2022 PVMA Awards

2022 PVMA Awards

PVMA is honored to recognize individuals and companies that have gone above and beyond for the veterinary profession and the people in it. We are proud to announce the following 2022 PVMA Awards recipients:

 

Veterinary Team Member of the Year:

Shawnese Kraemer CVT
Pearl Animal Hospital

Nominated by Dr. Christina Burger:

As our practice manager, Shawnese (known affectionately as “Shmrr”) has guided our practice through many challenges. From abruptly switching to curbside at the beginning of the pandemic, to transitioning to a new computer software system, Shawnese has shown herself to be able to continue to maintain our high standards while continuously updating our protocols and practices to make sure our clients and patients are well cared for. She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure things are running smoothly behind the scenes, and is always available for emergency “how do I fix this??” phone calls and texts. Particularly this year, she has worked very hard on our transition to EzyVet, and as a result we have had minimal disruptions to our team and have felt supported every step of the way.

Over the years that I have known her, it has also been a pleasure to watch Shawnese develop her leadership and management skills. She develops close relationships with our team, and is trusted to always act in their best interest. She has earned her nickname of “Mama Bear” by being a fierce advocate for and protector of our staff. She is a skilled technician and is constantly training and educating newer staff members, while encouraging more experienced staff to continue to advance their skills. She truly believes in our hospital, which provides a sense of stability and optimism to be able to face any challenges ahead.

I feel fortunate to have been able to work with Shawnese for the past 4 years, and I would love to see her recognized by the PVMA for her hard work and dedication to the veterinary community.

 

Outstanding Service Award:

Stephanie Whitchurch & Discover Balance Wellness Center

Nominated by PVMA Board of Directors: Since the summer of 2021, Discover Balance Wellness center in Vancouver has offered wellness services to veterinary professionals one Sunday a month. This program began when owner, Stephanie Whitchurch called the PVMA office with an idea after learning of the mental health and well-being challenges within the profession. We are forever grateful to Stephanie and her team for their generosity and dedication.

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Service Award- Honorable Mention:
Jessica Fjosne CVT

Jessica has been a veterinary technician for many years in our community, now attending massage therapy school to be able to offer services and support back to the veterinary community in a new way. Jessica has been providing massage services to participants nearly every month at our wellness days. She has also taught yoga at many a PVMA event over the years and in the most kind and inclusive way, promoting self-care and well-being with every interaction she has.

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Service Award- Honorable Mention:
David Markham and Helen Phillips, Trupanion Pet Insurance

As a wonderfully supportive partner to the PVMA and our community as a whole, David provides monthly sponsorship support of wellness days to help with the costs of supplies, snacks, and general overheard.

 

 

 

Veterinarian of the Year Award:
Dr. Marissa Rothenbaum

Nominated by Dr. Cindy Galbreath and Dr. Kazuki Ueki:

Dr. Marissa Rothenbaum has been a powerful pillar of support and advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the veterinary field. Dr. Rothenbaum has championed a culturally responsive philosophy at Banfield, where she is currently employed. She has volunteered her time being a mentor and facilitator for PVMA’s power of 10 groups, equipping new veterinarians with a strong network and being an invaluable resource. She has also been a board member of the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association, helping to lead veterinary medicine toward racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusivity to better serve our multicultural society.

Dr. Rothenbaum is one of the most community-minded, generous, and charismatic veterinarians that I know. She is a true leader and she exemplifies qualities we all aspire to within our profession: she is a life-long learner who displays curiosity about a number of topics, she thinks outside of the box, and she is quick to offer her participation and support when called upon. She values mentorship and prioritizes the health of our next generation of veterinarians. She provides an engaged, insightful, and humble voice in any circle she happens to be a part of. She wears many hats, and juggles many responsibilities, and still manages to make those around her feel seen, heard and valued.

I have known Dr. Rothenbaum for 15 years, and it has been a joy to watch her grow into the strong community leader that she is today.

 

The nomination period for 2023 awards will open in September 2023.



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