Washington State's Veterinary Association Announces Annual Award Winners

SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Oct. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association held its Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference in Yakima, Wash., Sept. 26-28.  Several veterinarians, staff, and citizens were honored at WSVMA's banquet and award ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Dr. Richard M. DeBowes, on faculty at Washington State University's (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2014 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The WSVMA Veterinarian of the Year award is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine at all levels, national, state and local.  Also taken into consideration are the veterinarian's contributions to their practice, their stakeholders, and any other professional endeavors directly benefitting their community.

The Distinguished Achievement Award was given to Suzanne Kurtz, PhD, a medical communications expert at WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Kurtz was honored for her positive impact to veterinary students, veterinarians and patient care through the science of interpersonal communications.

Christina "Rae" Thompson, VCA Central Kitsap Animal Hospital in Poulsbo, Wash., received the Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award.  Ms. Thompson is a licensed veterinary technician and the hospital's assistant practice manager.  She was recognized for going above and beyond to care for her animal patients, their owners and her colleagues.

The WSU Faculty Member of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Julie Cary from WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Cary was recognized for her ardent dedication to veterinary students through her clinical work in equine surgery and her leadership with Dr. Kurtz of the Clinical Communications program.

The Humane Animal Welfare Award was given to Ms. Judith Piper, founder and executive director of Old Dog Haven based in Lake Stevens, Wash. With the help of a network of volunteers and foster families throughout western Wash., Ms. Piper finds both temporary and "final refuge" homes for homeless senior dogs who would otherwise end up in shelters.

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,700 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association's mission is "advancing the cause of veterinary medicine to better the lives of those touched by it." Visit the WSVMA Web site, www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association and veterinary medicine and animal care.

Media Contact: Candace Joy, Executive Vice President WSVMA, (800) 399-7862, [email protected]

SOURCE Washington State Veterinary Medical Association