New York State VMS

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society had an awards ceremony during its annual conference this past October.

Dr. James F. Peddie (COR ’65) of Ventura, Calif., was recognized with the Daniel Elmer Salmon Award for Distinguished Alumni Service, given annually by the Alumni Association of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

He was one of the three founding members of the Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Thousand Oaks, Calif. During his 23 years there, he mentored many veterinary students and recent graduates.

Dr. Peddie developed an interest in exotic animal medicine in the early 1970s. He volunteered at local zoos, becoming a pioneer in humane restraint and treatment techniques in a variety of exotic species. During this time he began a 30-year relationship with the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College in Moorpark, Calif.

Dr. Peddie’s interest in elephants led him and his wife, Dr. Linda R. Peddie (COR ‘65), to monitor and shape legislation and regulations for the appropriate care of these animals when kept in captivity. He is respected as a pioneer in wildlife medicine and in the humane use of animals in the entertainment industry.

Dr. Peddie was also active in organized veterinary medicine, serving as California delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates and as AVMA treasurer for six terms, as well as California VMA treasurer and member of the CVMA board of governors. He is currently treasurer of the Western Veterinary Conference and a trustee for the AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance Trust.

Dr. Linda J.M. Tintle (COR ’81) of Wurtsboro, N.Y., received the President’s Recognition Award, which honored Dr. Tintle for her work on behalf of the society and the veterinary profession in New York state during her presidential term in 2013.

Dr. Lawrence Bartholf (COR ’65) of Greenfield Park, N.Y., received the Distinguished Life Service Award for his service as an NYSVMS member for 35 years. The large animal practitioner served as the society’s president in 2005. He has won several animal welfare awards, including the first AVMA Animal Welfare Award.

Dr. Eric Bregman (UP ’95) was honored as the New York State Veterinarian of the Year. He is owner of the Bregman Veterinary Group in Williston Park, N.Y., and was president of the NYSVMS in 2011.

Lisa Chelenza was honored with the Special President’s Citation. Since 2003, Chelenza has been the face of Pet Pointers, a weekly segment on Syracuse station YNN that focuses on animal and pet health issues and offers advice from veterinarians on how to provide the best care possible for pets.

Dr. Daniel J. Fletcher (CAL ’02) of Ithaca, N.Y., was recognized with the Outstanding Speaker Award for the 2012 New York State Veterinary Conference, which was voted on by attendees. Dr. Fletcher is an assistant professor in the Section of Emergency and Critical Care at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.