Dr. Michael Bailey is focused on innovative solutions to the challenges in the veterinary profession. As the AVMA’s candidate for president-elect, he is dedicated to reducing higher education costs in healthcare and ensuring the AVMA is forward-thinking and proactive.
A board-certified radiologist and former member of the AVMA Board of Directors, Dr. Bailey ran unopposed for the 2024-25 AVMA president-elect position. He will be elected by the AVMA House of Delegates this June during their annual session in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Bailey spoke to AVMA News about his plans to leverage his office to educate lawmakers and the public about the importance of affordable higher education. He also discussed promoting the veterinary medicine “brand” and the role of artificial intelligence in animal care.
Q: Why are you running for AVMA president-elect for 2024-25?
A: Initially, running for president-elect was not on my radar. However, as I progressed, I saw the potential to contribute more significantly by advocating for proactive action. I’ve observed instances where the AVMA hesitated before responding to events. I firmly believe in proactivity, balancing what the AVMA can control and adapting to what it can’t. As a professional, I aspire to be part of a leadership that anticipates and addresses challenges before they escalate. By fostering a proactive mindset, we can navigate uncertainties and instigate positive change for our profession and those we serve.
Q: What should AVMA members know about you?
A: As a Black man and a graduate of a historically Black university’s veterinary school, I have had the privilege of extensive travel and applying my professional skills across diverse settings. These experiences have exposed me to the richness of diversity in our world. It’s clear that true progress thrives on collaborative teamwork. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, where diseases can spread globally within hours, embracing teamwork and diversity is crucial. By working together and drawing on diverse perspectives, we can effectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Encouraging participation from all underrepresented groups in our profession is imperative. Innovation thrives on diversity, enriching out-of-the-box thinking. In One Health, healthcare professionals must reflect the diversity of the populations they serve. By fostering inclusivity, we can address the complex challenges facing our profession and communities.
Q: What will you focus on during your time as 2025-26 AVMA president?
A: We face the pressing issue of rising higher education costs, particularly in healthcare. These costs pose significant barriers to access for many families. The AVMA must enlighten the public and policymakers about the detrimental effects of high education costs on maintaining America’s leadership in education, science, and medicine, and their impact on access to medical care, food security, and One Health initiatives. We must devise strategies to reduce education costs while preserving the quality of education.
Q: As the AVMA’s first Black president, what message would you have for BIPOC students aspiring to be veterinarians?
A: I have valuable insights for all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. We must acknowledge that categorizations like BIPOC can overlook individuals, hindering genuine diversity and inclusivity. Actively encouraging participation and engagement by AVMA members is crucial. Underrepresented individuals are notably sparse in leadership roles within our organization. We must prioritize diversity and inclusivity, ensuring we effectively serve the diverse global population. Embracing diversity, equality, and inclusivity unlocks our profession’s potential for innovation, productivity, and resourcefulness.
Q: What are the key challenges and opportunities currently facing the veterinary profession, and what is AVMA’s role in each?
A: Addressing the cost of professional education is crucial. To tackle this effectively, we must:
- Communicate a strong brand image: Portray our brand effectively to target audiences, from school-age children to the public. Spark their interest in veterinary medicine and convey the profession’s values.
- Foster a diverse educational environment: Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to cultivate socially diverse learning environments that prepare students for a global society. Integrate adaptive artificial technology (AI) to enhance educational experiences.
- Promote veterinarians as One Health champions: Highlight our expertise in animal health, zoonotic diseases, and our impact on human and environmental wellbeing. Facilitate collaboration and foster leadership roles for veterinarians in interdisciplinary forums.
Q: Where would you like to see the veterinary profession in 10 years?
A: In the next decade, veterinary medicine must transform significantly. Embracing the latest digital technologies, including AI, is paramount. AI can integrate vast volumes of digital diagnostic data, identifying early disease trends and offering top differential diagnoses. By streamlining diagnosis, we can enhance access to care and make it more affordable. Integrating medical intuition with digital advancements positions veterinarians at the forefront of high-tech fields, leading to improved health outcomes for animals and humans.
Q: Is there anything else you want to share?
A: I am running for AVMA president-elect with a dedicated commitment to serving our profession. My vision includes opening doors to all members, modernizing veterinary education, and integrating technology, including AI. By embracing these advancements, we can enhance our capacity to serve pets, ensure food security, advance One Health initiatives, and contribute to space exploration endeavors. I am committed to fostering diversity within our teams and empowering leaders to “Do, Teach, and Dream.” Innovation will thrive through diverse and inclusive teamwork.
