AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award

The Frederick Douglass Patterson Award is presented to an AVMA member veterinarian who has made significant contributions to the veterinary profession through innovative and transformative leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The recipient of this award has demonstrated a commitment to advancing these values within the veterinary profession and has brought honor and distinction to the field through their exemplary efforts.

Nomination criteria

• Nominees must be an AVMA member veterinarian
• Nominations may be submitted by any individual (AVMA member or non-member) or organization
• Self-nominations will be considered
• Nominations must reflect an individual’s significant and sustained contributions in promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine. The following are some potential criteria that could be considered:
  • Longevity of service: The nominee should have a demonstrated record of promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the lifetime of their career
  • Innovation: The nominee should have demonstrated innovative approaches to promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including novel strategies and techniques in veterinary medicine that have resulted in measurable change
  • Collaboration and partnership: The nominee should have demonstrated an ability to work collaboratively and build partnerships with diverse stakeholders, such as community organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector entities, to achieve common goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine
  • Leadership and advocacy: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy in promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the ability to inspire and influence others to create positive change in the veterinary profession
  • Positive impact on underrepresented communities: The nominee should have demonstrated a positive impact on marginalized and underrepresented communities with a focus on creating equitable opportunities and outcomes in veterinary medicine for all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or ability

Nomination requirements

• Cover letter summarizing the nominee’s contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including how they have met the specific criteria for the award
• Interactive PDF nomination form
• Curriculum vitae/resume or biography, highlighting the professional achievements, education, and experience in promoting and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Supporting documentation demonstrating the nominee’s contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion such as publications, reports, videos or news articles
• Up to three letters of support from individuals who can provide insight into the nominee’s contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine
• Digital high resolution (300 d.p.i.) colored headshot photograph, suitable for publication
  • 5” x 7”
  • TIF or JPG format

Selection process

• The AVMA Board of Directors selects the recipient
• At the discretion of the AVMA Board of Directors, a recipient may not be selected in a given year if no nominee meets the criteria for selection
• The award recipient will receive one round-trip coach airfare in the name of the recipient, two nights hotel accommodations and registration (if applicable) to the venue designated by AVMA to accept the physical award