Colorado VMA

Event: Annual meeting, Sept. 18-21, Loveland
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Edward R. Eisner, Centennial. A 1964 graduate of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Eisner is chief of dental services at Animal Hospital Specialty Center in Highlands Ranch. Earlier in his career, he owned Campus Veterinary Practice in Denver for 30 years. Dr. Eisner is a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and co-author of the textbook, “Veterinary Dental Techniques.” He helped establish and serves as president of the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation. Dr. Eisner is a member of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and American Veterinary Dental Society and has served on the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Apryl Steele, Littleton, for outstanding service to the advancement of veterinary medicine over an extended period of time in Colorado in any or all aspects of the profession. A 1997 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Steele owns Tender Touch Animal Hospital in Denver. Earlier in her career, she practiced small animal medicine in Cherry Hills. Dr. Steele is a past president of the CVMA, Denver Area VMS, and Animal Assistance Foundation and has chaired the CVMA Task Force on Pre-veterinary Emergency Care. She serves on the board of directors of PetAid Colorado, Dumb Friends League, and American Association of Feline Practitioners. Dr. Steele also served on the former AVMA Governance Engagement Team. Outstanding Faculty Award: Dr. Craig Webb, Fort Collins. Dr. Webb earned his DVM degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1997 and his doctorate in neuroscience from the former Hahnemann University before that, in 1991. He is associate professor and head of the Small Animal Medicine Section at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Webb is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Rising Star Award: Dr. Jeffrey Fankhauser, Denver. A 2007 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Fankhauser is chief veterinarian at the Dumb Friends League. He serves on the CVMA Task Force on Collaboration and co-chairs its Commission on Leadership. Dr. Fankhauser is central area director for the Denver Area VMS and heads its Member Connections Committee. Technician of the Year: Nicole Becker, Boulder. A certified veterinary technician, Becker serves as practice manager at North Boulder Companion Animal Hospital. She helped redesign the clinic and worked with a team to create a faster and more enjoyable client experience. Earlier in her career, Becker was employed at clinics in Florida and Colorado. Becker is known for her leadership skills, integrity, and self-discipline. Industry Partner of the Year: Amy Patterson, Montrose, won this award, given to a company representative considered highly valuable in providing resources to veterinarians and in supporting the association’s goals and mission. Patterson is territory business manager for Zoetis. Early in her career, she worked as a bench chemist for nine years, and in 2003, joined Pfizer before its animal health business became Zoetis. Patterson is known for going above and beyond in her service to veterinary practices and for her dedication to patient care and comfort through education. President’s Award: State Sen. David Balmer, Centennial; state Rep. Beth McCann, Denver; Dr. Randa MacMillan, Littleton; and Dr. Anthony Woodward, Monument. Balmer was honored for his sponsorship of the Dog Protection Act and his role in passing the Pre-veterinary Emergency Care Act. Prior to his election to the state Senate, he served four terms in the Colorado House of Representatives. McCann, completing her third term in the state House, was honored for her role in founding the Colorado Legislative Animal Welfare Caucus and for sustained leadership in advancing legislation that improves the well-being of animals in Colorado. She was a prime sponsor of the Pre-veterinary Emergency Care Act. Dr. MacMillan, a 1981 graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and a past president of the CVMA, owned Arapahoe Veterinary Hospital. She was honored for her service as co-chair of the Colorado Dog Protection Task Force. Dr. Woodward, also a 1981 graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and a past president of the CVMA, owns Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Colorado Springs. He is a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and was honored for enabling medical teams at shelters to improve their knowledge of veterinary dentistry. Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies Veterinary Partnership Award: Dr. Gretchen Norton, Silverthorne, won this award, given in recognition of a veterinarian who has made a difference to homeless and abused animals by volunteering with a local animal care and control agency, animal shelter, or rescue group. A 2000 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Norton practices at Summit County Animal Control and Shelter. She has initiated vaccination and inventory protocols, provides care and documentation to prosecute cases of animal cruelty, and educates staff on matters of animal health. Dr. Norton is known for going above and beyond in her service and care of patients.
Officials: Dr. Erin Epperly, Fowler, president; Dr. Curtis Crawford, Monte Vista, president-elect; Dr. Sam Romano, Arvada, secretary-treasurer; Dr. Sara Ahola, Fort Collins, secretary-treasurer-elect; Dr. Peter Hellyer, Fort Collins, immediate past president; Ralph Johnson, Denver, executive director; and AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. John Rule, Steamboat Springs, and Melanie Marsden, Colorado Springs