Government Agencies

One Health

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Representing the AVMA this past Monday, I participated in a Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST) Interagency Working Group on Harmful algal blooms, Hypoxia, and Human Health hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Participating organizations also included the AAVMC, USGS, NIH NIEHS, CDC, USAID, and MMC. Marguerite Pappaioanou, DVM, co-author on ”Sustaining Global [...]

Public Practice

Monday, May 17th, 2010

USDA

For those of you that don’t know me, I am interested in working for a federal agency upon graduation from veterinary school.  Only about 75 of the 2,600 veterinarian students graduating annually consider working for a federal agency.  It is predicted that more than 510 Federal veterinarians will be eligible for retirement within the next [...]

Spotlight: U.S.D.A. APHIS

Friday, August 15th, 2008

The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service(USDA APHIS) is the agency within USDA that is charged with protecting American agriculture (http://www.aphis.usda.gov ). APHIS was founded in 1972, consolidating the plant and animal health bureaus under one roof. According to their website, APHIS’ broad mission area includes protecting and promoting U.S. [...]

Spotlight: FDA

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Since we do not have AVMA Student Externs at the GRD in August, the GRD staff has taken over writing the blog for externsonthehill.com. We hope you enjoy our musings!
We always seem to talk about the legislative side of Washington, DC, however, I would like to highlight some of the Executive Branch agencies that employ [...]

Around the World in an Hour

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

I have always had an interest in international issues, which was one of many reasons for my decision to pursue veterinary medicine. As veterinarians, our training can provide us expertise in agriculture and other areas with potential for major economic impact. This morning, I met (for approximately one hour hence the title) with veterinarians involved with [...]

Recess, just like elementary school… but not.

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Several weeks ago, I happened to meet a staff member of the Executive Office of the President while leaving a briefing on the Hill. This individual put me in touch with a veterinarian that works for the Executive Office, and I met with her this morning for breakfast. Dr. Michelle Colby serves as a scientific [...]

Increasing Awareness

Monday, June 30th, 2008

Given my interest in infectious disease and outbreak issues, I arranged a visit to the Emergency Preparedness and Response division of USDA Animal and Plant and Health Inspection Service in Maryland. This division handles many levels of disease outbreak investigations from writing preparedness plans to modeling on-the-ground incident response work. Despite my visit occurring on [...]