September 15, 2020

Event

Annual meeting, March 12-15, Orlando

Awards

Veterinarian of the Year
Dr. Gerardo J. Diaz (Florida ’90), Miami. Dr. Diaz owns Briarwood Animal Hospital in Miami. He is a past president of the Florida VMA and a member of the South Florida VMA. Dr. Diaz is known for mentoring young veterinarians and lobbying for the veterinary profession at the local and state levels.

Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Jeffrey S. Godwin (Florida ’80), Melbourne. Dr. Godwin practices at Animal Medical Clinic in Indialantic. He is a past president of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society and of the Florida and Brevard County VMAs. Dr. Godwin has a special interest in legislative issues and is active with advocacy on the local and state levels.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Drs. Julio A. Ibañez (Florida ’80), Palmetto Bay, and David T. Wise Jr. (Georgia ’72), Miami. Dr. Ibañez recently retired from Quail Roost Animal Hospital in Cutler Bay. A past president of the Miami Veterinary Foundation, he served on the executive board of the South Florida VMA for 13 years. Dr. Ibañez coordinated relief efforts for pets following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Dr. Wise owns VCA Knowles Central Animal Hospital in Miami, incorporating both a regular practice and a 24-hour emergency and critical care facility. He is known for his expertise in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Wise is a member of the South Florida VMA.

President’s Award
Ann Wade, Sanford. Wade has served as deputy executive director of the Florida VMA for the past two years. She previously served as the association’s communications director. Wade is known for her professionalism, work ethic, passion, and delivery.

Gold Star Award
Drs. James H. Block, Miami; Cherie T. Buisson, Seminole; Jo Ann Daniels, Land O’ Lakes; James W. Fawcett, Palmetto Bay; Stephen D. Fish, Tallahassee; Wade Gingerich, Bonita Springs; Francesca C. Griffin, Gainesville; Dorsey G. Hightower, Lakeland; Rachel K. Klemawesch, Seminole; Robert B. Leonard Jr., New Smyrna Beach; Dawn Logas, Maitland; Leena Plavumkal, Fort Myers; Kelly Sloan-Wade, Merritt Island; Mary Smart, Bradenton; and Michele A. Tucker, West Palm Beach

Officials

Drs. Mary Smart, Bradenton, president; Marta P. Lista, West Miami, president-elect; Donald H. Morgan, Largo, treasurer; Michael Epperson, Destin, immediate past president; and AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. Ernest C. Godfrey, Pinellas Park, and Richard B. Williams, Jacksonville