American College of Veterinary Surgeons – October 11-14, 2023

Event

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) held its annual surgery summit October 11-14 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Awards

ACVS Merit Award

Dr. K. Jack Easley (Tuskegee ’76), Shelbyville, Kentucky, won this award, given to a non-ACVS diplomate who has made major contributions to veterinary surgery through the development of methods, techniques, devices, and educational aspects of veterinary surgery. Dr. Easley owns Easley Equine Dentistry in Shelbyville, focusing on oral and maxillofacial surgery. He co-authored the textbook, “Equine Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery.” Dr. Easley is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and American Veterinary Dental College.

ACVS Founders’ Award for Career Achievement

Dr. Steven C. Budsberg (Washington State ’83), Watkinsville, Georgia, won this award, recognizing the contributions of an ACVS diplomate to the development of surgical techniques and methodology, and disseminating knowledge to colleagues, residents, interns, and veterinary students. Dr. Budsberg is a professor emeritus of orthopedic surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He is known for his work in canine lameness with the use of gait analysis and pain management. A past president of the ACVS, Dr. Budsberg is a past chair of the AVMA Council on Research and a past president of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association. He has also served on the board of directors of AO Vet North America and the Veterinary Orthopedic Society.

Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award

Dr. P.O. Eric Mueller (Michigan State ’89), Sunset, South Carolina, for exceptional contributions to the college. A diplomate and a past president of the ACVS, Dr. Mueller is a professor emeritus of surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. During his tenure, he served as director of the residency program, chief of large animal service, director of equine programs, director of continuing education, and chief medical officer of the Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Dr. Mueller has served on the editorial review board of the journal Veterinary Surgery and is a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. 

ACVS Foundation Legends Award

Dr. Timothy C. McCarthy (Colorado State ’69), Beaverton, Oregon, won this award in recognition of developing a surgical or diagnostic procedure of significant value, proven by becoming the test or treatment of choice for a given condition. A diplomate of the ACVS, Dr. McCarthy trains veterinarians in minimally invasive surgical techniques through his company VetMIST. He is known for his expertise in treating ectopic ureter in female dogs, using cystoscopy as a diagnostic tool, and fixing ectopic ureters with a cystoscope. Dr. McCarthy is also known for using pericardiectomy to treat animals with chylothorax.

ACVS Foundation Lynn Wheaton Philanthropy Award

Dr. Dominic J. Marino (Auburn ’89), Plainview, New York, was the inaugural recipient of this award, recognizing an ACVS diplomate who demonstrates intentional and altruistic social responsibility through their work with their community, an association, or other nonprofit organization. Dr. Marino is a founding partner and chief of staff at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. He previously served as head of the orthopedic-neurosurgery service at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Marino volunteers with the local law enforcement community and is a volunteer tactical K9 medical training consultant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Officials

Dr. Ronald M. McLaughlin Jr., Mississippi State, Mississippi, chair and immediate past president; Dr. Jan Hawkins, West Lafayette, Indiana, president; Dr. Bryden J. Stanley, Flint, Michigan, president-elect; Dr. Julie D. Smith, Mountain View, California, treasurer; Ann T. Loew, Germantown, Maryland, chief executive officer; and regents—Drs. Christopher R. Byron, Blacksburg, Virginia; Laurent P. Guiot, Culver City, California; Ursula Krotscheck, Ithaca, New York; David G. Levine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Catriona M. MacPhail, Fort Collins, Colorado; and Annette M. McCoy, Urbana, Illinois

A version of this story appears in the February 2024 print issue of JAVMA