Ode to Mel Balk, Executive Director, Emeritus- ACLAM

I took the certifying exam in 1961.  That was the year that the AVMA decided that there would no longer be Associate Members of the veterinary specialties; only Diplomates who had met the experience requirements and passed a certifying examination.  Associate Members could take the examination that year without further review.    As a result, there were a large number of examinees.

When the exams were handed out, there were a lot of comments, including profanity.  Some were humorous, e.g. What is P value?  As the level of profanity increased, many stormed out of the room, and most threw the exam in the trash as they left.

After the exam, I passed through   the hotel lobby and saw Col Robert Yager and Dr Tom Clarkson having what appeared to be a deep discussion and called me over.  I had served under Col Yager in the Army, and he was Secretary of ACLAM; Dr Clarkson was President of ACLAM, and chairman of my training program.  They asked me about the exam.  I told them that I thought it was hard but fair; and that a large number had left the room, making unfavorable comments.

Drs Yager and Clarkson mentioned that there was going to be a meeting that night regarding the examination.  They did not think their presence would be appropriate but asked if I would attend.  I agreed to do so.

As I entered the meeting room, I was overwhelmed by what appeared to be a truly angry mob; yelling, swearing, etc.  Finally, a gentleman stood up, and asked for attention, identifying himself as Nate Brewer.  He was obviously well known to most, having started the Animal Care Panel when in Chicago and, in turn, led to the various laboratory animal organizations.  He calmly pointed out that the AVMA, not ACLAM, had decided that there would no longer be Associate memberships for any of the veterinary medical specialties, only Diplomates, and those would have to qualify by examination.  He briefly reviewed the goals of ACLAM and pointed out that anyone seeking to join any organization did so by agreeing with the goals of that organization and not as a platform for personal goals.  He also suggested that the field of laboratory animal medicine had grown to a level that there was room for more than one organization.  The ensuing discussion led to ASLAP.

We have been fortunate to have had someone to continue the vision and leadership qualities of Dr Nate Brewer.

C. Max Lang. Past ACLAM Secretary-Treasurer- 1981-1990 and past ACLAM President- 1991-92.