Dr. Jaqueline S. Shellow

Jillian Sinclair | Marketing Specialist Florida Veterinary Medical Association

At FVMA Annual Conference 2023, Dr. Jaqueline S. Shellow officially transitioned to her new role as president of the FVMA after taking the reins from now-past president Dr. Marta Lista.

Dr. Shellow has been heavily involved with organized veterinary medicine throughout her career. Her experience as president of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP) (2010), FAEP council member (2006-present), FAEP representative to the Executive Board of the FVMA (2017-2022), FVMA Legislative Committee member (2008-2022), and other leadership roles have prepared Dr. Shellow for her new role as president of the FVMA.

Her Platform

During her presidency, Dr. Shellow plans to focus on the FVMA’s continuing education efforts. She would like to continue to improve FVMA conferences and deliver the highest quality events for our members and attendees. She believes that continuing education is an essential part of improving veterinary medicine and wants to help the FVMA be able to offer exceptional CE for veterinary professionals. She also wants to continue to share the work of the FVMA with the public and other veterinary professionals.

“I want to work to elevate the veterinary profession by educating the public on the important and varied types of work veterinarians do to protect both animal and human health and safety. My goal is to continue to get the word out about what the FVMA does to help veterinarians and animals,” Dr. Shellow said.

ABOUT DR. SHELLOW

While growing up on an avocado grove in Miami, FL, Dr. Shellow began interacting with a variety of animals from a young age. Her dad told her to always do something she loves, so she chose a career where she can work with animals every day. Dr. Shellow attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and then earned her master's in animal nutrition at the University of Kentucky. She attended veterinary school at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1987.

Dr. Shellow spent most of her career as an equine racetrack veterinarian as part of TFB Equine. Now, she works with small animals at Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital part-time. She also worked with racing Greyhounds as a track veterinarian and fell in love with the breed. In addition to adopting one of her own, she fosters and works closely with a Greyhound adoption group that finds retired racers forever homes. Dr. Shellow is grateful to be able to work with animals every day and help the people that love them.

Her dedication to veterinary medicine and organized medicine has not gone unnoticed over the years. Dr. Shellow was a 2010 Gold Star Award winner for her work as the liaison between the FVMA and the FAEP. She was also the FVMA’s Veterinarian of the Year in 2014.

Involvement With Organized Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Shellow has been a member of the FVMA since she was in veterinary school. Her late husband, Barry Faske, and her dad were both very involved in their professional organizations, which inspired her to do the same. Dr. Shellow says they taught her the importance of these kinds of associations and are a large part of why she accepted the position of president of the FVMA. She is excited about the opportunity to advocate for the veterinary profession and work with FVMA members; especially younger veterinarians. She is passionate about encouraging and mentoring young professionals because they are the future of veterinary medicine. Dr. Shellow hopes to work with young veterinarians in her new role and encourages everyone to find a good mentor when first starting out.

“I have had some great mentors throughout my career and am very grateful. Many were also involved in their professional associations or in organized veterinary medicine and encouraged me to be involved to give back to my profession — and, of course, the animals.”