AAHA announces Veterinary Technician of the Year

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Veterinary technician content is sponsored by Elanco for the month of October.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) shared that the winner of its Veterinary Technician of the Year award is Susan Herbet, RVT, from Chestermere Veterinary Clinic in Alberta, Canada. The award is presented to a veterinary technician as is presented to a technician as a tribute to the contributions that these veterinary professionals make to the lives of patients.

According to an organizational release,¹ Herbet is commended for her applying her vast knowledge toward creating a peaceful environment for patients as well as her gentle handling skills. She is known for providing first-class care and has become a mentor and a teacher. For winning Veterinary Technician of the Year, Herbet will receive a personalized trophy, admission to AAHA CON 2024 located in Washington, DC, $750, a special lapel pin to wear at her clinic, and more.

“Susan's role as a mentor is truly extraordinary. She invests time and energy into nurturing the next generation of veterinary professionals, generously imparting her knowledge and offering guidance to young veterinary technicians and aspiring veterinarians,” said Angela Meyer, the clinic administrator at Susan’s hospital.¹ “Susan's mentorship extends to pet owners and empowers them to become knowledgeable and responsible caregivers.”

The AAHA shared 3 finalists who each received a plaque, complimentary registration to AAHA Con 2024, and more. The honored runners-up are:

• Meagan Hembrough, LVT, from West Loop Animal Hospital located in Longview, Texas
• Meika Valazquez, CVT, from Black Canyon Veterinary Clinic in Montrose, Colorado
• Nicole Van Sant, LVT, VTS-ECC from Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford, Connecticut.

To qualify for the award, any technician can be entered if they have worked at least 90 days within the practice that submitted the nomination and who are working for the practice. Once you win you are no longer eligible to be entered for the following year's award.²

This award was made possible with the support of Zoetis.

Reference

1. Spotlight of Excellence: AAHA Names Veterinary Technician of the Year. News release. American Animal Hospital Association. October 19, 2023. Accessed October 19, 2023.
2. Veterinary Technician of the Year award. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.aaha.org/about-aaha/awards/veterinary-technician-of-the-year-award/