AVMA Reaffirms Commitment To Host Pike Place Fish Market Educational Program

Main Category: Veterinary
Article Date: 15 Jun 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced that it is moving forward with its original plan to host an educational, team-building program by the Pike Place Fish Market's world-renowned fishmongers at its annual convention, which will be held in Seattle, Wash., July 11-July 14.

The group has presented the motivational program to a wide variety of groups since 1990, sharing their successful business plan of engagement and empowerment.

The announcement comes after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals complained about the program, in which the fishmongers toss fish as a way to engage the audience and build teamwork. The fish are dead and are consumed after the program.

"The AVMA has decided that we will host the program in its original design, which will include the presentation by the Pike Place fishmongers," said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, AVMA chief executive officer. "We believe this will be a valuable experience for our attendees, and we are confident they will gain useful management skills from their experience."

The AVMA, the largest veterinary association in the United States with more than 78,000 members, hosts a convention every year that provides veterinarians and the veterinary health care team with continuing education, networking opportunities and social activities.

This year's convention has already attracted more than 7,500 registrants. The AVMA estimates that more than 10,000 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, professional staff, family members and other guests will travel to Seattle for the event.

"Our early registration numbers are a testament to the quality of our educational program, the total convention experience and the allure of the Emerald City," DeHaven said.

Beyond the convention's economic impact on the Seattle area, the AVMA's visit to Seattle will also include volunteer efforts that will benefit local animal shelters. The "Our Oath in Action" voluntourism project, spearheaded by the AVMA's philanthropic arm, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, will bring more than 200 volunteers to three animal shelters in the Seattle area to help rehab the shelters and make a difference in animals' lives. Ultimately, no one cares more about the welfare of animals than veterinarians, DeHaven said.

Speaking to the AVMA's visit to Seattle, Tom Norwalk, president and chief executive officer of the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, "The AVMA's 10,000 convention attendees will volunteer countless hours and immeasurable expertise to Seattle's animal welfare agencies while they're here. Seattle is known as a city that cares about issues of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, natural habitat preservation, and organic and wild farming. Commitment to these values is demonstrated everyday in Seattle's world-famous Pike Place Market, and we're honored that AVMA attendees will not only visit but also give back to our community."

The AVMA and its more than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health.

Source
AVMA