Missouri VMA – January 30-February 2, 2025

Event

The Missouri VMA (MVMA) held its 133rd annual convention from January 30-February 2 in Columbia.

Program

The convention drew more than 600 attendees, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice staff members, and veterinary students. More than 60 continuing education lectures were offered to the participants.

Awards

Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Mel Falk (Kansas State ’74), Independence. Dr. Falk is the founder of Hidden Valley Animal Hospital in Independence, where he practiced until retirement. He is a past president of the MVMA and a past chair of the MVMA Political Action Committee. Dr. Falk is a charter member of the first animal emergency clinic established in Eastern Jackson County and served on its executive board for several years.

Ortu Stella Award

Dr. Laura Moon (Missouri ’18), Fayette. Dr. Moon practices at Green Hills Veterinary Clinic in Moberly, with a special interest in dentistry and reproductive medicine. She serves as president of the MVMA Academy.

Legislative Leadership Award

Lincoln Hough, Springfield. Hough has served in the Missouri Senate since 2018, representing the 30th District. He began his career in public service in 2011 when he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. Senator Hough later served as the commissioner for Greene County.

Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF) Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Marcy Hammerle (Missouri ’03), St. Charles. Dr. Hammerle is an associate veterinarian at Elm Point Animal Hospital in St. Charles. A diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, she is a past president of the MVMA and serves as vice chair of the MVMF board of directors.

Missouri VMA Academy Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Robert Hertzog (Missouri ’56), was posthumously honored with this award. Dr. Hertzog was the former owner of Lee’s Summit Animal Hospital in Lee’s Summit. A past president of the MVMA and a founding member of the MVMA Academy, he represented District 7 on what is now the AVMA Board from 2000-06 and was chair from 2005-06.

President’s Award

Tim Ulhorn, Hermann

Officials

MVMA— Dr. David Wilson, Columbia, president; Dr. Lynn Martin, Columbia, president-elect; Dr. Jason Nickell, Parkville, vice president; Dr. Shelia Taylor, Springfield, secretary-treasurer; Dr. Kacie Ulhorn, Hermann, board chair; and Julie Braun, Jefferson City, executive director. Missouri VMA Academy—Drs. Laura Moon, Fayette, president, and Erica Nowlin, Blue Springs, vice president. MVMF—Dr. Philip R. Brown, Springfield, board co-chair; Dr. Scott Fray, Boonville, board co-chair; Dr. Marcy Hammerle, St. Charles, board vice chair; and Bruce Addison, Fayette, secretary-treasurer