A little SCAVMA history lesson.....

The American Veterinary Medical Association found its roots in 1863 when a group of 40 veterinary surgeons felt the need to organize their effort for the best interests of the profession as a whole.  The original name of the AVMA was the United States Veterinary Medical Association which was renamed the AVMA in 1889.  Since then, the AVMA has grown substantially to include more than 75,000 members.  Years later, in 1966, the Student American Veterinary Medical Association was formed with similar goals of the AVMA - "...to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to agriculture and public health."  SAVMA consists of an executive committee and a House of Delegates who meet biannually at the SAVMA Symposium and the AVMA conference.  The House of Delegates consists of two delegates from each veterinary college in the United States and Caribbean schools.  There are currently over 8,000 SAVMA members.  Finally, to reach all of the members, each veterinary college has its own student chapter within the college!  Therefore, the Mississippi State University's Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (MSU-SCAVMA) is one of 28 chapters in the United States.  When you become a member of SCAVMA, a portion of your dues automatically pays for your membership with SAVMA.  Once the AVMA receives our membership list, they will distribute SAVMA membership cards which will have your personal SAVMA member number on it which will remain with you throughout your career as an AVMA member. 

Okay....that's enough history for now.....why should you become a SCAVMA member?

	Many organizations at the Mississippi State University require their members to be a member of SCAVMA in good standing.  This is similar to the structure of organizations within the AVMA.
	When you become a member of SCAVMA and remain a member in good standing, you will be eligible for discounts on AVMA insurance during your externships your senior year.
	When you graduate as a member in good standing, you will be able to join the AVMA at a reduced fee your first year and attend the AVMA conference in July of your graduating year for free!
	You will be able to participate in all of the SCAVMA events during the school year.....the fall formal, tailgates for all home football games, key note speaker meetings and many more!
	You will be making a contribution to our profession by practicing organized medicine!

Chapter Objectives:

	Promote a spirit of friendly professionalism among the students enrolled in veterinary school.
	Provide an opportunity for its members to gain professional knowledge and an understanding of professional ethics and conduct.
	Demonstrate the virtues of organized effort, and build character through commending worthy deeds and discouraging unworthy actions of its members.
	Develop the characteristics of leadership in the conduct of the chapter's affairs, and makes available to the students the services offered by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Contact Information

Telephone

352-228-9620

FAX

662-325-8714

Postal address

P.O. Box 6100 Mississippi State, MS 39762

Electronic mail

General Information: scavma@cvm.msstate.edu
Sales:  Hill's Food/SCAVMA Store - Michelle Eddy
Webmaster: aallen@cvm.msstate.edu