Assemblies

Florida VMA

Event: Annual conference, April 9-11, Tampa
Awards:Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Richard B. Williams, Jacksonville. A 1981 graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Williams owns Hidden Hills Animal Hospital in Jacksonville. He has represented District II on the FVMA Executive Board and is the new treasurer of the association. Distinguished Service Award: Dr. John R. Bass, Port Orange, for exceptional achievements and contributions to veterinary medicine and the veterinary profession. A 1975 graduate of Auburn University, Dr. Bass owns Bayshore Animal Hospital in Port Orange. He has twice served as treasurer of the Florida VMA. Lifetime Achievement Award: Drs. Warren L. Hinrichs, Jacksonville; Thomas J. Lane, Ocala; and Sergio E. Vega, Miami. A 1957 graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Hinrichs practices at Pet Doctors of America in Jacksonville. Earlier in his career, he established or co-established several practices in Jacksonville, including Arlington Animal Hospital, San Jose-Beauclerc Animal Hospital, Switzerland Fruitcove Animal Hospital, and Central Vet Emergency Clinic. Dr. Lane received his DVM degree from Cornell University in 1963 and owned an equine practice in Florida until 2005. Earlier in his career, he owned mixed practices in New York and Florida, and for almost 20 years he served as extension veterinarian at the University of Florida. A 1968 graduate of the University of Havana, Dr. Vega owns Dream Lake Animal Hospital in Miami. He has worked to improve the quality of veterinary medicine in the state and acts as a mentor to veterinary students and foreign-trained peers.
Officials: Drs. Jan M. Hasse, Sarasota, president; James A. Kanzler, Bradenton, president-elect; and Jerry Shank, Fort Lauderdale, immediate past president