Mission and History

Mission

To improve and advance the education of veterinarians and the science of veterinary medicine; to foster and maintain high standards of integrity, honor, courtesy and ethics in the profession; to foster protection of the public health, and enlighten and inform the public in regard to veterinary medicine, science, knowledge and the avoidance of cruelty to animals, wherein it affects the public good and welfare.

The Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, Inc.
1894 – 1966

Dr. Thomas Griffen, New York County Secretary of the “New York State Veterinary Medical Society” called a meeting of veterinarians to organize “The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County,” January 25, 1894 at the office of Dr. Rush Huidekoper.

Dr. Rush S. Huidekoper was a respected physician and veterinarian, author of several veterinary text books, a lecturer at Veterinary Colleges, and truly a pillar of strength in holding together and guiding the neophyte association throughout its formative years.’ Dr. Huidekoper held the office of President from 1894 to 1898.

“The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County” held monthly meetings at the office of Dr. Huidekoper, 155 West 56th Street, New York, “New York College of Veterinary Surgeons,” 154 East 57th Street, New York, and the “Academy of Medicine,” 17 West 43rd Street, New York. Membership fee during the early formative years was $2.00 per year. The first regular meeting of the Association was held February 6, 1894.

The Certificate of Incorporation of “The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County” dated May 25, 1894, and approved Medical Association of New York County” Clerk’s office, June 1, 1894. The objects for which the said organization was formed were:

• To improve the methods of treating diseases and injuries to all domestic animals
• To elevate the standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the veterinary profession, and to cherish the spirit of brotherhood among members thereof
• To prosecute all persons practicing said profession unlawfully.

Late in the year 1900, “The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County” reached a most crucial period. Attendance at regular meetings declined to a point at which a quorum was not present for the election of new officers. A program committee was appointed to establish a new meeting regimen. Live clinics were initiated and held in various Veterinary Hospitals as the scientific program for each meeting. Dr. George Burns held one meeting at his hospital that lasted all day, with clinical and operative cases on hand. Dr. Coates demonstrated the technique of firing and blistering a horse as a treatment for lameness. This new type of meeting where the membership had an opportunity to learn new procedures and exchange knowledge by demonstration, increased attendance and membership almost immediately. The presence of the “New York College of Veterinary Surgeons” and the “American Veterinary College” aided considerably in preserving and nurturing the continued virility of “The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County.”

On May 5, 1943, a “Certificate of Change of Name” of “The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County” to “Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, Inc.” pursuant to Section Forty of the General Corporation Law – In Witness Whereof, we have made and subscribed this certificate, Benjamin J. Finkelstein, President and Charles B. Schroeder, Secretary of “The Veterinary Medical Association of New York County.” This procedure encompassed all five counties of New York City into one regional representation to the “New York State Veterinary Medical Society.”