Missouri veterinarian Cynthia Courtney, DVM, will receive the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Next Generation Veterinary Award in recognition of her work to improve the well-being of veterinary professionals.
Dr. Courtney, who practices at Grandview Animal Hospital, south of Kansas City, will be honored in July at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s World Congress in Toronto.
The Next Generation Veterinary Award is given annually to a veterinarian who graduated within the past 10 years and “has contributed significantly to the betterment of companion animals, the veterinary profession and society at large,” according to WSAVA. Dr. Courtney is a 2011 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
“In eight short years since her qualification, Dr. Courtney has used her clinical expertise, communication skills and passion for veterinary wellness to make an outstanding contribution towards improving veterinary well-being and, in so doing, enhancing animal health and welfare,” said Iveta Becvarova, DVM, MS, DACVN, the director of global academic and professional affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
“From her involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association while still a student and her subsequent selection for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Future Leaders program in 2015-2016, through to the range of clinical and educational roles she now holds, her passion to serve and advance the profession is clear,” Dr. Becvarova said.
WSAVA reported that Dr. Courtney founded two veterinary social media businesses focusing on personal wellness, the wellness of animal health care teams and veterinary business skills.
“Through one of these — www.vetchangesworld.com — she has launched a range of welfare-focused volunteer initiatives, including a project to teach pet sitters occupational safety and another to raise awareness of leash laws,” WSAVA reported. “She also helped to facilitate the creation of a local World Vets textbook drive for developing nations and is active in the empowerment of veterinary women through collaboration with the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Initiative and the Snout Squad.
“She speaks regularly on topics focused around well-being, team management, and motivation and veterinary leadership.”
Veterinarians worldwide who meet certain criteria are eligible for the Next Generation Veterinary Award. Information about nominating someone for the 2020 award is available at http://bit.ly/2DCzIP2.