OVC Veterinarian Appointed Chair of International Committee Shaping the Future of Primary Care Veterinary Education

Dr. Tiffany Durzi has been appointed Chair of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Primary Care Veterinary Educators (PCVE) Leadership Committee, an influential international group responsible for strengthening primary care education across veterinary schools worldwide.

“It’s an honour to step into this role,” says Durzi. “Working alongside skilled colleagues from other institutions around the world, I believe we’re well-positioned to support the evolving needs of student veterinarians to ensure they enter the profession equipped, confident and inspired to provide exceptional primary care in the communities they serve.”

As Chair, Durzi will help guide global efforts to improve how foundational, day-one clinical competencies are taught, ensuring graduates are prepared to manage the urgent and everyday cases seen in frontline general practice. Her priorities include expanding faculty development initiatives, advancing primary-care pedagogy, fostering collaborative international research and supporting hospital-exchange opportunities that allow educators to share best practices across institutions.

A Track Record of Improving Primary Care Training

A 2000 Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) alumna, Durzi has been a Primary Care Veterinary Educator at the OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital since 2010. She brings clinical expertise in integrative medicine, rehabilitation and pain management, and currently serves as Chief of Service for the OVC Fitness and Rehabilitation Service and Section Head of OVC Primary Care.

Her credentials include certification in veterinary acupuncture (CVA), canine rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) and veterinary pain management (CVPP), as well as board certification (canine/feline) through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). She also contributes to the ABVP’s Veterinary Pain Management Fellowship as a member of its organizing committee.

Durzi’s career has been defined by her commitment to elevating primary care practice and equipping future veterinarians with the skills needed to thrive in general practice, making her uniquely suited for this international leadership position.

OVC’s Global Impact Through the AAVMC

Durzi’s appointment continues OVC’s longstanding involvement in strengthening veterinary medical education on the world stage. For decades, OVC faculty and staff have played active roles in the AAVMC, a global organization representing more than 40,000 faculty, staff and students across veterinary colleges in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond.

AAVMC works to advance veterinary education by setting academic standards, fostering research collaboration and promoting innovations that integrate animal, human and environmental health. Its member institutions—including OVC—share a commitment to graduating practice-ready veterinarians prepared to address today’s most pressing animal health challenges.

The PCVE Leadership Committee, established 15 years ago, is a cornerstone of this mission. It supports educators responsible for training student veterinarians in essential clinical skills and leads AAVMC’s annual PCVE Symposium—a global forum where educators exchange strategies, discuss research developments and strengthen professional networks.

“Our committee aims to inspire primary care veterinary educators,” says Durzi. “I’m grateful to be part of a team making important contributions to the ongoing evolution of veterinary education across the globe.”