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Annual Awards Recognize CVMA Members for Outstanding Contributions to Veterinary Medicine
July 31, 2023
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) proudly recognized some of its members’ exceptional contributions to the veterinary profession, and animal health and welfare at its 2nd Annual Awards Gala on July 6, 2023, in Quebec City, Quebec.
The Small Animal Practitioner Award, sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, is presented to a CVMA member whose work in small animal practice, clinical research, or basic sciences is judged to have contributed significantly to the advancement of small animal medicine, surgery, or the management of a small animal practice. The 2023 recipient, born in Vienna, Austria, is a Professor of Veterinary Anesthesia at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) from the Veterinary University of Vienna. She worked in a small animal referral clinic before completing a residency in veterinary anesthesia at WCVM. She is a Diplomate of the European and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. She enjoys the variety in her job, which entails working with a variety of species, teaching undergraduate and graduate students, and pursuing research. She has a special interest in small mammal anesthesia and pain management, and volunteers her time at spay and neuter clinics. Congratulations to the recipient of the 2023 Small Animal Practitioner Award, Dr. Barbara Ambros!
The CVMA Practice of the Year Award, sponsored by Scotiabank, was established in 2013 to recognize a veterinary practice team for outstanding achievement within their local community. Such achievements may include innovations in the provision of veterinary services, commitment to work-life balance, meaningful community or charitable involvement, or implementation of green practice procedures. This year’s practice, originally founded in 2009, is a progressive, full service, mixed-animal practice in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia that has grown to employ 7 veterinarians and 22 support staff, including 7 full-time registered veterinary technologists/technicians (RVTs). In addition to quality patient care, they have an unfaltering commitment to the local community, creating work-life balance for their team, and working towards a sustainable future for the veterinary community. This practice is committed to playing an integral role in the development of future members of the veterinary community. Since 2018, the practice has hosted 42 veterinary, RVT, and other students for internships, externships, practicum placements, and summer positions. This practice is community focused, providing veterinary services for rodeos, supporting their local 4H club, and supporting several small animal rescue organizations in the area. This team looks forward to serving their community for many generations to come. The CVMA would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the whole veterinary care team at Tanglefoot Veterinary Services Ltd. for earning the 2023 CVMA Practice of the Year Award!
The Merck Veterinary Award, established in 1985 and sponsored by Merck Animal Health, is presented to a CVMA member whose work in large animal practice, clinical research, or basic sciences is judged to have contributed significantly to the advancement of large animal medicine and surgery, including herd health management. The 2023 recipient graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph in 1985. After several years of rural veterinary practice, he returned to Guelph to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Science degree in Ruminant Health Management. He has worked as a clinical faculty member on the Ruminant Field Service Practice at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) since 1991. He served as Head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at WCVM from 2011 to 2017. His primary research interests are in the fields of beef cattle production medicine and disease surveillance in beef cattle. He currently acts as the Director for the college’s Disease Investigation Unit and is an Associate Editor for the Veterinary Evidence Journal. This individual has over 100 scientific publications in scientific journals along with numerous conference proceedings. He has received 5 teaching awards from WCVM and was the recipient of the 2007 Carl Block Award for contributions to Canada’s animal health programs, the 2008 Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners Veterinarian of the Year Award, and the 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Congratulations to the 2023 recipient of the Merck Veterinary Award, Dr. John Campbell!
The CVMA Humane Award, established in 1986 and sponsored by Merck Animal Health, recognizes
leadership in the care and well-being of animals. The award is presented to a CVMA member whose work is judged to have contributed significantly to the welfare and well-being of animals. The recipient is a general veterinary practitioner, PhD candidate, and Program Lead for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Northern Engagement and Community Outreach Program (NECO). She is a 2008 WCVM graduate and joined the college’s staff in 2012 to start the Wellness, Remote Service Learning, and NECO programs. Her work in Northern Saskatchewan is an area of true passion, and she strives to use her role as a veterinary educator to provide opportunities for veterinary learners and practitioners to develop and practice culturally safe approaches to veterinary care. This individual has been part of the Canadian Collective for Equity in Veterinary Medicine for the past year and has played a key role in the development of the terms of reference. She is the Chair of the WCVM Committee on Indigenous Engagement. She volunteers her time as part of the Northern Dogs Working Group started by the Saskatchewan SPCA, and she is a member of the Companion Animal subgroup of the provincial Animal Welfare Engagement Committee, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer. The CVMA is honored to present the 2023 CVMA Humane Award to Dr. Jordan Woodsworth!
The CVMA Honorary Membership Award is presented to an individual who has rendered distinguished service to the profession, whether residing in Canada or elsewhere. The Honorary Member does not pay fees and cannot vote at meetings or hold any elected office in the CVMA. This year’s recipient began his successful career as an investment banker and manager in Toronto. He then spent 8 years working in New York, London, and the UK. In 1979, he and his wife Mary, who passed away in 2018, established the Rathlyn Foundation to better society and enrich lives by investing in medical education, research, and veterinary science. The Rathlyn Foundation’s support has had far-reaching impacts. The Rathlyn Foundation has supported the Chinook Project, major equipment enhancements, and countless scholarships at the Atlantic Veterinary College. The foundation has supported a number of scholarships in various faculties including one for Indigenous students at McGill University. At the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), his support was essential to establishing the OVC Pet Trust, the creation of new endowments, guidance on governance best practices, and several new initiatives. This individual shies away from receiving individual credit and values the roles he and others alike can play in serving society via advancements in veterinary medicine through targeted and generous philanthropy. The CVMA is pleased to present the 2023 CVMA Honorary Membership Award to Dr. Roger Warren!
The R.V.L. Walker Award, instituted in 1986, consists of a plaque and a cash award. There are 2 recipients of this award: the plaque is presented annually to the President of the Students of the CVMA (SCVMA) in recognition of his/her contributions in promoting student interests in the CVMA; the cash award is presented to a veterinary student in financial need at the veterinary college where the President of the SCVMA is registered. This year’s recipient, a 4rth-year veterinary student at the University of Calgary — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), grew up outside of Sherwood Park, Alberta. She has always loved animals and had a variety of pets including guinea pigs, fish, rabbits, birds, dogs, and cats. Spending her early years on a rural acreage, she also fostered a love for nature and wildlife. She discovered her desire to enter veterinary medicine after being an international Rotary exchange student for a year in France, then completing a Bachelor of Science at Kings University in Edmonton, and shortly thereafter applied to veterinary school. Since her acceptance into the UCVM class of 2024, she has developed a keen interest in small ruminant health alongside her interest in wildlife health. She ultimately hopes to work in a mixed animal practice after graduation and is excited to start her career. She enjoys collaboration with fellow students and is currently enjoying her 4th-year rotations. In her free time, you can find her exploring new hikes in the mountains, playing frisbee, reading or playing board games with friends. The CVMA congratulates the 2023 R.V.L. Walker Award recipient, Ms. Allison Kwantes!
The CVMA Distinguished Member Award is presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards and Committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession. The Distinguished Member is presented with a framed certificate and shall be invited to attend meetings of the Association, and shall not be liable to pay dues, but shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership. Please note: The Life Membership Award was renamed The Distinguished Member Award at the end of 2022. This year’s recipient graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1984 and went on to own a companion animal practice in Vancouver. His involvement with service to the profession of veterinary medicine is more than 30 years long. After graduating from WCVM, he joined a committee of the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association, on which he served for 20 years, including 2 terms as President. In 2006, while he was the CVMA President, he established the Economic Survey Program in cooperation with the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), which continues today. He is a CVMA Canadian representative on the Council of Education Site Accreditation team and is a member of CVMA Workforce Advisory Group, as well as a Member of the Steering Committee — Labour Market Study of BC Veterinary Sector. He is a Director and Treasurer of the CVMA-Society of British Columbia Veterinarians (SBCV), a growing organization that services British Columbia veterinarians. He has been involved with the University of British Columbia’s Animal Welfare Committee and with the WCVM in various capacities. He is married with 3 grown children, one of whom is a veterinarian, and spends much time with his 5 grandchildren. He is actively involved in many sports and outdoor activities including cycling, running, skiing, and outdoor adventure. The CVMA is proud to award Dr. Rob Ashburner with the CVMA Distinguished Member Award!
The CVMA President’s Award is periodically bestowed to recognize an individual member for his/her exceptional contributions and devotion to the Association. Recipients are selected by the President and the CVMA Executive Committee. This year’s winner was born and raised in Calgary where he developed a strong passion for horses. He attended the pre-vet program at the University of Alberta and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1980. He then immediately opened a solo standardbred racetrack practice. In 1986, he moved to Red Deer, Alberta to establish a general equine practice, which eventually had a strong emphasis on equine reproduction until its closure. He joined the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) Council in 2005 where he became Vice President. He joined the ABVMA staff in 2007 as the Assistant to the Registrar and went on to become Registrar, a position retained until his retirement in January 2023. As Registrar, he was a strong advocate for the CVMA. He negotiated the financial arrangements between the ABVMA and CVMA for Alberta’s organizational membership. This individual was closely involved in the establishment of the Canadian Council of Veterinary Registrars and spent 2 terms as the Chair. He strongly advocated for inclusion of registered veterinary technicians and technologists (RVTs) as full voting members of the ABVMA, which occurred in 2017, and continued to advocate for this on a national level. He actively continues to seek ways to serve the veterinary community in Canada. The CVMA is pleased to award Dr. Darrell Dalton the 2023 President’s Award!