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Happenings: MVMA People and Events
Convention Highlights Welcome Back!
Nearly 500 veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians, and their families attended the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association’s 130th Annual Convention on January 27-30 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia, Mo. The convention offered over 60 continuing education lectures to participants. The convention was sponsored by numerous companies with major support from the MVMA Partners For Progress members: Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, J Hooker Construction Services, MWI Animal Health, ProPartners Wealth/ AVMA-LIFE, Bank of America Private Bank, Trupanion, Stopp & VanHoy CPAs, and Zoetis Animal Health. Also thanks to our Affinity Program, Nxgen. After two days of continuing education lectures, attendees enjoyed a fun Friday evening with hors d’oeuvres, Missouri wine, a silent auction, and friendly conversation while prize winners were drawn in the annual Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Drawing. Congratulations to Dr. Shelia Taylor and Dr. George Fischer, who decided to split the $10,000 prize, and to all of the other winners at this year’s drawing! The Saturday afternoon General Membership meeting saw the installation of officers for 2022. Newly installed officers include: Dr. Ed Migneco, President, St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. Matt Silvius, President-Elect, Riverside, Mo.; Dr. Kacie Ulhorn, Hermann, Mo.; Dr. Shelia L. Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer, Springfield, Mo. and Dr. Marcy Hammerle, Board Chair, St. Charles, Mo. 2022 MVMA Executive Board Members are as follows: Dr. Kenton Morgan, Northwest District Delegate; Dr. Jeffrey Sparks, North Central District Delegate; Dr. Laura Moon, Northeast District Delegate; Dr. Christi Belew, Greater Kansas City District Delegate; Dr. Jessica Stroupe, West Central District Delegate; Dr. Jessica Farris, Greater St. Louis District Delegate; Justin Berger, DVM, East Central District Delegate; Dr. Julie King, Southwest District Delegate; TBD, Southeast District Delegate; Dr. Chuck Barry, AVMA Delegate; Dr. Carol Ryan, AVMA Alternate Delegate; Dr. Carolyn Henry, Dean - MU College of Vet. Med.; Dr. Chuck Lemme, AVMA District 7 Representative; Dr. Cliff Miller, Ex-officio; Stephanie Gilliam, RVT, Ex-officio; and Robert Schmidt, Student Representative. At-large Delegates are: Dr. Lynn Martin, Columbia, Mo.; Dr. Thomas Rose, Columbia, Mo.; and Dr. Jason Nickell, Parkville, Mo.. The convention offered a day-by-day registration with a nine-hour CE program on Thursday and five-hour program on Friday in addition to a six hour program on Saturday and four hours on Sunday for those who were unable to attend the usual four-day program. All convention continuing education and activities were open to veterinary technicians and practice staff throughout the weekend. The convention also hosted MU-CVM students this year who were able to take a break from their classes and attend advanced educational sessions and visit with other MVMA members. On Friday, veterinary students visited with practicing veterinarians during the Speed Networking event. The round-robin event is always a hit with both students and doctors. The convention also offered a study hall room for students to “hit the books” without having to leave. Prior to the banquet and sponsored by Hill’s, the Missouri Veterinary Technician Association held a reception for technicians and practice staff members attending the convention. In addition, the Early Career Task Force hosted a forum, sponsored by NVA, where new veterinarians were able to sit down and share their post-graduation
experiences. The highlight at Saturday evening’s Awards Ceremony, was the presentation of the 2022 MVMA Veterinarian of the Year award to Dr. Bruce Whittle, Trenton, Mo.. Dr. Richard Meadows presented the award to Dr. Whittle. Others who received honors during the evening included: Dr. Carol Ryan, Wentzville, Mo. was presented the MVMA’s 2022 President’s Award by Dr. Marcy Hammerle, 2021 MVMA president. Dr. Sarah Meineka, Concordia, Mo., received the MVMA’s Ortu Stella Award. The award for early career leadership was presented to Dr. Meineka by Dr. Jessica Stroupe The award is presented to graduates up to 10 years out who are illuminating the path of veterinary medicine to those around them. Dr. John Fortman, Pilot Grove, Mo. was the MVMA’s 2022 William A. Wolff Volunteerism Award for his many years of emergency management and response in Missouri. The award was accepted by Dr. Cathy Vogelweid from Dr. Bill Jones, Wildwood, Mo. Richard Antweiler, Jefferson City, The MU-CVM Mule Team joined in on the Mo. is the inaugural recipient of “Welcome Back” celebration offering rides to the Richard D. Antweiler Servant attendees. Leadership Award. The award was presented to him for his years of meritorious service and dedication to the MVMA. Julie R. Braun, Jefferson City, Mo., MVMA executive director, was honored with a plaque for her 10 years of dedication and planning of the multiple-day Equine Dentistry Lecture and Wet Lab. Monica Bates, Barnhart, Mo., received the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation (MVMF). Dr. Marcy Hammerle presented the award to Mrs. Bates. Dr. Cliff Miller, Moberly, Mo., received the MVMA Academy Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented to Dr. Miller by Dr. Laura Moon. The MVMA Legislative Leadership Award went to Dr. Kent Haden for his efforts in the state capitol as Representative. We hope that all members felt welcomed back and that the convention will help them move forward into 2022. Plan to join us next year on January 26-29 for more great education, fellowship and fun in
Bruce Whittle, DVM, owner/practitioner at Honey Creek Veterinary Hospital, Trenton, Mo was honored as the recipient of the coveted 2022 Veterinarian of the Year Award. Dr. Richard Meadows presented the award to Dr. Whittle at the ceremony. Dr. Whittle grew up in the Joplin, Missouri area and attended Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville for three years before being accepted at the CVM. Both he and his wife, Gayla, earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. Two weeks after graduation, they moved to Trenton, Missouri, where they established Honey Creek Veterinary Hospital, a mixed animal veterinary practice. In 2018, Dr. Whittle received the MU-College of Veterinary Medicine’s Faculty-Alumni Award. He previously received both the CVM Alumnus of the Year Award and the Dean’s Impact Award, which is presented for sustained and significant positive impact on CVM programs. He has served as MVMA vice president, president-elect, president, and board chair. He has also been a member and chair of the MVMA equine committee, member of the legislative committee and has served many volunteer hours to the association. The Missouri Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year award is the premiere recognition bestowed by the association. The award winner is determined annually by the MVMA Board members, who represent nearly 1,700 veterinary members of the MVMA in Missouri. The recipient of this highest honor is chosen based on their impeccable reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable veterinarian, their dedication and service to their patients and clients, their service as an integral participant in their community, the engagement and leadership in organized veterinary medicine, their mentorship to our future veterinarians, the admiration and respect held for them among their peers, and the positive impact they have had on the lives they have touched.
Dr. Bruce Whittle (right) 2022 MVMA Veterinarian of the Year, with the award’s presenter, Dr. Richard Meadows.
The MVMA’s annual President’s Award is given to individuals who were instrumental to the President’s efforts to advance the veterinary profession for the betterment of animal health in the state. Dr. Marcy Hammerle, MVMA past president, presented this year’s award to Dr. Carol Ryan. Dr. Ryan is a 1992 graduate of the University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a mixed animal practitioner at the Troy & Wentzville Veterinarian Clinics since graduation. She was raised on a registered Angus and swine farm and is still involved in the production of beef at the family’s Centralia farm. Carol and her husband, Dr. Bruce Rhodes, own the Elsberry Animal Hospital.
Dr. Carol Ryan (left) with her President’s Award. 2021 MVMA President, Dr. Marcy Hammerle, made the presentation.
The Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and it’s Foundation, announced a new award at the MVMA Convention awards ceremony on January 29, 2022. The Richard D. Antweiler Servant Leadership Award was named for the inaugural recipient, Senior Execu- Richard Antweiler (left) with the award’s tive Director Richard presenter, Dr. Ron Cott. Antweiler, who will be retiring from that role in April, after 22 years. The award was presented by Dr. Ron Cott. In accepting the award, Antweiler expressed deep appreciation for the friendship, trust and support that has been extended to him over the years. “I feel very good about leaving MVMA in the hands of this staff, this leadership, and this active and involved membership,” said Antweiler. “MVMA has a bright future, and I wish you well.”
2022 MVMA OffICERS
Edward Migneco, DVM Matt Silvius, DVM Kacie Ulhorn, DVM
Shelia Taylor, DVM
Newly installed MVMA officers: Dr. Edward Migneco, president, St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. Matt Silvius, presidentelect, Riverside, Mo.; Dr. Kacie Ulhorn, vicepresident, Hermann, Mo.; Dr. Shelia Taylor, secretarytreasurer, Springfield, Mo.; and Dr. Marcy Hammerle, St. Charles, Mo., board chair.
Marcy Hammerle, DVM
Dr. Kacie Ulhorn Installed as 2022 MVMA Vice President
Dr. Kacie Ulhorn, Hermann, Mo. was installed as vice-president during the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association’s (MVMA) Annual Convention held January 27-30. As vice-president, Dr. Ulhorn will co-chair the MVMA’s Statewide Membership Committee, serve as a member of the Budget Committee, and fulfill the responsibilities of the president and president-elect in their absence.
Dr. Ulhorn grew up in Macon, Missouri. She attended college at Southwest Missouri State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She graduated in 2010 from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She joined the Hermann Veterinary Clinic immediately after graduation and is now a co-owner of that multi-doctor practice. She enjoys the variety of a mixed animal practice and is happy to work with livestock and pets alike. Dr. Ulhorn lives near Hermann with her husband Tim and their four children. They share their farm with 3 dogs, an awesome orange cat, a small beef herd, and a few goats. She previously served as East Central VMA treasurer and president, followed by two 3-year terms as the East Central VMA Delegate to the Board of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, Dr. Ulhorn is a graduate of the inaugural class of the MVMA Power of 10 program. She also led the task force that established the Ortu Stella young veterinarian award.
Kacie Ulhorn, DVM
MVMA Academy Installs Officers; Dr. Cliff Miller Receives 2022 Distinguished Service Award
The MVMA Academy installed officers for 2022 at their business meeting held January 29 during the MVMA convention. Incoming officers are: Dr. Betsy Marziani, President, St. Louis, Mo. and Dr. Todd Taylor, Vice President, Parkville, Mo. Dr. Cliff Miller, Moberly, Mo., received the MVMA Academy Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented to Dr. Miller by Dr. Laura Moon. Dr. Miller is owner/practitioner of Green Hills Veterinary Clinic, LLC, Moberly, Mo. He is a 2000 graduate of the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine. After practicing in Kansas City, he opened Green Hills Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Moberly in 2003. He is a member of the AVMA, MVMA, AABP, and AETA. MVMA Academy Distinguished Service Award recipients are individuals who have rendered meritorious service to promoting and advancing continuing education in the veterinary profession.
Dr. Cliff Miller (left), Academy Distinguished Service Award recipient with the award’s presenter, Dr. Laura Moon.
Rep. Kent Haden, DVM Receives Legislative Leadership Award
Representative Kent Haden, DVM, Mexico, Mo., received the MVMA’s Distinguished Legislative Leadership Award at ceremonies held during the MVMA’s annual convention. The honor is given “In grateful recognition for legislative leadership consistent with the MVMA mission; the protection of animal health and welfare; the relief of animal suffering; the conservation of animal resources; and the advance- Rep. Kent Haden (left) wiith Dr. Cliff Miller. Dr. Haden received his plaque during the ment of public health.” recent Veterinary Day at the Capitol event. Rep. Kent Haden, DVM represents Audrain and Callaway Counties in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018.
Dr. John fortman Receives 2022 William Wolff Volunteerism Award
Dr. John Fortman, Pilot Grove, Mo. was presented the MVMA’s 2022 William A. Wolff Volunteerism Award for his many years of emergency management and response in Missouri. Dr. Fortman was unable to attend the convention. Dr. Cathy Vogelweid accepted the award from the presenter, Dr. Bill Jones.
Dr. Sarah Meineka Receives Ortu Stella Award for Leadership
Dr. Sarah Meineka, Concordia, Mo., received the MVMA’s Ortu Stella Award. The award for early career leadership was presented to Dr. Meineka by Dr. Jessica Stroupe. Dr. Meineka graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She is an associate veterinarian at Concordia Veterinary Clinic, Concordia, Mo. She is an active member of the MVMA’s West Central District and chair of the Early Career Task Force for several years. The Ortu Stella recipient must in some way shine brightly, aid comrades in navigating the veterinary profession, assist in illuminating the path for those around them, and/or demonstrate that they habitually strive to rise to the occasion. Julie Braun Honored With 10-Year Special Service Award
Julie Braun, Jefferson City, Mo., MVMA Executive Director, was honored with a plaque for her 10 years of dedication and planning of the multiple-day Equine Dentistry Lecture and Wet Lab. The award was presented to her by Dr. Bruce Whittle, who along Julie Braun with Dr. Bruce Whittle during with Dr. Dennis Rach, are the recognition ceremony. instructors at the annual event held at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
MVMA Lifetime Members
Many thanks to the following members for their continued support of the MVMA. Dr. David Davenport • Dr. Dale Diesel Dr. James Fallert • Dr. Kent Findley Dr. Marilyn Finke • Dr. Ben Johnson Dr. Daniel Lange • Dr. Richard McDonough Dr. Richard Meadows • Dr. Garry Miller Dr. Gregory Morse • Dr. Tim Pennington Dr. Scott Pfizenmaier • Dr. Burton Schauf Dr. John Schildknecht • Dr. Paul Terry Dr. Michael Thompson • Dr. Kent Torbeck Dr. Daniel Weddle • Dr. Lawrence Zeis • Dr. Eric Zuk
In Memory
Creighton Nichols Cornell, DVM
Columbia, Mo. Passed Away: November 18, 2021 Survived by his wife, Connie Jo; and sons, Creighton Jr. and Clifford.
Dean Robert F. (Bob) Kahrs
Colfax, NC. Passed Away: Oct. 28, 2021 Survived by his son, Robert; and daughters, Janice and Lisa.
Wil C. Ostmann, DVM
Robert E. “Doc” Pemberton, DVM
Blackburn, Mo. Passed Away: November 4, 2021 Survived by his wife, Sue; daughter, Teresa; and sons, Bryan and Scott.
John M. Perry, DVM
Brookfield, Mo. Passed Away: January 10, 2022 Survived by his son, Joe; and daughters, Jean, Janet and Julie.
Max Welton John, DVM
Vienna, Mo. Passed Away: November 25, 2021 Survived by his son, Chris; and daughters, Beth, Brenda and Becky.
