Five Ontario Veterinary College alumni were honoured with awards at the 2015 Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Conference.
Dr. Petra Burgmann, OVC 1984, received the OVMA Golden Life Membership Award, Dr. Dana Clayton, OVC 2012, the OVMA Rising Star Award, Dr. Brian Laing, OVC 1984 the OVMA Award of Merit, Dr. Doug MacDougald, OVC 1977, the Outstanding Veterinarian Award and Dr. Ron Mergl, OVC 1985, the OVMA Award of Merit.
The OVMA Golden Life Membership Award recognizes OVMA members who are retired from full-time veterinary medicine or who have been a veterinarian for a minimum of 30 years, and have served the profession in an extraordinary manner. Recipients receive an honorary lifetime OVMA membership.
Dr. Petra Burgmann.
Dr. Petra Burgmann has made immense contributions to the exotic animal field over her 30-year career, including becoming the first Canadian to qualify as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Avian Practice, says the OVMA on their website.
In addition to her exotic animal practice at the Animal Hospital of High Park, Dr. Burgmann continued to both learn and teach. She joined the Association of Avian Veterinarians, attended conferences on exotic animal practices, and eventually began writing chapters for many exotic veterinary textbooks, journals and pet publications. During her career she has also lectured at the Ontario Veterinary College, Seneca College, the Toronto Academy of Veterinary Medicine, the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and has mentored hundreds of veterinarians, veterinary students and technicians, the website adds.
The Rising Star Award is presented to an associate veterinarian who has demonstrated superior leadership in their place of employment and their community for the betterment of animal welfare, their clients or their colleagues.
Dr. Dana Clayton.
After a little more than a year at Dufferin Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Dana Clayton has impressed her colleagues with kindness, confidence and skill far beyond her few years as a veterinarian, says the OVMA in announcing the award. Her nomination noted she regularly goes above and beyond, coming into the clinic on her off hours to monitor patient progress or meet with clients that have difficult schedules. She also volunteers her skills with the Feral Cat Rescue charitable organization and worked with the local branch of the Ontario SPCA to relocate several shelter animals that were destined for euthanasia.
The Outstanding Veterinarian Award is presented to a veterinarian for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.
Dr. Doug MacDougald.
Dr. Doug MacDougald has proven himself to be an outstanding veterinarian through his work in the swine industry and role in addressing the challenge of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), says the OVMA website.
In 2010, Dr. MacDougald merged his swine practice with four others to become a founding member of South West Ontario Veterinary Services, which provides health and information services, pork production management and financial advice to pork producers in Canada and the United States. He was also one of the founding members of the Ontario Swine Heath Advisory Board, where he currently serves as Chair.
The Award of Merit recognizes individuals for their practice of, or help to, veterinary medicine. It is awarded for distinguished public service to the veterinary profession in any form. Two OVC alumni received this award.
Dr. Brian Laing.
Dr. Brian Laing’s dedication to his patients and vast knowledge stood out to the pet owners who nominated him for the OVMA Award of Merit, says the OVMA website. Several clients of Town and Country Animal Hospital recounted stories of Dr. Laing’s willingness to go above and beyond by considering every treatment option and being available at any time of day to owners of pets in precarious health.
Dr. Ron Mergl.
Dr. Ron Mergl’s was lauded in his nomination for his deep empathy for his clients and a humanitarian streak that has taken him across the globe, says the OVMA website. As a volunteer with Vets without Borders and past member of the Board of Directors, he travelled to Malawi to help develop a human rabies awareness and prevention program with the aim of reducing the spread of the disease in both people and pets. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls for 19 years and has made several international trips as part of that organization’s mission to eradicate polio in children.
This year, OVMA recognized a record number of veterinarians through their awards program, which helps to highlight the dedication and caring that is an intrinsic part of the veterinary profession.