You are well aware of society's increased concern for the ethical and compassionate care of humans and animals suffering from pain and distress. In veterinary medicine, research findings and clinical experience are rapidly expanding our understanding of pain in animals. Through a variety of educational modalities, veterinarians have the opportunity to improve their understanding of pain, and to incorporate this new found knowledge into their day to day practice. The goal of the IVAPM is to facilitate this process. Cutting-edge practitioners are already changing the face of veterinary medicine with an ethic that includes the consideration and treatment of pain in every patient. This ethic recognizes that treating pain is a fundamental part of practicing good medicine. The paradigm with respect to pain in animals has already begun to shift. This group needs to be on the forefront of this change.