Award Winners

Veterinarian of the Year Award:   The purpose of this award is to recognize the veterinarian who has rendered outstanding service to the profession, has served as an outstanding representative of our profession to the general public, and whose activities, civic involvement, and lifestyle exemplify the type of professional person that all veterinarians can be proud of. This person should demonstrate a sincere concern for the image and advancement of the profession and should have demonstrated a dedication to a lifetime of learning.  This person should have been willing to represent the profession honestly and well to young people considering veterinary medicine as a career choice. It will not be mandatory that this award be given each year, but that the award will be limited to one and only one individual during any one year.

Distinguished Service Award:   The purpose of this award is to recognize veterinarians who have made outstanding contributions to community and to the profession.  These individuals should exemplify the type of individual whose career is marked with outstanding service to the profession, to the community in which they live and work, and to their patients or the field of veterinary medicine in which they are engaged.  It is not mandatory that this award be given each year nor is it mandatory that this award be limited to only one recipient in any one year, however, if more than one award is awarded it should be the carefully considered opinion of the selection committee that the recipients are equally qualified in all respects to receive this award.

New Mexico Animal Hall of Fame:  Animals nominated for inclusion in the New Mexico Animal Hall of Fame shall be animals that have championed the animal side of the human/animal bond.  They shall have demonstrated devotion and served in their given positions above and beyond the standard of similar animals and may represent more animals than just themselves in the induction and inclusion in the New Mexico Animal Hall of Fame.  This award may be given posthumous to a deserving animal.

Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare:   The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare.  This award is not limited to veterinarians and can be awarded to persons not directly involved nor employed in the field of veterinary medicine.  Conversely, this award may be awarded to someone working for or with a veterinarian or veterinary clinic, but such employment should not be looked at as an advantage when selecting the recipients of this award.  These individuals should exemplify sincere concerned people who have worked to improve animal welfare in a reasonable and beneficial manner that can serve as an example of good humanitarian efforts and accomplishments.   This award is not limited to only one recipient in a given year; however, if more than one award is awarded it should the carefully considered opinion of the selection committee that the recipients are equally qualified in all respects to receive this award.

Outstanding Veterinary Technician Award:    This award should recognize a registered veterinary technician in our state, working in an appropriately licensed position, and nominated by a current member of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association. This technician should exhibit a very professional attitude and behavior and be a person who would represent their field well in all regards.  This individual’s career should exemplify dedication to patients, clients, and employer; carry a well-rounded balance of civic or community activities, and demonstrate compassion and concern for those around him/her.   This person should also represent their chosen profession well, willingly, and honestly to young people considering a career choice.  This technician should also exhibit a dedication to a lifetime of learning and growing in their chosen profession.  It will not be mandatory that this award be given each year, but that the award will be limited to one and only one individual during any one year.