AAHA announces inaugural Veterinary Technician of the Year Award

Nicole Jameson-Fritz, RVT, VTS (ECC), Canada West Veterinary Specialists (Image courtesy of AAHA)

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) announced Nicole Jameson-Fritz, RVT, VTS (ECC), from Canada West Veterinary Specialists, as its first Veterinary Technician of the Year award winner. According to an organizational release,¹ Jameson-Fritz was nominated for her “overriding concern and responsibility for her patients” and problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

“Not only is she devoted to her craft, but she has also been a leader, teacher, and role model for all our technical staff at every level,” said Alan B. Kuzma, DVM, DVSc, DACVS, surgeon with Canada West Veterinary Specialists, in the release.

The AAHA created this award to acknowledge the important role technicians play within veterinary teams. To qualify, nominees must be a credentialed technician at a veterinary practice where they have worked for at least 90 days and are still employed there. As the winner, Jameson-Fritz will receive a cash prize of $750, a plaque, a lapel pin, and more.²

The AAHA also announced the following as finalists for the award¹:

• Michelle Frank, CVT, Caring Pathways
• Andrea Lombardi, CVT, MSPCA, Angell at Nashoba
• Lisa Shoebridge, RVT, Burnhamthorpe Animal Hospital

“In thinking about the veterinary technicians in my own practice, I can’t say thank you enough for the hard work and dedication to each pet and family they help. I would not be able to operate my hospital without the help of these talented individuals. I’m glad that AAHA is able to make this award available and thank Zoetis for their generous support,” concluded P. Adam Hechko, DVM, North Royalton Animal Hospital and immediate past president, AAHA board of directors.

This award was sponsored by Zoetis.

References

1. AAHA announces winner of inaugural Veterinary Technician of the Year Award. News release. American Animal Hospital Association. November 7, 2022. Accessed November 8, 2022.
2. Veterinary Technician of the Year Award. News release. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed November 8, 2022. https://www.aaha.org/vtoy?utm_source=aahaemail&utm_medium=aaha_press_release&utm_campaign=vtoy&utm_id=awards