OVMA Awards of Excellence: 2011 Recipients

At ceremonies held during the 2011 Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis, the OVMA honored the following for their service to the veterinary profession:

2011 Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Steve Brown, Animal Medical Care of Newport, Newport

Nominated by: Dr. Doug McInnis

The OVMA's highest honor is the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to a veterinarian who has generously contributed time and energy for the advancement of the organization and the profession as well as her or his community. Thirteen distinguished members of the OVMA have previously received this recognition, and many others are deserving of the award for their commitment, their dedication, and for their leadership.

Dr. Steve Brown has treated all creatures great and small at his mixed animal practice on the Oregon Coast. Most of his patients at the Animal Medical Care Clinic in Newport are companion animals. But he also cares for the occasional horse, bovine and goat.

And as the contract veterinarian with the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Dr. Brown has had the opportunity to provide veterinary care for every creature imaginable – from alligators to sea birds to sea lions and even a 12-year-old sea otter in which he and a team of veterinarians performed successful bladder bypass surgery.

Of course, Dr. Brown’s most impressive – and famous – patient was Keiko, the 7,000 pound male orca who starred in the film “Free Willy” and who lived at the aquarium for two years before returning home to Iceland in 1998.

Dr. Brown has also participated fully and been actively engaged in organized veterinary medicine and in his community on the coast.

Following his eight-year service on the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board, Dr. Brown was elected to the Executive Board of the OVMA, where he was installed as president in 1999. Two years later, he accepted the position of Legislative Chair for the Association and served in that capacity for three years. For the past 11 years, Dr. Brown has been a trustee with the Oregon Animal Health Foundation.

Dr. Brown has also been active in his community, where he has served with the following organizations: Pacific Communities Hospital, the Lincoln County Extension Advisory Board, the Newport Rotary Club, the Lincoln County Shrine Club, and the Newport Chamber of Commerce, among others.

As you can see, Steve is not one to idly stand by on the sidelines. And his community, the veterinary profession in general, and the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association have been beneficiaries of his leadership.

2011 Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Gregg Takashima, Parkway Veterinary Hospital, Lake Oswego

Nominated by: Wendy Thompson and Dr. Laird Goodman

The Veterinarian of the Year award is given to a veterinarian who has made outstanding contributions to the profession through service to local, state and/or national organizations.

For someone who started out with an interest in oceanography, Dr. Gregg Takashima has done pretty well as a companion animal practitioner and as the owner of Parkway Veterinary Hospital in Lake Oswego.

As part of his graduate studies in marine ecology, Dr. Takashima conducted research at SeaWorld and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Because he missed interacting with people, he soon charted a new course – one that led to his graduating from the veterinary program at the University of Minnesota.

Throughout his career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Takashima has promoted the importance of the practice team and the value of veterinary professionals as caretakers of the human-animal bond. He continues carrying this banner as current president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – an organization in which he has served as both a board director and now as an officer.

Dr. Takashima’s involvement with organized veterinary medicine extends beyond his representation with AAHA. He is the current U.S. delegate to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and he is the Immediate Past Chair of The Delta Society’s Board of Directors. In addition, he is a board member with the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians.

Dr. Takashima has also been active in local organizations. Earlier in his career, he was president of the Portland Veterinary Medical Association and president of the Dove Lewis Memorial Emergency and Critical Care Animal Hospital.

Whether it has been at the local, the national or the international level, Dr. Takashima has been dedicated to the cause of animals and excellence in veterinary medicine. We are grateful for his contributions to both.

2011 Veterinary Service Award

Dr. Bill McCulloch, co-founder Delta Society

Nominated by: Dr. Laird Goodman

The Veterinary Service Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well-being of animals.

The human-animal bond is a dynamic relationship between people and animals. Undeniably, it is a rich relationship that those of us in the veterinary profession experience daily. And, in so many ways, this special connection is at the foundation of what we do.

The synergy of the human-animal connection as we know it today can be traced back to Portland, Oregon, in 1977, with the founding of The Delta Society – an international organization that not only promotes the richness of this shared bond but that also advances human health through interactions with animals.

With this award, we recognize one of the founders of The Delta Society: Dr. Bill McCulloch.

More than 30 years ago, along with his brother, Michael McCulloch, MD, and Dr. Leo Bustad, Bill recognized the important role animals played in helping people live healthier, happier and vital lives and created an organization embodies all of this.

Dr. McCulloch is an honorary member of The Delta Society Board of Directors and continues to serve as coordinator of the organization’s planned estate giving program. And his leadership with the human-animal bond extends well beyond The Delta Society.

In 1981, Dr. McCulloch was founding chair of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Human-Animal Bond Task Force to review the profession’s role in recognizing and promoting our connection with animals and theirs with us.

Two years later, in 1983, Dr. McCulloch and others were instrumental in helping with the passage of the Housing and Urban Renewal Recovery Act – federal legislation that established subsidized housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities and that allowed such individuals to have common household pets. The Act sent a clear message that the federal government recognizes the therapeutic value of pets in the lives of people.

During his distinguished career in veterinary medicine, Dr. McCulloch has written a book on diseases transmissible from animal to man, and has had more than 100 articles and papers published in various veterinary and human medical journals. One of his seminal papers was entitled, “One Health Concept: the Human-Animal Bond as a Collaborative Model.” In fact, the One Health idea has been a significant interest and passion of Bill’s throughout his career.

In addition, Dr. McCulloch has served on the faculties of five veterinary schools. And in 1999, Dr. McCulloch came out of retirement to become Interim Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University.

2011 Animal Welfare Award

Dr. Scott Hansen, Columbia Equine/Sound Equine Options, Gresham

Nominated by: Dr. Keith Sides

The Animal Welfare Award recognizes a veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and/or developed programs that have been for the welfare of animals.

In Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, the number of unwanted horses not receiving essential care sadly exceeds the resources available to assist them. Although we are absent of scientific data on how many of these horses are in need, research and work with local animal control officers indicate numbers are on the rise.

In 2009, Dr. Scott Hansen, owner of Columbia Equine Hospital in Gresham, was deeply concerned about the health and welfare of horses in his community. He thought long and hard about what he could do to reach out and lend a helping hand – to provide both horses and people in need with some relief, necessary care, and understanding and compassion during a painful and difficult time.

With support from his practice team and colleagues who shared his concern, Dr. Hansen established Sound Equine Options, a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the safety net for horses that desperately need options that give them the dignity and respect these wonderful animals deserve.

As part of its mission, Sound Equine Options has established a fund to help reduce the immediate suffering of horses with necessary veterinary care. For equine owners experiencing severe financial challenges and with horses that have compromised health, Dr. Hansen and his colleagues have also conducted humane euthanasia clinics – ending the suffering of horses through a peaceful death at no cost to the owner.

Promoting and supporting equine foster homes and rescues is yet another endeavor Sound Equine Options is developing. This is a veterinary-based program to inspect and certify quality rescues and foster homes for horses in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington.

It was the suffering of horses that fueled Dr. Hansen to take action. And it is his human touch that has extended a hand to the four-footed and two-footed in need.

2011 Practice Manager of the Year

Jessie Merritt, CVPM, Oswego Veterinary Hospital, Lake Oswego

Nominated by: Dr. Amy Tongue

This award recognizes the role of the practice/office manager in clinical practice and salutes an individual who has exhibited exceptional professionalism in leading the practice.

As the practice manager of Oswego Veterinary Hospital, Jessie Merritt has an owner’s passion and dedication towards the practice, visions of future growth and improvements, honesty and patience, and the ability to hold the respect and trust of team members.

According to Dr. Amy Tongue, owner of the Lake Oswego veterinary practice, Jessie strives for the highest level of customer service and patient care.

Jessie is engaging and has a delightful sense of humor. She also has the ability to see the good in everyone and the desire to reach out and help those who are less fortunate in her community. Jessie has developed numerous relationships with area non-profits to provide aid to those in need in the form of medical and surgical care, adoption services, and supplies.

Jessie has also been instrumental in organizing and facilitating meetings with practice managers in the Portland area. In December of 2009, she became credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. 

2011 Technician/Staff of the Year

Carey Blake CVT, West Hills Animal Hospital, Corvallis

Nominated by: Dr. Julia Moore

This award recognizes a veterinary technician and/or veterinary staff in clinical practice who has risen above and beyond the expected responsibilities of the practice to provide outstanding client and patient service, with community service also considered.

A Certified Veterinary Technician with West Hills Animal Hospital in Corvallis, Ms. Blake is famous among the staff for hosting “dog parties” at her country home, bringing people and pets together for a fun and relaxing time. And within the practice, Carey equally shines.

According to Dr. Julia Moore, an associate with the practice, Carey’s value not only comes from her 21 years of extensive knowledge and experience, but also from her adaptability as a leader, as a mentor, and as a fully-embraced team player.

As an example, Carey leads the West Hills team in its pursuit of excellent standards of care and decreasing animal pain. In her role, Carey attends continuing education courses to learn the latest techniques in multi-modal pain management and has been instrumental in keeping the practice’s pain protocols current. In fact, she was the driving force that initiated local blocks during dental and surgical procedures. Carey is also integral to helping West Hills Animal Hospital attain its AAHA-certification – always reminding staff of its role and responsibility in meeting the requirements.

Whenever possible, Carey also makes it a point to give back to her community. One of her favorite projects is “Paws for a Cause” – an annual free clinic that helps the homeless in Corvallis receive high quality veterinary care for their animals. In working on all aspects of the event – from soliciting donations to promoting the clinic – Carey is the backbone of the project.

Carey Blake’s compassion and devotion to the patients in her care and the community at large helps to elevate the human-animal bond to a high level. And her technical skills and professionalism make her a credit to the field of veterinary medicine.

2011 Industry Representative of the Year

Vern Mason, Butler Schein Animal Health

Nominated by: Dr. Laird Goodman

This award recognizes an individual who has exhibited outstanding service to the OVMA and the profession.

As those of us in the veterinary profession know so well, the foundation of our success is predicated on the quality of service and care we provide both our clients and our patients. And we cannot deliver such care and service without the commitment, knowledge and experience of our healthcare teams.

Our partnership with allied industry is another integral – and essential – component of this triad. The support and service we receive from companies helps us to achieve greater medical and financial success.

Vern graduated from Western Washington University and worked as a flight attendant for Pan Am, where he undoubtedly polished his exceptional customer service skills. After two years with the airline, he left for a greener – and better – pasture: the veterinary industry. That was 30 years ago, with 28 of these years with the same company. During Vern’s tenure in the profession, he has survived five mergers and acquisitions!

As a tribute to his talent as a pharmaceutical representative, Vern has consistently ranked in the top 20% of sales representatives in the nation and is a multiple Platinum President’s Club Award winner with Butler Schein.

Most importantly, Vern Mason exemplifies outstanding commitment and service to the veterinarians and practices upon which he calls. He is always ready with a smile and positive demeanor and has been an exceptional friend to the veterinary profession and to our practices.

When incoming OVMA President Laird Goodman opened his companion animal practice in Beaverton 20 years ago, Vern was there to help guide Laird and his team through those formative years to the success they have accomplished today.

According to Dr. Goodman, “Vern does all the things we want our reps to do, and then goes the extra mile. He goes beyond the products and equipment to look for ways to help our practices succeed. He understands that he is successful, only if we are successful. He understands the importance of treating the entire staff with respect. Twenty years later, I still look to Vern for advice and guidance with all aspects of practice management.”

2011 President's Award

Dr. Cyril Clarke, Dean, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Presented by: Dr. Keith Sides

The President's Award is given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA.

Past Award Winners

Centennial Award

1963    Dr. Vic Oliver

Honorary Membership

1952    S.L. Brown, Charles Evans, T. Sims
1954    E.L. Peterson
1972    Walter Leth, James Short
1989    Morrie Craig
1993    Nan Dewey
2000    Kelvin Koong

Award of Merit

1961    Dr. Herb Muth
1966    Dr. E. Derflinger, Dr. Ralph Plamondon
1970    Dr. Gary Bryan
1973    Dr. Dallen Jones
1976    Dr. Ed Wedman
1983    Dr. Linda Blythe, Dr. Daryl Leu
1985    Dr. Elwyn Coon, Dr. Norm Hutton, Dr. Charles Seagraves
1989    Dr. Jack Hardesty, Dr. Fay Rankin, Dr. Ron Schmidtke
1991    Dr. Gordon Cunningham, Dr. Richard Hillmer, Dr. DuWayne Penfold
1995    Dr. Andrew Mach, Dr. Ed Wedman, Dr. Robert Whittaker

Meritorious Service

Presented to a veterinarian who has generously contributed time and energy for the advancement of the profession and community.
1996    Dr. Richard Werner
1997    Dr. Billy Kuhl
1998    Dr. Dick Reid
1999    Dr. Roy Peterson
2000    Dr. Richard Coon
2001    Dr. Don Bailey
2002    Dr. Stan Blinkhorn
2003    Dr. Leo van Dijk
2004    Dr. DuWayne Penfold
2005    Dr. Marty DeWees
2006    Dr. Jerry Boggs
2009    Dr. Scott Hendy
2010    Dr. Susan Loomis
2011    Dr. Steve Brown

Outstanding Industry Representative

Recognizes an individual who has exhibited outstanding service to the OVMA and the profession.
1996    Terrie Corcoran, Burns Veterinary Supply
1997    Leroy Ostrem, The Butler Company
1998    Rick Casey, Hoechst Roussel Vet
1999    Jim Houts, Summit Medical Equipment
2000    Linda Melton, IDEXX Veterinary Services
2001    Loren Heryford, The Butler Company
2003    Marge Strother, Merial
2004    Bruce Mackey, Hill's Pet Nutrition
2005    John Herkner, Pfizer Animal Health
2011    Vern Mason, Butler Schein Animal Health

President's Award

Given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA.
1996    Dr. Martha DeWees, Dr. Scott Hendy
1997    Dr. Jerry Boggs
1998    Dr. Merry Crimi
1999    Mr. Glenn Kolb
2000    Dr. Doug McInnis
2001    Mr. Dave Barrows
2002    Dr. Kurt Schrader
2003    Dr. Steven Brown
2004    Ms. Marcia Keith
2005    Dr. Gordon Cunningham
2006    Spouses and Partners of Veterinarians
2007    Dr. Rich Holdren
2008    Ms. Marge Strother, Lilly Companion Pet
2009    Dr. Matthew Fricke
2010    Ms. Lara Smith
2011    Dr. Cyril Clarke, OSU CVM Dean

Veterinarian of the Year

Awarded to a veterinarian who has made outstanding contributions to the profession through service to local, state and/or national organizations.
1969    Dr. E.R. Derflinger
1996    Dr. DuWayne Penfold
1997    Dr. Doug Corey
1998    Dr. Don McCoy
1999    Dr. Andrew Clark
2000    Dr. Marty DeWees
2001    Dr. Scott Hendy
2002    Dr. Brad Frank
2003    Dr. Heidi Buehner-McKenzie
2004    Dr. Leon Pielstick
2006    Dr. Paul Jones
2007    Dr. Jon Betts
2011    Dr. Gregg Takashima

Animal Welfare Award

Recognizes a veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and/or developed programs that have been for the welfare of animals.
1998    Dr. Doug Evans
1999    Dr. Laird Goodman
2000    Dr. Bob Franklin
2002    Dr. Brad Pope
2004    Dr. Ken Fletcher
2009    Dr. Doug McInnis
2010    Dr. Doug Evans
2011    Dr. Scott Hansen

Veterinary Service Award

Recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well being of animals. Emphasis for this award is placed on educating the public, research, or the practice of  veterinary medicine.
1998    Kim Singer, KPTV-12
1999    Feral Cat Coalition
2000    Deborah Wood, The Oregonian
2001    Dr. Barclay Slocum
2002    The Halo Group
2003    Evan Kalik, Cat Adoption Team
2005    Dr. Howard Wagner
2006    Oregon Humane Society
2008    Dr. Matthew Maberry
2009    Dr. Jerry Boggs
2010    Larry Chusid, The Pongo Fund
2011    Dr. Bill McCulloch, Delta Society co-founder

Practice/Office Manager of the Year

Recognizes the role of the practice/office manager in clinical practice and salutes an individual who has exhibited exceptional professionalism in leading the practice.
2006    Linda Parisotto
2007    Lee Barg
2008    Debee Brown
2011   Jessie Merritt CVPM

Technician/Staff of the Year

Recognizes a veterinary technicians and/or veterinary staff in clinical practice who has risen above and beyond the expected responsibilities of the practice to provide outstanding client and patient service, with community service also considered.   
2006    Leah Kennon CVT
2007    Gillian Cook CVT
2008    Kathy Charpilloz
2010    Kimberly McKay 
2011    Carey Blake CVT