AAHA presents 2007 awards

DENVER, CO. — The American Animal Hospital Association presented its 2007 awards, recognizing individuals for their outstanding service to the veterinary industry, at the annual conference in Denver.

AAHA Practitioner of the Year, the association's highest honor for outstanding contributions to the profession and community, was awarded to Link Welborn, DVM. Owning four AAHA-accredited veterinary hospitals in Tampa, Fla., Welborn has been involved with AAHA since 1992 and is a former AAHA president and board member.

"Through his steady determination, professional involvement and excellent leadership skills, Dr. Welborn has had a tremendous impact on the quality of small animal veterinary care. His drive has improved the lives of millions of animals," says Daniel Aja, AAHA past president, with Dennis Feinberg, also a past president, during their joint presentation of the award.

Virginia DVM Leslie Brown received the inaugural AAHA Leadership Award, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, that recognizes an association member who has graduated from veterinary school within the past five years and demonstrates commitment and leadership in the veterinary profession through excellence in clinical skills, compassion, client care and community outreach.

Having received her degree from the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine, Brown is chief of staff at Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic in Waynesboro, Va., and has participated in several international veterinary missions, including travel to Ecuador, Africa and Bangladesh. She played a pivotal role in the clinic's AAHA re-accreditation last year.

The Hill's Animal Welfare and Human Ethics Award was presented to Peter Theran, DVM, because of his success in advancing animal welfare through extraordinary service and furthering humane principles, education and understanding. Known for his work promoting the health and welfare of companion animals, Theran, vice president of animal science at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has authored numerous publications and participates in many lectures, panel discussions and clinical seminars on the topic.