Washington State VMA

Event: 101st annual conference, Sept. 28-30, 2012, Yakima

Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Dan DeWeert, Twisp. A 1978 graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. DeWeert owns Valley Veterinary Clinic. He helped establish the Washington Physicians Health Program, enabling members to gain the tools necessary to control their addictions and continue their careers in veterinary medicine. Distinguished Achievement Award: Dr. Terry Brown, Spokane, for his more than 25 years of service to animals, clients, and veterinarians in the Spokane area. A 1974 graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Brown was a principal at the Pet Emergency Clinic and Referral Center prior to retirement in 2009. During his more than 30 years there, he managed and served as a clinician at the center and helped in the development of the facility. WSU Faculty Member of the Year: Dr. Bryan Slinker, Pullman. A 1980 graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Slinker is dean of the WSU-CVM. During his tenure, he has guided the college to uninterrupted AVMA accreditation, despite a time of budget crisis. Dr. Slinker has established cooperative agreements between the college and Utah State University and Seattle Humane, and he is in the process of developing relationships with Montana State University and the Idaho Humane Society. WSVMA Allied Industry Award: Mackenzie Martin, Portland, Ore., for exceptional service to the veterinary profession and the WSVMA. Martin is a financial adviser with McCoy Foat Wealth Management. In addition to providing business strategies and expertise, Martin has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining Practice Share, a professional network of female veterinary practitioners in Washington state. Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award: Betsy Wheeler, Pullman. Wheeler is a veterinary technician at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has helped build the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Oncology Service program and is known for her skills in patient care and satisfaction.

Officials:  Drs. James McCutchan, Snohomish, president; Jocelyn Woood, Spokane, president-elect, Erin Hicks, Lakewood, 1st vice president; Candace Joy, Seattle, executive vice president; and John Cannon, Spokane, immediate past president