AAVMC Iverson Bell Award, sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospital Drs. Monica Howard (Tuskegee 82), Ames, Iowa, and Hilda Mejia Abreu (Michigan State 13), East Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Howard is assistant dean of veterinary student success and director of multicultural student success at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is known for her advocacy of DEI within the veterinary community and beyond. Dr. Howard is active with the Deans Leadership Cabinet, ensuring that DEI considerations are part of all discussions. She has pressed for changes that include the elimination of the GRE requirement, inclusion of an element in the file review matrix that values an understanding of the importance of and engagement in DEI, and not increasing minimal GPA requirements.

Dr. Abreu is the associate dean for admissions, student life, and inclusivity at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has led several campus initiatives, including the establishment of the DEI Committee and creation of the 2016-22 DEI strategic plan for the veterinary college. Dr. Abreu also developed the Inclusivity Knowledge Center, an online training module that all incoming students and newly hired faculty and staff members take to earn a DEI certificate. She has contributed to the recruitment, development, and retention of underrepresented and marginalized faculty, staff, and students within the preveterinary, veterinary nursing, and DVM realm.

AAVMC Excellence in Research Award Dr. Qijing Zhang, Ames, Iowa. Dr. Zhang is a 1983 veterinary graduate of Shandong Agricultural University in Shandong, China. He serves as a Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor and the Dr. Roger and Marilyn Mahr Chair in One Health at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Zhangs research, focusing on antibiotic resistance and food safety, has been used as a resource for policymaking by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating the use of antimicrobials. He has spearheaded programming to support research efforts at the veterinary college and has received individual principal investigator projects and team grants from federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and FDA. Dr. Zhang is a past president of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases.

AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, presented by Zoetis Dr. Rance Sellon (Texas A&M 87), Pullman, Washington. Dr. Sellon is an associate professor in oncology and small animal medicine at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During his tenure, his teaching philosophy has evolved to emphasize accessible material that focuses on critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Dr. Sellons approach involves making effective use of history and physical examination findings and thinking critically about the recommended diagnostic tests. His teaching techniques and mentorship skills have helped veterinary students gain confidence in their clinical abilities and develop a better understanding of complex medical concepts.

AAVMC Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship Naomi Esquivel (Illinois 25), Urbana, Illinois. Esquivel is a rising fourth-year student at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She was recognized for showing promise as a future leader and for significant contributions to enhancing diversity and inclusion in academic veterinary medicine. Esquivel co-founded the Illinois student chapter of the Latinx VMA in 2022.

Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship Twenty-two second- and third-year students, in good academic and professional standing at an AAVMC member institution, were awarded scholarships in recognition of their contributions to enhancing DEI through course projects, co-curricular activities, outreach, domestic and community engagement, research, or developing a reputation for influencing others to be inclusive.

Drs. Rustin Moore, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, president and board chair; Stuart Reid, University of London Royal Veterinary College, president-elect; Carlos Risco, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, secretary; Lorin Warnick, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, treasurer; and Ruby Perry, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, immediate past president

See original here:
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges April 11-13, 2024 - American Veterinary Medical Association