American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture – May 2-4, 2025

Event

The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) held its annual meeting from May 2-4 in New Orleans.

Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Linda Rydgig (California-Davis ’94), Camarillo, California. Dr. Rydgig works at Progressive Equine in Camarillo. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and is a fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Dr. Rydgig’s professional interests focus on traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbs; ophthalmology; and equine internal medicine.

Officials

Drs. Shantel Julius, Hastings, Minnesota, president; Grace Buchanan, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, president-elect; Jennifer Kareklas, Rensselaer, New York, vice president; Carol Gifford, Columbus, Ohio, secretary-treasurer; Bonnie Wright, Johnstown, Colorado, immediate past president and AVMA alternate delegate; Matt Fricke, Springfield, Oregon, AVMA delegate; and directors—Drs. Tara Harrison, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Teela Jones, Tacoma, Washington; Nancy Martin, Vacaville, California; Jennifer Smallwood, Richardson, Texas; and Shyvonne Mathias, Los Angeles

A version of this story appears in the October 2025 print issue of JAVMA