The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is pleased to announce that its practice management special interest group, AVAPM, will be joining forces with the Australian Veterinary Business Association (AVBA) from 1 January 2017.

The amalgamation will create a new group, the Veterinary Business Group, which will become part of the AVA. The Veterinary Business Group will provide veterinary practice managers and owners with the support, skills and tools they need to build successful businesses in a rapidly changing business landscape.

“This move is an exciting opportunity to innovate, to develop leadership skills in veterinary businesses, and to foster a strong, successful veterinary services industry well into the future,” said AVAPM President, Dr James Ramsden.

“The combined group will be able to support veterinary businesses at a whole new level.”

“Both groups have been offering similar services such as conferences, workshops, webinars and online resources that are designed to help create successful veterinary businesses and successful veterinary leaders. Dr Ramsden said.

“By joining forces, we’ll be able to reduce the duplication of activities, offer better value for money for members and sponsors, and speak with a stronger and more influential voice through a larger, single membership base.

Members of both organisations will become members of the Veterinary Business Group as of 1 January 2017. Membership will be open to veterinarians and non-veterinarians working within veterinary businesses.