Veterinary podcast questions whether legacy groups still fit

Veterinary podcast urges a rethink of organized vet medicine in 2026

A new episode of The Veterinary Viewfinder is putting organized veterinary medicine under the microscope, with hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, arguing that the profession may need to reconsider how its associations, boards, and leadership groups are structured as 2026 begins. In “Shedding Old Skins: Rethinking Vet Organizations in a New Year,” the pair frame the discussion around what’s working, what isn’t, and whether long-standing veterinary organizations are keeping pace with changes in workforce expectations, professional identity, and practice realities. The conversation lands at a moment when organized veterinary medicine is already in flux: the AVMA has continued to refresh its volunteer leadership, while the AAVSB has highlighted board governance and regulatory leadership as active priorities. (podcasts.apple.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this isn’t just a membership conversation. National and state organizations influence licensure, continuing education, advocacy, accreditation, workforce policy, and who gets represented when major decisions are made. That matters even more as the profession debates workforce capacity, technician utilization, and leadership pathways. In late 2024, an AVMA-commissioned workforce study concluded current U.S. veterinary education capacity should meet companion animal demand through at least 2035, challenging the shortage narrative that has shaped much recent advocacy. At the same time, regulators and technician groups have continued pushing governance questions, including who should have a formal seat at the table. (avma.org)

What to watch: Expect more scrutiny in 2026 over how veterinary associations and regulatory bodies engage members, share power, and define representation across the care team. (avma.org)