Washington State VMA
Event: Annual conference, Sept. 26-28, Yakima
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Richard M. DeBowes, Pullman. A 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. DeBowes is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and director of the professional life skill development program at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Co-founder of the Veterinary Leadership Experience (formerly sponsored by the AVMA, now powered by AVMA PLIT), he also established the Cougar Orientation Leadership Experience for first-year students at the WSU CVM. Dr. DeBowes is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Distinguished Achievement Award: Suzanne M. Kurtz, PhD, won this award, given in recognition of a singular achievement in veterinary medicine, public service, or other fields of endeavor. Dr. Kurtz earned her doctorate in communications from the University of Denver in 1975. She serves as a clinical professor and directs the clinical communication program at the WSU CVM. Dr. Kurtz is professor emerita at the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, where she directed the undergraduate communication curriculum earlier in her career. Her work has improved clinical communication in both human health care and veterinary medicine. Faculty Member of the Year: Dr. Julie Cary, Pullman. A 1999 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Cary is a clinical associate professor of equine surgery at the WSU CVM. She also co-directs the clinical communication program. Dr. Cary is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award: Christina “Rae” Thompson, Poulsbo. A licensed veterinary technician, Thompson serves as assistant hospital manager at VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital. She was recognized for her compassion, dedication, and professionalism. Humane Animal Welfare Award: Judith Piper, Lake Stevens, for advancing animal welfare through extraordinary service. Piper is the founder and director of Old Dog Haven, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to finding temporary and permanent homes for homeless senior dogs. Piper has placed more than 1,000 dogs since 2007.
Business: A new strategic management system has been implemented with five goals dealing with advocacy, communications, education, membership, and technology. With the new system, the 19-member WSVMA board of directors transitioned to 10 members, effective Sept. 25. In September 2015, the board will be reduced to six members.
Officials: Drs. Lisa Parshley, Olympia, president; and Erin Hicks, Lakewood, Spokane, president-elect; vice presidents—Drs. Michael Anderson, Lynden; Paul DeMaris, Snohomish; and Diane Thome, Richland; Dr. Diane Pinkers, Montesano, secretary; Dr. Jerold Gemar, Edmonds, treasurer; Candace Joy, Seattle, executive vice president; Dr. Jocelyn Woood, Mead, immediate past president; and AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. Kim Nicholas, Renton, and Saundra Willis, Mukilteo