Veterinarians: Making A Difference In Your Community

Ontario veterinarians give their all to help their clients every day. However, it’s not only animals and owners that benefit from such expertise and compassion. The communities surrounding veterinarians – and even those a world away – are improved in ways too many to count through generously volunteered time and effort.

The veterinary community strives to help animals across Ontario, no matter what their situation. Organizations helping the pets of people in need, such as the Farley Foundation, receive enthusiastic support that is growing every year. Support for SafePet, a program asking veterinarians to house, or arrange housing for, the pets of abused women, is also on the rise. And pets without owners are not forgotten; many OVMA members sit on the Board of Directors of animal shelters or volunteer a few hours a week at local humane societies.

In view of recent issues, the expertise of veterinarians in the public eye is required now more than ever, and OVMA members have risen to the challenge. Veterinarians have appeared in several different types of media, from talk shows to radio spots, to provide important advice regarding animal issues. Many have regular media shows geared towards providing assistance to pet owners and professing the duties of responsible pet ownership: Just a few examples? Dr. Bernard Pukay of Alta Vista Animal Hospital writes for the Ottawa Citizen on a regular basis and Dr. Barry Burtis writes a veterinary column called "Pet Tales".

Even communities on different continents receive regular attention from Ontario veterinarians. A key ally of veterinarians desiring to make a difference globally is Veterinarians without Borders, a charitable organization established in 2005 to support individuals with veterinary expertise in their efforts to foster worldwide animal health. With the help of veterinarians in Ontario and across the country, Veterinarians without Borders helps improve the livelihood of communities in need throughout the world.

The difference veterinarians make is not limited to medical expertise. On a regular basis, OVMA receives calls from members looking for information to help them and help their communities in the way of: sitting on school boards, endorsing passport applications for their clients, volunteering on community counsels – even raising funds to set up a safe drinking water system for dogs in local parks.

Veterinarians in Ontario go above and beyond the call of duty in their desire to help their communities to flourish.

Recognizing the Stars Among Us

Each year, OVMA recognizes individuals who make a difference either to their communities or to the veterinary profession through the OVMA Awards Program.

Past recipients include:

Dr. Reg Reed (2012): Passionate about swine medicine, Dr. Reed has been an active volunteer for many years, holding positions with OVMA, the Ontario Association of Swine Veterinarians, the OMAFRA Livestock Medicine Advisory Committee and the Canadian Integrated Project for the Anti-Microbial Resistance Surveillance Committee. He has also served as a mentor to high school, veterinary technician and OVC students, and is involved with the Mitchell 4-H Vet Club.
Dr. Meredith Gauthier (2012): As a veterinary oncologist working with animals suffering from cancer, Dr. Gauthier is compassionate, empathetic and dedicated in her approach to enhancing the lives of her animal patients.
Dr. Melissa Andrew (2012): Dr. Andrew's extraordinary leadership, exceptional client and patient service and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine have made her a true 'rising star' in the profession in the four short years since her graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College.
Dr. Doreen Houston (2011): A dedicated veterinarian always willing to help out others, Dr. Houston went above and beyond to provide advice, support and impact the lives of pets affected by the pet food recall of 2007.
Dr. Jim Fairles (2011): An active volunteer with veterinary associations on the local, provincial and national levels, including the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Grey-Bruce Veterinary Association and OVMA, as well as Veterinarians Without Borders.
Dr. Clayton MacKay (2010): An active member of the veterinary profession for over 40 years, Dr. MacKay held positions in a number of veterinary associations, including OVMA, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Kevin Kieffer (2010): Active volunteer with the Grey-Bruce Veterinary Association, and many other organizations in his community, including the OSPCA.
Dr. Neil Anderson (2010): Honoured for his contributions to the beef and dairy industries, including his work to improve the welfare of dairy cows.

Please help us to recognize someone you feel goes the extra mile to show leadership in veterinary medicine and/or in their communities. Nominate your veterinarian or contact OVMA at info@ovma.org or 1.800.670.1702, ext. 10.