2024-2025 AVMA fellow to join congressional office

(WASHINGTON, DC) October 8, 2024-The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced today that veterinarian Dr. Michael Streitz of Minnesota will spend his AVMA congressional fellowship with U.S. Congresswoman Kim Schrier's (WA-08) office. The AVMA Fellowship Program is an unparalleled opportunity to shape public policy and enhance one's knowledge of the political process.

Utilizing his unique skillset as a veterinarian and most recent experience as a policy liaison fellow with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Streitz will serve as a scientific advisor to Rep. Schrier and her staff and work with lawmakers in Congress to help craft and influence legislation across a wide breadth of policy issues.

"The AVMA is delighted to hear about Dr. Streitz's opportunity to work with Representative Schrier, who has been a friend of veterinary medicine," said Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA President. "As a science fellow, his role in the Congresswoman's office will help amplify the profession's voice in Congress and ensure a veterinarian's perspective is heard while working alongside those making important public policy decisions. We look forward to seeing what Dr. Streitz accomplishes during his AVMA congressional fellowship and strongly urge more veterinarians to explore roles in public policy as they are essential to maintaining animal and public health and advancing veterinary medicine."

"I am thrilled to join Representative Schrier's office as an AVMA congressional fellow for the coming year," said Dr. Streitz. "Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to approach health policy holistically, leveraging our expertise in food safety, animal wellness, and wildlife management to tackle complex legislative challenges. I look forward to supporting the Congresswoman in advancing her health and agriculture policy initiatives for the 8th district of Washington and for the American people as a whole."

"I'm very excited to have Dr. Streitz join my office as a fellow and am confident that his expertise will have a positive and significant impact in crafting and developing policies that benefit our constituents," said Congresswoman Schrier. "Spanning nearly 10,000 square miles, the Eighth District has a diverse economy, including ranching, farming, and dairy. Dr. Streitz's experience as a veterinarian and policy liaison fellow with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will serve our office well when focusing on animal health and public health-related issues." Dr. Streitz received a Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2016. In 2023, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine/School of Public Health.