September 15, 2021

Dr. Douglas Kratt, 2020-21 AVMA president, gave his three President’s Awards during the President’s Reception on July 29 during AVMA Virtual Convention 2021. The award recognizes individuals or groups for making a positive impact on health, veterinary organizations, or the profession.

This year’s recipients are the late Dr. René Carlson and her husband, Dr. Mark Carlson, a veterinarian couple from Wisconsin; Carole Jordan, AVMA director of governance administration; and the full veterinary profession for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kratt describes here why he chose the recipients.

Drs. Mark and René Carlson

In recognition and appreciation for the inspiration and impact they provided to me throughout my leadership journey in organized veterinary medicine. We could have open and honest conversations, challenge conventional thinking, and be supportive of the decisions made. Their interactions and supportiveness for each other and those around them, inside and outside of the world of veterinary medicine, have been inspiring and have greatly contributed to my success in the veterinary profession.

Carole Jordan

In recognition and gratitude for her support and commitment during my leadership roles at the AVMA. She has helped challenge my growth as a leader, and her guidance, knowledge, and professionalism have been instrumental during my presidency journey and to the many leaders of this profession.

The veterinary profession

In recognition and gratitude to the full veterinary profession that played an integral role in society during the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. Everyone came together not only for the clients and patients but also for each other, while adapting to the ever-changing challenges of the pandemic. So many facets of the veterinary profession contributed to the successes made during this most challenging time: veterinarians and veterinary teams adjusting delivery of care to continue treating patients, credentialed veterinary technicians quickly adapting the way they work, practice managers adjusting protocols to stay open and serve patients, diagnostic sectors testing both human and animal samples, researchers helping to develop vaccines, those in regulatory medicine making sure the food supply is safe, veterinary colleges modifying their educational methods to a virtual setting, receptionists making accommodations to assist patients, and so much more. I am proud of all of the work that has and continues to be accomplished, and I am honored to be part of such a strong and resilient profession.