AVMA calls for Bustad nominations

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — The American Veterinary Medical Association seeks nominations for the 2008 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award.

The deadline for entries is March 3.

The award recognizes outstanding work in increasing understanding of, preserving and protecting human-animal health relationships, the kind of work for which the late Dr. Leo K. Bustad was known.

Nominees must be a graduate veterinarian, AVMA member and demonstrate accomplishments in at least one of the following areas: practice, community service, teaching or research.

The winner, to be announced during the AVMA annual convention in July, will receive $10,000, half of which will go to the veterinary school or nonprofit human-animal bond program of the recipient's choice. AVMA co-sponsors the award with the Delta Society and Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Anyone can nominate an eligible veterinarian by submitting a completed nomination form, detailed letter describing how the veterinarian has met the award's criteria, letters of support, a copy of the nominee's resume or curriculum vitae and two color photographs suitable for publication. A six-judge panel will evaluate the entries.

Mail complete nomination materials to:

Bustad Award Committee

AVMA Animal Welfare Division

1931 North Meacham Rd., Suite 100