Veterinarians from California, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Florida are the winners of the “Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet” 2009 award, a nationwide short-essay contest conducted by Morris Animal Foundation that lets clients honor veterinarians for their dedication to helping pets. The third annual contest’s grand-prize National and Southwest award goes to Kirk Weicht, DVM, of Brown Trail Animal Hospital in Bedford, Texas. In an essay submitted by Gina DeGennaro of Arlington, Texas, Dr. Weicht’s client describes the veterinarian as “truly the heartbeat of his clinic because he goes above and beyond for his clients and his community.” Dr. Weicht enjoys all aspects of small animal practice but is especially fond of internal medicine cases, reconstructive knee surgery and endocrine diseases, his profile states. Continuing education has always been important to him, and he works to keep abreast of advances in medicine and technology. Hundreds of pet owners throughout the United States submitted essays. The Southeast regional award goes to Amara Estrada, DVM, of the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville, Fla. “It is a great honor and helps me to feel fulfilled in my job to know that my passion for veterinary medicine, in particular veterinary cardiology, is recognized and appreciated by my clients,” said Dr. Estrada, who was nominated by Gary Anthon of South Jordan, Utah. The Midwest regional award goes to Patrick Hourigan, DVM, of Richmond Veterinary Clinic in Richmond, Ill. “My philosophy regarding patient care is consistent with my veterinary oath. The patient’s care and comfort takes precedence over all other concerns,” said Dr. Hourigan, who was nominated by Mary Sue Katzenmayer of McHenry, Ill. For the West, the award goes to J. Robert Yack, DVM, of Jackson Creek Veterinary Clinic in Jackson, Calif. “I think of this as a wonderful acknowledgment for working so hard all these years. I am very proud to have received this award,” said Dr. Yack, who was nominated by Lee and Sandra Wise of San Andreas, Calif. Finally, the Northeast regional award goes to Kristin Quisenberry, DVM, of Hidden Valley Animal Clinic in McMurray, Pa. “As a veterinarian, I feel that we are a key factor in not only treating the sick and injured but also helping people understand and nurture their pets” said Dr. Quisenberry, who was nominated by Kathleen Supan of Bridgeville, Pa. The winners will be honored Saturday, Jan. 16 at the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando, Fla. “Morris Animal Foundation is excited to honor these outstanding veterinarians because they help us provide a healthier tomorrow for animals,” said Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president/CEO of the foundation. Additional sponsors include Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Veterinary Practice News magazines, published by BowTie Inc. Grand-prize winner Dr. Weicht appears in the January issues of Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Veterinary Practice News. <HOME>
