The American Animal Hospital Assn. recently recognized five veterinarians for their contribution to veterinary medicine. The awards were given at the 2008 AAHA Yearly Conference which was held in Tampa, Fla., March 26-30. R. Michael Thomas, DVM, was named AAHA Practitioner of the Year for his commitment to the association, the profession, the community and his clients and patients. Dr. Thomas is a member of the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Veterinary Information Network Board of Directors, Veterinary Management Group I and president-elect for the Companion Animal Parasite Council. He owns Noah’s Animal Hospital in Indianapolis. The AAHA Award went to Michael Paul, DVM, for his contributions toward the betterment of AAHA and the veterinary profession. Dr. Paul is executive director and chief executive officer of the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Roger Clarke, BVSc, received the Hill’s Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award for his efforts to advance animal welfare through service and furthering humane principles, education and understanding. Dr. Clarke, an educator and international consultant, graduated from the University of Queensland, Australia, and established the Bundoora Veterinary Hospital in 1969, now one of only three emergency clinics in Melbourne. The Nestle Purina Petcare Award went to Dan Jordan, DVM, for positively influencing the lives of animals and people. Dr. Jordan is involved with several veterinary associations, including AAHA, the American Veterinary Medical Assn., Assn. of Avian Veterinarians and the Texas Veterinary Medical Assn. He also owns the Animal Avian Hospital of The Village in Houston. Larry Dee, DVM, received the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Award for his contributions to the improvement of the well-being of companion animals in the international veterinary community. Dr. Dee is an adjunct faculty member in the department of medical sciences at the University of Florida and co-owner and association veterinarian at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Florida. <HOME>
