AVMA News

American Veterinary One Health Society – June 24, 2024

Event

The American Veterinary One Health Society (AVOHS) presented awards and conducted business at its annual awards breakfast on June 24 in Austin, Texas.

Awards

AVOHS Karl F. Meyer–James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corp.

Dr. Paul Gibbs
Dr. Paul Gibbs
Dr. Ade Ojeniyi
Dr. Ade Ojeniyi

Drs. Paul Gibbs, Gainesville, Florida, and Ade Ojeniyi, Copenhagen, Denmark. A 1967 veterinary graduate of the University of Bristol in England, Dr. Gibbs is a professor emeritus at the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine. During his tenure at the veterinary college, he served as a professor of virology and was associate dean for students and instruction. Dr. Gibbs also directed the UF’s International Center. He was recognized for his career as a teacher and being a mentor and leader at the veterinary college.

Dr. Ojeniyi is a 1973 graduate of the former Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University-Copenhagen in Denmark and earned a medical degree from the University of Copenhagen in 1986. He serves as the senior and chief physician at the Copenhagen University Hospital. Dr. Ojeniyi has conducted research on the implications of free-range variables versus intensive animal rearing, as well as the comparative health problems among urban and rural dwellers, studying risk factors such as occupation, customs and traditions, housing, and climatic conditions. He was honored for his contributions in the study of disease burdens in animals and humans in the tropical world, especially among young animals and children.

AVOHS Early Career Professional Achievement Award, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corp.

Lt. Michele Kerns (Kansas State ’14), Washington, D.C. Dr. Kerns serves as a public health service officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, she was recognized for her career in the Army Veterinary Corps and for her contributions as a public health service officer.

AVOHS Honorary Diplomates, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corp.

Dr. Garry Adams, College Station, Texas; Dr. Lynne Cassone, Lexington, Kentucky; Col. Nicole Chevalier, Falls Church, Virginia; Dr. Kevin Cummings, Ithaca, New York; Cmdr. Wanda Wilson Egbe, Washington D.C.; and Dr. Wondwossen Gebreyes, Columbus, Ohio

Business

The late Dr. Theresa Bernardo was memorialized at the meeting. A biography of Dr. James H. Steele, “Animal Health, Human Health, One Health: The Life and Legacy of Dr. James H. Steele,” is sold online and at other booksellers. All proceeds go to the society to help sustain future programs. The society’s website can be accessed to follow recent AVOHS activities, learn about the history of the organization, and make a donation to support programs.

Officials

Dr. Karen Becker, Richmond, Virginia, president; Dr. Jack Shere, Washington, D.C., immediate past president; Dr. John Poppe, San Antonio, executive director; and board members—Dr. Craig Carter, Lexington, Kentucky; Dr. Ron DeHaven, El Dorado Hills, California; Dr. Bernadette Dunham, Hume, Virginia; Keith Goldman, Secaucus, New Jersey; Laura Kahn, MD, Princeton, New Jersey; Dr. Bruce Kaplan, Sarasota, Florida; Dr. Lonnie King, Columbus, Ohio; and Dr. William Stokes, Apex, North Carolina

A version of this story appears in the October 2024 print issue of JAVMA