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The South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association held its 126th annual meeting at the Ramkota Convention Center in Sioux Falls Aug. 13 16. The meeting included continuing education opportunities for over 200 veterinarians and veterinary technicians, recognized outstanding accomplishments by professionals in the veterinary fields and included the annual membership meeting.

The meeting featured Dr. Jason Sweitzer, DVM, a nationally known speaker on mental health and suicide prevention in the veterinary profession. Companion animal topics included anesthesia and soft tissue surgery. Large animal topics included calf scours treatment and management, sheep and goat parasitology and medicine and equine emergency and field procedures, as well as updates from SDSUs Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Lab.

Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Larry Carpenter of Sturgis was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Carpenter graduated with honors from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine DVM in 1982 and received a Masters Degree in Veterinary Surgery in 1991 from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Carpenter attained Diplomate Status with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992. In 1998, he graduated from the US Army War College and served 25 years in the US Army. While deployed to Haiti in 1995, he set up street corner vaccination stations and vaccinated nearly 10,000 dogs and cats against rabies in Port Au Prince with the help of the Haitian Ministry of Health, the UN Mission to Haiti, the Pan American Health Organization and the Christian Veterinary Mission. He served as Consultant to the US Army Surgeon General on Military Working Dogs from 20002003 and retired as the Director of the Military Working Dog Hospital in San Antonio, Texas in Aug. 2003.

The Distinguished Service Award is awarded to honor an individual who has brought distinction to the veterinary profession through his/her devotion to the care and well-being of animals, support for the profession and contributions to the community. This individuals contributions have advanced the profession and serve as an inspiration to veterinarians and the clients he serves.

Veterinarians of the Year

Dr. William Headlee and Dr. Norma Headlee are co-recipients of the Veterinarian of the Year award. The Headlees both graduated from Kadoka High school in 1971 and completed their undergraduate courses at South Dakota State University in 1974. They went on to graduate from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978.

The Headlees have been operating a successful practice in their home town of Kadoka for 39 years. They were among the first veterinarians in SD to use ultrasound for reproductive exams in horses and cattle, and have built an equine hospital to serve the needs of their clients.

There are probably a million stories their clients could tell about all of the amazing things they have done over the years, said one nominator. The thing that was truly amazing is how they did it day in and day out in such a manner that all of us watching thought this is what all parents do for their kids.

The Veterinarian of the Year award is made annually to an SDVMA member who has contributed significantly to the veterinary profession and to the animals and clients he serves. The award recognizes a member for service and accomplishments benefitting the profession of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Eric Knock, Miller, received the 2017 SDVMA Emerging Leader Award. Dr. Knock graduated with a bachelor of science in animal sciences from SDSU in 2003. He received his DVM from Iowa State University in 2007 and was a recipient of the AABP Amstutz Scholarship.

Knock owns the Prairie View Veterinary Clinic and went from being sole practitioner to having four additional veterinarians along with a number of veterinary assistants and employees. He also developed a number of services for cow-calf clients in the area including ultrasound for carcass traits and pregnancy staging along with embryo flushing and transfer. Knock has served on the SDVMA Continuing Education committee.

The Emerging Leader award is made to an SDVMA member who graduated from veterinary school in the last 10 years and has displayed outstanding accomplishments in veterinary research, private practice, regulatory services, civic activities and organized veterinary medicine.

Outstanding Veterinary Technician

Nicole Wrage was named the 2017 Outstanding Veterinary Technician. She graduated from Dell Rapids High School and obtained her veterinary technician degree from Globe University. She is currently enrolled in University of Tennessee Canine Rehabilitation course to continue improving her skills. She is BQA certified and trained in bovine ultrasound for reproduction and Dairy Comp 305 data entry.

The Outstanding Veterinary Technician award is made to a registered veterinary technician who has provided outstanding support to veterinary medicine through dedication to the care and well-being of animals and professional knowledge and execution in service to the profession.

Drs. Randy Beumer, Browns Valley, Minn.; Susan Jones, Rapid City; James Pajl, Yankton; James Rokusek, Watertown, and Steve Tornberg, Harrisburg, attained life membership status in the SDVMA for their years of practice. Life members have attained the age of 65 and have been members of SDVMA for at least 20 years.

Jim Feller, Blunt, received the Bill Davis award. He graduated from SDSU in 1986 with a degree in animal science and has worked with MWI for five years. Feller has served on the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Examiners Board and the Nation Resources Conservation District. He currently serves on the Board of Oahe Electric Cooperative.

The Bill Davis Award is given annually to a sales representative of a veterinary supply company who has demonstrated an unusual degree of service and assistance to veterinarians and the veterinary profession in South Dakota.

The SDVMA Alliance raised over $8,000 in a benefit auction as part of the event. The money is used for scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technician students.

The following board members were elected for the coming year: Dr. Michelle Jensen, Harrisburg, president; Dr. Mark Braunschmidt, Brandon, president-elect; Dr. Ethan Andress, Hettinger, ND, vice president; Dr. Chanda Nilsson, Groton, secretary-treasurer; Dr. Angela Anderson, Sioux Falls, District 1 representative; Dr. Heidi Sorensen, Watertown, District 2 representative; Dr. Chris Chase, Brookings, AVMA delegate, and Dr. Cindy Franklin, Yankton, AVMA alternate delegate. Other board members are Dr. Sandra Wahlert, Hot Springs, District 3 representative, and Dr. Travis White, Sioux Center, Iowa, past president.

The 2018 SDVMA annual meeting will be held August 1215 in Sioux Falls.

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South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association gives awards at annual meeting - Watertown Public Opinion

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