting the need to advocate for a profession that canbe so pervasive. This externship has provided me with many invaluable skills andresources that I look forward to carrying with me as I begin my fourth year of veterinaryschool and my career journey.