Why this matters right now
NMVMA is not asking New Mexico veterinarians to join out of habit. We are asking you to support the work that supports your profession.
Over the last year, we heard from 106 survey respondents and through 51 listening tour conversations. The message was consistent: New Mexico’s veterinary community is doing important work under real strain. Members pointed to workforce shortages, financial pressure, burnout, CE barriers, practice sustainability concerns, and the need for stronger advocacy and clearer communication from NMVMA.
What we heard from the field
The data gave us a very practical picture of what practices are facing.
Most surveyed practices operate with just 1 to 2 veterinarians, and nearly half reported having no RVTs on staff. Members also told us that the biggest barriers to in-person CE are cost (58%), travel distance (51%), and time away from clinic (50%). On advocacy, the top priorities were workforce shortages and distribution concerns (53.8%), technician recruitment and retention (51%), license portability (38.5%), and scope-of-practice guardrails (35.6%). When it comes to communication, members said they trust direct NMVMA email (66.3%) and the NM Vet List (49%) most for timely updates.
That is not abstract. That is a profession asking for practical help.
What NMVMA plans to do about it
Our engagement plan takes that feedback seriously and turns it into focused action. At a high level, NMVMA is working to:
- expand practical, accessible CE through webinars, recordings, and regional learning opportunities
- reduce friction by improving access pathways and sharing resources more clearly
- strengthen the workforce pipeline through mentorship, leadership development, and career-connected opportunities
- continue steady advocacy work, public policy engagement, and member education
- improve communication through more timely updates and clearer ways to stay informed and involved
- build stronger community through volunteer pathways, public awareness efforts, and member engagement opportunities
In other words, NMVMA is doing the work members said matters most.
Why membership matters
This work does not sustain itself.
Advocacy takes organization. CE takes planning and partnerships. Timely updates take systems. Leadership development, mentorship, public awareness, and practice support all take time, structure, and member backing.
Membership is what makes that possible. It helps NMVMA stay steady, credible, and useful in a profession that does not need more noise. It needs a strong state association that listens, acts, and keeps showing up. That is exactly the direction laid out in NMVMA’s strategic plan: advocacy, community, practice support, leadership development, and a stronger future for veterinary medicine in New Mexico.
Join. Renew. Reconnect.
If you believe New Mexico veterinary medicine needs a strong voice, practical support, and a community that works for the profession, now is the right time to join or renew.
Your membership supports real work for real challenges, right here in New Mexico.