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Manitoba Veterinarian Honoured for Advancing Small Animal Medicine and Emphasizing Mobile Care for Underserved Communities
June 27, 2024
Calgary, Alta. – Dr. Keri Hudson Reykdal of Manitoba was awarded the 2024 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 26 in recognition of her significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine and small animal practice.
Dr. Hudson Reykdal, a 2000 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, spent the first twenty years of her career in solo mixed rural practice in Ashern, Man. Alongside her regular hospital, Dr. Hudson Reykdal operated a fully mobile veterinary clinic, offering care, vaccination, and spay and neuter procedures to surrounding First Nation communities and other locations.
“Working largely as a solo practitioner, often without even the support of a veterinary technician, Dr. Hudson Reykdal's resilience and adaptability have been nothing short of remarkable,” says Dr. Esther Hillonov, President of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). “The nearest 24-hour clinic is an eight-hour drive away, yet she has persevered, providing continuous, high-quality care under challenging circumstances.”
In late 2020, Hudson Reykdal closed her mixed animal practice to pursue a career change. During her search for a new direction, the city of Thompson, Man., found itself without veterinary services. Dr. Hudson Reykdal initially provided temporary services to the northern community but soon established a new veterinary clinic to meet the overwhelming demand.
“Faced with a dire situation in 2021, where a vast region with a population of 60,000 was abruptly left without veterinary care, Dr. Hudson Reykdal made a selfless and impactful decision. She relocated to Thompson becoming the only veterinarian in the area. This move, over six hours away from her home, farm, husband, and community, epitomizes her dedication and willingness to put the needs of animals and their owners above her own comfort and convenience,” adds Dr. Hillonov.
After realizing the challenge in attracting veterinarians to the remote community, Dr. Hudson Reykdal officially committed to establishing a permanent practice and opened North of 55 Veterinary Services. She has continued to provide full access to veterinary care to Thompson and surrounding communities as a solo practitioner.
Dr. Hudson Reykdal's veterinary endeavors across Manitoba garnered the spotlight through the four-year documentary series Dr. Keri: Prairie Vet, showcased on Animal Planet Canada.
“Dr. Hudson Reykdal used this show to be an advocate for animal health and welfare. In addition to entertaining her audience with the challenges faced by rural veterinarians, she used her role to educate the public and be an ambassador for the veterinary profession,” explains Dr. Kris Torske, Manitoba Representative on the CVMA Council.
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.
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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