2026 President-Elect Candidate

Office and Board Liaison

• Board of Regents, regent (2023–26)
• Foundation Board of Directors, director (2023–26)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, ex officio board liaison (2023–26)
• Research Committee, ex officio board liaison (2023–26)

Committee Service

• Nominating Committee, member (2021–23)
• Research Committee, member (2011–12), assistant chair (2012–13), chair (2013–14)
• Resident Credentialing Committee, member (2016–20)

Speaking & Other Service

• Editorial Review Board, member (2011–14)
• Veterinary Symposium/Surgery Summit, scientific abstract presenter (2008)
• Veterinary Symposium/Surgery Summit, seminar chair (2013, 2025)
• Veterinary Symposium/Surgery Summit, speaker (2011, 2014, 2017, 2023, 2025)
• Webinar, presenter (2023)

Biography

Dr. David Levine is a Professor of Clinical Large Animal Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. A graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, Dr. Levine completed a surgical internship and residency at University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center before staying on as clinical faculty. Dr. Levine has worked on the ACVS Research Committee (serving as Chair), the Resident Credentialing Committee, the Nominating Committee and is currently finishing his term as a large animal regent on the Board of Regents where he was liaison for the Research Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He is currently the Program Director of the Large Animal Residency program at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levine lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Dr. Meagan Smith (an equine ambulatory veterinarian), their two daughters, Ella and Torrin, as well as their dog and chickens.

Position Statement

The ACVS is committed to creating value and fostering meaningful professional involvement for all Diplomates. Share your specific ideas for engaging, supporting, and providing value to Diplomates from private practice, academia, research, and industry from early-career to mid- and later-career.

My goals as President-Elect would firstly be to support the current strategic plan as it rolls out through 2027. During this time, I would continue to work closely with the CEO, staff, and Board of Regents to develop the next strategic plan: one that will guide the College into the future. With the recent separation of certification from membership, this moment represents one where clear understanding of the needs of the college is paramount. Working with the next Board of Regents will play a critical role in ensuring the long-term success and relevance of the College. One of the College’s greatest strengths lies in the diversity of our Diplomates’ experiences, expertise, and career paths. To remain impactful, we must continue to evolve in ways that support these diverse members across private practice, academia, research, and industry throughout every stage of their careers.

Central to my vision is the current ACVS strategic objective 1, Cultivate an Engaged Community. The member needs survey clearly demonstrated that Diplomates value meaningful professional connections and opportunities for engagement. The College should serve as the professional home for all Diplomates, fostering connections across disciplines, practice settings, and generations. For early-career Diplomates, this includes mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and leadership development pathways that support career growth. Mid-career Diplomates should have opportunities to expand their leadership roles, participate in committees, and contribute to strategic initiatives. For senior Diplomates, we must create meaningful avenues to share expertise, mentor future leaders, and preserve the institutional knowledge that strengthens our profession.

Strategic Objective 2, Update Training and Certification, remains equally important. While much of this responsibility will now reside with the Certification Council, the Board of Regents and Executive Committee must actively support this transition and ensure the Council has the resources and collaboration necessary to succeed. Maintaining rigorous, relevant, and contemporary standards is essential to preserving the value of certification and advancing our specialty.