The Impact of ICVA Volunteers
At ICVA, volunteers are the heart of our success and drive our initiatives. In fact, the very mission, vision, strategic plan, and direction of the organization is set by the 13 dedicated volunteers who serve as members of the ICVA Board of Directors. ICVA volunteers contribute across various committees, each playing an indispensable role in maintaining the high standards and relevance of our veterinary assessments. Whether serving on the Board of Directors, a task force, committee, or specialized groups of subject matter experts, volunteers are vital to ICVA’s mission.
The largest group, and the one that immediately springs to most minds when discussing ICVA volunteers, is the cadre of subject matter experts who oversee multiple stages of exam development for the NAVLE. These individuals are involved in a variety of tasks, from item writing to content review, working with staff of ICVA and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). Their expertise is crucial in determining what candidates need to know in order to enter veterinary practice, and how this required level of knowledge and skill can be effectively tested. This year-round work guarantees that examination questions reflect real-world practices, are free from issues, and measure what is expected of a minimally-proficient candidate.
ICVA committees vary in structure but are all volunteer-driven as they work with ICVA staff (who assist the committee and provide connection to the organization). These collaborations contribute enormously to the success of ICVA’s current assessments, such as the NAVLE and the VEA, and to the development of new assessments, such as the upcoming Progress Test. Just as critically, the efforts of volunteers create and support activities advancing assessment within veterinary schools, including the ICVA Assessment Grants Program, The Assessment Development Workshops, and the VEA Data workshops.
“One of the best parts of this job is getting to work with our amazing volunteers,” noted ICVA CEO Dr. Heather Case. “Their dedication and commitment are fundamental to our ongoing success, and we are so grateful for their invaluable efforts.”
Join Our Volunteer Network
ICVA is always looking to expand the pool of volunteers with a diverse group from across the US and Canada (as well as those from AVMA-COE accredited schools outside of the US and Canada). This diversity brings a wide scope of perspectives, including regional differences in
veterinary practice and regulations, different types of practice, and years of experience in the veterinary field.
Top priorities include achieving representation across species and geographic regions, as well as involving veterinarians in a broad range of academia, private practice, and industry positions to ensure that our assessments remain comprehensive and current. ICVA offers numerous opportunities for involvement, from highly engaged roles to more flexible, remote contributions, to accommodate diverse schedules and commitments.
ICVA is actively seeking clinical practitioners to join as volunteers, particularly those who have graduated within the last 5-7 years. Their insights, ability to highlight essential trends, and reflection of real-world practices make their expertise indispensable to keeping our assessment content relevant.
New Volunteer Opportunities
Several exciting new volunteer opportunities are available this year. One of the key initiatives for which volunteers are being sought is the Progress Test, which will assess veterinary students’ knowledge throughout their education.
ICVA invites all veterinarians, from experienced practitioners to recent graduates, to join our community of volunteers. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities here and how you can get involved, or contact us directly.