Receives 2023

Robert Hertzog Leadership Award

Steve Strubberg, DVM, Hermann, Mo. received the Robert E. Hertzog Veterinary Leadership Award. The award is presented by Dr. Ron Cott for outstanding vision, leadership and personal sacrifice for the betterment of the veterinary profession in Missouri.

Dr. Strubberg received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1989 from the University of Missouri. Following graduation, he owned and operated Hermann Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Hermann, Missouri, for nearly 30 years. He was named the State Veterinarian of Missouri in April 2019.

Dr. Sadina Scott Receives Ortu Stella Award for Leadership

Sadina Scott, DVM, Shawnee, KS., received the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association’s (MVMA) Ortu Stella Award. The award for early career leadership was presented to Dr. Scott by Dr. Christi Belew.

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.

Dr. Scott is owner/practitioner at Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee. Dr. Scott is currently serving as the elected Vice President of the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, the immediate past President of the Kansas City Chapter of Be The Change Volunteers, serves on the Veterinary Advisory Board for Companion Protect and is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. She serves on the Legislative Committee for the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and is a graduate of the MVMA’s Power of Ten Leadership Program.

MVMA Academy Installs Officers; Dr. Brandon Thornberry Receives 2023 Distinguished Service Award

The MVMA Academy installed officers for 2023 at their business meeting held January 28 during the MVMA convention. Incoming officers are: Todd Taylor, DVM – President, Parkville, Mo. and Jessica Gardner, DVM - Vice President, Kearney, Mo.

Brandon Thornberry, DVM, Kirkwood, Mo., received the MVMA Academy Distinguished Service Award. The award was accepted by Dr. Betsy Marziani, president of the MVMA Academy. Dr. Thornberry was unable to attend.

Dr. Thornberry is a practitioner at Carevet located in Kirkwood, Mo. He graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. He has experience in both small-animal general practice and emergency services.

MVMA Academy Distinguished Service Award recipients are individuals who have rendered meritorious service to promoting and advancing continuing education in the veterinary profession.

Sen. Justin Brown Receives Legislative Leadership Award

Senator Justin Brown, Rolla, 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 advancement of public health.”

Senator Brown was elected in 2018 to represent Missouri’s 16th Senatorial District. He currently farms more than 2,200 acres, primarily raising corn and soybeans. He also maintains a cow-calf operation on the family farm.