Washington State VMA - Jan. 15, 2022

Event

Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference, virtual meeting, Oct. 1-3, 2021

Awards

Veterinarian of the Year
Dr. Sonnya Wilkins (Washington State ’99), Montesano. Dr. Wilkins owns and serves as medical director of Grays Harbor Veterinary Services in Montesano. She is also co-founder and co-director of Twin Harbors Wildlife Center, rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife, including injured raptors on land belonging to the Quinnault Indian Nation. Active in the community, Dr. Wilkins provides veterinary care to local K-9 units, has helped raise funds to provide an emotional support dog for the Children’s Advocacy Center in Montesano, and created the Vet for a Day program for local students.

Distinguished Achievement Award
Dr. Sarah Mantovani (California-Davis ’15), Seattle. Dr. Mantovani practices at the Seattle Animal Shelter. She previously practiced at Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital in Martinez, California, and served as a relief veterinarian. Dr. Mantovani was honored for her work in veterinary forensics and for pursuing cases involving abuse and neglect.

Washington State University Faculty Member of the Year
Drs. Janean Fidel (California-Davis ’84), Pullman, and Rance Sellon (Texas A&M ’87), Pullman. Dr. Fidel is an associate professor and a veterinary oncologist at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Sellon is an associate professor at the veterinary college. The members of the oncology team at the university’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital were honored for going above and beyond in their work with canine and feline patients referred by veterinarians in the state despite obstacles posed by the pandemic, including staff shortages.

Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award
Teresa Casson, Seattle. A licensed veterinary technician, Casson recently retired after 24 years at Animal Surgical & Orthopedic Center in Shoreline. She has volunteered with the Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo for several years. Casson was recognized for her dedication to patients, animal owners, the veterinary practice, and the community, as well as for her attitude, skills, and compassion.

Outstanding Veterinary Service Award
Dr. Jessica Reed (Cornell ’12), Seattle. Dr. Reed is chief of veterinary medicine at Seattle Humane in Bellevue. She was honored for her leadership at Seattle Humane during the pandemic. Dr. Reed was instrumental in increasing access to veterinary care for clients of limited means during a time of unparalleled need and in launching several new initiatives to help the community.

Humane Animal Welfare Award
Dr. Cathy King (Washington State ’97), Gig Harbor. Dr. King is the founder and chief executive officer of World Vet, an organization that provides veterinary aid in developing countries, disaster response services worldwide, and veterinary support for marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and other areas. In 2020, her team assisted with relief efforts during the Cold Springs fire in Omak, Washington, providing clinical assessments and treatment for animals affected by the fires and general assistance to the community.

Business

For the upcoming year, the association’s strategic goals will center on member, professional, organizational, and public well-being. The association will focus on assisting members with workforce and pandemic issues. Work will continue on developing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; increasing member engagement; educating the public on responsible pet ownership; and improving access to care for pet owners in the state.  

Officials

Dr. Jennifer Bennett, Seattle, president; Dr. Blair de Vries, Richland, vice president; Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani, Seattle, secretary; Dr. Michael Kiefer, Olympia, treasurer; Dr. Richard DeBowes, Pullman, immediate past president and director; Dr. Diana Thomé, Richland, AVMA delegate; Dr. Gary Marshall, Mercer Island, director and AVMA alternate delegate; Dr. Eddie Haigh, Shelton, director; and Candace Joy, Port Ludlow, chief executive officer