New award recognizes achievements in supporting DEI

The veterinary profession is changing, and the AVMA’s prestigious Excellence Awards program is changing alongside it.

Beginning this year, a new AVMA award will formally recognize accomplishments in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award will honor an AVMA member who has made significant contributions to the veterinary profession through innovative and transformative leadership in promoting DEI.

Approved by the AVMA Board of Directors at its April meeting, the new award will be presented for the first time at AVMA Convention in July. 

Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on May 22. View the specific award criteria and download the nomination form.

What are the AVMA Excellence Awards?

The AVMA Excellence Awards honor extraordinary achievements in all disciplines and veterinary career paths—public service, advocacy, research, animal health and welfare, and more. The variety of awards showcases the breadth of veterinary medicine, the diversity of veterinary careers, and the many ways in which veterinary professionals protect both animal and human health.

Learn more about all of the awards at avma.org/Awards.