Dr. Gary Marshall’s Vision for the Future of Veterinary Medicine: Running for AVMA Vice President
Dr. Gary Marshall is passionate about advancing veterinary medicine and mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. His commitment has led him to run for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) vice presidency, aiming to make a national impact.
Role and Responsibilities of the AVMA Vice President
The AVMA vice president serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors and acts as the official liaison to the Student AVMA (SAVMA) and its student chapters. Dr. Marshall, the sole candidate for the 2024-26 term, is set to be elected by the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) during their annual session in June in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Marshall’s Background and Motivation
An adjunct professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Marshall is also a feline practitioner and the alternate delegate for Washington state in the HOD. In a recent interview with AVMA News, he discussed his personal journey and his aspirations for the vice presidency.
Q&A with Dr. Gary Marshall
Q: Why are you running for AVMA vice president?
A: Mentoring aspiring veterinarians has been a core part of my career. I started with individual mentorships and later became an adjunct professor to train more students. In 2016, I got involved in organized veterinary medicine at the state and national levels, which ignited my passion for this aspect of our profession. The AVMA vice president role perfectly blends my interests, allowing me to be a liaison among students, faculty, and administrators at veterinary schools worldwide. This position enables me to give back to the profession by using my experience and connections.
Q: What should AVMA members know about you?
A: I graduated from Washington State University in 1989 and am married to Dr. Diane Marshall, a fellow veterinary school classmate. We have two grown children and share our home with a senior cat. I’ve owned two practices and currently work at the feline practice I founded in 1996. I’m a volunteer mentor for national platforms, serve on the Washington State VMA and the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative board, and volunteer at local clinics in Seattle. My hobbies include landscape photography, home improvement, curling, skiing, and hiking.
Q: What will you focus on during your time as vice president?
A: My primary focus will be listening to veterinary colleges’ students, faculty, and administrators to understand their needs. I will then share this information with AVMA leadership to ensure that current member benefits are meeting these needs or to develop new ones if necessary.
Q: Why is the liaison role important for the AVMA?
A: Investing in the liaison role is crucial for the future of the AVMA and the profession. Membership drives the AVMA, which works to advance, promote, protect, and support the profession and its professionals. The AVMA vice president connects leadership with the Student Initiatives Team, Early Career Development Committee, and the members they serve. By investing in this role, we can craft membership experiences that align with the evolving needs of our profession, ensuring enthusiastic membership growth.
Q: How do you expect to spend the first year of your term?
A: I plan to visit as many individuals and institutions as possible to learn from the AVMA Student Initiatives team and SAVMA leadership. Understanding how to best connect with students, faculty, and administrators will enhance my advocacy efforts as a member of the AVMA Board of Directors.
Q: Is there anything else you want to share?
A: If I can do this, anyone can. I encourage others to volunteer at local, state, or national levels in ways that are meaningful to them. Your participation will make a significant impact on many others.
Dr. Gary Marshall’s candidacy for AVMA vice president represents a commitment to the future of veterinary medicine, emphasizing mentorship, connection, and the continuous improvement of the profession.
