SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (January 15, 2020) — Recognizing Illinois veterinarians and others who practice compassionate care with leading-edge medical practices for animals and their human caretakers and whose actions impact organized veterinary medicine, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) presented their awards at its fall convention in Tinley Park.
“Amazing things happen every day in veterinary clinics by doctors, vet techs, and staff across Illinois,” said Dr Phil Fassler, immediate ISVMA Past President. “In 2019, and for some of our award winners, for decades, these professionals consistently seek and act to do what’s in the best interest for the animals we care for and their people who live with them. It’s truly inspiring the commitment they have to the health and well-being of pets and livestock, and the people who love and care for them, too.”
2019 Dr Erwin Small First Decade Award (Awarded to a young veterinarian who has been practicing veterinary medicine in the last 10 years and has become a leader in supporting the profession through contributions to organized veterinary medicine.)
Michael Miller DVM, Lakewood Animal Hospital, Morris. A co-owner of four veterinary hospitals, Dr Miller started a wildlife rescue for hit-by-car turtles in 2015, leading to committee involvement with the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. Dr Miller currently serves on the Illinois Veterinary Medical Alumni Association Executive Board, is a graduate of ISVMA’s Power of 10 program (an initiative designed to help recent graduates develop skills in leadership, communications, and business) and is the author of a Harry Potteresque vet blog that uses comparisons to the wizarding world to help others discover the magic of veterinary medicine. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2011.
2019 Dr Cecil Ingmire CVT Award (Presented to a certified veterinary technician who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the profession through involvement in organized veterinary medicine.)
Tina Welmon CVT, ISVMA Education Coordinator, Fairview Heights/Springfield. Originally from Collinsville where she spent most of her time working in clinic kennels as a receptionist and assistant, Ms Welmon was recognized for her assistance towards vet interns and new graduates from the University of Illinois, tech schools, and clinics, as well as her instrumental role in establishing an accredited veterinary-technician program at Vatterott College in Fairview Heights. She most recently took on her role at ISVMA as its Education Coordinator, who organizes and promotes continuing education opportunities for membership as required by state law. Ms Welmon earned her Certified Veterinary Technician degree from Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Texas.
2019 ISVMA Veterinary Service Award (Presented to an ISVMA member veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding service as a member of the association.)
Claude Gendreau DVM, Veterinary Orthopedic Center, Highland, Indiana. Dr Gendreau was recognized for his selfless service to the ISVMA, sacrificing time from his personal life and professional practice to advance the well-being of the veterinary profession through his long-term service on its committees, task forces, board of directors, and officer positions.
Dr Gendreau has devoted an accomplished career since graduating from veterinary school in Canada in 1967 to the health and wellness of animals. He opened one of the first privately-owned specialty-clinics in the country devoted to referral surgeries. It evolved into the Veterinary Specialty Center, a leading multi-disciplinary referral center in the Midwest. He also has donated time and services to his Chicago south side community by vaccinating and micro-chipping thousands of pets over many years.
2019 ISVMA President’s Award (Presented to an individual or group that has significantly advanced the interests of the veterinary profession in Illinois.)
Illinois Senator Michael Hastings (D) 19th District. Sen Hastings is recognized for being an unrelenting champion for the veterinary profession. The ISVMA recognized his guidance as chief Senate sponsor of Senate Bill 1665, the important exemption of veterinarians for the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program.
Illinois Representative Kelly Burke (D) 36th District. Rep Burke was also recognized for standing with the veterinary profession in Illinois as the chief House sponsor of the same veterinarian exemption legislation, Senate Bill 1665.
All award recipients were nominated by peer ISVMA member veterinarians and professionals, and then selected by the ISVMA Nominations and Awards Committee, comprised of volunteer veterinarian professionals.
The ISVMA is a professional association representing more than 2,500 member veterinarians, veterinary and technician students, and Certified Veterinary Technicians from around the state to promote and protect veterinary practices. ISVMA leaders and members study a multitude of cutting-edge medical and business practices, as well as pertinent legislation to determine their impact on pets, animals, and their human caretakers.
