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Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Explores Access to Care and Pathways to a Sustainable Profession during Canada’s Only National Multi-Species Convention
June 30, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) explored the importance of access to veterinary care for all as well as ways to achieve a sustainable veterinary profession during its annual convention in Victoria, B.C.
During the CVMA Summit, Access to Care, experienced professionals described their unique solutions to personal challenges in ensuring access to veterinary care for all which left attendees inspired with ideas to incorporate into their own practices and communities.
“Factors influencing access to veterinary care are complex, highly dynamic, and will continue to evolve,” notes Dr. Tim Arthur, 2024-2025 CVMA President. “Barriers to accessing veterinary care have created an environment negatively impacting animal health and welfare and the well-being of Canadians.
“The CVMA strongly encourages the veterinary profession, veterinary regulatory bodies, governments, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders to urgently collaborate on the development of short-, medium-, and long-term strategies and action plans to reduce barriers, improve access, and mitigate risk to humans and animals.”
The CVMA Summit featured three experts:
- Jordan Woodsworth is a small animal clinician and Director of Northern Engagement and Community Outreach at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She focuses on addressing animal health and welfare inequities in Canada through community-led solutions. Dr. Woodsworth is also involved in fostering anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and anti-colonial environments within veterinary medicine and co-facilitates anti-racism education sessions campus-wide.
- Ryane Englar received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 2008. She practiced as an associate veterinarian in companion animal practice before transitioning into academia. She joined the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in February 2020. As an Associate Professor and Director of Veterinary Skills Development, Dr. Englar currently leads the Clinical and Professional Skills curriculum.
- Michael Blackwell currently serves as the Program for Pet Health Equity director at the University of Tennessee. He founded AlignCare Health, a One Health interprofessional system to improve access to veterinary care, especially for families with limited means. Dr. Blackwell previously served as Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee; Chief of Staff, Office of the Surgeon General of the United States; Deputy Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration; and Chief Veterinary Officer, U.S. Public Health Service. During 23 years on active duty with the U.S. Public Health Service, he achieved the rank of Assistant Surgeon General and Rear Admiral. Dr. Blackwell has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and two Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medals. He is the 2020 recipient of the Avanzino Leadership Award and the 2021 recipient of the Senator John Melcher DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award.
The CVMA National Issues Forum, Pathway to a Sustainable Veterinary Profession, featured a panel of five diverse veterinary experts from around the world who discussed various aspects of sustainability ranging from clinic-level efforts to a global sustainable profession.
The convention also featured the announcement of the 2025-2026 CVMA President, Dr. Tracy Fisher, a respected small animal practitioner with a special interest in avian and exotic animal medicine as well as soft tissue surgery. Additionally, the 2025 CVMA Awards Gala recognized individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine.
The CVMA annual convention gathered over 700 veterinary professionals and more than 90 exhibiting companies from across the country from June 25 to 29 to attend Canada’s only national multi-species convention.
The event featured 40 esteemed national and international speakers addressing topics ranging from animal welfare, antimicrobial use, disaster preparedness, highly pathogenic avian influenza, managing grief, to spectrum of care, and more.
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Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
800-567-2862 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org
About the CVMA
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more.