Today’s Veterinary Nurse (TVN), a publication of the NAVC, and Midmark recognize Tammy Wynn, MHA, LISW, RVT, CHPT, as the 2023 Clinic Champion of the Year. Wynn received the honor for her work in supporting pets and people during end-of-life care as founder of Angel’s Paws in Cincinnati, Ohio.
As a licensed independent social worker and therapist by trade, Wynn launched Angel’s Paws with the belief that end-of-life care should not only include medical support for the animal, but emotional support for the owners. Following a transformative experience dealing with the loss of her own pet, Wynn went back to school to become a registered veterinary technician before starting the venture as a second career, and now also advocates for optimal utilization of veterinary nurses/technicians in her work.
“My journey through loss paradoxically brought me to the unexpected destination of understanding my purpose in life. The loss of my cat, Cagney, in 2003 helped me see there was a void in veterinary medicine at the end of life and it has become my life’s work to change that,” Wynn said. “The revolutionary approach of true pet hospice, created through our work at Angel’s Paws, has brought peace of mind to thousands of pets and the people who love them. To now be recognized as a Clinic Champion for work that has been so meaningful to me is the honor of my life.”
Wynn provides an example of how veterinary nurses/technicians can lead organizations as entrepreneurs and how they possess special skills that enhance veterinary teams. Wynn also provides a reminder of the importance of the human-animal bond and how that bond needs to be tended through hospice and end-of-life care.
“Tammy Wynn is a visionary business leader who proves that it is possible to find success by cultivating relationships and leading with empathy,” said Andy Zunz, Vice President of Media Strategy at the NAVC. “We are proud to name Tammy the 2023 Clinic Champion of the Year and know that her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
The Clinic Champions program, sponsored by Midmark, was developed by the NAVC in 2021 to shine a light on the veterinary nurses/technicians who make a positive impact on their clients, patients, coworkers, and greater community every day. These stories are common in the veterinary community, but often overlooked. TVN honors a veterinary nurse/technician in each issue for their contributions in community service, scholarship, advocacy, or innovation.
“Midmark has been honored to sponsor the Clinic Champions series. Witnessing the care and commitment of each of the nominees is truly inspirational,” said Crissy Treon, Downstream Marketing Director at Midmark Animal Health. “Their stories, and the stories of many other veterinary technicians and nurses, fuel our passion for ensuring that caregivers have the proper equipment, workflows and training to confidently deliver the best possible care.”
The Clinic Champions program is part of the NAVC’s Veterinary Nurse/Technician Empowerment Initiative, which aims to elevate and advance veterinary nurses and credentialed technicians. This initiative encompasses a wide range of programs that offer new resources and tools for veterinary nurses/technicians, encourage the next generation of these veterinary professionals and bring together leaders from across the veterinary industry to address the challenges facing the veterinary nurse/technician profession.