American Humane announces veterinary professional award winners

American Humane, the first US humane organization, announced in an organizational release,¹ the winners of the 9th annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards, presented by Zoetis. Selected from a pool of more than 500 nominees and a combination of votes from the public and a blue-ribbon judging panel of veterinary professionals and animal care experts, Raquel Fagan, DVM, is the 2022 American Hero Veterinarian and Cheri Herschell, CVT, is the American Hero Veterinary Nurse.

(Photo courtesy of American Humane and Zoetis)

Raquel Fagan, DVM, has been the owner of Shamrock Animal Hospital in Mount Dora, Florida since 2016 after the original owners, Greg & Donna Shamrock, sold the practice to her. Fagan attended the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine class of 1993.² According to the release, Fagan and her team have pursued a simple mission: Do Great Work, Have Fun and Give Back.

Since 2019, Fagan has also served as the medical director for Patriot Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for veterans. By donating her time and resources, along with generous donations of products and services from veterinary industry partners, Fagan provides all vaccinations, heartworm prevention and spay/neuter services at no cost to PSD. PSD completes a significant portion of training in the largest women’s prison in Florida. The WOOF program allows incarcerated women to work with and train the dogs. On multiple occasions throughout the year, Fagan visits the prison to provide wellness exams and vaccinations for dogs that are in training. She also educates the inmate-trainers on a broad range of canine health topics and shares opportunities that they may have in the animal health field following their release.¹

(Photo courtesy of American Humane and Zoetis)

Cheri Herschell, CVT, is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and currently offers her contributions to Crisis Center North and its PAWS for Empowerment Program. According to the release, she trains CCN staff on appropriate interactions with working dogs and certifies the canine handler teams who work hands-on with clients in counseling and court work. Her medical expertise as a veterinary technician is invaluable in creating guidelines for the working dogs, ensuring they are both mentally and physically healthy. As a canine intervention specialist at CCN, Herschell attends magisterial court as a legal advocate with Canine Advocate, Rune. She also develops and offers presentations for veterinary staff and students about the intersectionality of human and animal abuse.¹

Herschell’s 15 years of experience working as a veterinary technician allow her to make a connection with a community which plays an invaluable role in keeping victims and their companion animals safe. She has reached more than 600 veterinary professionals with a tiered curriculum designed to help vets recognize their role as advocates in the fight against family violence.¹

“The world’s animals depend on veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and we are honored to recognize their achievements in saving lives, conducting groundbreaking research, and working on the front lines for the animals in their communities,” said Robin Ganzert, PhD, president and CEO of American Humane, in the release. “Dr. Fagan and Ms. Herschell are incredible animal welfare advocates, and we are thrilled to bestow upon them the title of 2022 American Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse. A special thanks to our friends at Zoetis for sponsoring this national campaign and helping us celebrate the humane heroes behind our hero pets.”¹

“Zoetis continues to find ways to support America’s dedicated veterinary community, and the American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards are our way of thanking these devoted individuals,” said Tara Bidgood, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, executive director of veterinary professional services & medical affairs for U.S. Petcare, Zoetis, in the release. “We are honored to recognize veterinarians and veterinary nurses who are leading the effort to keep animals, and the bond they share with their people, strong and healthy.”¹

Fagan and Herschel will be recognized at the American Humane Hero Dog Awards gala on November 11 in Palm Beach, Florida.

References

1. Heroes to America’s animals: Meet the winners of the 2022 American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards, presented by Zoetis. News release. American Humane. Published October 24, 2022. Accessed November 1, 2022.
2. Shamrock Animal Hospital. Accessed November 1, 2022. https://shamrockvets.com/about-shamrock