What is SAVMA?
- SAVMA stands for the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. It is the student branch of the AVMA and represents veterinary students both locally at UC Davis and nationally.
What does SAVMA do at UC Davis?
- SAVMA supports students through events, professional development opportunities, funding, wellness initiatives, advocacy, networking, and support for student clubs and organizations.
How do I become a SAVMA member?
- Students can become members by paying one-time SAVMA dues on the AVMA website. Membership information and payment instructions can be found HERE!
What if I don’t know my SAVMA ID?
- Please reach out to the current SAVMA President or President-Elect : Arely Navarro (President, [email protected]) or Clara Guirguis (President-Elect, [email protected])
Do I need to join both SAVMA and AVMA?
- Your SAVMA membership connects you with the larger national veterinary student community and AVMA resources. You do not need to purchase a separate AVMA membership for veterinarians while you are a student. Your SAVMA membership will transfer to an AVMA one when you graduate.
What do my SAVMA dues pay for?
- Dues help support student events, programming, club activities, professional development, national SAVMA involvement, and other resources available to veterinary students.
What benefits do SAVMA members receive?
- Benefits may include access to AVMA resources, professional development opportunities, scholarships and grants, networking, insurance-related resources, national SAVMA programs, and member-only opportunities or discounts.
Can I participate in SAVMA events if I am not a member?
- SAVMA events, opportunities, funding, discounts, or benefits are limited to SAVMA members with an active SAVMA ID.
Is SAVMA just for students interested in organized veterinary medicine?
- Not at all! SAVMA is meant to serve all veterinary students, regardless of species interest, specialty, or career path.
How is SAVMA different from veterinary clubs?
- SAVMA is the larger student organization representing the veterinary student body, while clubs typically focus on a particular species, specialty, career interest, hobby, or cause. SAVMA also helps support and coordinate all student organizations in the School of Veterinary Medicine. You can find a list of UC Davis student clubs HERE.
Do I have to hold a leadership position to be involved?
- Nope! You can participate as much or as little as you want. Attending events, giving feedback, volunteering, or taking advantage of SAVMA resources all count as being involved.
Can SAVMA help fund student activities or travel?
- SAVMA offers a Professional Development Fund in the amount of (up to) $400 per academic year for individuals looking to travel for conferences, research, externships, or other professional development opportunities. Application is sent by the SAVMA Vice President in August for the Fall semester and December/January for the Spring.
What is SAVMA Symposium?
- SAVMA Symposium is a national veterinary student conference that brings together students from veterinary schools across the country for lectures, wet labs, networking, competitions, and social events. This is open to all SAVMA members nationally.
Who should I contact if I have a question, concern, or idea for SAVMA?
- Reach out to any SAVMA officer or representative! SAVMA leadership is there to represent students and help connect you with the right person or resource. You can also submit a request on our Suggestions and Feedback Form found HERE!
Where can I find SAVMA updates and upcoming events?
- Keep an eye on SAVMA emails, social media, and other UC Davis SVM student communication channels for events, deadlines, opportunities, and announcements. You can also look at upcoming events on our SAVMA calendar HERE!
Is SAVMA membership worth it?
- If you plan to take advantage of SAVMA and AVMA resources, get involved in veterinary clubs/organizations, attend events, or apply for member opportunities, membership can provide benefits throughout all four years of veterinary school.
If I don’t join now, can I join later?
- Yes! However, joining earlier allows you to take advantage of membership benefits and opportunities from the start of the four years.
Who do I ask if I’m not sure whether I paid my dues or my membership is active?
- Contact the UC Davis SAVMA President or President-Elect, and we can help you check your membership status : Arely Navarro (President, [email protected]) or Clara Guirguis (President-Elect, [email protected])