The WAVMA Executive Board would like to wish all members a Happy and Prosperous New Year for 2012!
Whilst 2011 saw the updating of the WAVMA website and further development of the International Veterinary Aquaculture Biosecurity Compendium (IV-ABC) and associated workshops along with promotion of WAVMA at various meetings such as the World Veterinary Congress, 2012 promises the further development of member services and an expansion in the educational material available through WAVMA for the aquatic veterinarian. Programs that members will see come to fruition during 2012 are the Aquatic Veterinary General Practitioner Credentialing Program (Cert - AqVP) and the WAVMA Fellowship program amongst others.
The Cert - AqVP is a modular credentialing program aimed at providing any veterinarian with "Day One Competencies" through assessment of the knowledge, skills and experience (KSE's) required of an aquatic veterinarian to provide services. Whilst there are several options available for veterinarians to gain qualifications in aspects of aquatic veterinary medicine, most require a period away from the practice. The Cert - AqVP is designed to be completed whilst working in practice and is also suitable to new graduates and others with an interest in aquatic veterinary medicine. Completion and awarding of the certificate provides the client with an assurance of the abilities of the veterinarian.
Coupled with the Cert - AqVP has been the development of a program of webinars (Web CEPD) which will provide an affordable source of continuing education and professional development with a significant discount available to members. The intent is to provide live, approximately one hour long webinars, given by notable speakers allowing those who attend to ask questions subsequently. The recorded webinar will be archived on the WAVMA website and available for download.
The WAVMA Fellowship program requires three WAVMA members to nominate a member who has contributed significantly to the development of aquatic veterinary medicine. The nomination will subsequently be scrutinised by a committee of peers with the awarding of a fellowship recognising this contribution. The program was developed as there are few if any mechanisms to internationally recognise aquatic veterinarians who have contributed significantly to the field, except through academia. As such there are several categories of contribution which can lead to nomination.
The Executive Board is considering further benefits and services to members which will greatly enhance the rewards of membership and they will be announced as they are finalised.