During the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention, the association shared the new volunteers that were elected for the 2024-2025 term. The association announced that Sandra Faeh, DVM, will serve as the 2024-2025 president, Michael Bailey, DVM, DACVR, AAAS/AVMA, will be the president-elect 2024-2025, Robert Knapp, DVM, will serve as board of directors chair, Sandy Wills, DVM, MVSc, DACVIM, will serve as board of directors vice chair, and Gary Marshall will serve as the AVMA Vice President from 2024 to 2026.

Faeh polished off almost 30 years in organized veterinary medicine by becoming AVMA president. As she takes on the role of president, Faeh pledged to advance, promote, and protect the profession, and support younger generations of veterinary professionals through mentorship, and collaboration with colleagues across the industry.

“As I embark on this journey, I hope to visit many of our colleagues in their daily lives, because my work as AVMA president will focus on their needs and the issues facing all of us as veterinarians,” said Faeh, in the organizational release.

 “My priorities are aligned with those of the AVMA, which is working hard every day to ensure that our members’ interests come first and that we can continue to make the health and welfare of our patients and the animals we serve our top priority.”

Faeh’s involvement in organized veterinary medicine began in 1995 when she served as the national Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) president. Faeh then went on to graduate from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Since then, she has served as president for both the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois alternate delegate as well as delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates, chair of the AVMA House Advisory Committee, and then AVMA vice president. Currently, along with her role as president, Faeh is the chief veterinary officer for National Veterinary Associates where she is working to also create a clinical mentorship program.

According to the release, as president, Faeh said she will work to maintain the AVMA leadership priorities and focus on what members need, including protecting the integrity of the veterinarian-client-patient-relationships.

Bailey’s election has made AVMA history by becoming the first AVMA Black president-elect. He attended Rutgers University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences for his undergraduate degree and attended Tuskegee University for his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Bailey, went on to complete a comprehensive internship and radiology residency at Michigan State University.

Bailey has served on the facilities of Michigan State, The Ohio State University, and Tuskegee University. During his time in Ohio, he pioneered the state's first private practice advanced veterinary CT imaging services. He also launched referral and emergency imaging facilities in Pittsburgh. Bailey is also the lead radiologist for over 1,000 facilities for a nationwide veterinary practice and was a crucial part of nationwide distributed veterinary telemedicine and imaging services.

According to the release, Bailey is currently serving as the director of medical innovations in telemedicine for an international telemedicine consulting business and an AAAS/AVMA Congressional fellow serving as a full-time scientific legislative advisor within a congressional office.

“The AVMA as a member association thrives on our collective efforts,” said Bailey.

 “Our esteemed members and colleagues are not just a part of the AVMA but its essence and backbone. Together, we can inspire our colleagues back home to join this journey of service. Their involvement is essential to our collective success.”

Bailey has been involved in organized veterinary medicine at both the state and national level, including serving on the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association board and president as well as recently completing his 6-year term on the AVMA Board of Directors as a District 2 representative.

Knapp has served as an AVMA board member since 2019 and became vice-chair of the Board this past year. Knapp is a small animal practitioner in Columbus, Ohio, where he owns Knapp Veterinary Hospital, a 6-veterinarian practice that first opened its doors in 1945 by Knapp’s grandfather.

Knapp received his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University and joined his father at the Knapp Veterinary Hospital after graduation and took over ownership in 2007. Knapp has remained active with Ohio State serving as treasurer of the Veterinary Medical Alumni Association, where he also served as president in 2008.

He has been active in organized veterinary medicine for years, serving within various capacities for over 20 years in the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), and is a long-term member of the Board of Directors. In 2007, he served as president of OVMA and was an Ohio delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates.

Willis graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and then an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Minnesota. She currently serves as a small animal internist for Zoetis Reference Labs in Mukilteo, Washington, and was voted Washington State Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year in 2015.

Willis is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and served as its chair of the Communications Committee, Business Management Session chair for the ACVIM Forum, and a member of the ACVIM Foundation Development Committee. She also has been board president of the Feral Cat Spay and Neuter Project in Lynnwood, Washington.

She served as the chair of the AVMA House Advisory Committee and a member of the Strategic Management Committee, Budget Finance Review Committee, and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation board of directors before joining the association's Board of Directors in 2020. She was a Washington delegate and alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. Willis has held multiple roles within the AVMA such as site visitor for the AVAM Council of Education, AVMA Governance Performance Review Committee member, and chair for both task force and working group volunteer engagement.

Marshall graduated from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989 and has since owned 2 small animal clinics and founded a feline-exclusive practice, Island Cats Veterinary Hospital, on Mercer Island.

During his time in school, Marshall served as the SCAVMA president at Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine served as past president of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association, and served on the Board of Directors. He was chosen to serve as Washington State’s alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates and served on the Board of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative.

American Veterinary Medical Association elects new volunteer leaders for 2024-2025 term. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. June 24, 2024. Accessed June 26, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/american-veterinary-medical-association-elects-new-volunteer-leaders-2024-2025

Articles

AVMA president, president-elect, and board of directors’ chair among those selected

AVMA announces 2024-2025 volunteer leaders 

Veheri is an online veterinary platform designed to advance diagnostic imaging within the field. This platform offers free collaboration and education with virtual radiology and imaging tools. According to a company release,

 Veheri already has thousands of veterinarians and imaging specialists from around the world utilizing its services.

The comprehensive suite of services include full teleradiology and teleneurology reporting, as well as an inside look at a multitude of complex cases for educational practice. The Veheri design also has advanced smart tools aimed at increasing a veterinary clinic’s diagnostic capabilities. Veheri members can sign up for free and join the global network of veterinary professionals. Collaboration can be achieved in small, closed groups or in wider case collections. Members can also request reports from board certified radiologists and neurologists.

Veheri also has data protection and medical-grade DICOM viewer for an increased user experience.

“Veheri offers the unique opportunity to share and discuss cases with other specialists in an easy way. This will not only allow us to provide better support to our patients but also to enhance our own knowledge, as we can all benefit from the experience of one another. I am convinced Veheri will be of great benefit to the veterinary community,” Antje Hartmann, Dr Med Vet, DECVDI, said in a statement from the Veheri website.

Florian Willmitzer, Dr Med Vet, DECVDI, told Veheri, “We all know those cases you either just want to show to colleagues because they are so "beautifully", or you need input to be able to give a diagnosis. Veheri offers exactly this possibility to exchange with other specialists at the highest level and to learn with every case, for the better good of our patients and for ourselves to grow. In addition, Veheri offers incredible opportunities to take teaching to the next level and to enter easily into collaborations.”

The Veheri platform for veterinary diagnostic imaging provides a free collaboration workspace and offers Teleradiology reporting services. News release. Veheri. 2024. Accessed June 26, 2024.

Veheri provides veterinary professionals with free collaboration and education

Veterinary diagnostic platform offers teleradiology

Natural disasters can have devastating consequences on animals. To address the challenges posed by these disasters and support animal health, Zoetis Inc, an animal health company, is continuing its yearslong partnership with American Humane. The partnership’s objective is to strengthen disaster preparedness and aid in keeping animals safe during emergencies. This month, Zoetis and American Humane will be collaborating on an inaugural public-giving campaign this month to raise additional funds. Moreover, the Zoetis Foundation, funded by Zoetis Inc, is offering the American Red Cross a $3 million grant to help provide emergency readiness and disaster relief to affected families and communities.

“As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis has long been dedicated to advancing disaster preparedness and providing care for communities and animals impacted by disasters,” Jeannette Ferran Astorga, president of the Zoetis Foundation and executive vice president of corporate affairs, communications and sustainability at Zoetis said in a news release.

 "Building on that legacy, the Zoetis Foundation is pleased to bolster grant support to the American Red Cross through the ADGP, alongside Zoetis Inc’s long-standing collaboration with American Humane to support disaster response efforts and provide critical aid."

Since 2012, Zoetis and American Humane have been collaborating to not only protect animals in areas affected by these disasters but promote improved readiness practices among pet owners nationwide. According to the Zoetis Foundation, nearly 25% of pet owners would resist mandatory evacuation orders to avoid leaving their pets behind during a natural disaster,

 which highlights the importance of disaster preparedness education.

Zoetis and American Humane’s partnership culminates in their pet preparedness clinics located in regions with a high risk of natural disasters. The two organizations host these clinics to educate pet-owning families about effective strategies for preparing for disasters. After a natural disaster event, American Humane also operates emergency vehicles with Zoetis pet medications.

Additionally, this month, Zoetis is matching up to $50,000 in campaign contributions to help American Humane’s mission of protecting animals during natural disasters, which means donations will be worth double their amount.

“Since 1877, American Humane has been dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals, and we are grateful to Zoetis for being an invaluable partner in this mission,” Robin Ganzert, PhD, MBA, president and CEO of American Humane, said in the news release.

 “Zoetis’ support enables us to expand the critical services we provide, especially helping animals during times of crisis, and getting them the care that they need.”

The $3 million grant from the Zoetis Foundation to the American Red Cross, to be provided in 2024, will be utilized over the course of 6 years through the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP).

 The ADGP, made up of 90% volunteers, works to provide shelter, emotional support, hot meals, and resources to aid in recovery to people in times of disaster.

 Zoetis Foundation’s $3 million grant will be equally divided between domestic and international aid to help the Red Cross provide the infrastructure, volunteers, technology, and resources that are needed to deliver relief during crises. This support will also aid in preparing communities worldwide for future disasters.

“We are so very grateful to the Zoetis Foundation for their generous commitment to our lifesaving mission in advance of disasters both big and small,” Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross said in the release.

 “As families and communities struggle to cope with more frequent and intense weather events, forward-thinking ADGP members like the Zoetis Foundation enable us to prepare for disasters and offer vital assistance, making a profound impact on those facing adversity.”

The impact of natural disasters on animals and people

2021 data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals revealed that 83% of pet owners live in a community at risk of natural disasters. Moreover, 90% of pet owners said they would evacuate with their pet, but only 46% have preparedness plans.

 According to Zoetis, tornados, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can leave pets displaced and/or injured, requiring reunification, protection, rescue, and essential survival needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.

“The annual number of extreme weather and climate disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion each has increased by 85% over the past decade, underscoring the urgent need to help response efforts," said Astorga.

Zoetis Foundation and Zoetis deepen commitment to global disaster relief with American Red Cross and American Humane. News release. Zoetis Inc. June 26, 2024. Accessed June 26, 2024.

Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder Program. American Red Cross. Accessed June 26, 2024. 

https://www.redcross.org/donations/companies-and-foundations/adgp-disaster-responder-program.html

ASPCA survey shows 83% of pet owners are impacted by disasters, fewer than half have preparedness plans. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. September 22, 2021. Accessed June 26, 2024. 

https://www.aspcapro.org/news/2021/09/22/aspca-survey-shows-83-pet-owners-are-impacted-disasters-fewer-half-have

Zoetis Inc and the Zoetis Foundation partner with American Humane and American Red Cross, respectively, to provide natural disaster preparedness and relief

Organizations take steps to protect pets and humans during natural disasters

When animals are abused, people are at risk; when people are abused, animals are at risk as well.¹ There is a link between domestic violence and animal abuse because abusers often use pets as a manipulation tool to control others. According to research conducted by Frank Ascione, PhD, as many as 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters report their abuser injured, killed, or threatened family pets for revenge or psychological control.²

Nearly 50% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving an abuser because they are afraid of what might happen to their pet if they are unable to take them along.³ Compounding that issue is that just under 20% of domestic violence (DV) shelters are pet friendly, meaning a shelter can accept companion animals or pets, in addition to service and emotional support animals.

Pet housing programs can take many forms, including:

 While each shelter renovation is unique, here are some of the typical components used in creating pet-friendly spaces include adding pet-friendly flooring, creating dog runs, constructing catios, adding doggy doors, installing privacy fencing, adding enrichment such as cat bridges, or obstacle courses for dogs. Onsite renovations can encompass:

Utilizing existing space (such as a storage room or garage)

 Not all shelters may be able to include pet housing for a variety of reasons (landlord restrictions, limited space, etc.). In these cases, shelters might look to partnering with an animal organization or foster organization, boarding facility, or even a veterinary clinic.

Lives on both ends of the leash can be saved with the availability of more pet housing programs at DV shelters.

As a veterinary professional, you may wonder, why should I get involved?

You will likely interact with domestic violence survivors and their pets

You are uniquely positioned to support survivors

You can build a bridge to a better engagement

Sadly, veterinary professionals may have already seen signs of animal abuse in their veterinary clinic. Neglect or harm animals by an abuser may present in the following ways:

The pet’s history, as presented by the client, is inconsistent with the nature of the injuries, or no explanation is offered for the injury

Family members present changing or discrepant histories

Client repeatedly fails to follow-up on the treatment of serious medical conditions

There is an unexplained delay in seeking medical attention

A previous injury or death has occurred in another animal in the same household or owner

Injuries presenting at different stages of healing, repetitive injuries

The tenant/neighbor/stranger may often be blamed

Owners may self-treat injuries to pets when unrelated to financial hardship

The most important step you should take is connecting with your local DV organization to get training on how to identify, appropriately ask about, and respond to DV survivors. Remember, you don’t have to be an “expert,” but it is essential to connect with those experts in your community.

How do you respond to suspected domestic violence?

If you suspect abuse, you can ask further questions:

Are there obstacles in providing care for the pet?

What are all family members’ relationships with the pet?

Responding with empathy, care, and resources can help not only the pet, but the family member as well. We recommend being proactive in your practice and creating an action plan by setting up “code words” to alert staff of the situation, hanging DV awareness resource flyers in restrooms, and having a list of resources available.

Here are a few ways that you can support your local domestic violence shelter:

Research the resources for survivors in your area.

Contact your local DV shelter and start a conversation about how you can support them.

Provide initial veterinary exams and basic pet medications.

Assist survivors’ pets with more complex veterinary needs financially.

Support local efforts by hosting donation drives or “round up” fundraisers: You can host pet food and supply drives if your local DV shelter is already pet friendly.

If the local DV shelter is not pet friendly, please tell them about our “Don't Forget the Pets” collaborative project with Greater Good Charities’ Rescue Rebuild. This program provides free workshops that teach shelters step-by-step how to become pet friendly, how to fundraise to sustain the program, and offers a one-on-one coaching program.

RedRover also offers Safe Housing and Purple Leash Project grants of up to $60,000 (funded by Purina) to shelters so they can create pet-friendly spaces.

What is good for the community is good for business: 

You’ll be viewed as someone who cares about not only animals, but the people who love them who are experiencing a crisis.

It may take some time to make these connections and build relationships and create protocols. However, in the end it will be worth the time and effort knowing more people and pets can escape abuse and find a safe haven.

Arkow P. The Relationships Between Animal Abuse and Other Forms of Family Violence. 1996;12:29-34.

Ascione FR, Wood DS, Weber CV. The Abuse of Animals and Domestic Violence: A National Survey of Shelters for Women who are Battered. 

. 1997;5(3):205-218. doi:https://doi.org/10.1163/156853097x00132

Understanding signs of animal abuse linked to abusers, implementing protocols, and providing clients resources can help keep pets and their owners safe.

Supporting domestic violence survivors and domestic violence shelters 

Merck Animal Health announced that its latest product

NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2, has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to an organizational release,

 NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is a vaccination that leverages RNA-particle technology to allow a precise immune response to protect against a range of bacterial and viral pathogens.

"On behalf of Merck Animal Health and our NOBIVAC brand, we are beyond proud to introduce our latest vaccine using ‘NXT-level’ technology. This is a groundbreaking advancement in our vaccine pipeline designed to meet the evolving needs of veterinarians and pet owners alike,” said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health.

 “With over 70 years of innovation and commitment to animal health, our new NOBIVAC NXT technology will continue to lead the way in providing breakthrough solutions for the prevention of disease in animals.”

NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is currently the first and only canine influenza vaccination to be built on the company’s RNA-particle platform to protect pets against the most prevalent canine influenza spreading across the United States. The vaccination is a nonadjuvanted, low-volume 0.5 mL dose that utilizes the immune system’s natural ability to generate a response without compromising the safety or comfort of the pet.

 The vaccination is indicated for healthy dogs 8 weeks or older against canine influenza H3N2.

According to the American Veterinary Medicinal Association, canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by 2 type A influenza virus. Canine patients of any age, breed, sex, or health status are at risk and infections can occur anytime during the year. Almost all dogs exposed to the virus become infected and clinical signs include the following

When it comes to recovery, most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks with mild illness, but some infected canines present perfectly healthy. In the worst cases, those infected have developed complications such as bacterial pneumonia. The risk of death is low with only about 1-5% of infected dogs passing away from the disease. Currently, there have been some cases of cats, the highest at risk are those living in shelters, becoming infected with the diseases, but there is currently no evidence that humans can become infected with the disease.

“Vaccination is the best form of protection against this highly transmissible disease. When canine influenza does show up in large outbreaks, it can have a widespread impact,” said Meg Conlon, DVM, executive director, veterinary professional services, Merck Animal Health.

 “Pets have become part of the family and are integrated into so many aspects of our lives, which makes vaccination even more crucial. At Merck Animal Health, we continue to stress the importance of preventative care to keep our beloved pets healthy and protected from potential illness.”

In 2009, Merck Animal Health launched NOBIVAC Canine Flu H3N8, the first canine influenza vaccination to hit the market. Once the canine influenza became an epidemic in 2015 within the US, Merck Animal Health made its monovalent H3N2 vaccination available to protect canines. Then, in 2016, Merck Animal Health received a fully licensed bivalent and monovalent H3N2 vaccination.

“As a leader in innovation and trusted advocate for disease prevention, Merck Animal Health uses its leadership and expertise in research and development to make medicines that help keep pets safe,” said Ian Tarpey, vice president, research and development, Merck Animal Proprietary Health. “The NOBIVAC NXT innovation represents a major advancement in vaccine technology and furthers our commitment to animal care by helping veterinarians protect pets from significant disease and ultimately, improve their lives by preventing health issues.”

NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 will become available to veterinary clinics and hospitals throughout the United States late this summer.

USDA approves Merck Animal Health’s NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 – The first and only RNA-particle technology vaccine for canine influenza. News release. Merck Animal Health. June 25, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2024.

Canine influenza. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed June 25, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-influenza

NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 will help safeguard dogs against the highly contagious respiratory disease 

First RNA-particle vaccination for canine influenza receives USDA approval 

A pair of esteemed veterinarians was celebrated on Monday, June 24, 2024, for their commitment and contributions to the profession. At the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Austin, Texas, both honorees were presented with glass trophies by Rena Carlson, DVM, the AVMA’s 2023-2024 president, during the association’s Global Health Summit Networking Reception.

Cathy King, DVM, PhD, MS, the founder and CEO of World Vets, received the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award. This honor recognizes an AVMA member for outstanding service to the international understanding of veterinary medicine, according to the association.

Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, retired state public health veterinarian with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), received the AVMA Public Service Award. This recognition honors an AVMA member for outstanding public service or contributions to the practice or science of public health and regulatory veterinary medicine, according to the association.

The AVMA named both veterinarians as award recipients on June 11, 2024.

 The subsequent reception in Austin was a celebratory affair with included food and drinks. The event allowed King and Scheftel to receive formal recognition and accolades from members of the veterinary community in attendance.

Cathy King, DVM, PhD, MS, the founder and CEO of World Vets, was presented with the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Austin, Texas. 

World Vets, which King established in 2006, is now one of the largest global veterinary aid organizations, according to the AVMA.

 “Dr King and her teams have advanced the modern health profession and veterinary professionals and students through the perspective of global volunteerism and education. She grew her vision for global veterinary medicine out of the donation jar in her Deer Park, Washington, veterinary clinic to help street dogs in Mexico,” Carlson told reception attendees.

The organization is credited with providing veterinary care around the world to hundreds of thousands of animals, protecting biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands, running rabies vaccination campaigns in endemic areas of the world, establishing the World Vets Latin America Veterinary Training Center, partnering with the US Navy for humanitarian aid missions, and launching the Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Program in Washington, according to an AVMA news release.

“World Vets has a strong One Health focus and its global health programs help animals, people and the communities in which they live. They also provide veterinary support, technical response and urgent care for wild, marine mammals in the Pacific Northwest. As an organization driven by its members and our volunteers, the AVMA knows the importance of volunteer service… Dr King, through World Vets, has built a dedicated legion of volunteers committed to the organization's mission and purpose,” Carlson continued in her speech.

In accepting the award, King said she was surprised but honored to receive it. “World Vets wouldn't be what it is today without the more than 3000 veterinarian professionals who volunteer with us. This award belongs to them as much as it belongs to me, because they are really the ones who are out working in the trenches every day and making all of these things happen,” King said. “It's such an important field to work in, and I'm just truly inspired by all the things that I do every day.”

Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, addresses reception attendees while receiving her award.

Scheftel led the Zoonotic Diseases Unit at the MDH and was a liaison with other Minnesota agencies for animal agriculture issues affecting humans. Her team of veterinarians and epidemiologists conducted zoonotic disease surveillance, investigated outbreaks, and responded to zoonotic public health crises, according to the AVMA.

Outside her role with the MDH, Scheftel served as president of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, cochair of the United States Animal Health Association One Health Committee, Minnesota representative to the AVMA House of Delegates, chair of the AVMA Steering Committee for FDA Policy on Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobials, and chair of the AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials.

"Dr Scheftel's dedication to veterinary public health over the past two decades has been truly remarkable. Her unwavering commitment to both animal and human health have set a high standard for public service," Carlson said in a news release.

“In 2020, we also recognized Dr Scheftel for her efforts and enthusiasm in mentoring students and younger colleagues, thereby helping to strengthen and maintain veterinary public health workforce,” Carlson added while presenting the AVMA Public Service Award.

Scheftel said receiving the award was “the honor of a lifetime” as she thanked her supporters. “This award is about public practice in government service. But I really believe that all veterinary medicine is about service and helping people. You help people, no matter where you're working, in veterinary medicine, using your insights about animals, in your knowledge of veterinary medicine. And in my life, I've spent half in private practice and half in public practice, and I love them equally, and I don't see a huge distinction,” she said.

“Anybody who knows me knows that I'm over the top passionate about veterinary medicine in our profession. I think it's the most challenging and rewarding profession,” she added. “And veterinarians, as people, never cease to amaze, and that's one reason I love professional veterinary medicine so much.”

Dr. Cathy King named recipient of 2024 AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. June 11, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/dr-cathy-king-named-recipient-2024-avma-global-veterinary-service-award

Dr. Joni Scheftel named recipient of 2024 AVMA Public Service Award. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. June 11, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/dr-joni-scheftel-named-recipient-2024-avma-public-service-award

Cathy King, DVM, PhD, MS, the founder and CEO of World Vets; and Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, retired state public health veterinarian with the Minnesota Department of Health, were presented with trophies during the 2024 AVMA Convention event.