American Veterinary Medical Foundation Announces Top 20 Finalists For "America's Favorite Veterinarian"

CHICAGO, July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) announced the top 20 finalists for "America's Favorite Veterinarian." The 20 finalists were selected by an AVMF review panel from more than 700 nominations.

"We are thrilled to honor and recognize these 20 finalists who are entrusted to preserve and protect the health and well-being of animals," said Michael Cathey, executive director of AVMF. "Each of these 20 finalists are examples of the pivotal roles veterinarians lead as medical professionals in research labs, in public health and agriculture, and in government services and academia."

Nominations were submitted online by individuals who were asked to include a brief essay explaining why their veterinarian deserved recognition for his or her work. A committee of judges comprising animal health industry leaders, animal health bloggers, and board members from the AVMF evaluated the veterinarians based on the nominators' essays and the veterinarians' responses to questions about their practices and professional philosophies. Also taken into consideration were:

• Community involvement,
• Ethical behavior,
• Passion for their profession, and
• Their connections to animals and their owners.

This year, the public is invited to cast votes to select the winner of "America's Favorite Veterinarian."  Participants can cast their vote once per day at www.americasfavoriteveterinarian.org. Voting begins July 26^th and will conclude September 1^st.

"America's Favorite Veterinarian" was established in 2013 by the AVMF, which is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This year's top 20 finalists represent diverse communities and areas of practice from throughout the country:

1. Dr. Jeff Todd- Noah's Ark Companion Animal Hospital – Franklin, NC
2. Dr. Bonnie Markoff – Animal Care Clinic, San Luis Obispo , CA
3. Dr. Shanna O'Mara – Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists, Buzzard Bay, MA
4. Dr. Page Wages – CareFirst Animal Hospital, Raleigh, NC
5. Dr. Natalie Marks – Blum Animal Clinic, Chicago, IL
6. Dr. Ann Marie Hill – Animal Care Center, Huntington Beach, CA
7. Dr. Steve Kasanoffsky – Riverside Animal Hospital, New York, NY
8. Dr. Tim Hunt – Bayshore Veterinary Clinic, Marquette, MI
9. Dr. Erin Troy – Muller Veterinary Hospital & The Canine Rehabilitation Center, Walnut Creek, CA
10. Dr. Bob Wagner – North Boros Veterinary Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
11. Dr. Tina Roggenbeck – Veterinary Health Center, Saginaw, MI
12. Dr. Nicholas Vaughan – Austin Corner Vet, Austin, TX
13. Dr. Kathy Nelson – Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre, Washington, DC
14. Dr. Mary Mehler – Wellsboro Small Animal Clinic, Middlebury Center, PA
15. Dr. Tyra Davis – Hammond Animal Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA
16. Dr. Laura McLain Madsen – Holladay Veterinary Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
17. Dr. Stephanie Liff- Brooklyn Cares Vet Clinic, Brooklyn, NY
18. Dr. Letrisa Miller- Connecticut Feline Medicine & Surgery, Manchester, CT
19. Dr. Treyton Diggs – AllStar Animal Clinic, New Orleans, LA
20. Dr. Cynthia Otto – Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Philadelphia, PA

Last year's winner was Dr. Carlos Campos from San Francis Veterinary Hospital in Spring Hill, Florida. "As America's Favorite Veterinarian for 2013, my life was affected in many ways. The hospital grew from a three-doctor practice to a five-doctor practice in a short period of time. Our growth has exceeded our expectations," said Dr. Campos. "I hope that my role as America's Favorite Veterinarian motivates those who want to become veterinarians to follow their dreams."

"America's Favorite Veterinarian" will be announced September 2014 on the America's Favorite Veterinarian website. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, a trip to the 2015 AVMA convention in Boston, a year feature on the AVMF website and a community celebration at his or her clinic for staff and clients.  In addition, the selected veterinarian will have the opportunity to become a spokesperson for the AVMF, expand the discussion about his or her work to a broader audience, promote veterinary medicine as a career, and educate the public about the role veterinarians play in society.

About The American Veterinary Medical Foundation

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Associate (AVMA). For over 50 years, AVMF has been dedicated to embracing and advancing the well-being and medical care of animals. Charitable contributions and support to the Foundation help veterinarians help animals. Along with supporting the AVMA and its Initiative, the AVMF cares for animals through four strategic initiatives that include: Humane Outreach-Animal Welfare, Education and Public Awareness, Research Support, and Student Enhancement.  The AVMF, a three-time, four-star rated nonprofit by Charity Navigator, has awarded more than $50 million in grants since it began in 1963. To find out more about AVMF, visit www.avmf.org, like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AVMFdn  and follow on twitter @AVMFdn.

Contact Info:
Brittany Coleman
[email protected]
847-285-6723

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Foundation