Michigan Veterinary Conference

Event: Annual conference, Jan. 27-29, Lansing
Program: The conference, held jointly by the Michigan VMA and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, drew 1,500 attendees and offered 150 hours of continuing education.
Awards: W. Kenneth McKersie Service Award: Dr. Franklin Carmona, Troy, for cumulative service and accomplishments benefiting the veterinary profession, the community, and the Michigan VMA. A 1989 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carmona practices at North Hills Veterinary Hospital in Rochester Hills. He is a past president of the Michigan VMA and Southeast Michigan VMA. Dr. Carmona is a strong advocate for organized veterinary medicine and has assisted the MVMA with legislative issues and student initiatives. MVMA Community Service Award: Debra Szot, Paris, won this award, given to an animal-related organization or individual who is not a veterinarian, for contributions that have benefited society, the MVMA, or animal welfare. Szot is the founder of the Riley Mackenzie Fund, established in 2009 to assist animals during crises. The fund helps with pet food, emergency veterinary care, temporary boarding, and spay/neuter procedures, with a special focus on animals coming from domestic violence situations. MVMA Public Media Award: Rosemary Parker, a writer with the Kalamazoo Gazette, won this award. With an interest in animal-related issues, she has provided balanced, well-researched, and timely information on several topics of veterinary importance.
Officials: Drs. Susan Sayles, Jackson, president; Ralph Huff, North Branch, president-elect; Therese Burns, Caledonia, 1st vice president and treasurer; Julie Cappel, Warren, 2nd vice president; and Frank Carmona, Troy, immediate past president