Dr. George Bishop honored posthumously with 2024 AVMA Award

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) June 14, 2024—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has posthumously honored former AVMA House of Delegates and Board of Directors member Dr. George Bishop with the 2024 AVMA Award.

Established in 1931, this award recognizes distinguished members of the association who have contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine in its organizational aspects, exerting outstanding leadership in building stronger local, state or regional associations, or contributing to the improvement of the national organization.

"George was a thoughtful and quiet leader, an inspiration and true example of a servant leader to so many over the years," said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the AVMA. "His dedication to advocating for the veterinary profession at all levels was truly unmatched. May this award serve as a lasting tribute to his incredible legacy and the profound impact he had on the veterinary community."

Dr. Bishop's involvement in organized veterinary medicine spanned over five decades, beginning with his time as president of the student chapter of the AVMA at The Ohio State University, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1965.

After serving in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, Dr. Bishop opened The Animal Hospital at the Crossroads in Carmel, California, in 1969, where he practiced companion animal medicine until his passing in January 2024 at the age of 83.

At the state level, Dr. Bishop held numerous leadership positions with the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), including serving as president from 1994-1995, treasurer from 1999-2023, and on the CVMA Board of Governors from 1990-1996. He was a founding board member of the Veterinary Insurance Services Company and served on several CVMA committees over the years, addressing topics like veterinary dentistry, drugs and medications, and animal overpopulation. Earlier this year, the CVMA honored Dr. Bishop's contributions by naming their highest award the Dr. George Bishop Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Bishop's service to the AVMA at the national level was equally extensive and impactful. He represented California in the AVMA House of Delegates from 1997-2015, serving as an alternate delegate before becoming a full delegate. Dr. Bishop chaired the House Advisory Committee in 2011 and also served on the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee and Political Action Committee Policy Board.

From 2015-2021, Dr. Bishop served as the District X representative on the AVMA Board of Directors, including a term as Board Chair. He was also a director and treasurer of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

Dr. Bishop's advocacy efforts on behalf of the veterinary profession were truly unparalleled. At the state level, he served as chair of the California Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) political action committee for six years and was a key member of its legislative committee for over 15 years. He was also instrumental in the CVMA's Dental Legislative Task Force, working to advance veterinary dentistry.

On the national stage, Dr. Bishop was a frequent presence in Washington D.C., serving on the AVMA Political Action Committee Board for six years, including three years as board chair. He was a tireless advocate in educating veterinarians on the importance of a strong PAC to ensure the profession's voice was heard by lawmakers.

Dr. Bishop also served for six years on the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee, playing a vital role in advancing the association's legislative agenda and priorities with Congress and federal agencies. His advocacy was so impactful that in 2015 he became the first clinical veterinarian honored with the AVMA Advocacy Award, typically given to legislators supportive of veterinary medicine.

Beyond lobbying efforts, Dr. Bishop worked to inspire the next generation of veterinary advocates. The 2024-2025 AVMA Congressional Fellowship program has been renamed the George Bishop AVMA Congressional Fellowship in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the profession. The AVMA PAC also voted to rename its Russell Anthony Impact Award as the George Bishop PAC Award to memorialize his dedication to political advocacy.

To learn more about the AVMA Award and past recipients, visit www.avma.org/awards.

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippoavma [dot] org (msanfilippo[at]avma[dot]org).