Iowa VMA – September 28-29, 2023

Event

The Iowa VMA (IVMA) held its annual meeting from September 28-29 in Ames.

Awards

Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Fred Sick (Iowa State ’74), Sioux Center. Dr. Sick began his career in Sioux County, where he practiced mixed animal medicine for 23 years. He then served 17 years as site veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim in Sioux Center. Dr. Sick is a past president of the IVMA and a past member of the association’s administrative committee. He served as the adviser for the PreVetClub at Dordt University in Sioux Center and Northwestern College in Orange City.

Rising Star Award

Dr. Abbey Smith (Iowa State ’19), Belle Plaine. Dr. Smith practices mixed animal medicine at North Tama Veterinary Clinic. Active in the community, she has volunteered at the Iowa State Fair, veterinary camps for children, and 4-H Club events in the county.

Healthcare Team Service Award

Kourtney Chance, West Des Moines. Chance is practice manager at Family Pet Veterinary Center with locations in West Des Moines and Norwalk. She is certified as a cat-friendly veterinary professional through the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

President’s Award

Drs. Rex Wilhelm, Stuart, and Gene Rouse, Huxley

Officials

Drs. Kristen Clark, Ames, president; Ken May, Slater, president-elect; Aubrey Cordray, Humboldt, vice president; and Shawn Nicholson, Stuart, immediate past president

A version of this story appears in the December 2023 print issue of JAVMA.