CVM alumnus elected AVMA president

COLLEGE STATION, TX - Dr. Larry Kornegay, a 1971 graduate of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), was elected president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) at the association's 147^th Annual Convention in Atlanta on July 30, 2010.

AVMA was established in 1863 as a not-for-profit association structured to work for its members to be a united voice for the veterinary profession. AVMA represents more than 80,000 veterinarians in all fields of the veterinary profession.

Kornegay has practiced companion animal veterinary medicine in Houston for 36 years. He has served in many leadership roles. In 1981, he became president of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association and then became president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association in 1991. He has served on the AVMA Executive Board representing Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. He has also been the Executive Board liaison to the Council of Communications, the Committee on Human-Animal Bond, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, the Member Services Committee and the Council on Veterinary Services. In 2005, the CVM presented Kornegay with the "Outstanding Alumnus" award.

In his acceptance speech at the convention before the AVMA House of Delegates, Kornegay outlined his platform and goals. His main goals are to bring unity to the profession and to encourage diversity with the changing times. He said that as a veterinarian he has witnessed significant changes in the veterinary profession since he started his practice almost 40 years ago. Kornegay stated that female veterinarians now outnumber men, and he has hired bilingual employees at his clinic to accommodate more diverse clients.

"As veterinarians, we share a common bond, and I will work this coming year to strengthen this bond by welcoming everyone's input, by opening my mind to varied perspectives, by offering guidance when I can, and by helping build unity to mend those fractures," explained Kornegay. " I will work tirelessly over the next year to welcome everyone to the table. While I am so proud of what we have accomplished, particularly when it comes to the great work our staff is doing to enhance diversity in the profession, you and I both know we can do more."

"This is truly an honor, and I pledge to you that as I serve the AVMA, our members and the veterinary profession over the coming year, I will do so with dedication and pride," said Kornegay.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718