OVMA Awards of Excellence: 2012 Recipients
At ceremonies held during the 2012 Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis, the OVMA honored the following for their service to the veterinary profession and animals.
2012 Animal Welfare Award
Dr. Barbara KahlUnited SPCA
Yamhill
Dr. Barbara Kahl
United SPCA, Yamhill
Nominated by: Dr. Laird Goodman
The Animal Welfare Award recognizes a veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and/or developed programs that have been for the welfare of animals.
After being notified of possible animal neglect at a property in South Salem this past month, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated and encountered a grim discovery: eight severely malnourished horses and the remains of six more in varying stages of decomposition, some buried in a grave.
Two veterinarians – Dr. Terry Gerros and Dr. Barbara Kahl – assisted the deputies in their investigation, examining the animals and taking care of the horses’ needs on sight. The property had no shelter, no available drinking water and only small amounts of available straw for the horses.
Five of the horses were transported to an equine rehabilitation center in Roseburg, and three of the neglected animals were taken to the United SPCA facility in Yamhill.
For the past two years, Dr. Kahl has worked closely with law enforcement agencies in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties on equine neglect and abuse cases. Her professional support has included providing an examination and evaluation of the sick, diseased and wounded animals, as well as veterinary treatment for the various conditions she has seen. Dr. Kahl’s support has also extended to rehabilitating the animals at the shelter she established on her property in rural Yamhill County in 2010.
The United SPCA, which is not affiliated with the ASPCA in New York, is a haven for neglected and abused horses – a temporary home where the animals can receive necessary veterinary care and recover from their diseases and wounds. Where the animals legally have been relinquished to the law enforcement agency in charge of the investigation, Dr. Kahl and her crew of volunteers have looked to adopt out the rehabilitated horses.
The United SPCA has 10 stables with turn-out paddocks, an indoor exercise arena, a tack room, a wash stall, a storage area for hay, and pellet bedding for the horses. The nonprofit organization also has an abundance of affection, attention and love to give to each of the animals that come under its care. Support for the veterinary treatments, the feed, and housing of the horses comes from charitable donations. But the majority of the costs are covered by Dr. Kahl and her husband.
In addition to her work with neglected and abused horses, Dr. Kahl and her volunteers offer basic horse classes for owners – classes such as Horse Ownership 101: Before Adoption and Horse Ownership 102: Post Adoption Care. She also has developed a youth program to introduce children and young adults to horses and the responsibilities that go along with ownership.
In her spare time, Dr. Kahl is an associate veterinarian with Kindness Family Pet Clinic in Forest Grove.
2012 Veterinary Service Award
Susan FariaSenior Dog Rescue of Oregon
Corvallis
Senior Dog Rescue and Susan Faria
Corvallis
Nominated by: Dr. Sabra Thomas
The Veterinary Service Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well-being of animals.
With advancement of veterinary medicine, dogs are living much longer lives these days, but sometimes the aging animals become a challenge and a burden for owners who have become increasingly busy and more mobile. Many dogs are turned over to shelters, or even euthanized when they reach an age where they can’t keep up with their human counterparts. Other dogs become homeless when families lose their jobs or when their owner dies or moves into an assisted living facility. Susan Faria has proven that it does not have to be the end of the line for these dogs.
Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon, a nonprofit group that Susan started in 2003, is educating the public on the benefits of owning a senior dog and seeing them through to the end of their life. Energetic volunteers spend countless hours seeking funds for veterinary treatment, dog food, grooming and supplies. The organization strives hard to place senior dogs in good homes where they can live out their lives – be it for 6 months or 6 years.
SDRO is but one of two rescue organizations in the Northwest that is devoted to rescuing senior dogs. Last year, more than 200 older dogs were placed in foster and adoptive homes – dogs that may very well have been euthanized if not for a caring group and caring individuals.
SDRO supporters range from Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to Hoover Elementary School who made the rescuing of senior dogs their spring project. Eddie, the rescue’s mascot, is well-known in Corvallis, not only for his lovable face, but for his compelling story as well. You see, Eddie was taken from a puppy mill, unable to walk. But veterinarians with the veterinary program raised money for Eddie’s life-saving surgery, and today the aging dog is enjoying a good life.
SDRO is launching a new program called “Seniors for Seniors,” where senior citizens can adopt an older dog for a reduced fee. SDRO already works with Solid Gold Company to expand its donations of pet food for low income and homeless pet owners in Benton County, with the goal of helping people who love their animals keep them in the home.
With growing recognition in Benton County, SDRO is showing that aging dogs can bring an abundance of joy, companionship and love to a person’s life. All they need in return is an opportunity for someone to open up their heart and home.
With the Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon’s efforts last year, a few hundred of our canine friends were matched with a new life and home.
2012 Practice Manager of the Year
Obviously not Diane Fowler CVTDr. Jerry Boggs accepted this award on her
behalf
Diane Fowler, CVT
Bush Animal Hospital, Eugene
Nominated by: Dr. Jerry Boggs
This award recognizes the role of the practice/office manager in clinical practice and salutes an individual who has exhibited exceptional professionalism in leading the practice.
Veterinary medicine has changed dramatically in the past 20 years, and the management of our practices as businesses has had to keep pace. In years past it was relatively easy to start a practice and watch it grow. Generally, things turned out well, even with mediocre management. These glory days have long been gone, however.
Today, especially as the recession of 2007 arrived in full force, some of our practices would not be able to survive without a keen business acumen and skilled management. Fortunately for Bush Animal Hospital in Eugene, Diane Fowler has guided the multi-doctor practice through these challenging times.
Diane has been the hospital’s manager for the past six years, but her tenure with Bush Animal spans 30 years. Before she joined the practice team as a veterinary assistant, Diane had been a client of the hospital – known to the staff for her position in human medicine (cardiology) and as an advocate for Golden Retrievers.
Once with the hospital, Diane organized a group of assistants from the area who travelled to Portland weekly to study for the technician examination, and she eventually became a Certified Veterinary Technician. It wasn’t long after that when she became the lead technician and accepting a more prominent role with Bush Animal Hospital.
As the practice’s manager, Diane has exercised her special set of animal, people and business skills to maintain order and growth with the hospital. She has diligently kept drug expenses under control, and she has found that delicate balance between preserving the hospital’s bottom line while helping to keep staff morale positive – even during these difficult recessionary times.
A little more than two years ago, ownership of the practice changed hands. And there was Diane, leading the smooth transition while developing the hospital’s budget, effectively controlling the accounts receivable, and overseeing the conversion of 20 computer systems within the practice. Diane Fowler’s integrity, dedication and passion have been integral to the success of Bush Animal Hospital.
2012 Technician/Staff of the Year
Juan Lopez, AHTWillamette Valley Animal Hospital
Keizer
Juan Lopez, AHT
Willamette Valley Animal Hospital, Keizer
Nominated by: Dr. Sheri Morris
This award recognizes a veterinary technician and/or veterinary staff in clinical practice who has risen above and beyond the expected responsibilities of the practice to provide outstanding client and patient service, with community service also considered.
For more than 13 years, Juan Lopez has worked closely with Dr. Sheri Morris and her husband, John Maddigan, owners of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital in Keizer.
Juan is a certified technician, as well as a certified dental technician, and he has helped to train staff and open new facilities with Sheri and John. Due to a back injury several years ago, Juan effortlessly moved to a front office position with the practice. According to Dr. Morris, Juan’s “people skills and great sense of humor often rescue us in our busy day-to-day work.”
During the economic downturn, Juan helped Willamette Valley Animal Hospital to shift its marketing emphasis away from traditional advertising to a more community-based approach. This has included collaborating with Marion County Dog Control to organize more than a half-dozen amnesty events where licensing and vaccinations were offered to avoid county penalties for owners of dogs that are not in compliance with county regulations.
After learning about the suicide of a homeless person in Salem and the subsequent impounding of the individual’s dog by the police for not having a dog license, Juan Lopez initiated work with a local homeless shelter to provide free veterinary care at parks throughout the greater Salem area. In addition, Juan persuaded the county to provide free licenses to all dogs that are vaccinated through this program so that no homeless person would have their pet impounded again. This outreach spawned a monthly visit by the hospital to the homeless community, providing medical treatment for pets.
In continuing his work with the homeless, Juan has coordinated the practice’s participation in “Community Homeless Connect,” a project that brings together the homeless and a variety of outreach and community services on one designated day.
In addition, Juan has organized 10 fundraisers for other Willamette Valley nonprofit cat and dog shelters and organizations. He has helped to raise more than $15,000 for the nonprofit groups.
Fluent in Spanish, Juan is a regular guest on radio shows where he educates dog owners about pet medical issues. In no small measure, his efforts in the Hispanic community have significantly increased the Hispanic clientele of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital, but they also have improved the understanding and need for veterinary care among this community.
2012 President's Award
Dr. Donald McCoy, North Portland Veterinary Hospital, Portland -and- Dr. Larry Anderson, Minnesota
Presented by: Dr. Laird Goodman
The President's Award is given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA. Dr. Goodman presented this award to two of his veterinary mentors.
Past Award Winners
Centennial Award
1963 Dr. Vic Oliver
Honorary Membership
1952 S.L. Brown, Charles Evans, T. Sims
1954 E.L. Peterson
1972 Walter Leth, James Short
1989 Morrie Craig
1993 Nan Dewey
2000 Kelvin Koong
Award of Merit
1961 Dr. Herb Muth
1966 Dr. E. Derflinger, Dr. Ralph Plamondon
1970 Dr. Gary Bryan
1973 Dr. Dallen Jones
1976 Dr. Ed Wedman
1983 Dr. Linda Blythe, Dr. Daryl Leu
1985 Dr. Elwyn Coon, Dr. Norm Hutton, Dr. Charles Seagraves
1989 Dr. Jack Hardesty, Dr. Fay Rankin, Dr. Ron Schmidtke
1991 Dr. Gordon Cunningham, Dr. Richard Hillmer, Dr. DuWayne Penfold
1995 Dr. Andrew Mach, Dr. Ed Wedman, Dr. Robert Whittaker
Meritorious Service
Presented to a veterinarian who has generously contributed time and energy for the advancement of the profession and community.
1996 Dr. Richard Werner
1997 Dr. Billy Kuhl
1998 Dr. Dick Reid
1999 Dr. Roy Peterson
2000 Dr. Richard Coon
2001 Dr. Don Bailey
2002 Dr. Stan Blinkhorn
2003 Dr. Leo van Dijk
2004 Dr. DuWayne Penfold
2005 Dr. Marty DeWees
2006 Dr. Jerry Boggs
2009 Dr. Scott Hendy
2010 Dr. Susan Loomis
2011 Dr. Steve Brown
Outstanding Industry Representative
Recognizes an individual who has exhibited outstanding service to the OVMA and the profession.
1996 Terrie Corcoran, Burns Veterinary Supply
1997 Leroy Ostrem, The Butler Company
1998 Rick Casey, Hoechst Roussel Vet
1999 Jim Houts, Summit Medical Equipment
2000 Linda Melton, IDEXX Veterinary Services
2001 Loren Heryford, The Butler Company
2003 Marge Strother, Merial
2004 Bruce Mackey, Hill's Pet Nutrition
2005 John Herkner, Pfizer Animal Health
2011 Vern Mason, Butler Schein Animal Health
President's Award
Given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA.
1996 Dr. Martha DeWees, Dr. Scott Hendy
1997 Dr. Jerry Boggs
1998 Dr. Merry Crimi
1999 Mr. Glenn Kolb
2000 Dr. Doug McInnis
2001 Mr. Dave Barrows
2002 Dr. Kurt Schrader
2003 Dr. Steven Brown
2004 Ms. Marcia Keith
2005 Dr. Gordon Cunningham
2006 Spouses and Partners of Veterinarians
2007 Dr. Rich Holdren
2008 Ms. Marge Strother, Lilly Companion Pet
2009 Dr. Matthew Fricke
2010 Ms. Lara Smith
2011 Dr. Cyril Clarke, OSU CVM Dean
2012 Dr. Donald McCoy & Dr. Larry Anderson
Veterinarian of the Year
Awarded to a veterinarian who has made outstanding contributions to the profession through service to local, state and/or national organizations.
1969 Dr. E.R. Derflinger
1996 Dr. DuWayne Penfold
1997 Dr. Doug Corey
1998 Dr. Don McCoy
1999 Dr. Andrew Clark
2000 Dr. Marty DeWees
2001 Dr. Scott Hendy
2002 Dr. Brad Frank
2003 Dr. Heidi Buehner-McKenzie
2004 Dr. Leon Pielstick
2006 Dr. Paul Jones
2007 Dr. Jon Betts
2011 Dr. Gregg Takashima
Animal Welfare Award
Recognizes a veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and/or developed programs that have been for the welfare of animals.
1998 Dr. Doug Evans
1999 Dr. Laird Goodman
2000 Dr. Bob Franklin
2002 Dr. Brad Pope
2004 Dr. Ken Fletcher
2009 Dr. Doug McInnis
2010 Dr. Doug Evans
2011 Dr. Scott Hansen
2012 Dr. Barbara Kahl
Veterinary Service Award
Recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well being of animals. Emphasis for this award is placed on educating the public, research, or the practice of veterinary medicine.
1998 Kim Singer, KPTV-12
1999 Feral Cat Coalition
2000 Deborah Wood, The Oregonian
2001 Dr. Barclay Slocum
2002 The Halo Group
2003 Evan Kalik, Cat Adoption Team
2005 Dr. Howard Wagner
2006 Oregon Humane Society
2008 Dr. Matthew Maberry
2009 Dr. Jerry Boggs
2010 Larry Chusid, The Pongo Fund
2011 Dr. Bill McCulloch, Delta Society co-founder
2012 Susan Faria, Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon
Practice/Office Manager of the Year
Recognizes the role of the practice/office manager in clinical practice and salutes an individual who has exhibited exceptional professionalism in leading the practice.
2006 Linda Parisotto
2007 Lee Barg
2008 Debee Brown
2011 Jessie Merritt CVPM
2012 Diane Fowler CVT
Technician/Staff of the Year
Recognizes a veterinary technicians and/or veterinary staff in clinical practice who has risen above and beyond the expected responsibilities of the practice to provide outstanding client and patient service, with community service also considered.
2006 Leah Kennon CVT
2007 Gillian Cook CVT
2008 Kathy Charpilloz
2010 Kimberly McKay
2011 Carey Blake CVT
2012 Juan Lopez AHT
