Washington State VMA

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Dr. Leonard Eldridge
Dr. Eldridge
Dr. Jocelyn Woood
Dr. Woood
Dr. Erin Hicks
Dr. Hicks


Event: Annual conference, Oct. 4-6, 2013, Yakima
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Leonard Eldridge, Olympia. A 1965 graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Eldridge retired as Washington state veterinarian in 2013. During his service, he developed the state’s Reserve Veterinary Corps and avian health and animal emergency response programs. Earlier in his career, Dr. Eldridge owned a mixed animal practice in Lewiston, Idaho. Distinguished Achievement Award: Dr. Cathy Tucker, Spokane, won this award, given in recognition of a singular achievement in veterinary medicine, public service, or other fields of endeavor. A 1980 graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Tucker founded Mission Free Veterinary Clinic at the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane. One morning each week, she provides free veterinary care at the clinic for those of her clients who need financial assistance. Earlier in her career, Dr. Tucker was a relief veterinarian in Spokane and worked part time at the University of Washington primate field station in Medical Lake. WSVMA Allied Industry Award: Jere Johnston, Chatteroy, for exceptional service to the veterinary profession. Johnston is senior therapeutic specialist at Zoetis. He has served the veterinary community in the inland Northwest for more than 30 years. Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award: Jon Wieringa, Renton. Wieringa is a licensed veterinary technician and serves as technical and hospital manager at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services. He was recognized for going above and beyond the expected responsibilities of a practice and providing outstanding client service. Humane Animal Welfare Award: Bonnie VeVea, Kirkland, for advancing animal welfare through extraordinary service. VeVea is the founder of MEOW Cat Rescue and places about 1,500 cats in new homes annually.
Business: The association’s magazine, Insight, will be renamed WA Veterinarian. All members will receive the magazine, and veterinary practices without members will receive a single copy.
Officials: Drs. Jocelyn Woood, Colbert, president; Erin Hicks, Lakewood, Spokane, president-elect; Lisa Parshley, Olympia, 1st vice president; Candace Joy, Seattle, executive vice president; James McCutchan, Snohomish, immediate past president; and AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. Kim Nicholas, Renton, and Sandy Willis, Mukilteo