Oklahoma veterinarians receive awards
The Oklahoma VMA recognized seven individuals this February during its 99th Annual Convention.
Dr. Kenneth E. Bartels (ISU ’73) of Stillwater was named the 2014 Oklahoma Veterinarian of the Year. He is the director of the Surgical Laser Laboratory at Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Hospital. He joined the veterinary center in 1982. He also served two years on active duty in the Army Veterinary Corps and retired as a colonel after 27 years of service in the Reserve.
Dr. Sarah E. Kirkpatrick (OKL ’06) of Elgin was named 2014 Young Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Kirkpatrick is a practitioner at the Southwest Veterinary Clinic, a private mixed animal practice. She works alongside her husband, Dr. Trace Kirkpatrick, and father-in-law, Dr. Doug Kirkpatrick. Dr. Sarah Kirkpatrick serves on OVMA’s executive board as a district director. She’s been an OVMA member for eight years.
Dr. Mark H. Shackelford (OKL ’82) of Tulsa received the 2014 Companion Animal Practitioner of the Year Award. Dr. Shackelford has co-owned the 15th Street Veterinary Group Clinic in Tulsa since 1990. Beginning in February, Dr. Shackelford became the OVMA president. Appearing frequently on local KOTV, Dr. Shackelford answers questions on a segment called “Ask the Veterinarian.”
Dr. Gary Stone (OKL ’78) of Chandler was recognized as 2014 Food Animal Practitioner of the Year. For nearly 29 years, Dr. Stone has owned the Chandler Animal Clinic. Years ago, the practice focused on dairy cows, but as time has passed, it has added breeding operations for show swine and sheep and seed stock producers in all animal species. Dr. Stone has been active in OVMA for many years, participating with the state fair birthing center, and now co-chairs OVMA state fair events.
Dr. Tamara S. White (OKL ’05) of Cushing was honored as 2014 Equine Practitioner of the Year. Dr. White and her husband, Dr. Bret White (OKL ‘05), own the White Veterinary Services PLLC Clinic. The clinic is a mixed practice.
Dr. Tamara White is active in veterinary associations, including OVMA, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and AVMA. She was in charge of selecting speakers for the equine sessions at the 2010 OVMA conference.
Dr. Billy R. Clay (OKL ’70) of Stillwater received the 2014 President’s Award. Dr. Clay is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. He is a well-known expert in animal, plant, and soil interactions with an emphasis on water quality and nutritional and toxicological relationships in animals. He is often called to consult in matters of agricultural production that focus on plant and animal health. He is president and owner of VETTA Consulting.
Dr. Angie K. DuBois (OKL ’99) of Mustang was honored with the 2014 Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. DuBois has worked at the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Hospital in Oklahoma City for the past 14 years. She has served as a regional director for OVMA for the past four years. She has also aided the association during its surgery suite presentations at the Oklahoma and Tulsa state fairs.