AVMA spotlights advocacy careers through Dr. Jacey Cerda episode

Version 1

AVMA is spotlighting policy and advocacy career pathways through a new My Veterinary Life podcast episode featuring Dr. Jacey Cerda, a Colorado State University postdoctoral fellow whose career has spanned wildlife biology, law, veterinary medicine, and an AVMA Government Relations Division externship. The episode appears to have been published on October 2, 2025, as part of AVMA’s ongoing career-focused podcast series, and centers on how veterinarians can engage in organized medicine, public policy, and government relations beyond traditional clinical roles. AVMA has long used its Governmental Relations Division externship and related advocacy programs to introduce veterinary students to legislative and regulatory work in Washington, D.C. (podcasts.apple.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the episode reinforces a growing message from organized veterinary medicine: advocacy experience is a career skill, not a side interest. Cerda’s background, including her current work in biodiversity conservation and emergency response and her 2025 Fulbright-supported research in Australia on wildlife disaster response, underscores how policy fluency can shape careers in public health, conservation, disaster preparedness, and workforce advocacy. That’s especially relevant as AVMA continues to press federal policymakers on issues such as rural workforce shortages and loan repayment support, showing how legislative work connects directly to practice realities. (federation.edu.au)

What to watch: Expect AVMA to keep using podcast storytelling and student advocacy programs to build interest in policy-facing veterinary careers, especially as federal workforce and access-to-care debates continue in 2026. (avma.org)