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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ACVIM Foundation established?
The ACVIM Foundation was created to give veterinarians, pet owners, philanthropists, and corporations a way to support the scientific and educational endeavors of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Virtually no government funding exists for work that relates to companion animals. Available resources for projects related to large animal medicine are also very limited. As such, veterinary specialists have long depended on the generosity of private donors and corporations to fund their work. A considerable distance remains, however, between the funding available and the work that need to be undertaken.
Who were the Inaugural Board of Directors of the ACVIM Foundation?
Dr. Ray Dillon, President
Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt
Dr. Cheryl Chrisman
Dr. Gregory Grauer
Dr. Christine Jenkins
Dr. Keith Richter
Dr. Todd Tams
Dr. Bud Tennant
Dr. Richard Weller
Dr. John Oliver, ex officio
Ms. June Pooley, Executive Director, ex officio
What does the ACVIM Foundation do?
The ACVIM Foundation supports the acquisition and distribution of new knowledge with direct clinical implications in veterinary internal medicine.
What unmet needs in veterinary medicine will the ACVIM Foundation address?
The ACVIM Foundation will support specialists who can address unmet clinical needs among animals. Foundation sponsored programs will respond to growing demands from colleagues, breeders, owners, and industry to solve complex clinical problems for which little information is available.
The ACVIM Foundation will assist residents in training and Diplomates who wish to participate in projects of clinical relevance to animal health, as well as senior Diplomates with extensive academic and investigative experience.
The ACVIM Foundation may also provide modest financial assitance to residents. In addition, the ACVIM Foundation will sponsor educational events that meet the need for greater awareness of specialty veterinary medicine.
How does the ACVIM Foundation raise funds?
A gift to the ACVIM Foundation provides an opportunity to participate in the development of new knowledge that will ultimately improve our ability in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in all animals.
A gift to the ACVIM Foundation is an investment in:
- Health Studies with clinical relevance to animal disease in the fields of oncology, neurology, cardiology, small and large animal internal medicine
- Education of trainees in veterinary internal medicine
- Communication and distribution of knowledge to the veterinary community and the general public
In the past, most of our funding has been provided by the ACVIM and its member veterinarians. In an effort to create a greater impact, our goal is to involve everyone from veterinarians to pet owners to animal health organizations and corporations in our mission. Gifts and pledges can be made by contacting the Foundation Development Officer, Paula Mejia, at (800) 245-9081, or by clicking here.
You also can leave your legacy by making a planned gift to the ACVIM Endowment. There are many ways to make a planned gift. It could be as easy as naming the ACVIM as a beneficiary in your will. For more information on making a planned gift please call Paula Mejia at (800) 245-9081.
How does the ACVIM Foundation disburse funds?
The ACVIM Foundation administers a competitive clinical investigations grant program for studies that have immediate clinical relevance to animal health. Our Scientific Review board makes an annual Call for Proposals, reviews the proposals, and makes funding recommendations to the Foundation Board of Directors. The Board of Directors awards grants for projects that are scientifically sound and are expected to yield results that will have the greatest impact on animal health.
The Foundation also addresses the shortage of qualified veterinary specialists by awarding promising residents research and/or training grants and by assisting in the development of new training programs.
The final component of our mission addresses the distribution of knowledge. The Foundation will sponsor events to boost awareness of the public and general veterinary practitioners on aspects of specialty veterinary medicine.
