FVMA 2020 Annual Award Honorees

DR. JEFFREY S. GODWIN – DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

We were honored to present this year’s Distinguished Service Award to FVMA past president Dr. Jeffrey S. Godwin. This award goes to members with exceptional achievements in, and who have contributed to, the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession. Dr. Godwin has been an active member of the FVMA for 40 years and served as president of the Brevard County VMA and the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. Dr. Godwin continues to keep the local veterinary community informed about business regulation changes that affect veterinary practices. In the community, Dr. Godwin has served as president of the Melbourne Rotary Club and as Chairman of the Board of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active member of the Leadership Team at Grace Church in Melbourne, Florida. DR. JULIO A. IBÁÑEZ – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

One of two Lifetime Achievement Awards bestowed in 2020 went to Dr. Julio A. Ibáñez. This award is given to senior, practicing or retired, FVMA members who have made outstanding contributions to the association and to veterinary medicine. Dr. Ibáñez has been a small animal practitioner serving his community in Miami for 40 years. He is well known in the South Florida area for his long-standing and passionate dedication to the profession. He served on the executive board of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association from 2000-2012 and as president from 2003-2005. From 2003-2005, he was also president of the Miami Veterinary Foundation, which provides sterilization services and veterinary care to thousands of pets each year in under-served communities. In addition to these notable roles, Dr. Ibáñez has volunteered with non-profits like The Cat Network and Adopt-A-Pet. He is a true hero to the animals and the people who care for them. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, he was instrumental in coordinating relief efforts for pets in need. Dr. Ibáñez recently retired after many prestigious and hardworking years, and the FVMA thanks him for his everlasting contributions to veterinary medicine and our profession.

DR. DAVID T. WISE – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

A long-standing member of the FVMA, Dr. Wise has served in companion animal medicine and surgery as a distinguished veterinarian, practice owner and mentor for more than 40 years in Miami. He has greatly influenced the quality of small animal care and pioneered progressive and quality orthopedic and spinal surgical procedures in private practice for decades. Dr. Wise’s most impressive quality is his practice philosophy and pursuit of veterinary excellence in small animal medicine and surgery over many years. Dr. Wise established Knowles Animal Clinic in Miami, a 24-hour state-of-the-art practice, incorporating both a quality day practice with routine and advanced surgery and an emergency/critical care facility. He has inspired many to pursue both excellence and accountability in the veterinary profession. His mentorship has resulted in the graduation of approximately 120 young people, after Dr. Wise endorsed them for entrance into the veterinary profession. The FVMA is proud to honor Dr. Wise with this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

DR. GERARDO J. DIAZ – VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR

This year’s Veterinarian of the Year Award was presented to FVMA past president Dr. Gerardo J. Diaz. This award is presented to FVMA members who show distinguished, unselfish and dedicated service to the association. As an active FVMA member throughout his career, Dr. Diaz has been a pillar of strength for the association and the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association. He’s known for recruiting and mentoring younger veterinarians. Dr. Diaz teaches them about the importance of organized medicine and lobbying, especially the need to lobby for the rights of veterinarians at both the local and state level. Dr. Diaz currently serves on the FVMA's Fiscal Advisory Committee and Legislative Affairs Committee as well as the UFCVM Admissions Committee. He was president of the FVMA in 2004, after serving as the representative for District VI. In 2014, the FVMA honored him with the Gold Star Award.

ANN WADE – PRESIDENT'S AWARD

On March 13, 2020, outgoing FVMA President, Dr. Michael Epperson, presented the FVMA's Deputy Executive Director, Ann Wade, with the President’s Award. Ms. Wade has worked behind the scenes at the FVMA since 2013, when she joined the association’s staff as director of communications. While presenting the President’s Award during the annual awards ceremony, Dr. Epperson described her as “invaluable, irreplaceable, hardworking and amazing.” “Ann Wade is the epitome of professional excellence. Her work ethic, her passion, and her delivery are beyond expectations. I’m grateful for Dr. Epperson’s acknowledgement of her exemplary service by honoring her with the 2020 President’s Award,” Phil Hinkle, executive director, says of Ms. Wade. Ms. Wade migrated to Florida in 2012 from Belize, where, as a communications professional, she worked in the regulatory sector, in broadcasting and in government. The President’s Award was instituted in 2008 by the executive board as an FVMA Special Award to recognize special individuals or special acts. The President’s Award is given at the sole discretion of the association's president. The FVMA is grateful for Ms. Wade’s continued dedication to the association and feel she is more than deserving of this prestigious award.

K-9 OFFICER RAVEN – FVMA PET HERO AWARD

The FVMA awards one pet each year who has selflessly enhanced, saved or preserved human life. This year, we presented the FVMA Pet Hero Award to posthumously, K-9 Officer Raven and her partner, Tallahassee Police Department Investigator, Brianne Shaut. Investigator Shaut and Raven were united as a team in 2010 and began working within the Drug Interdiction Unit. K-9 Officer Raven began her law enforcement career after certifying as a narcotics detection K-9. Raven was responsible for intercepting tens of thousands of pounds of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. She disrupted countless drug transactions and did her job with tremendous enthusiasm, while breaking down barriers and building bonds with all those she encountered during her tour of duty. Raven was called upon by local and federal law enforcement agencies regularly for her incredible nose and work ethic. Raven was certified (with 100% accuracy) through the United States Canine Association, North American Police Working Dog Association, American Detection Dog Association and the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association. Tragically, on September 25, 2019, while on duty, Raven passed away. K-9 Officer Raven is now installed as the 2020 Pet Hero in the FVMA Pet Hall of Fame.

LINDSEY LATHROP, CVT – CVT OF THE YEAR

This year, the FVMA honored Lindsey Lathrop, a veterinary technician from Palmetto, Florida, as our “CVT of the Year.” This annual award recognizes a CVT for their outstanding contribution to the overall success of a veterinary practice operated or staffed by an FVMA member veterinarian. FVMA District Representative Dr. Barbara Lewis, of North River Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, nominated Lathrop because of her positive attitude and willingness to work hard and assist fellow team members in any way she can. “Lindsey is a one in a million, amazing woman, team member and leader,” Dr. Lewis said. “She prepares for things before anyone even asks her to, always anticipates possible outcomes and has solutions on standby. The clients love her because she is so efficient, knowledgeable and compassionate, while somehow always managing to remember everyone’s name! Her technician skills, knowledge base and drive — to learn more, achieve more, and do more — are inspiring and drive our team to do the same. I am thankful that Lindsey is a part of my team and a dear friend.”

KELLIE STODDARD – TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

GOLD STAR Award RECIPIENTS

The FVMA honored Kellie Stoddard as the 2020 “Team Member of the Year.” This annual award recognizes a veterinary team member for their outstanding contribution to the overall success of a veterinary practice operated or staffed by an FVMA member veterinarian. FVMA member Dr. Zachary A. Pearl, of Ellenton Animal Hospital in Parrish, Florida, nominated Stoddard, who is the hospital's practice manager. Dr. Pearl credits Kellie as being an integral part of Ellenton Animal Hospital’s growth for more than 15 years. “She is tirelessly committed to each and every patient and has developed many long-term relationships with our clients,” Dr. Pearl said. “Acting as both a technician and a manager, Kellie regularly demonstrates her leadership role every day, motivating our staff and keeping up with all the newest products and services, which allows our team to provide the best quality of care possible.”

gold star awards are presented to FVMA members who have contributed much of their time and energy to the association and/or their respective local associations for the advancement of veterinary medicine.

Congratulations!

DR. JAMES BLOCK

Dr. Block is a past president of South Florida Veterinary Medical Association and R ot ar y International. Together with his wife, Dr. Janet Nesbit, and son, Adam Block, he founded the South Florida Fund for Retired Law Enforcement K-9s, which continues to provide medical assistance to these K-9s after they retire from the force. Dr. Block also served on the board of governors and the board of trustees for the Zoological Society of Florida. He is a member of the AVMA, the American Heartworm Society and the Critical Care Society.

DR. CHERIE BUISSON

Dr. Buisson has been a shelter veterinarian, feline-only and multispecies practitioner. In 2015, she opened Helping Hands Pet Hospice, which provides house-call pet hospice and euthanasia. She was a member of the first graduating class of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care's (IAAHPC) certification program, which she is now also a teacher for. In 2017, she became one of 60 Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarians in the world. Her articles have been featured on DrAndyRoark.com. Dr. Buisson started A Happy Vet in January 2016, a website devoted to supporting veterinary professionals as they learn to take care of themselves and create happier workplaces. She is an international speaker and offers workshops on end-of-life care and professional development with the goal of finding contentment in this field of veterinary medicine.

DR. JO ANN DANIELS

Dr. Daniels is a small animal veterinarian and the medical director of Central Pasco Veterinary Care in Lutz, Florida. She is involved in many community organizations and events, locally and regionally. As a member of Disaster Animal Response Teams, she became FEMA ICS certified and worked with other veterinarians to organize the Tampa Bay Regional Disaster Symposium. The Animal Veterinary Medical Foundation awarded a grant for this symposium, which is also accredited by the FVMA. Dr. Daniels is a guest lecturer who teaches veterinarians about disaster medicine and the ways veterinary hospitals can prepare for such events.

DR. JAMES FAWCETT

Dr. Fawcett served on the FVMA Executive Board from 1986- 1991. Between 1991- 1992, he served as president of the association. As FVMA President, he was the Chairman of the Hurricane Andrew Recovery Committee, all while being personally affected by the natural disaster. Dr. Fawcett was instrumental in serving as the FVMA representative during the establishment of the AVMA certification of the Miami-Dade Veterinary Technician Program.

DR. STEPHEN D. FISCH Dr. Fisch serves as president of AVS Equine Medical & Surgical Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida. AVS is the only fullservice equine hospital within 150 miles of the state capital. Originally, the practice consisted of Dr. Fisch, one technician and a mobile vet truck. Because of Dr. Fisch's visiosn, AVS has become a 26,000 square foot state-ofthe-art medical and surgical hospital with more than 35 acres of rolling pasture and multiple veterinarians. He services clients from South Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina.

DR. WADE GINGERICH

Dr. Gingerich has been a lecturer at several FVMA conferences. During his time in general practice, Dr. Gingerich realized the need for increased levels of oral care for animals. After spending seven years in the Midwest, Dr. Gingerich returned to Florida to provide exceptional oral care for companion animals in the community where he grew up. His compassion for all animals, and the bond they share with their caregivers, is evident in his daily practices. This has transitioned into the trusting and caring relationships he has with all his clients and their pets.

DR. FRANCESCA GRIFFIN

Dr. Griffin has been a member of the FVMA since 2003 and is an active member of the Alachua County VMA in Gainesville, Florida. She devotes her career to the advancement of the profession through training veterinary students in primary care, general practice medicine and dentistry. Dr. Griffin is the clinical assistant professor of primary care and dentistry in the department of small animal clinical sciences at UFCVM. She is dedicated to ensuring that students get a great education and training.

DR. DORSEY G. HIGHTOWER During his 51 years of practice, Dr. Hightower has also enjoyed working as a state and community volunteer. Since 1968, he has been a member of the FVMA and the AVMA. He is also a past president of the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society of Winter Haven, Florida. After his year as president of the Lakeland Rotary Club, he spent many years as a board member for several local nonprofit organizations. He is a member of both Leadership Lakeland and Leadership Polk. He is also an active member of the Mount Dora Christian Academy Board of Directors.

DR. RACHEL KLEMAWESCH Dr. Klemawesch has served on several FVMA committees. In March, she retired from the FVMA Executive Board after serving for six years as the District IV representative. She was also president of the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association in 2014 and continued to serve on the VMA's board through 2019. Dr. Klemawesch was also a member of the FVMA Animal Welfare, Nominating and Awards Committees during her tenure of service on the FVMA Executive Board.

Award HONOREES 2020

DR. ROBERT LEONARD JR. Dr. Leonard has honorably served the veterinary profession throughout his career and continues to serve as the current chair of the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Leonard was first appointed to the board by Governor Rick Scott in 2014. He also serves as the current chairman of the New Smyrna Beach Animal Control Board. He’s a past president of the Volusia County Veterinary Medical Society and a member of the UFCVM Admissions Committee, a role that enables him to help the newest members of the veterinary profession.

DR. DAWN LOGAS Dr. Logas has dedicated her career to exemplary service in veterinary medicine. She is the founder of the Veterinary Dermatology Center, which has served Orlando’s pet owners and veterinarians for more than 25 years. Dr. Logas is a past president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and she continues to serve on several of the college’s committees. She also regularly lectures at conferences in Florida, including the FVMA's Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference (TGAVC).

DR. LEENA PLAVUMKAL Dr. Plavumkal is the managing member of Florida Vet on Wheels, a house-call veterinary clinic for dogs and cats in Lee County. She makes veterinary care convenient for pet owners in her county and provides at-home x-rays, surgery, teeth cleaning, lab work, euthanasia, vaccines and other routine veterinary care. Her clients praise her as a caring veterinarian who makes life easier for them and their pets.

DR. KELLY SLOAN-WADE Dr. Sloan-Wade has been an unfailing member of the FVMA and her local association for years. During the last six years, she's served as the District IX representative on the FVMA Executive Board and has also taken on leadership roles with the Brevard County Veterinary Medical Association. Within her community, Dr. Sloan-Wade teaches new veterinary technicians and works at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

DR. MARY SMART Dr. Smart is the new President of the FVMA and will lead the association through March 2021. After years serving on the board of the Manatee County VMA, she was elected to serve as the FVMA’s District VII representative. Dr. Smart continues to keep up with monthly Manatee VMA meetings and brings FVMA information to the group. As she embraces her new role as president, she provides key guidance and support to advance the FVMA's strategic vision.

DR. MICHELLE TUCKER Dr. Tucker maintains a high level of care for her clients and patients as an emergency veterinarian in South Florida. She is well respected in the community and serves as an associate at one of the largest emergency clinics in Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Tucker pioneered a blood donor program, which supplies other emergency clinics and general practitioners in the area. She continues to be a leader in transfusion medicine in her community.