Nominate a special veterinarian or animal professional!
Nominations for our 2023 awards will be accepted through February 28, 2024!
Submit the form online or download and submit the paper form. Stay tuned for details about the Celebrate Veterinarians! event held in the fall of 2024.
The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is the highest honor MVMA bestows on a member. It is awarded annually to one member of the MVMA known for their accomplishments to the profession and the association and who has made an outstanding contribution to the service of humankind.
DSA Award Recipients
Ilene Segal, DVM (2022)
Graduated from Tufts University in 1987
MVMA President from 2013-2015
Parkway Veterinary Hospital (Founder)
Al Andersen, DVM (2021)
Graduated from Michigan State University in 1974
MVMA President from 2017-2019
Cindy Fuhs, DVM, MBA (2020)
Graduated from Tufts University in 2003
MVMA President from 2019-2020
Still River Veterinary Services (Founder)
Deborah Kochevar, PhD, DVM, BA, DACVCP (2018)
Graduated from Texas A&M in 1981
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (Dean Emerita)
Laurie Klein, DVM (2017)
Graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990
VCA Westboro Animal Hospital
Kathy Reilly, DVM (2015)
Graduated from University of Wisconsin in 1991
MVMA President from 2011-2013
Park Place Veterinary Hospital, PLLC
Mary Labato, DVM, DACVIM (2014)
Graduated from Tufts University in 1983
MVMA President from 2009-2011
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Cheryl Blaze, BVSc, PhD, MBA, DACVAA, DVA, MRCVS (2013)
Graduated from University of Queensland in 1974
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (Assistant Professor of Anesthesia)
Adam Arzt, VMD (2012)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1989
MVMA President from 2015-2017
Metrowest Veterinary Associates, Inc. (Founder)
David Schwarz, DVM (2011)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1976
MVMA President from 2007-2009
Ashland Animal Hospital (Owner)
Seymour Bigman, DVM (2010)
Graduated from Middlesex University in 1946
Kindness Animal Hospital
Died in 2016
Richard Rodger, DVM (2009)
Graduated from National University of Mexico in 1978
Richard F. Rodger, DVM (Owner)
Gail Hartman, DVM (2008)
Graduated from Tufts University in 1984
Tristram C. Carpenter, DVM (2007)
Graduated from Michigan State University in 1967
MVMA President in 2004
Norwood Animal Hospital (Founder)
John H. de Jong, DVM (2006)
Graduated from Tufts University in 1985
MVMA President in 2003
Newton Animal Clinic (Founder)
James Q. Knight, DVM (2005)
Graduated from Michigan State University in 1973
MVMA President in 2002
Becker College (Director, Animal Studies Programs)
Died in 2019
Wendy E. Emerson, DVM (2004)
Graduated from Tufts University in 1985
MVMA President from 1999-2001
Putnam Veterinary Clinic (Founder)
Elizabeth S. Sinnigen, VMD, MAT (2003)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1985
VCA Rotherwood Animal Hospital
Peter Theran, VMD (2002)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1961
MVMA President in 1992
MSPCA
Robert A. Labdon, Jr., DVM (2001)
Graduated from University of Missouri in 1969
MVMA President in 1996
Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod (Founder)
Henry E. Childers, DVM (2000)
Graduated from Auburn University in 1954
Cranston Animal Hospital (Owner)
Died in 2024
Susan M. Rabaut, DVM (1999)
Graduated from Michigan State University in 1968
MVMA President in 1995
Framingham Animal Hospital (Owner)
Joseph G. Merriam, Jr., DVM, MS (1998)
Graduated from Kansas State University in 1969
MVMA President in 1993
Massachusetts Equine Clinic
James N. Ross, Jr., DVM, PhD (1997)
Graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965
MVMA President in 2005
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (Professor of Clinical Sciences)
Died in 2021
Leonard C. Marcus, VMD, MD (1996)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1962
Richard D. Lindsay, DVM (1995)
Graduated from Michigan State University in 1954
MVMA President in 1978
Andover Animal Hospital (Founder)
Died in 2018
Edward A. Zullo, DVM (1994)
Graduated from Middlesex University in 1944
MVMA President in 1966
Died in 2016
Richard A. Heller, DVM (1993)
Graduated from Auburn University in 1969
MVMA President 1991
Milford Animal Hospital (Owner)
Franklin M. Loew, DVM, PhD (1992)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1965
Becker College (President) Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine (Second Dean)
Died in 2003
Joseph M. Stoyak, VMD (1991)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1952
MVMA President in 1979
VCA Wickaboag Animal Hospital
Died in 2011
Raymond Russo, DVM (1990)
Graduated from Middlesex University in 1944
MVMA President in 1984
Kingston Animal Hospital (Founder)
Died in 2015
Hugh W. Edmonds, VMD (1989)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania
MVMA President in 1982
Northampton Veterinary Clinic (Founder)
Died in 1990
Carol A. Cookingham, DVM (1988)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1979
Linwood Animal Hospital (Founder)
Richard M. Roberts, DVM (1987)
Graduated from Colorado State University in 1958
Richard J. Sheehan, DVM (1986)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1963
MVMA President in 1980
Sheehan & Sheehan (Owner)
C. Peter Nelson, DVM (1985)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1961
MVMA President in 1981
Marlboro Animal Hospital
Died in 2021
Morton Wolf, DVM (1984)
Graduated from Michigan State University in 1946
MVMA President in 1965
Dr. Wolf's Animal Hospital (Founder)
Died in 2017
Todd O. Munson, VMD (1983)
Graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1931
Angell Animal Medical Center
Died in 1998
Edgar "Brud" Tucker, DVM (1982)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1941
MVMA President in 1960
Died 1994
James C. DeWitt, DVM (1981)
Graduated from Middlesex University
MVMA President in 1975
DeWitt Animal Hospital (Founder)
Died in 1996
Gus W. Thornton, DVM (1980)
Graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1957
MSPCA-Angell (Former President)
Died in 2010
George W. Abbott, DVM (1978)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1945
MVMA President in 1964
Grafton Animal Hospital (Owner) & Abbott Animal Hospital (Co-Owner)
Died in 2009
Frank W. Zak, DVM (1977)
Graduated from Middlesex University in 1942
MVMA President in 1974
Zak Animal Hospital, now Lynn Animal Clinic (Owner)
Died in 2012
Alden H. Russell, DVM (1976)
Graduated from Cornell University in 1920
MVMA President in 1947
Concord Animal Hospital (Founder)
Died in 1987
C. Lawrence Blakely, DVM (1975)
MVMA President in 1958
Cornelius Thibeault, DVM (1974)
MVMA President in 1942
Cornelius Thibeault Equine Clinic, Tufts (Namesake)
Died in 1988
