Veterinarians with an interest in feline medicine will be able to advance those interests locally following the formation of the Australian Society for Feline Medicine (ASFM).
Secretary and Mentone Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Andy Woodward said that while Australia had led the way in feline medicine with a growing number of specialists, distance education courses and feline-specific qualifications, there has not been a single organisation for veterinarians with a strong professional interest in feline patients.
He said the ASFM will partner with the International Society for Feline Medicine (ISFM – formerly the Feline Advisory Bureau) to promote cat well-being.
ASFM President and Melbourne-based Cat Clinic owner Richard Gowan said the move to establish an Australian organisation was inspired by home-grown feline specialists whose contributions are recognised worldwide.
“Some of my personal mentors such as Vic Menrath and Richard Malik [are] just two [who] have made significant contributions to this field,” he said. “They have focused the interest of many practitioners and have been a driving force in the establishment of the ASFM”.
Members will receive reciprocal benefits from the ISFM, including subscription to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Current Australian ISFM members can renew memberships through the ASFM, avoiding the need to pay two membership fees.
The ASFM will provide educational literature to vets, nurses, students and cat owners, as well as support feline-themed continuing education organisations and promote the internationally recognised Cat-Friendly Clinic Accreditation Scheme.
Veterinarians and practices can join, with free membership offered to veterinary students.
For more information visit www.asfm.com.au
Anne Fawcett