Kendall reelected to vice presidency

Nominating Dr. Thomas R. Kendall for a second term as AVMA vice president, California delegate Dr. Michael Andrews praised his human qualities—his warmth and compassion—saying they are the most critical qualities for that position. The vice president is the official liaison to the Student AVMA and student chapters of the AVMA.

Seconding the nomination, Wisconsin delegate Dr. Rene Carlson said he radiates energy, and he knows business and shares his knowledge passionately. And AAHA delegate Dr. Merry Crimi said the profession needs volunteers like Tom Kendall who have proven track records and can help students.

Subsequently, the House of Delegates reelected Dr. Kendall to a second term.

"I really enjoyed being your ambassador this past 12 months to the brightest and best of our profession, the newest members of our profession," Dr. Kendall said. "I look forward to continuing that in the next 12 months."

Over the past year, he has visited students and administrators at many schools. His goal is to visit all the U.S. schools by the time his second term ends. Usually he meets with first- and second-year students to discuss economic matters, an area in which he's proficient.

The Sacramento, Calif., veterinarian said he has seen a lot of enthusiasm, both in administrators and students. While students express concern about their school debt, they also have told him of their conviction that paraprofessionals at the practices where they've worked deserve more compensation. For these and other reasons, students are enthusiastic about raising the economic base of the veterinary profession.

A 1969 graduate of Purdue University, Dr. Kendall owns and co-owns several small animal practices in California. He is also an associate clinical professor connected through the externship program at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Involved in organized veterinary medicine for years, he was president of the California VMA in 1997, chaired the CVMA House of Delegates in 1979-1980, and served on the CVMA Board of Governors and several committees.

His compassion extends to the homeless. He serves the homeless and their pets through the Mercy Clinic in Sacramento, and serves breakfast to homeless mothers and their children through Maryhouse.