President’s Column: Recognizing our colleagues’ contributions

As a veterinary student, I was introduced to organized veterinary medicine by Dr. Erwin Small, a legend in my state who was associate dean and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. 

In his deep Marine voice, we were told to join our local and national associations because it was our responsibility to our profession, and because it was the right thing to do. I followed his advice and began my journey in organized veterinary medicine in 1995 as the Student AVMA president. 

AVMA awards showcase the breadth of veterinary medicine, the diversity of veterinary careers, and the many innovative ways in which veterinary professionals protect animal and human health.

While serving in that role, Dr. Joe Kinnarney graciously acted as my advisor and was instrumental in conveying to me the importance of the AVMA to our profession. He also demonstrated to me how critical it is to be an advocate for veterinary medicine and to speak up on issues and decisions that affect veterinarians.

I have been involved in organized veterinary medicine ever since—at the local, state, and national levels. Along the way, I saw Dr. Kinnarney serve as AVMA vice president and, later, AVMA president and AVMA Trust chair with distinction. In recognition of his contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine, Dr. Kinnarney received The AVMA Award in 2023, a much-deserved honor.

AVMA Excellence Awards honor esteemed colleagues

These are just two examples of the many inspirational individuals across the entire veterinary spectrum who deserve our admiration and respect. The AVMA, through our AVMA Excellence Awards program, is honored to recognize these esteemed colleagues for their contributions to both animal and human health. 

In addition to The AVMA Award, we are privileged to honor recipients with the Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award, the Meritorious Service Award, the Animal Welfare Award, the Lifetime Excellence in Research Award, and many others. The variety of awards bestowed each year shows the breadth of veterinary medicine, the diversity of veterinary careers, and the many innovative ways in which veterinary professionals protect animal and human health.

Nominations come from you

I encourage you to consider nominating someone who’s making a difference in veterinary medicine. I can’t think of a better way to express appreciation to someone who has greatly influenced your veterinary career and who has made a profound difference in your life and the lives of animals and people! 

When you nominate a colleague, you not only offer them the recognition they so richly deserve. You also give back to veterinary medicine by spotlighting the important work of veterinary professionals everywhere. 

Nominations for the 2025 AVMA Excellence Awards have opened. For more information on the awards and how to nominate someone, and for a look at this past year’s winners, visit avma.org/Awards.