Pioneering Today’s Care & Tomorrow’s Cures

The Motto of the Acvim Foundation

When most of us hear “ACVIM,” we think of the organization that oversees board certification in veterinary internal medicine or the annual ACVIM Forum, a continuing education meeting for veterinary professionals that presents cutting-edge information, technology, and research. However, there is another facet to ACVIM—the ACVIM Foundation. Robin Brogdon, MA, an ACVIM Foundation Board of Directors member, took some time to explain the role of the Foundation and its impact on veterinary medicine. –Kelly Soldavin, Editorial Director

What is the ACVIM Foundation? 

Founded in 1973, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM; acvim.org) sets international standards for veterinary internal medicine, oversees board certification in various fields of veterinary internal medicine, and advances research and education. The nonprofit ACVIM Foundation (acvimfoundation.org) was created in 2000 to support and advance the work of the ACVIM. The ACVIM Foundation’s mission is to eliminate animal and human disease by supporting discovery, education, and partnerships throughout the global community of medicine.

How does the Foundation accomplish their mission? 

ACVIM specialists have long depended on the generosity of private donors and industry sponsors to support their research. The ACVIM Foundation bridges the gap between available funding and vital research and education, which significantly impacts the future of animal health and veterinary internal medicine specialties. The Foundation supports:

• Studies addressing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease
• Communication of study results to the veterinary profession and general public
• Educational opportunities for ACVIM Diplomates and veterinary practitioners
• Improved training of residents and veterinary students
• Public awareness about specialized veterinary medicine.

How does the Foundation’s work support future specialists? 

A crucial part of the ACVIM and Foundation’s work is to ensure that residency programs in internal medicine specialties maintain the highest standards. Through the Foundation’s active and growing grants program, ACVIM residents can serve as co-investigators in cutting-edge clinical veterinary studies. The results have been extraordinary—medical advances discovered by recipients of Foundation research grants have been significant. A complete list of grant updates and research summaries is available at acvimfoundation.org.

What type of public awareness programs does the Foundation support?

For the past 12 years, ACVIM and the Foundation have jointly captured compelling stories about animals saved through collaborative efforts of the family veterinarian, pet owner, and specialist in a video series called “Animal Survivor.” At the ACVIM Forum (acvimforum.org), a national media event features the specialists’ expertise and pet owners’ stories in brief videos. The videos are available through social media channels as well as the veterinary community for use in their waiting rooms and websites. Videos can be found online at weareanimalsurvivors.org.

Memorial and recognition programs allow practices to make donations to the Foundation in honor or memory of a patient. The program allows the Foundation to share the practice’s generosity with the honoree’s family and creates greater awareness among pet owners about the Foundation and its programs.

How can I become involved?

Individual donations are the lifeblood of the Foundation, but company matches and corporate giving are also necessary to sustain a healthy organization. If you are interested in volunteering your time, an engagement guide has been developed by the dedicated staff of the Foundation and they will be happy to help you create a network of donors and build awareness in your community; you can reach the Foundation by email (foundation@acvim.org) or phone (800.245.9081).

The ACVIM Foundation is making a difference every day in the lives of pets and their owners. In just one generation, ACVIM specialists have improved and saved the lives of countless animals, and the Foundation continues to support the search for the newest breakthroughs in veterinary medicine. Through the support of veterinary professionals, pet owners, and industry, the Foundation continues to pursue its ultimate goal—healthier and longer lives for animals.