Call for Volunteers: AO VET NA Committee Positions

Sent on behalf of Sharon Kerwin, DVM
Chair, AO VET NA

 

Dear AO VET North America Community Members,


AO VET North America (AO VET NA) is looking for motivated individuals with excellent interpersonal skills to serve as Committee Chair of the Research, Community Development, and Preceptorship Committees.


The criteria for the three open positions are:

  • Veterinary orthopedic surgery surgeon in active practice
  • AO VET Member



RESEARCH COMMITTEE CHAIR – 1 Vacancy
(Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027)


The Research Committee Chair will play a crucial role in designing and implementing research programs aimed at promoting research and development in veterinary surgery. The Committee evaluates applications, identifies promising candidates for research funding, and provides recommendations accordingly. Additionally, it actively promotes the AO's research findings and publications to advance veterinary care.


Responsibilities include:

  • Representing and presenting the interests of AO VET NA Research to the AO VET Research Commission
  • Implementing, together with commission colleagues, a platform to position AO VET as a lead in care and clinical outcomes for veterinary orthopedic surgery i.e., modules within courses or seminars at congresses
  •  Introducing innovative programs and services to attract veterinary researchers into AO VET
  • Ensuring that the objectives of the AO VET NA Research Committee are achieved

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CHAIR – 1 Vacancy
(Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028)


The Community Development Committee Chair is responsible for engaging veterinary orthopedic surgeons in North America and promoting AO VET membership and the community. The Committee Chair will organize and lead unique initiatives and programs to appeal to members and prospective members, resulting in increased engagement and retention.


Responsibilities include:

  • Creating interesting programs, products, and benefits to appeal to members and prospective members and to encourage membership
  • Promoting continued engagement of members to retain them within the AO VET community
  •  Building partners and creating alliances with local academic societies
  • Ensuring that the objectives of the AO VET NA Community Development Committee are achieved



PRECEPTORSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR – 1 Vacancy
(Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028)


The Preceptorship Committee Chair diligently curates and enriches programming tailored to enhance the experience and professional growth of AO VET post-graduate surgeons. The Committee through outreach identifies, reviews and approves preceptorship sites that provide the necessary learning experiences for trainees supported by AO North America. The Committee seamlessly integrates fellows into the fabric of the AO community, nurturing bonds that endure throughout their careers.


Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the management of the preceptorship grant programs
  • Ensuring that the objectives of the AO VET NA Preceptorship Committee are achieved


TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION


All AO VET NA active members who wish to be considered for these open positions are required to submit a CV, an AO bio sketch, and a Letter of Intent to aovetna@aona.org by Monday, May 19, 2025, at 9AM ET.    


If you are applying for multiple open committee positions, please indicate your order of preference. The selection committee for each of these open positions will make their final decision in June 2025 for the term to begin on July 1, 2025.


Sincerely,

 

Sharon Kerwin, DVM
Chair, AO VET NA Board