AVMA Names Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Dr. Jim Weisman as Chief of Academic Affairs, Research & Accreditation

A longtime Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator will apply his experience, expertise and dedication to the veterinary medical profession at the national level as he begins serving as chief of academic affairs, research and accreditation for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Jim Weisman’s appointment to the position was announced by the AVMA Wednesday, January 29.

Dr. Weisman currently serves as assistant dean for clinical education and clinical associate professor at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. An Evansville, Indiana native, Dr. Weisman earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1997 and then worked in private practice for 11 years before returning to Purdue to join the faculty. He has served in a variety of roles in the college, and has continued to practice medicine in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Weisman also has a long record of service in organized veterinary medicine, dating back to his days as a veterinary student. He was the national Student AVMA treasurer while in veterinary school. He has served in various capacities with the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA), including as president. Throughout his career, Dr. Weisman has received more than a dozen awards for exceptional service, including the IVMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served on the Indiana State Fair Board.

In transitioning into his new role as a member of the AVMA staff, Dr. Weisman will step down from the AVMA Board of Directors, and a successor will be elected to represent District VI, which includes Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. In his new role with the AVMA, he will oversee the activities of the AVMA’s Division of Education and Research, which include accreditation of colleges/schools of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing/technology programs; certification programs for veterinary specialists and foreign veterinary graduates; and advocacy and support for quality education and excellence in veterinary research.

“From his days as a veterinary student and throughout his professional career, Jim Weisman has been a dedicated leader and champion of our profession, and we are delighted to have him join the AVMA’s senior leadership team,” said Dr. Janet Donlin, AVMA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, to whom he will report.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Dr. Weisman to have a national and international impact on our profession,” said Dr. Kathy Salisbury, Purdue Veterinary Medicine associate dean for academic affairs. She added that Dr. Weisman will continue working for the college through most of the spring semester, with April 18 as his last official day at Purdue. “Dr. Weisman has made a huge impact on our college,” Dr. Salisbury said.

The AVMA serves more than 108,000 member veterinarians and has members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries. Click here to view the AVMA’s official announcement about Dr. Weisman’s appointment.