Meritorious Service Award goes to Scamahorn

Dr. John Scamahorn, a past chair of the AVMA Board of Directors and a past president of the Indiana VMA, accepted the AVMA Meritorious Service Award July 30 during the keynote for AVMA Convention 2022 in Philadelphia.

Dr. Scamahorn (Purdue ’72), a mixed animal practitioner in Greencastle, Indiana, has worked to support veterinarians and the veterinary profession at the local, state, and national level throughout his career.

Dr. José Arce, 2021-22 AVMA president, said: “Dr. Scamahorn epitomizes what service to the veterinary profession is all about. He has volunteered his time, energy, and expertise to organized veterinary medicine both in the state of Indiana and at the AVMA for decades, and his service continues today in a variety of volunteer roles.”

Lisa A. Perius, IVMA executive director, wrote in a letter of support: “I believe there are not many volunteers in organized veterinary medicine that rise to the level of Dr. Scamahorn’s commitment and involvement. His collegial spirit and calm demeanor serve him as an incredible leader, volunteer and human being.”

Dr. Scamahorn served as president of the Indiana VMA in 1991-92. His service to the IVMA includes being a member of and chairing numerous committees and task forces. He is currently chair of the IVMA Legislative Working Group. He is a founding member and the current chair of the Indiana Animal Health Foundation and a member of the board of directors of the Indiana Veterinary Medicine Political Action Committee. He is a past president of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. He served for 12 years as a governor appointee to the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee of the Indiana Board of Pharmacy.

From 1993-2004, Dr. Scamahorn served as Indiana’s alternate or delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates. From 2005-11, he represented Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin on the AVMA Executive Board, now called the AVMA Board of Directors, including serving as chair of the Board for a year. From 2011-17, he served as a member of the AVMA Council on Education, which accredits veterinary colleges. He has gone on accreditation site visits for both the AVMA Council on Education and the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, which accredits veterinary technology programs.