Mandatory Continuing Medical Education (CME) for
Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary continuing medical education (CME) is a licensure requirement
in every state except Michigan.
The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and our 2,200+ members ask for your
support in enacting mandatory continuing medical education (CME) in Michigan. It will
bring to our state a proven program to advance the knowledge and standards of practice
for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Why Mandatory CME for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians?
1. Michigan is the only state without a mechanism to keep the veterinary
profession current and informed. In recent polls, over 80% of all veterinarians
and veterinary technicians support a mandatory program.
2. It’s not just Rabies! Michigan now recognizes over 75 diseases that can be
transmitted from animals to humans. Examples include Brucellosis,
Tuberculosis, Rabies, Swine & Avian Influenza, West Nile Virus, Leptospirosis
and Lyme disease are some of the most familiar.
3. Veterinarians are often the first line of defense for public health and the
food supply. Many of today’s threats and challenges regarding potential
bioterrorism and newly emerging infectious disease neither existed, nor were
taught when many current veterinarians attended or graduated from veterinary
school.
4. Requiring CME will adopt a proven national model at minimal cost with
maximum immediate impact. It will also be an important statement to the public
that Michigan is serious about protecting animal and human health. Veterinary
practices are diverse with specific needs.
5. Mandatory CME will enhance every aspect of veterinary medicine. CME will
bring together the Board of Veterinary Medicine, LARA, MVMA and the Michigan
State University College of Veterinary Medicine in developing programs to
enhance every aspect of veterinary medicine.
6. The public consistently rates veterinary medicine as one of the most
respected and trusted professions.
Michigan veterinarians and veterinary technicians respectfully request your
support in adopting mandatory continuing medical education in our state.