COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 2, 2018 – Columbus veterinarian Dr. Rustin Moore has been named the 2017 Veterinarian of the Year by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). The award, considered the Association’s most prestigious honor, was presented by outgoing OVMA President Dr. Tod Beckett during a special awards ceremony at the annual Midwest Veterinary Conference, Feb. 22 to 25.
A graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU), Dr. Rustin Moore began his career as an equine surgeon before shifting into academia. He spent 12 years teaching at Louisiana State University, where he led a team of emergency responders in a large-scale animal rescue in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, before returning to his alma mater in 2006. Since becoming dean of OSU College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU CVM), Dr. Moore has taken on countless initiatives, including tackling the problem of state funding for veterinary education and securing funds to build general practice skills of veterinary graduates.
“His colleagues at OSU describe him as humble, compassionate, and inspirational,” Dr. Beckett said when presenting the award. “He is not only a talented veterinarian, but a role model and mentor to the thousands of students who have been fortunate to cross paths with him.”
At the same ceremony, Dr. Ana Grum of Columbus was presented with the OVMA Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her 10-year stint as chair of the organization’s planning committee for the annual Veterinary Exploration Conference, which introduces high school and undergraduate students to career opportunities in the field of veterinary medicine. She is an academic adviser and instructor of undergraduate animal science courses at OSU.
“Over the past decade, the program has flourished under her careful direction,” Dr. Beckett said, “and it is impossible to know how great her impact has been.”
Rachel Finney, executive director of Columbus Humane, was also presented with the Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to the animal care community.
“Rachel has been an exceptional collaborative partner and model in truly making a difference in animal welfare—not just in Columbus, but throughout Ohio,” Dr. Beckett said.
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Beckett reflected on his year as OVMA president and passed the gavel on to President-Elect Dr. Liesa Stone, who officially assumed the post on March 1. Prior to her position as chief advancement officer at OSU CVM, Dr. Stone spent more than 15 years in corporate veterinary medicine and 10 years in private practice. She will lead the OVMA’s 20-member Board of Directors, which guides the Association’s policies, resources and strategies.
“Veterinary medicine is an exciting, dynamic profession, and I feel fortunate to be part of it,” Dr. Stone said. “I am honored to serve with my colleagues on the OVMA Board to advocate and promote the ideals of this great profession.”
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ABOUT OVMA
The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is a non-profit organization providing services to its members in the areas of continuing education, advocacy on public policy matters, and access to variety of professional resources. Known for hosting the fifth-largest veterinary convention in North America, OVMA represents more than 2,800 veterinarians practicing in various fields and specialties and 600 veterinary students. The OVMA’s principal purpose and mission is to foster life-long learning, stewardship, compassion and community in veterinary medicine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Krysten Bennett, Communications Director
Ohio Veterinary Medical Association
kdb@ohiovma.org