DR. JENNIFER QUAMMEN NAMED AVMA VICE PRESIDENT
Says collaboration and technological innovation are key to profession’s growth.
By Interview by R. Scott Nolen, July 06, 2022 When the members of the AVMA House of Delegates convene in Philadelphia this summer during its regular annual session, they will elect Dr. Jennifer Quammen as the 2022-24 AVMA vice president.
Dr. Quammen, co-founder of a veterinarian coaching business, was the sole candi- date for the office, which is responsible for building stronger ties between the AVMA and veterinary college deans and faculty as well as veterinary student leadership.
Te 2011 veterinary graduate of Te Ohio State University spoke with AVMA News about her reasons for running for the AVMA vice presidency and what she hopes to achieve during her two-year tenure. Te responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Why did you run for AVMA vice president?
A: First, I want to be a thought leader for the veterinary profession and the AVMA. My work affords me the opportu- nity to talk with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students from many backgrounds, practices, and sectors of the animal health industries. I want to bring their stories, feedback, and opportunities back to the AVMA Board of Directors. Our Association needs to be open to feedback—positive and negative. Listening to dissenting opinions is not only necessary but also crucial to the vitality and health of our Association.
Second is influence. No doubt ego drives us all in some capacity, and I want to influence the next generation of veter- inarians. We are a highly educated profession, and I want us to put that training to use to make sure we are educating tomorrow’s workforce in an effective and efficient way. Hearing the voice of the faculty and students of today will help us to continue to grow and evolve as a profession and as an association.
Tird, opportunity. To qualify to run as a candidate for vice president, among other credentials, one has to be an AVMA member for 10 years or more. 2021 was the first time I was a qualified candidate, so I put my name into the hat—or perhaps into the Goblet of Fire. (In the Harry Potter novels, the Goblet of Fire chose from names dropped into it who would compete in the Triwizard Tournament.)
Q: What skills and qualifications do you bring to the office?
A: I have years of experience working with a variety of teams in a range of diverse settings. I am enthusiastic, have a clear vision of team engagement, and have a desire to see our profession continue to grow. I have an influencing style of leadership and get projects moving while building partnership and collaboration within the team. My top strengths, according to an assessment, are activator, learner, belief, achiever, and consistency.
My soft skills are what set me apart, and I have honed those best through action. I pride myself in my ability to under- stand, relate to, and interact with people from many walks of life. I can effortlessly discuss complex medical conditions with laypersons or field specialists. I have trained, coached, and facilitated emotional intelligence for many years, both in formal and informal ways. I have experience in co-developing leadership programs in other organizations, including the Power of Ten leadership program for the Kentucky VMA. I have also participated in several personal development programs for my own growth and encourage others to do the same.
Continued on pg. 14 Winter 2023 13
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