Unlike other professionals within the industry, Khalfani Carr has an interest in veterinary medicine that came at an older age. He is now an honoree of the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program, as the award winner in the veterinary paraprofessional category.

 that he originally pursued a career as a veterinary paraprofessional because a friend was working in a similar position and encouraged him to get a similar job. Carr soon fell in love with the industry and continued to grow and work in the role. He got his start at the VCA Woodbridge in Virginia and expressed sincere gratitude to the team there for giving him his start.

In winning a Veterinary Heroes award, Carr said that he has shown that just by doing your job and applying yourself, you will eventually be recognized for that dedication and hard work and could potentially inspire others as well. “If you just keep your head down and just keep doing the work that you promised to yourself, someone somewhere is going to recognize you and you’re going to motivate other people who you don’t know about, because people may see the award, but they may not ever talk to you. That may motivate them to say, ‘Hey, next year, I want to go and get that award’ and they’ll change lives, better patients, and get more education,” Carr explained.

One of multiple colleagues who nominated Carr for the Veterinary Heroes award said he is the "mentor of all mentors" and recently a clinic develop a program for career growth. "He created the training program that my job recently adopted and [he] refuses to take credit. That's what makes him so valuable, his selflessness and humility to make all staff feel valued," this nominator wrote.

Although Carr has moved on from VCA Woodbridge to Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Virginia, he has continued to do the work to better the lives of his patients, including the creation of his brand WOOFU2. Carr created WOOFU2 to advocate for breeds being bullied because of discrimination policies around the world. He advocates by educating people of all ages on how to understand and approach dog behavior. 

A second nominator for Carr's award said the paraprofessional changed their opinion on certain breeds through the WOOFU2 program. "We have a lot of heroes in the [veterinary] field but what makes him stand out, in my opinion, is that no matter what, rain or shine, he has a smile on," this nominator wrote. "He cares for all but has a soft spot for people with trouble situations whether it's money or life issues."

A third nominator noted Carr's work as a volunteer basketball coach, working with youth in his community. "What makes Fani a hero is his determination to spread positivity and lift everybody up. He wants everybody to be their best self and is willing to help them get there. Fani sees potential in everybody even if they don't see it in themselves," this nominator wrote.

Carr will receive his award alongside 11 other distinguished inductees of dvm360’s Veterinary Heroes program during a luncheon celebration at the Long Beach Convention Center. The special event will take place during the 

 on December 8, 2024, at 11:30 AM PST. All conference attendees are invited to attend.

The 2024 Veterinary Heroes program is supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

The paraprofessional category for the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program is supported by Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Articles

Veterinary Hero: Khalfani Carr

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine, Feline), FAVD, has been a pioneer in the creation of the veterinary dentistry specialty. His achievements in the field have helped earn him recognition in the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center as an award recipient in the dentistry category sponsored by PRN Pharmacal.

Bellows had been working at a veterinary clinic for in Florida 10 years when a friend approached him about joining him at a dentistry wet lab. Bellows returned from that lab noticing how his patients really needed dental services. As luck would have it, his practice was located in a shopping mall, next to a human dentist whose practice was not super busy and who loved animals. The dentist next door would go on to teach Bellows about dentistry for several years.

“At the time, there weren’t very many veterinarians [who] were into dentistry. There were 5 of them [who] were going around the country and giving [educational] seminars. They were wanting to form a specialty, so they formed the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, and I got certified by them. That was back in 1988. Then the [American Veterinary Medical Association. (AVMA)] said that is not an AVMA-approved specialty, it’s an academy. So the American Veterinary Dental College was formed in 1989, I believe, and I became the 13th board-certified veterinary dentist in 1990,” Bellows explained in a 

Photos courtesy of Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine, Feline), FAVD

Bellows went on to become involved in the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and would go on to serve as its president for 6 years. Today, there are more than 250 veterinary dentists.

He practiced veterinary medicine for 1 year before opening his own practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida, according to his nominator. In 1999, he opened Hometown Animal Hospital and All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida, which continues to be operated by Bellows as the owner and a practitioner.

“He is known for his hometown vibe and bedside manner. The clients absolutely adore him,” the nominator wrote.

Over the course of his career, Bellows has worked on committees, helped provide grants for colleges, and educated veterinary professionals. His work within veterinary dentistry has allowed him not only to provide better care for his patients but also to help others across the globe provide better dental care for their patients as well.

“He has helped thousands of veterinarians and veterinary technicians advance their dentistry skills through lectures, webinars and wet labs,” his nominator wrote. “Dr Bellows offers his cell phone and personal email to anyone that has questions.He has Facetimed many general practitioners in the middle of a procedure to walk them through [it, which is] often a flap or interpreting a radiograph.”

Additionally, Bellows is an international speaker, who will be presenting sessions at the 

2024 Fetch dvm360 conference in Long Beach

, California. He has also written 5 dental textbooks, book chapters and peer-reviewed articles, and has been featured in many veterinary magazines, according to his nominator. These publications include 

, which continues to feature his “Dentistry A to Z” series.

Bellows plans to receive his award alongside 11 other distinguished inductees of dvm360’s Veterinary Heroes program during a luncheon celebration at the Long Beach Convention Center. The special event will take place during the 

The dentistry category for the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program is supported by PRN Pharmacal.

The award recipient for dentistry is a pioneer in the specialty field

Veterinary Heroes: Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine, Feline), FAVD

Meghan Solc, DVM, DACVD, a practitioner at Dermatology for Animals-Catonsville, a Thrive Pet Healthcare facility in Maryland, has a passion for inclusion and mentorship. Her service in those areas as well as her work as a practitioner earned her recognition in dvm360's 2024 Veterinary Heroes program as the honoree for dermatology.

The program recognizes those professionals who have positively impacted animal care, demonstrating leadership, expertise, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of animals. These recognized individuals have excelled in their professional roles and influenced the broader veterinary community, setting new standards and inspiring others.

, Solc expressed surprise and gratitude for the award. “So many people have had such a positive impact on me, and to reflect on that and this period of time and where I am in my career, it's just amazing to see all that support that I've always had throughout that whole period of time,” Solc said. “The career itself is great. I love veterinarian medicine. I love dermatology. It really has grown me as a person, and there's so many people that I would thank [for the support].”

Photos courtesy of Meghan Solc, DVM, DACVD

Conversely, 5 colleagues nominated Solc for the Veterinary Heroes award. “She is a strong supporter of the LGBTQIA community and has worked to translate discharges and information sheets into other languages, to make it easier for our non–English-speaking clients,” one nominator wrote.

Furthermore, the nominator said, “Dr Solc is a compassionate and engaged veterinarian and constantly shows up for her clients, patients, and colleagues. She truly has an unmatched passion for dermatology. She is community minded and always an advocate for those in need.”

A second nominator highlighted Solc’s work in local communities, which extends to career fairs and talking with middle school-age children about future opportunities in veterinary dermatology. Additionally, Solc has spoken with local journalists about when dermatologic care for pets should be sought, and frequently works directly with clients to diagnose and treat their animals.

“Her focus is educating these owners on how to best care for their pets to improve their quality of life.She is always seeking the best evidence based treatment options for her patients,” the second nominator added.

In the interview, Solc was quick to express additional appreciation for her colleagues. “There are a lot of client-pet parent interactions that just go unseen from day to day. A lot of our veterinary technicians are so, so important on that front,” Solc said. “It’s not necessarily their technical ability, but their big hearts and how much they care for their doctor, and also for the pet parents and how much they do [for them] on a day to day basis. It's a hard job, and sometimes it's thankless, but I don't know where I would be without them.”

An active member of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), Solc is also cochair of the organization’s annual resident education forum. The event provides in-depth seminars for ACVD members. “More and more veterinarians are becoming dermatologists.… It’s just amazing to see the interest and the commitment to that specialty, which is [something] we need more and more,” Solc said.

A graduate of Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, Solc has directly mentored several doctors through their residencies and supported their board studies, according to her nominator. This year, she has also assumed the role of mentor for her first specialty dermatology intern. “I just want to give back, and I want to make sure that everybody has the same opportunities [I have had] if they can,” she said.

Solc will receive her Veterinary Heroes award alongside 11 other distinguished program inductees during a luncheon celebration at the Long Beach Convention Center. The special event will take place during the 

Veterinary Heroes: Meghan Solc, DVM, DACVD

A client service representative (CSR) at Tabernacle Animal Hospital in New Jersey, Gerry Sprague is known for her “composed demeanor, uplifting personality, and profound grasp of veterinary medicine,” according to a colleague. Those attributes are among the reasons Sprague was selected as an honoree for dvm360's 2024 Veterinary Heroes

This year's Veterinary Heroes program is supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center as well as category sponsors Blue Buffalo Natural, MedVet, Banfield Pet Hospital, Thrive Pet Healthcare, and PRN Pharmacal. The program recognizes those who have positively impacted animal care, demonstrating leadership, expertise, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of animals. These recognized individuals have excelled in their professional roles and influenced the broader veterinary community, setting new standards and inspiring others.

Sprague got her start in the industry by answering a newspaper ad seeking a front desk receptionist at an animal hospital and found the job to be the right fit for her. “I loved the atmosphere of the people coming in. I loved working with the people that I worked with; their empathy, their compassion, their integrity was beyond anything I had ever experienced. They just were so kind to me and taught me so much. It was just incredible. But reaching across that barrier between a pet owner and a pet [care provider] and trying to figure out what was going on with that pet, it was amazing to me,” Sprague said in an interview with 

Sprague has since served as a “mentor to hundreds of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and client service representatives” over the course of her career. “Gerry’s commitment extends beyond her [CSR] title, she generously imparts her extensive knowledge to both clients and colleagues,” the nominator wrote. “She consistently demonstrates remarkable empathy and compassion in managing even the most challenging client interactions…. [She] instills in [clients] and staff a sense of trust, ease, and expertise that is truly exceptional to encounter.” 

For the past 20 years, Sprague has organized an annual event that provides free veterinary visits to golden retrievers for routine checkups, vaccine administration, and ophthalmology examinations. Passionate about golden retrievers, Sprague has also done therapy, obedience training and field work with these dogs.

"[Golden retrievers] live to make you happy. They live every day as as if it's just a joy to be here. And I think if we all live like that, we could really be a much happier group of people," Sprague said. "They love to go out and pick things up and bring them back to you. They love to swim. They love to run out in the field. I do love doing field work with them." 

Additionally, Sprague has volunteered in lifetime studies on golden retrievers conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation with data collected from 2 of her own pets. "Both of those dogs have since passed, but I just love the breed," she said.

In nominating Sprague for the Veterinary Heroes award, a colleague said she exemplifies a "true veterinary hero" with unwavering dedication to the field of veterinary medicine. "She consistently demonstrates remarkable empathy and compassion in managing even the most challenging client interactions," the nominator wrote. "Gerry's commitment extends beyond her client service representative title, she generously imparts her extensive knowledge to both clients and colleagues alike. Having had the privilege of working alongside Gerry for over 3 decades, I can attest firsthand to her transformative impact on every hospital fortunate enough to have her on board."

In honor of Sprague and 11 other Veterinary Heroes inductees, an award ceremony will be held during the 

, California, where the winners will be recognized for their unwavering commitment and extraordinary efforts within the veterinary profession. The ceremony will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11:30 AM PST. All Fetch Long Beach registrants are invited to attend the award ceremony for no additional fee. 

Known for her calm demeanor, the customer service representative honoree is a valued member of the practice team at Tabernacle Animal Hospital in New Jersey

Veterinary Heroes: Gerry Sprague

Photos courtesy of Adam Christman, DVM, MBA

's chief veterinary officer, with a patient.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the reasons why being a veterinary professional is a rewarding and fulfilling career. In the daily hustle of caring for animals, managing clients, and navigating the challenges of the profession, it’s easy to forget the many reasons to feel gratitude. 

I was speaking to a colleague of ours who recently became injured and is unable to perform the duties of being a veterinarian. She mentioned, “I would do anything to be able to physically examine and treat a pet.” It makes us realize how fortunate we are to have the ability to do something we have been passionate about since we were children. 

Since it is 2024, here are 24 reasons to be thankful as a veterinary professional, reminding us of all of the unique joys and privileges that come with this incredible career.

1. The gift of making a difference every day

Few professions offer the daily opportunity to improve lives the way veterinary medicine does. Whether it’s saving a life in an emergency or offering comfort to a sick pet, each day brings moments of profound impact. We truly are providing voices to the voiceless. I cannot think of any other profession that has this unique and special relationship to our patients like this.

Anatole France once said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” We witness firsthand the deep and unconditional love people share with their pets. Being part of that bond and strengthening it through care is a unique privilege. There are multiple levels of the human-animal bond, and we should be so thankful to witness it in all of its glory.

Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. The opportunity to stay at the cutting edge of science and continually expand our knowledge is a gift that keeps the profession exciting and challenging. Continuing education here at 

is essential in veterinary medicine, as it ensures colleagues stay at the forefront of evolving medical knowledge and technology, empowering them to provide the highest standard of care for their patients. We go where the learners go, and we all should be thankful for the abundance of continuing education made available to our profession.

No 2 days are the same in the veterinary world. Each day brings new cases, different species, and unique challenges, making the profession both dynamic and stimulating. The dinner table stories never get old. You have the thank-you cards to show for it.

As veterinary professionals, we are trusted advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves. Our knowledge and influence help shape a world that treats animals with respect and compassion.

6. The joy of puppies, kittens, foals, calves, and more!

There’s nothing like the pure happiness of handling a new litter of puppies or kittens or seeing a foal take its first steps. These moments remind us of the joy and beauty in the lives we protect and serve. We should have gratitude that we have the opportunity to help bring these lives into the world and be a part of their health journey.

Our hospitals are often close-knit communities. The collaboration, trust, and camaraderie built within these teams are invaluable, creating bonds that feel very special. Days can be hard, but having a solid team and strong culture can really help those challenging days. And if your culture is not like this, work on it!

The emotional and physical demands of the profession foster resilience, empathy, and personal growth. We become stronger and more compassionate as individuals through our work. We push ourselves to aspire to a unique and challenging skill set. There is always opportunity for professional growth. Be thankful we are not in a stagnant career where no growth occurs.

The ability to save a life is something few people experience. Whether it’s an emergency surgery or a complex diagnosis, that moment of saving a pet is indescribably fulfilling.

Yes, I said it. We are entrusted with the care of animals that mean the world to their owners. This trust is not only humbling but a reminder of the incredible bond we build with pet parents. Remember, you are a pet parent too.

11. Building long-lasting client relationships

Perhaps one of my favorite things about being a veterinarian is the long-lasting relationship we can build with our clients. Some become an extension of your family and vice versa. Watching their children grow up and their animals age is a blessing to be a part of. And we often serve families across generations of pets. Your clients’ kids are now pet owners who bring their pets to you. Those lasting relationships with clients who value your expertise create a rewarding continuity of care.

12. The healing power of the human-animal connection

We witness daily how pets provide comfort, healing, and joy to their owners, nursing homes, law enforcement, guide dogs, working dogs, etc. We have the gift to help strengthen those unique relationships.

13. Opportunities to specialize and certify

Veterinary professionals can choose from a wide variety of specialties, from surgery to dermatology to cardiology. This diversity allows for professional growth tailored to personal interests. And the certification courses are endless and full of opportunity to advance our career paths.

Veterinary medicine has embraced advanced technologies, from diagnostic imaging to minimally invasive surgeries and artificial intelligence. Being at the forefront of medical innovation is thrilling. And it’s just getting started. Just wait for 2025.

Most of us entered this profession out of a deep love for animals. That passion fuels us through long days, tough cases, and emotional moments. It’s a career with purpose. I know I’m grateful every day to have a career where I can make a deep impact.

Do you remember your first encounter with a veterinary professional as a kid? We are looked at as superheroes to them. Having the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide future generations of veterinary professionals is a gift. Never say no to their curiosity.

We are in a unique position to relieve pain and suffering in animals, from chronic conditions to acute injuries. The ability to improve an animal’s quality of life is deeply gratifying. Helping them cross over is truly an honor.

Veterinary clinics are often pillars of their communities, promoting animal welfare, providing education, and creating spaces for local events and outreach. Be active within the community.

From veterinary assistants and technicians to receptionists, practice managers, and students, we are surrounded by dedicated professionals who share a common goal: helping animals thrive with amazing veterinarians.

As scientists, we appreciate the art of problem-solving. Each case presents a puzzle, and the challenge of diagnosing and treating is a rewarding intellectual exercise.

Sometimes we fail to recognize how we contribute to animal welfare on a global scale, whether through conservation efforts, disease prevention, or policy advocacy.

Though our profession has its challenges with it, we should be very thankful that we have safe spaces, counseling, and educational workshops for us to make sure we are taking care of ourselves and checking in on others.

The profession offers various career paths: academia, research, industry, practice ownership, multimedia, and more. This versatility allows us to shape our careers in ways that align with our passions. Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” Know that we do great work all day, every day.

24. Knowing you chose a meaningful career

At the end of the day, few things are more rewarding than knowing you’ve chosen a career that is meaningful, impactful, and full of heart. We serve animals, their people, and society in a way that enriches everyone involved. That should make your head rest comfortably on the pillow at night.

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this season, take a moment to appreciate the countless reasons to be grateful for being a veterinary professional. It’s a career that is not only about healing animals but also about making the world a kinder, more compassionate place. Have an attitude of gratitude.

dvm360's chief veterinary officer lists 24 reasons joys and privileges that are unique to a veterinary career

Give thanks and be thankful to be in our profession

Finances can be a challenging and sometimes scary thing for veterinary professionals to tackle. Because of this, it can cause some professionals to fall into financial hardship or not properly budget/save for expenses, utilities, and also just some fun money. 

To help make the conversation less challenging, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and cofounders of Florida Veterinary Advisors Tom Seeko, CExP, and Cj Burnett discuss their new book, why finances may not be so confusing and scary, and the need for personalized financial planning.

: Because, CJ, I feel like financial planning can can be really confusing, and what do you believe people have the most control over within their finances?

: Well, I think it's funny, because I think people really, generally speaking, are not true students of themselves, and I think that financial stuff and money, people think money works like math and it doesn't right? Money works like every other resource and so the more we learn about ourselves, the more we start to understand what we can control, what kind of boundaries we need to have within our own lives. And I think that extends into money. Like, what kind of boundaries do I need to have with money? How do I take control of my money in a way that doesn't feel bad? 

Because I think a lot of the times, people are kind of shamed and guilted into not saving money and spending all their income, and it's like, well, you know, sometimes spending all of our income, that's a symptom right? Not saving money is a symptom, so what is the what is the cause of that? Why do I do that? And sometimes there are answers of, 'okay, it's because I haven't figured out how to manage it properly,' right? So let me go take some simple classes on how to manage finances. I think a lot of people avoid it too, because they think that it's too complicated. If you have DVM after your name, let's be honest, you're incredibly smart. Like, if you've been able to do that, you can't tell me that you're not smart enough to understand finances. You are way over-qualified to understand the financial stuff.  

Podcasts

Florida Veterinary Advisors cofounders CJ Burnett, CExP, and Tom Seeko, CExP, talk finances on this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360