September 28, 2023 The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) held the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference Sept. 22– 24 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center & Trade. Vets and also veterinary staff were honored at WSVMA’s honor ceremonies on Sat., Sept. 23.
Vet of the Year Award
Envisioned L to R: Dr. Lesley Kovar and also WSVMA head of state Dr. Blair de Vries
Lesley Kovar, DVM, Medical Director at Bothell Pet Hospital in Bothell, Wash., received the 2023 WSVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award in acknowledgment of her superior achievements throughout her career as a small animal vet. Over the previous three decades, Dr. Kovar has actually grown a committed clientele through remarkable individual treatment and established a successful mentorship program. Her commitment includes training service technicians as well as assistants, and also cultivating constant development in the vet area. On top of that, Dr. Kovar’s volunteer collaborate with the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, World Vets, as well as her leadership in Bothell Pet Hospital’s collaborate with Greyhound Pets, Inc. showcases her vigorous devotion to animal well-being as well as education and learning. She is a true force of nature, making sure animals get superior care, from cats and pet dogs right to raptors.
Outstanding Veterinary Service Award
L to R: Dr. Michelle Shoemaker as well as WSVMA head of state Dr. Blair de Vries
Michelle Shoemaker, DVM, veterinarian at South Bay Veterinary Hospital in Olympia, Wash., as well as Chief Veterinary Officer for VetCor, was awarded the 2023 WSVMA Outstanding Veterinary Service Award for her remarkable contributions to the profession. Dr. Shoemaker has fostered a comprehensive society at the hospital, gaining the love of clients and initiating a successful mentorship program, which she’s expanded to VetCor’s various other healthcare facilities.
Distinguished Achievement Award
L to R: Dr. Melanie Bowden and WSVMA head of state Dr. Blair de Vries
Melanie Bowden, DVM, Medical Director for Veterinary Emergency Group in Redmond, Wash. as well as MBA candidate, received the 2023 WSVMA Distinguished Achievement Award. Dr. Bowden’s amazing achievements include a 2020 TedTalk, “What Being a Veterinarian Really Takes” that went viral, gathering over 643,000 sights. Her significant speech lost light on the difficulties dealt with by scientific veterinarians, reverberating with both experts and also the public. She candidly discussed the profession’s blessings as well as tensions, attending to the problem of self-destructive ideas within the field. Her talk has actually come to be a valuable resource for practitioners to connect their struggles to clients. In 2021, Dr. Bowden also released a publication labelled “What the F ** k is this Vet Med?– a Mentoring Novel,” concentrating on empowerment, self-awareness, compassion, as well as approval, supplying support for those encountering comparable obstacles.
WSU Faculty Member of the Year Award
L to R: Dr. Craig McConnel as well as WSVMA president Dr. Blair de Vries
Craig McConnel, DVM, MS, PhD, Director of Veterinary Extension at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, Wash., was granted WSVMA’s 2023 WSU Faculty Member of the Year honor in acknowledgment of his impressive solution to WSVMA participants. Dr. McConnel has succeeded in academic success, mentoring peers and also students, assisting in interagency partnerships, and contributing to and also leading the planning of the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference.
WSVMA Humane Animal Welfare Award
L to R: WSVMA head of state Dr. Blair de Vries joins Dr. Stan Coe (4 th from L) and the volunteers of Doney-Coe Pet Clinic
Stan Coe, DVM, Pullman, Wash., as well as the many volunteers of the Doney-Coe Pet Clinic in Seattle, Wash. got the 2023 WSVMA Humane Animal Welfare Award in acknowledgment of the long-time, compassionate veterinary care they give to pet dogs of unhoused and also low-income households in the Seattle location. For 35 years, volunteer vets, vet technicians, vet pupils as well as extra gather weekly to provide a selection of vet medical treatment to family pets in requirement. Founded by Dr. Bud Doney, and continued by Dr. Coe after his death, every volunteer consistently exemplifies empathy and regard, treating every animal and their family with the dignity they should have, despite their conditions. They have actually revealed a dedication to making sure that economic restrictions do not hinder the wellness of precious animals, stressing the crucial bond in between people and their pet friends. Furthermore, the program has actually inspired plenty of similar programs throughout the country.
Differentiated Veterinary Staff Award
Ashley Hoyt
Ashley Hoyt, Pullman, Wash., lead patient services coordinator at the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, got the 2023 WSVMA Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award for her leadership in handling all facets of an enhancing caseload for huge and also tiny animal individuals. With an unfaltering dedication to quality, Ashley consistently sets the bar high, working as an inspirational good example for her associates. Her professionalism, positive perspective, and also empathy instills all that she does, as well as makes her distinctly qualified to win this award.
President’s Award
L to R: WSVMA president Dr. Blair de Vries as well as CEO Candace Joy
Candace Joy, Redmond, Wash. got the 2023 WSVMA President’s Award in recognition of her years of outstanding payments as CEO of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA). Her dedication expanded past her function as CEO as she proactively added with numerous volunteer duties with Veterinary Medical Association Executives and also the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Power of Ten Leadership
L to R: Dr. Mandy Craven, Felicia Hellen, Hilary Koenigs, Taylor Foster, Jackie Treat, Charlene Morotti, Michelle Knerr, as well as Jenna Post. Not imagined: Dr. Kristen Peagler and also Team Coach Dr. Kristi Wubben
The 2022-23 Power of Ten Leadership Class was also featured as a component of the awards event. The group has invested a year together examining leadership principles as well as interaction strategies as well as boosting their self-awareness.
It’s simple to choose an outstanding coworker for a WSVMA award! Please send nominations to the WSVMA office making use of the on-line nomination form no later than May 1, 2024.