Virginia VMA

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Dr.Finkler
Dr. Mark Finkler
Dr. Sponenberg
Dr. J. Phillip Sponenberg
Dr. Hand
Dr. Pamela Hand
Dr. Parquette
Dr. Wesley Parquette

 

Dr.Vandrey
Dr. Derek Vandrey

Event: Virginia Veterinary Conference, Feb. 14-16, Roanoke
Awards: Paul F. Landis Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Mark Finkler, Roanoke. A 1980 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Finkler owns Roanoke Animal Hospital. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Finkler is a past president of the Virginia VMA. Distinguished Veterinarian Award: Dr. J. Phillip Sponenberg, Blacksburg, in recognition of his professionalism, compassion, and humanity while practicing veterinary medicine. Dr. Sponenberg earned his veterinary degree from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 1976 and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. He serves as a professor of pathology and genetics in the Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Service Award: Dr. Pamela Hand, Free Union, for excellent representation of the veterinary profession through active community involvement and veterinary service. A 1979 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Hand served as a behavioral science clinician at the University of Minnesota prior to retirement in 2007. She continues to educate the community on dog behavior and trains Labrador Retrievers to serve as service dogs in Virginia and Minnesota. Recent Graduate Leadership Award: Dr. Wesley Parquette, Manassas. A 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Parquette practices at Pender Veterinary Centre in Fairfax. Mentor of the Year: Dr. Derek Vandrey, Amissville. A 2000 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Vandrey practices at Warren County Veterinary Clinic in Front Royal.
Business: The VVMA has partnered with the McLaughlin Young Group to offer an assistance program for members. The program is designed to help with family problems, stress, work-life balance, work-related issues and concerns, depression, substance abuse, grief and loss, and healthy living.
Officials: Drs. Melinda McCall, Louisa, president; Jason Bollenbeck, Leesburg, president-elect; Kelly Gottschalk, Richmond, vice president; Martin Betts, Charlottesville, secretary-treasurer; and Margaret Rucker, Lebanon, immediate past president