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P.E.I. Veterinarian Honoured with CVMA Distinguished Member Award for his Impact on Past, Current, and Future Generations of Veterinarians
June 27, 2024
Calgary, Alta. – Dr. Darcy Shaw was honoured with the 2024 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Distinguished Member Award for his significant contributions to the national veterinary profession during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 26.
A native of Moose Jaw, Sask., Dr. Shaw graduated with distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1983. Following two years in private practice, he returned to WCVM to complete a residency and graduate program in small animal internal medicine.
In addition to Dr. Shaw’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), his desire to build administrative strengths motivated him to serve as the Director of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) hospital, complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and serve a five-year term as Chair of the Department of Companion Animals at AVC. His MBA project focused on the challenges and strengths of the admissions process and resulted in substantive changes made to this area.
Dr. Shaw, Professor Emeritus of Small Animal Internal Medicine in the Department of Companion Animals at AVC, has always had a strong interest in client communications.
“Dr. Shaw had the exceptional foresight to recognize the importance of communication teaching in the veterinary curriculum. He was instrumental in developing the communication skills training program at AVC, and he contributed significantly to advancing this skill in the profession internationally,” says Dr. John VanLeeuwen, former Interim Dean, AVC.
Dr. Shaw has been a facilitator for the United States based Institute of Healthcare Communication since 2008. This week-long training program was developed to enable veterinary faculty to teach communication skills at their respective institutions. Through this program, Dr. Shaw has helped train approximately 340 veterinary faculty members from schools and colleges in the U.S. and Canada. He continues to be an active facilitator in this program and delivers continuing education related to communication skills and leadership development nationally and internationally.
“Dr. Shaw has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving professional skills training, not just at the AVC, but globally. Specifically, his desire to improve communications training for veterinarians is exemplary and he did the foundational work at AVC to take our training to the next level,” says Dr. Heather Gunn McQuillan, Professional Foundations Coordinator, AVC. This has significantly impacted the quality of students that we graduate, the care they will provide to clients, and their ability to resolve conflict and challenging conversations more effectively, thus contributing to their well-being and longevity within the profession. His impact on past, current, and future generations of veterinarians has been profound.”
In addition to his professional excellence in communications training, Dr. Shaw is known for his dedication to veterinary leadership training. He is committed to personal and professional leadership, emphasizing servant leadership and working within the team to promote integrity, courage, and respect.
Throughout his career, Dr. Shaw has gained extensive experience in various facets of veterinary medicine. Notably, Dr. Shaw is the 2000-2001 Past-President of the CVMA and served as a CVMA representative on eight American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation site visits to veterinary colleges worldwide.
The 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.
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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