Nine national accolades celebrating the best of the best in the Great White North’s animal health industry have been bestowed.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has announced the winners of its annual awards program, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated significant accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to Canada’s veterinary community.

The 2023 recipients are as follows:

Small Animal Practitioner Award

Presented to an association member whose work has significantly contributed to the advancement of small animal medicine, this year’s Small Animal Practitioner Award (sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance) went to Barbara Ambros, DrMedVet, MVetSc, DECVAA, a professor of veterinary anesthesia at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). A graduate of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in Austria, Dr. Ambros worked in a small animal referral clinic before completing a residency in veterinary anesthesia at the WCVM. She is proficient at managing sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia in many species, and has a special interest in small mammal anesthesia and pain management.

Merck Veterinary Award

Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the Merck Veterinary Award is presented to a CVMA member whose work in large animal practice, clinical research, or basic sciences has contributed significantly to the advancement of large animal medicine and surgery. This year’s recipient, John Campbell, DVM, DVSc., is a Saskatchewan-based veterinarian, whose decades of cattle work has significantly contributed to the overall improvement of the bovine industry—particularly beef cattle production medicine and disease surveillance. A 1985 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), Dr. Campbell worked in rural veterinary practice for several years before returning to the University of Guelph (U of G) to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Science degree in Ruminant Health Management. Since 1991, he has worked as a clinical faculty member on the Ruminant Field Service Practice at WCVM. Campbell’s primary research interests include beef cattle production medicine and disease surveillance in beef cattle.

CVMA Humane Award

Also sponsored by Merck, the CVMA Humane Award, recognizing leadership in the care and well-being of animals, was presented to Jordan Woodsworth, DVM, of Saskatchewan. A general veterinary practitioner, PhD candidate, and program lead for the WCVM Northern Engagement and Community Outreach Program (NECO), Dr. Woodsworth has been part of the Canadian Collective for Equity in Veterinary Medicine for the past year and is also chair of the WCVM Committee on Indigenous Engagement. She volunteers her time as part of the Northern Dogs Working Group, started by the Saskatchewan SPCA, and is a member of the Companion Animal subgroup of the provincial Animal Welfare Engagement Committee, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Office of the chief veterinary officer.

CVMA Practice of the Year Award

Sponsored by Scotiabank, the CVMA Practice of the Year Award recognizes a veterinary practice team for outstanding achievement within their local community. This year’s recipient, Tanglefoot Veterinary Services, Ltd., is a progressive, full-service, mixed-animal practice in the East Kootenay region of B.C. that has grown to employ seven veterinarians and 22 support staff, including seven full-time registered veterinary technologists/technicians (RVTs). In 2022, Tanglefoot initiated the formation of the East Kootenay Vet Group (EKVG), which consists of seven local clinics that share after-hours emergency call. The decision greatly improved quality of life for doctors in the area and provided clients with stability, as the strain of after-hour emergencies is now shared. Additionally, since 2018, Tanglefoot has hosted 42 veterinary, RVT, and other students for internships, externships, practicum placements, and summer positions. The practice also supports its local 4H club, providing veterinary services for rodeos.

R.V.L. Walker Award

The R.V.L. Walker Award plaque is presented to the reigning Students of the CVMA (SCVMA) president in recognition of their contributions to promoting student interest in the association. This year’s recipient, Allison Kwantes, is a third-year veterinary student at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Kwantes, who grew up outside of Sherwood Park, Alta., discovered her desire to enter veterinary medicine after being an international Rotary exchange student for a year in France. Since her acceptance into UCVM, she has developed a keen interest in small ruminant health, alongside a passion for wildlife health, and ultimately hopes to provide services for both groups of animals in a mixed-animal practice after graduation.

CVMA President’s Award

Selected by the association’s president and executive committee, Darrell Dalton, DVM, received this year’s CVMA President’s Award in honour of his exceptional contributions and devotion to the association. Born and raised in Calgary, Dr. Dalton joined the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) Council in 2005, where he became vice-president. He joined the ABVMA staff in 2007 as the assistant to the registrar and went onto to become registrar—a position retained until his retirement in January 2023. As registrar, Dalton negotiated the financial arrangements between the ABVMA and CVMA for Alberta’s organizational membership. He was closely involved in the establishment of the Canadian Council of Veterinary Registrars and spent two terms as chair.

Distinguished Member Award

Recognizing a member for long and outstanding service on CVMA council, executive, boards, and committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession, this year’s Distinguished Member Award went to Rob Ashburner, DVM, of British Columbia. Dr. Ashburner, who is a CVMA Canadian representative on the Council of Education Site Accreditation team and a member of CVMA Workforce Advisory Group, as well as director and treasurer of the CVMA-Society of British Columbia Veterinarians (SBCV), is past-president of CVMA. During his tenure, he established the Economic Survey Program in co-operation with the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), which continues today.

2023 Canadian RVT of the Year Award

Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the Canadian RVT of the Year Award is presented by the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) to a registered veterinary technologist/technician in recognition of outstanding dedication to the profession. This year’s recipient, Vanessa George, RVT, of Alberta, has been working in the role for 17 years, focusing her career in mixed, small, and exotic animal clinical practice in the Edmonton area.

CVMA Honourary Membership

Roger Warren received CVMA Honourary Membership in recognition of his significant contributions to the national veterinary profession and his philanthropy. Warren began his career as an investment banker and manager in Toronto, then spent eight years working in New York, London, and the United Kingdom. In 1979, he and his late wife, Mary, established the Rathlyn Foundation to better society and enrich lives by investing in medical education, research, and veterinary science. The foundation also helps supports service animals.