2023 MVMA OFFICERS A Thank You from Dr. Ryan

Newly installed MVMA officers:

Dr. Matt Silvius, president, Riverside, Mo.; Dr. Kacie Ulhorn, president-elect, Hermann, Mo.; Dr. David Wilson, vice-president, Columbia, Mo.; Dr. Shelia Taylor, secretary-treasurer, Springfield, Mo.; and Dr. Edward Migneco, St. Louis Mo., board chair.

Dr. David Wilson Installed as 2023 MVMA Vice President

Dr. David Wilson grew up on a mixed livestock and grain farm in LeRoy, Illinois. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He managed a quarter horse farm in Bloomington, IL during college, which eventually altered his career path from accounting to veterinary medicine. He graduated in 1984 from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wilson joined the Illinois Equine Center in Farmer City, Illinois and returned to the University of Illinois to complete an equine surgery residency and master’s degree. He subsequently joined the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery as a clinical instructor in equine surgery. In due course he became a full professor, section head of equine medicine and surgery, chair of the hospital advisory board, and hospital director of the MU Veterinary Health Center.

Dr. Wilson retired from the University of Missouri in 2021 as an Emeritus Professor and continues to be involved as an Adjunct Professor with the MU Veterinary Health Center. He lives on a small farm near Columbia, MO with his spouse Chris, their 2 dogs, and 3 horses. He has three daughters that live in the Columbia area.

Dr. Wilson is a member of the West Central VMA and the Missouri VMA. He has been a member of multiple MVMA committees including the equine committee (Chair 2004-7), and legislative, scope of practice, and membership committes. He worked with the MVMA to initiate the annual summer Equine Program at MU.

Dear MVMA members and staff, I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of the prestigious Veterinarian of the Year Award. Previous winners have blazed the trail of excellence for our veterinary community. I will continue the tradition of honoring our profession with pride and unending service for a brighter future.

I personally would not be where I am today without the dear mentorship of some influential veterinarians. A special thank you to Dr. Garrett, Dr. Ragan, and the late Dr. Rasmussen. I started mixed animal practice with the Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinics in 1992 and I am still with the practices. They taught me a wealth of information that I value as well as their friendship. I have been blessed to have such great mentors. While in vet school in 1990, I had a calling from Dean Kahrs to help materialize a little project known as the Gentle Doctor Benefit. I led fellow students to participate in the heartwarming event that raised money for a little project called Clydesdale Hall. I was able to participate in a free block with Dr. Bud Hertzog where we delved into large animal medicine as well as work with the American Royal livestock and worked behind-the-scenes medicine at the K.C. Zoo. He has been instrumental in teaching me the vital significance of organized veterinary medicine. I have spent countless volunteer hours serving organizations on the local, state, and national levels. I have screened CE for RACE for years with AAVSB. I was President of the Missouri Veterinary Academy and I was the Chairman of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board. I held numerous MVMA offices as well as MVMA President and Board Chair. I have been a delegate to the AVMA representing the great state of Missouri.

I participate with the MVMA Legislative Committee. I travel to Jefferson City and advocate for our profession as well in Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill. Visiting with Senators and Representatives has enlightened their understanding of the issues our industry faces. We need continued support from veterinarians like you. The experience from all these roles has been wonderful. However, the valued friendship with others serving our profession has been priceless.

My husband Bruce Rhodes and I own the Elsberry Animal Hospital. We have been blessed with four amazing children and a crazy life. I thank them for allowing me to give my time and talents to this amazing profession.

Sincerely,

Carol Ryan, DVM