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Québec Veterinarian Honoured for Significant Contributions to the Advancement of Small Animal Medicine
July 22, 2022
HALIFAX, N.S. – Dr. David Silversides of St. Hyacinthe, Que., was honoured with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine and small animal practice.
Dr. Silversides received his DVM degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. He is also a proud graduate of the University of Saskatchewan where he received a BSc in biochemistry (1978) and earned a PhD in reproductive physiology (1986). Following these accomplishments, he spent four years of post-doctoral studies in the United States, including two years in San Francisco and two years in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Silversides accepted a position at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire (FVM), Université de Montréal and has worked as a researcher in genetics and genomics for the last 32 years. He has more recently turned his focus towards the known DNA mutations that cause more than 200 genetic diseases in our domestic dog breeds and the over 30 genetic diseases in our cats.
“Dr. Silversides has been an inspiring teacher and an enthusiastic researcher for many years. His accomplishments in developing genetic tests applicable to practitioner needs deserves your attention,” says Dr. Guy Fitzgerald, Université de Montréal clinical instructor. “As the founder of Labgenvet, he certainly contributed to bringing the quality of small animal practice a step forward.”
The labgenvet.ca website is Dr. Silversides’ contribution to the responsibility to eliminate genetic diseases in our dog and cat populations – relying on education and access to a reliable knowledge base to make a difference.
“Dr. Silversides has made a significant contribution to the advancement of medicine and welfare of the small animal population. His work has brought forward a tool of great importance to the veterinary community and the public,” states Dr. Joane Parent, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Neurology, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire (FMV). “The Labgenvet website is unique within Canada presenting a wealth of information for veterinarians, breeders, and the public at large. Dr. Silversides’ laboratory also [provided] a diagnostic service for veterinarians and the public identifying genetically transmitted diseases.”
“In addition to his abilities as a researcher and teacher, I believe the most remarkable achievement and legacy of Dr. Silversides is without any doubt the creation of Labgenvet. This [website] is an invaluable educational tool for veterinary students, veterinarians, breeders, and the general public. It will unquestionably contribute to reducing the frequency of genetic diseases in domestic animals and improve animal health and welfare,” adds Dr. Manon Paradis, of the Department of Clinical Sciences, FMV), Université de Montréal.
The CVMA’s 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 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org