Veterinarians who are ready to gain the leadership skills and experience needed to make a larger impact within the profession still have time to apply for the AVMA's 2014-2015 Future Leaders Program.

The Future Leaders Program is focused on honing the leadership skills of participants who can then put the skills to use for the betterment of the profession and society as a whole, the AVMA said. 

Veterinarians who participate in the Future Leaders Program will engage in a variety of activities including:

• Regularly interacting with a veterinary leader to advise on improving leadership skills.
• Listening to lectures on improving leadership, including talks from successful figures within the profession.
• Working with other participants and AVMA staff to see a project through to completion that will ultimately be of use to AVMA members.

The program features Ken Andrews, Ph.D., as professional facilitator, and participants will also work with other prominent veterinarians in the field.

According to the AVMA, applicants must be AVMA members who graduated from veterinary school in 1999 at the earliest. They should also have had some leadership experience, whether it was during school, with a state veterinary medical association, as an established leader in veterinary medicine, or at other points in their careers.

Zoetis provides sponsorship for the program, which covers the cost of occasional travel to Illinois and Massachusetts for participants.

How to apply for the Future Leaders Program

Veterinarians are encouraged to apply by the Feb. 17, 2014, deadline, and up to 10 participants will be chosen.

Those interested can obtain an application online via the AVMA website. You can also learn more by visiting the FAQ page, emailing the association at [email protected], or calling 800-248-2862, ext. 6636.