Kwane Steward, DVM, was named the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year on December 10, 2023. (Image courtesy of CNN)

Kwane Stewart, DVM, a medical care provider for underserved pets, has been named the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year. The founder of the nonprofit organization, Project Street Vet, was chosen by viewers of the news network, who voted online from among the Top 10 CNN Heroes announced in November.

Stewart was presented the award on Sunday, December 10, by CNN anchors Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates during the 17th annual 

 event. Held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, New York, the event was broadcast across the globe.

In his acceptance speech, Stewart noted that he had wanted to be a veterinarian his entire life. “If I, as a child, could dream of doing something that was impactful, then I think I found it, found 

. I’m do lucky to be doing what I’m doing,” he said, before thanking individuals who have helped and supported his mission.

Star of the 2019 reality television show 

, Stewart began his work caring for the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness after noticing an animal’s need for medical attention while he was visiting a convenience store in California. He asked the pet owner if he could examine the animal, which had signs of a flea infestation. After treating the pet, Stewart decided he was going to give back to his community by providing free veterinary care for the underserved population of pets living on the streets.

Kwane Stewart, DVM, treats a pet in need of medical care with help from an assistant during his rounds as "The Street Vet."

While accepting the award, Stewart shared with the audience a short story about a man whose pet he had treated. The man was hungry, so Stewart brought him a sandwich. Most of the sandwich was then given to the dog as the man sacrificed his meal for his pet. “They’ve taught me a lot,” said Stewart of the individuals he has helped on the streets. “An act of kindness can change your day. An act or gesture of kindness can change someone’s life.”

The CNN Hero of the Year title was awarded with a $100,000 grant to help him grow his work, and all of those named to the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2023 are receiving a $10,000 cash award.

 These heroes include Yasmine Arrington, who works with teenagers with incarcerated parents; Stacey Buckner, who provides for the needs of homeless veterans; and Mama Shu, who created a nonprofit organization that transforms derelict structures for community use as well as Tescha Hawley, Osei Boateng, Alvin Irby, Adam Pearce, Estefanía Rebellón, and Mike Goldberg, who have all created positive changes in the world.

In his acceptance speech, Stewart also said he would share the $100,000 grant equally with his fellow Top 10 Heroes. “What does it mean to be human? I believe it’s humanity. It’s looking out for each other. Believing in each other. Helping one another. And all of these people embody that,” he said.

The Hero of the Year title made Stewart an Elevate Prize winner. He is receiving an unrestricted $300,000 in funds and resources from The Elevate Prize Foundation, a global nonprofit organization. Additionally, all of those named to the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2023, including Stewart, will receive from The Elevate Prize Foundation up to $50,000 in donation-matching funds collected through January 5, 2024.

Stewart’s work has included service as a Fear Free advisor and ambassador, the national director for American Humane’s No Animals Were Harmed initiative, and as a veterinary consultant on the set of television and movie productions. These roles came with responsibility to keep safe the animals on sets as well as humans working with them. “Creatively, these directors have sometimes wild visions... and I’m the person who comes in and says, ‘No, that’s, that’s not really possible. Then we sort of work out what we can do to meet the creative vision, while keeping the animal safe,” said Stewart, in an interview with 

A public speaker, Stewart’s schedule of upcoming appearances includes the 

Fetch dvm360 conference in Long Beach, California

, next year. He will be a featured keynote speaker on December 7, 2024, discussing self-care for veterinarians.

, Stewart’s recognition shared the stage with the first CNN Heroes Legacy Award, which was presented to former President Jimmy Carter and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The legacy award was given in honor of the couple’s lifetime commitment to community service, according to CNN.

The live event also featured Grammy Award-nominated singer Aloe Blacc, who performed his anthem, “My Way.” Among the evening’s presenters were actors and entertainers Amanda Seyfried, Brooke Shields, Rachel Zegler, Martin Sheen, Edie Falco, Sterling K. Brown,Iman Vellani, Jeffrey Wright, Joe Manganiello, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Alexa Swinton and Danielle Brooks.

Dr. Kwane Stewart named 2023 CNN Hero of the Year. News release. 

. December 10, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023. 

https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2023/12/10/dr-kwane-stewart-named-2023-cnn-hero-of-the-year/

Dr. Kwane Stewart, who cares for the pets of those experiencing homelessness, is CNN’s Hero of the Year. 

. December 11, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/10/world/cnn-hero-of-the-year-dr-kwane-stewart-homeless-pets/index.html

. August 22, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fetch-faculty-after-hours-

Dunn M, Klairmont L, Toner K, Torgan A. Meet the people who are making the world a better place. 

. November 1, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023. 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/01/world/cnn-heroes-top-10-2023/index.html

Fear Free appoints new chief professional relations veterinary officer. October 5, 2022. Accessed December 11, 2023. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fear-free-appoints-new-chief-veterinary-professional-relations-officer

. August 27, 2022. Accessed December 11, 2023. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-vet-on-set

Articles

Known as "The Street Vet," Kwane Stewart, DVM, has a passion for providing care to pets living with homeless individuals

Charitable veterinarian named CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year

explains why diet trials can sometimes be necessary and how to talk to clients about it

Communicating the need for diet trials with clients

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, sat down with 

 in an interview and explained when diet trials are necessary for identifying an allergy. She also shared her tips for discussing diet trial instructions with owners.

The following is a partial transcript of the video.

 Diet trials are tricky, but when we need them, we need them. So when we think something has a food allergy, that's really the only way we can prove it.

My tips as far as communication is just do with a lot. Communication, communication, communication. I also send my clients home with handouts. I think sometimes people are not verbal learners, and they're much better when they read things. So I try to give clients resources that are also on paper so they can take it home.

Videos

Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, explains why diet trials can sometimes be necessary and how to talk to clients about it

To make the holiday season a relaxing and joyous time, it’s important to keep safety protocols in place at home with pets. Nationwide Pet Insurance suggested veterinary professionals remind clients of the risks that come up more frequently during the holidays and while at holiday parties, in an organizational release. The company also warned pet owners of these common risks and revealed that insurance claims are mostly submitted around this time of year along with the average cost for each of these medical concerns.

“The majority of holiday-related health hazards are preventable, which is great news, but it does mean taking some extra steps to ensure that everyone in the family can safely enjoy traditions,” said Jules Benson, BVSc MRCVS, AVP, vice president, Pet Health, and chief veterinary officer at Nationwide in the release. “When it comes to preventing holiday health emergencies, it’s important to consider your pet’s personality. Our data shows that certain breeds and younger pets are at a higher risk for things like foreign body ingestion. Pet parents should also take time to see their house from their pet’s perspective and pet-proof accordingly.”

After analyzing a database of more than 1.2 million insured pets, Nationwide found these top 5 common holiday hazards:

 Tree ornaments, tinsel, ribbons, gift wrap, and garlands could pose a potential risk if ingested and may cause serious complications.

Reported average claim for foreign body ingestion: $2,400

 Chocolate is usually a well-known pet toxin, but the abundance of chocolate during the holidays makes this a common hazard and heightens the risk. According to Nationwide, 20% of claims for chocolate toxicity are submitted in December, with numbers doubling in the last 2 weeks of the year alone.

Reported average claim for chocolate toxicity: $618

 Similar to chocolate, alcohol is another well-known toxin for pets, but the increased volume of alcohol in the house can increase the risk of toxicity cases and emergency room visits.

Reported average claim for alcohol toxicity: $869

: Common holiday plants like amaryllis, mistletoe, holly, holly berries, or pine needles from a Christmas tree present various levels of toxicity. Marijuana and cannabis-based edibles, oils and other products containing THC or CBD may also cause illness. In an interview with Audrey Wystrach, DVM, chief executive officer at Petfolk, she explained the effects plant poisoning can have on pets: “Gastrointestinal upset and vomiting are the most common side effects. Escalated concerns around amaryllis and mistletoe come with more severe side effects that include changes in blood pressure, tremors, or even seizures.”

Reported average claim for plant, plant-based poisoning: $610

 Chewing on string lights or electrical cords can lead to electrical shock injuries or serious burns. Open flames, like candles, should also be used with caution.

To help with pet-proofing for the holidays, Nationwide recommended pet owners asking themselves these questions:

What could be knocked over by a leaping cat or an enthusiastically wagging tail?

Are there exposed wires or cords, low-hanging ornaments, candles, tree water, plants or floral arrangements, candy dishes, food items, garland, or anything else that pets may find new and exciting and want to play with or chew on?

Overall, Nationwide also recommended blocking off areas that might prove too tempting, and crate pets that might get into mischief when you leave the house.

Davis K. Protect your pets from common, and potentially costly, holiday hazards. News release. Nationwide. December 6, 2023. Accessed December 8, 2023. 

https://news.nationwide.com/protect-your-pets-from-common-and-potentially-costly-holiday-hazards/?utm_source=prn

McCafferty C. Keeping pets safe for the holidays. 

. December 15, 2022. Accessed December 8, 2023. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/keeping-pets-safe-for-the-holidays

Nationwide disclosed its most common claims and average costs for medical conditions at high risk during the holidays

Pet insurance company shares tips for a safe holiday season

Nonprofit work has always been an interest of mine, and I have served in multiple organizations since I was 20. When I was young, it was about donating my time, energy, and attention because that was what I had a lot of. As I have grown older, it has shifted to more a donation of my mind and money.

I love being involved in nonprofit work, not only because it embodies the selflessness of a group of people coming together to lift communities that are less fortunate, but also because it is the centerpiece of my moral and religious belief system. 

If there is one thing veterinarians know well, it is how to give of themselves. Generally, this is a great attribute of people in veterinary medicine and one of the main reasons I am drawn to always wanting to do more for people in the field. Of course, veterinarians sometimes experience this moral pillar that creates unhealthy boundaries of self-sacrifice that feed misplaced emotional needs. Everything should be done in balance. 

I have found that I often want to give money to a 501(c)(3) organization for the tax deduction, but I am sometimes unsure as to which organization. There is a time limit when it comes to getting that deduction because you must give it in the tax year that you want the deduction to be applied. This makes it hard to get the deduction when you are not sure where to send it. 

In the past I have given to multiple organizations in a year and found tracking down statements for my accountant to be difficult, especially if I could not remember all the organizations that I had given money to throughout the tax year. Sometimes I have found myself wanting to give appreciated assets to avoid the tax for when I would sell it but still be able to get the deduction at the value of the assets.

In comes the donor advised fund (DAF). You can give money to a fund that is held at a 501(c)(3) organization to effectively eliminate all the issues mentioned above. You can open an account and contribute money or assets of any kind to the account and have it count as a tax-deductible contribution to a 501(c)(3) in the year that you made the contribution. This allows a person to get the deduction in the year 2023 and invest the money in the fund however they would like and, at some point in the future, give out of that fund to other 501(c)(3) organizations whenever the opportunity arises. 

Also, by using a DAF you can give to multiple organizations but not have to worry about the statements they send you at the end of the year. You have already gotten the deduction when you deposited the money into the DAF. 

You may contribute appreciated assets where you can deduct the current value of the asset regardless of how little you paid for it to begin with, thus avoiding any tax on the sale of that asset. If you give to 501(c)(3)s this would be a great thing to explore and consider using to simplify your giving and make it easier to tax plan using these deductions even if you do not have a specific organization in mind to give to at that moment.

has always had a deep interest in the financial arena. This began at age 16 when he attended an investment symposium in California. From that point on, Burnett became incredibly curious about financial topics and devoured any information he could get from books and periodicals to learn and understand the world of investing. He started focusing on working with veterinarians in 2014 and cofounded Florida Veterinary Advisors as a result. Over the years, Burnett has had success working with veterinarians and business owners on structuring a financial plan that gives them the most control over the results they are after. Burnett does not want to only help people with their financial plans; he wants to change what’s possible for them; to show them how to master the “short game” for them to win the “long game.” Burnett speaks at national conferences, is involved in many national veterinary associations, and is a host on the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast.

DISCLAIMER: Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Florida Veterinary Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Florida Veterinary Advisors is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor. The individuals associated with Florida Veterinary Advisors do not maintain specialized licenses or qualifications for the financial services provided to veterinary professionals. CA Insurance License #0K79676. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 2023-164323 Exp 11/25

Here is how you can utilize a donor advised fund to give back to your community, and yourself

Giving back this holiday season

shares his tips for applying bandages to a post-operative patient

Tips for improving efficiency with surgical bandages

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Michael Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, sat down with 

 for an interview and shared what got him interested in pursuing veterinary surgery and how he became even more passionate about pain management and rehabilitation. He also gave some quick tips for using bandages with post-operative patients and some of his best practices.

I've always liked surgery. Going back to when I was in high school, working for a veterinarian, I was always drawn to whatever they were doing at the time in surgery. When I went to vet school I worked in the small animal surgery department, and was just always have seemed to be drawn to it. As I've gone through practice, I realized that surgery is really half of what needs to be done to get these patients back to full function and that physical therapy and rehab is a really important component of that. And so several years ago, I sought certification and training in that and that's really an area that I'm very, very interested in passionate about.

I think it's really important to pay attention to the reason why we're applying the bandage and looking at the specific tissue, whether it is tissue that is currently showing signs that there's still active infection, there's necrotic tissue that needs to be there to brighten still, if it's healthy tissue that is starting to form granulation tissue or if we have granulation tissue already present.

Michael Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for applying bandages to a post-operative patient

explains why the cardiovascular system is so fragile and gives one emergency example that can happen

The delicate cardiovascular system in pets

While at the Fetch conference in Long Beach, California, Erica Brandt, CVT, VTS (ECC), hospital director of WestVet in Meridian, Idaho, sat down with 

 in an interview and explained what makes the cardiovascular system so delicate. She also shared one example of what could potentially go wrong with the function of this system and how this emergency can affect the patient. 

 I would say the cardiovascular system is a delicate system, because there are so many factors that affect it. So, everything from how the heart is beating, if it's able to do big strong contractions and actually get the blood flow that we need, if it's getting the electrical conduction it needs, through each of the different sections in order to get that big contraction that's happening. But we also need to think about things like volume status and red blood cell capacity. And we need to talk about things like systemic vascular resistance, and [determine] are the vessels responding to the different pressure that we have? 

There are so many different things that can affect each one of those team players in this complex, that we can have a lot of different scenarios, trauma, disease processes, shock, that can affect anesthesia, [and] some of the drugs we use.

Erica Brandt, CVT, VTS (ECC), explains why the cardiovascular system is so fragile and gives one emergency example that can happen