Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, an educator, clinician and board-certified veterinary radiologist, has assumed the position of president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is the first African-American to serve in the role.
Dr. Bailey’s goals as the 2025-2026 president include promoting the role of veterinarians worldwide and inspiring the next generation of veterinary professionals.
“We need to raise awareness about the indispensable role we play, ensuring our contributions are recognized and appreciated within society,” Dr. Bailey said. “In the upcoming year, I am dedicated to amplifying our voice, boosting our visibility and strengthening our influence.”
Dr. Bailey earned an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and his veterinary degree from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. He then completed an internship and radiology residency at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he became board-certified.
According to the AVMA, Dr. Bailey established the first private-practice veterinary CT imaging service in Ohio, as well as referral and emergency imaging facilities in Pittsburgh. He also served as the lead radiologist for a nationwide veterinary corporation. He is currently the director of medical innovations in telemedicine for a global telemedicine consulting business.
Dr. Bailey was on the veterinary faculty at Tuskegee, Michigan State and Ohio State University, where he achieved tenure.
He previously served on the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association board, including as president, and as the District 2 representative on the AVMA Board of Directors, representing New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.
“We must ensure that our history not only informs but also inspires future leaders while remembering that our actions today shape the future,” Dr. Bailey said. “Together, we can create a future grounded in purpose and driven by passion.”
In other news, Dr. Jennifer K. Quammen was named president-elect for the 2026-2027 term. The AVMA’s vice president from 2022 to 2024, Dr. Quammen is the chief veterinary officer at Otto, a digital communications platform, and is a member of the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.