OVMA Awards of Excellence: 2013 Recipients

At ceremonies held during the 2013 Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis, the OVMA honored the following for their service to the veterinary profession and animals.

2013 Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Robert Franklin, DACVIM

Oregon Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Beaverton
Nominated by: OVMA

The Meritorious Service Award is the Association’s highest honor and is presented to a veterinarian who provided exemplary servant leadership to the organization, the veterinary profession and the community.

Dr. Franklin’s contributions to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association are far reaching. He served five years on the Executive Board, with one term as President in 1998. He has served on our educational committee for over 20 years and developed the Animal Welfare educational track for the Oregon Veterinary Conference, which helps to educate veterinarians and the healthcare team on welfare issues, including animal abuse and cruelty. He has helped the OVMA develop guidelines for Veterinary Hospice Care, and he currently chairs our Issues Advisory Task Force.

Dr. Franklin’s most notable contributions to the OVMA and his community have been in the arena of animal welfare. Under his leadership, the OVMA helped to change Oregon law on the issue of dogs chasing, injuring and killing livestock. At the time, offending dogs were automatically sentenced to death, but with support from a broad-based coalition, today’s law is much more flexible and can offer “Man’s Best Friend” a second chance.

Dr. Franklin also helped to sharpen the OVMA’s attention and focus on legislation against animal abuse and neglect. This included working for the law that established a Class C felony for an individual who seriously harms or kills an animal.

As president of the OVMA, Dr. Franklin initiated discussion and a national call for an “independent” examination of the health and welfare of Keiko – the Orca who was housed at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and unfortunately entangled in a dispute between the whale’s primary veterinarian and aquarium officials. The issue brought international attention to the issue and to the OVMA for stepping forward on Keiko’s behalf.

Dr. Franklin is tireless in his dedication to animal welfare and organized veterinary medicine. And these attributes have extended well beyond his involvement with the OVMA. He has previously served four years on the board of directors for the Portland Veterinary Medical Association, six years on the board of directors for the Oregon Humane Society, and more recently nine years on the Delta Society (now Pet Partners) board of trustees.

Dr. Franklin’s service has also included the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Committee for Canine Vaccine Guidelines. In 1995, he was awarded AAHA’s Outstanding Service Award for the Northwest Region. In 2003, the OVMA presented him with our Animal Welfare Award. Later this year, Dr. Franklin will also receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

2013 Veterinary Service Award

Britta Bavaresco

Nominated by: Dr. Kris Otteman, Oregon Humane Society

The Veterinary Service Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well-being of animals.

Ms. Britta Bavaresco is a lifelong advocate for improving the lives of pets in the Portland metropolitan area and a strong voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Her formal involvement in animal welfare began in 2001 as a volunteer with Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood. Within two years she was hired as the nonprofit’s executive director, where she helped to increase adoptions at the shelter from 700 per year to more than 2,500 per year in just four years.

Ms. Bavaresco was honored primarily for her role as a founding partner of the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland.

ASAP is a working coalition of local animal shelters, county animal services, and professional veterinary associations in the Portland metro area that was created to end the euthanasia of social, healthy and treatable cats and dogs. In the past 6 years, ASAP has reduced euthanasia in Portland area member shelters by 65%.

Britta dedicated much of her volunteer time to ASAP in a leadership role during its important formative years. In fact, she is the “unofficial” executive director of ASAP and continues as a servant leader in her all volunteer capacity.

ASAP has worked on two strategic initiatives:

1. To formalize the way each of the individual sheltering entities collects animal intake and disposition data into a nationally-recognized and consistent format. Britta was at the forefront of helping to streamline the data collection, enabling the coalition to more accurately identify the various problems that led to euthanasia of animals so that solutions could be developed to address the concerns.
2. Cat overpopulation. Britta’s oversight and leadership led to the Spay & Save program, which is designed to help low income families as well as feral cat caretakers with the costs of spay or neuter surgery – resulting in healthier family pets and fewer unwanted litters of kittens. Now in its fourth year, the program has altered more than 28,000 cats, resulting in a 25% decrease in the intake of cats by ASAP members within the past two years. Britta contributed to the original design of the program as well as the marketing and branding.

Britta Bavaresco not only collects, manages and presents all of the coalition’s data, but she has also taken a leadership role in working with Maddie's Fund, PetSmart Charities and other supporters securing grants, awards and funding for spay and neuter projects and various other projects. In large part because of Britta and her unrelenting commitment and passion to ASAP’s cause, the coalition has been able to make a significant difference for the animals in the Portland community.

2013 Technician/Staff of the Year

Dolores Galindo CVT

PCC Veterinary Technology Program & Sunnyside Veterinary Hospital

Nominated by: Dr. Randall Haveman (Sunnyside Veterinary Hospital) and Dr. Tina Tran (PCC)

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.

Dolores Galindo graduated from the Portland Community College’s Veterinary Technology program in 1990. She spent several years in private practice before returning to her alma mater as the lead technician for the program.

It is an understatement to say that Dolores is the lifeblood of the Vet Tech program. During her almost 20 years at PCC, she has been an integral part of the continuous refinement of the curricula and animal care.

In her role, she has instructed and mentored hundreds of successful veterinary technician students. In addition to her duties as instructor, Dolores is an adviser for the Veterinary Technology Club, assists in labs taught by other instructors, coordinates the dog behavior training sessions, and oversees the student-run Pet Adoption Committee.

In 2012, Dolores received a Woman of Distinction award from PCC – having been nominated by her students.

Aside from her tireless work at PCC, Dolores also works most weekends at Sunnyside Veterinary Hospital in Happy Valley. Alongside her former instructor, Dr. Randall Haveman, she continues to keep her technical skills fresh and to pursue life-long learning. Her private practice experiences bring an added dimension to her course instruction at PCC. She is able to help the students bridge the gap between academia and the real world.

When Dolores is not working at PCC and Sunnyside Veterinary Hospital, she also makes time to give back to the veterinary community. She currently serves as President-Elect for the Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association, and she also served on the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board from 2003 to 2011. In fact, she was the first Certified Veterinary Technician to serve on the board of the veterinary licensing agency, including one year as Chair of the Board.

Ms. Galindo inspires others to reach their potential and keep animal welfare at the forefront. In short, she is the Gold Standard for Certified Veterinary Technicians.

2013 Industry Representative of the Year

Jay Donkers, Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis)

Nominated by: Dr. Laird Goodman, Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital

This award recognizes an individual who has exhibited outstanding service to the OVMA and the profession.

After 30-plus years of service to the veterinary profession in Oregon, Jay recently retired from his most recent position with Pfizer (now Zoetis).

Jay represented Pfizer Animal Health for 26 years: 21 years as a Therapeutic Specialist, and an additional 5 years as a Strategic Account Manager. Among his many qualities, he demonstrated an uncanny knack for making the complicated become comprehensible, when educating our veterinary teams.

Throughout his partnership with veterinary practices in Oregon, Jay proved to be an exemplary representative. He has helped so many of us elevate our practices, always looking beyond the mere products for ways to help our businesses succeed. He introduced us to tools for measuring the efficiency of our practices; he brought in specialists to further educate us; and he conducted surveys on our behalf to improve our services and enhance our bottom lines.

Mr. Donkers has also given back to the community in other ways. Many years ago, Jay befriended Kermit Washington, the former Portland Trailblazer and founder of Project Contact Africa (PCT). This nonprofit brings medical relief teams into the schools within the slums of Kenya, and Jay has contributed his valuable time – at his own expense – to participate in the program and operate the pharmacy for PCT.

2013 President's Award

Salem Friends of Felines

Presented by: Dr. Sheri Morris

The President's Award is given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA.

The association’s outgoing president, Dr. Sheri Morris of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital, presented this award to Salem Friends of Felines.

Following is an excerpt from Dr. Morris’s remarks at the ceremony held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 during the Oregon Veterinary Conference on the OSU campus:

“Since 2004, Salem Friends of Felines, a non-profit no-kill feline shelter in Salem, has adopted out over 6,700 cats. In 2012, they adopted out 1,296 cats. SFOF is a volunteer rescue organization that has embraced the welfare of the cat in the Salem area, and has come to the rescue of so many felines with no hope. They provide shelter and foster homes, as well as significant spay/neuter assistance to the local community. They have also been involved in Salem locally with PetSmart Charities in Trap/Neuter/Return projects in several areas with feral cat problems. I am proud to work with these tireless volunteers as they benefit our local pets as well as the human community they serve.

“They have graciously allowed College of Veterinary Medicine - Oregon State University students to have experiential learning opportunities through the shelter medicine club at OSU, as well as allowed us to mentor senior preceptor students in dentistry, soft tissue surgeries, medical cases, and spay and neuter at our practice. This hands-on patient experience is invaluable to vet students, and to my clinic’s vision of contributing to the welfare of the people, pets, and the community at large that we serve. To SFOF and all rescue groups in our state – thank you, THANK YOU for what you do, thank you for tireless efforts, thank you from every pet you have rescued and given new hope and a new home.”

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
2013    Dr. Robert Franklin

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
2013    Jay Donkers, Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis)

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
2013    Salem Friends of Felines

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
2013    Britta Bavaresco

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
2013    Dolores Galindo CVT