Dr. David Kelton, left, presents the OABP Award of Excellence to Dr. Kerry Lissemore.
An OVC faculty member with a reputation as a problem solver and champion for veterinary education was honoured recently by the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP).
Dr. Kerry Lissemore, currently on administrative leave from his position of associate dean, academic, received the OABP Award of Excellence Nov. 15 at the group’s fall continuing education meeting.
The award was presented by Lissemore’s longtime colleague in the Department of Population Medicine, Dr. David Kelton.
Kelton said Lissemore’s affinity for planning and organization was apparent even during his days as a vet student, when he was affectionately known as the “MacGyver” of his class.
“If anything needed procuring or solving, this was the person to get it done or find someone who could.”
As a graduate student, Lissemore and his then-advisor Dr. Paula Menzies, played a key role in modernizing the dairy health management program by implementing a computer records management system. After joining the faculty, he helped lay the foundation for the strong relationship between CanWest DHI and dairy practitioners, and facilitated the adoption of a herd management software program that has become the standard for the Ontario dairy industry.
According to one Ontario dairy practitioner, this “has immensely helped bovine practitioners and their clients make rational, evidence-based decisions for their operations.”
Kelton said Lissemore has also worked tirelessly for improving education opportunities for DVM students and practitioners: through his leadership on the OVMA and OABP boards of directors; participation in the Dairy Health Management Certificate Program; helping with countless OABP events and working to establish the Bovine Education Trust, and in his position as associate dean.
“Even more than his professional accomplishments, Kerry is among the most honest, kind, fair and dedicated individuals I’ve had the pleasure to know,” said Kelton, who praised Lissemore’s ability to balance dedication to his profession with devotion to his family. “This is an individual who does everything meticulously, carefully and to the highest of standards.”
Kelton concluded by quoting Dr. Jamie Hobson, who nominated Lissemore for the award: “… he is an excellent problem solver and organizer. In his interactions with people, it is obvious how much he respects them, and in doing so he generates respect for himself. His inclusionary approach is to be commended and celebrated…”
To learn more about the award, visit the OABP website.