Washington State's Veterinary Association Announces Annual Award Winners

SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Oct. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) held it's Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference in Tacoma, Wash., Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.  Veterinarians, veterinary staff, and citizens were honored at WSVMA's award ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 29.

Dr. Michael Bellinghausen, owner of Kenmore Veterinary Hospital in Kenmore, Wash., received the 2017 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine and contributions to their practice, their stakeholders, and any other service directly benefitting their community. Dr. Bellinghausen has served the veterinary profession with distinction through his dedication to WSVMA's legislative and advocacy efforts as well as his involvement serving local veterinary practitioners and veterinary education.

Senator Joe Fain (R-47), Auburn, Wash., was presented with the 2017 Arnold C. Slater Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding legislative work to improve the lives of animals.

James F. Meyer, R.Ph. was presented the 2017 Washington State University (WSU) Faculty Member of the Year Award. Meyer, the pharmacist at WSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, has served private practice veterinarians with distinction through his knowledge and assistance with veterinary pharmacology.

Vickie Kurtz, licensed veterinary technician from Edmonds, Wash. received the 2017 Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award. Ms. Kurtz has been a dedicated veterinary nurse who consistently provides comfort, empathy and compassion to pet owners as they often face tough decisions regarding their pet's health.

The organization Freedom Tails, Raymond, Wash. was presented the 2017 WSVMA Humane Animal Welfare Award in recognition of their work that pairs shelter dogs at risk of being euthanized with offenders who gain self-esteem, learn about responsibility and caring for another living being.

The 2017 Recent Grad Award went to Dr. Heather Fowler, Des Moines, IA. A 2010 veterinary school graduate, Fowler has worked to reduce antimicrobial resistance in companion animals, coached young veterinarians in Power of Ten leadership, and volunteered at the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic, providing veterinary care to the pets of homeless and low income individuals.

Dr. Darby Affeldt, veterinarian and financial adviser from North Star Resource Group in Olympia, Wash., earned the 2017 Allied Industry Partner Award in recognition of her dedication to teaching financial health strategies to veterinarians and veterinary students.

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,800 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, veterinary medicine, and animal care.

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

(Photos and contact information of each award winner can be provided upon request.)

SOURCE Washington State Veterinary Medical Association

Related Links

http://www.wsvma.org