South Dakota VMA

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Dr. Miskimins
Dr. Dale Miskimins
Dr. Schilder
Dr. April Schilder
Dr. Andress
Dr. Ethan Andress

Event

128th annual meeting, Aug. 11-14, Sioux Falls

Program

The event featured continuing education; a pre-meeting seminar from South Dakota State University Extension, teaching veterinarians how to communicate with farmers and ranchers; and case presentations from the SDSU Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. Dr. Jane Christopher-Hennings, head of the SDSU Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and director of the ADRDL, spoke on the SDSU–University of Minnesota's 2+2 program, a collaborative program in rural veterinary medical education, and the new addition to the ADRDL building. The SDVMA Alliance raised more than $11,000 in a benefit auction, to be used toward scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technology students.

Awards

Veterinarian of the Year 
Dr. Dale Miskimins (Iowa State '78), Elkton. Dr. Miskimins heads the necropsy section at the ADRDL. Earlier, he practiced large animal medicine in central South Dakota. 

Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Steve Tornberg, (Iowa State '79), Harrisburg, for bringing distinction to the veterinary profession through devotion to the care and well-being of animals, support for the profession, and contributions to the community. Dr. Tornberg is the former owner of Dakota Large Animal Clinic in Harrisburg, where he focused on equine medicine. He is a past president of the SDVMA.

Emerging Leader Award
Dr. April Schilder (Iowa State '14), Highmore, won this award, given to a member who has graduated in the preceding 10 years and has displayed outstanding accomplishments in veterinary research, private practice, regulatory services, civic activities, or organized veterinary medicine. Dr. Schilder is part owner of Prairie View Veterinary Clinic, practicing mainly at the Highmore location. She also serves as market veterinarian for Fort Pierre Livestock Auction Inc.

Outstanding Veterinary Technician
Kim Hunt, Brandon. Hunt has worked at Horizon Pet Care in Brandon since 2010. She previously worked in Nevada for several years. Hunt is known for her patience and energy and her willingness to assist after hours and during weekends. 

Bill Davis Award
Mike Palmer, Sturgis, won this award, given to the sales representative of a veterinary supply company who has demonstrated an unusual degree of service and assistance to veterinarians and the veterinary profession in South Dakota. Palmer works for Animal Health International, based in Sturgis.

Life Membership
Drs. Kay Burkhart, Valley Springs; Ron Good, Parker; Craig Hansen, Howard; Tom Heirigs, Madison; Dale Miskimins, Elkton; Ken Schaffer, Lennox; and Michael Dickmann, George, Iowa 

Officials

Drs. Ethan Andress, Hettinger, North Dakota, president; Chanda Nilsson, Groton, president-elect; Carolyn Geis, Pierre, vice president; Matt Stork, Sioux Falls, secretary-treasurer; Mark Braunschmidt, Garretson, immediate past president; Chris Chase, Brookings, AVMA delegate; Cindy Franklin, Yankton, AVMA alternate delegate; Angela Anderson, Sioux Falls, District 1 representative; Heidi Sorenson, Watertown, District 2 representative; and Sandra Wahlert, Hot Springs, District 3 representative