Dr. Gregory Hammer named recipient of 2021 AVMA Award
(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) July 29, 2021— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today named former association President Dr. Gregory Hammer as the winner of the 2021 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.
“It would be hard to find another veterinarian who has been as active and involved in volunteer leadership, from the local to national level, as Greg Hammer,” said Dr. Douglas Kratt, president of the AVMA. “From joining the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association shortly after graduating veterinary school all the way to his election as president of the AVMA in 2007, Dr. Hammer has given so much of his time, energy and expertise to the profession, and is a most-deserving winner of the AVMA Award.”
Dr. Hammer a graduate of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973, served as a veterinary medical officer in the United States Air Force from 1974-1976, holding the rank of captain and receiving the Meritorious Medal for his outstanding service. In 1994, he was named Honorary Commander of the 436th Military Airlift Wing Medical Group. Since his discharge from the service, Dr. Hammer has practiced at Brenford Animal Hospital in Dover, Delaware.
As a member of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association (DVMA) since 1975, he has made several contributions in the areas of legislation, securing educational opportunities for Delaware veterinary students, convention activities, public outreach, and reorganization of the DVMA. In 1997, the DVMA honored Dr. Hammer with the Delaware Veterinarian of the Year award. In addition, he has been a member of the veterinary medical associations of the District of Columbia, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
On the national level, Dr. Hammer served in the AVMA’s House of Delegates from 1987 to 1999, where he represented the DVMA. He later served on the AVMA Executive Board representing Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. During his six-year tenure on the board, Dr. Hammer served in a variety of capacities, such as vice chair of the board and chair of the Legislative Advisory and Long Range Planning committees.
Dr. Hammer was chosen as AVMA president elect in 2006 and served as AVMA president in 2007-2008, where he focused on addressing animal welfare, communications, legislative impact and professional unity.
For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo
avma [dot] org (msanfilippo[at]avma[dot]org).
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.