Iowa VMA – September 26-27, 2024

Event

The Iowa VMA (IVMA) held its annual meeting from September 26-27 in Ames.

Awards

Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Angie Gearhart (Louisiana State ’99), Clive. Dr. Gearhart is a small animal veterinarian at Waukee-Clive Veterinary Clinic, where she also serves as medical director. As medical director, she has helped the clinic become American Animal Hospital Association–certified and has organized training sessions for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Dr. Gearhart has also worked with her team to develop and implement a postoperative rehabilitation program for patients recovering from cruciate ligament surgery. Dr. Gearhart has helped veterinary students through a student mentorship program, providing hands-on experience in emergency medicine, palliative care, and surgery.

Rising Star Award

Dr. Cody Sacquitne (Iowa State ’19), Ames. Dr. Sacquitne is a postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State University, where he has played a critical role in research on highly pathogenic avian influenza, focusing on the health of dairy cattle. He is co-chair of the IVMA Wellness Committee and serves on the American Association of Bovine Practitioners’ Mental Health Task Force. Dr. Sacquitne has also served as a leader in the IVMA’s Power of Ten Leadership program.

Healthcare Team Service Award

Kevin Cordray, Humboldt. Cordray is practice manager at Humboldt Veterinary Clinic. He serves on the Humboldt County Fair board and is vice president of the Humboldt County Cattlemen’s Association.

President’s Award

Awarded posthumously to Dr. Ann Garvey (Iowa State ’02). Dr. Garvey was a past Iowa state public health veterinarian who, later in her career, served as deputy state epidemiologist and bureau chief for the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE).

Officials

Drs. Ken May, Slater, president; Aubrey Cordray, Humboldt, president-elect; Preston Ayers, Cedar Rapids, vice president; and Kristen Clark, Faribault, Minnesota, immediate past president

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