Nevada practice owner wins 2023 AVMA Advocacy Award

Photo courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Former American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President James Nave, DVM, has been named the winner of the 2023 AVMA Advocacy Award. Since 2008, the award has recognized individuals for their contributions to advancing the organization's legislative agenda and for advocating on behalf of the veterinary profession.¹

"Dr Nave's dedication to veterinary medicine and his tireless advocacy efforts truly embody the spirit of the AVMA Advocacy Award," said Lori Teller, DVM, DABVP (canine/feline), CVJ, president of the AVMA, in an organizational release. "His significant contributions over the years have left an indelible mark on the profession, and we are thrilled to honor him with this award."¹

Nave graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1968. Prior to becoming a veterinary medicine leader, he served in the US Army, stationed in Vietnam. His outstanding service earned him the Bronze Star, according to the AVMA.¹

As a veterinarian, Nave opened the Tropicana Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1974. He has since grown his business, the Nave Veterinary Group, to more than 20 veterinary hospitals in Southern Nevada that are buoyed be a long-standing mentoring program for young doctors.²

Through veterinary practice, Nave recognized the importance of building relationships and engaging with lawmakers to influence policies that impact the veterinary profession, and he is an advocate on behalf of the profession and the animals under veterinarians’ care, according to the AVMA. Since its inception, Nave has also been an ardent supporter of the AVMA Political Action Committee, raising more than $100,000 in support of the AVMA’s federal lobbying efforts, according to the organization. He has also been instrumental in enhancing the AVMA’s global advocacy efforts through the AVMA Federation of Veterinarians of Europe. Nave’s advocacy work has helped the development of multiple joint position statements on topics such as animal welfare, veterinary education, One Health, and antimicrobial use and resistance.¹

In addition to the AVMA Advocacy Award, Nave was previously recognized by the AVMA with the AVMA President’s Award (2003), the AVMA Award (2009), and the AVMA Global Veterinary Service Award (2022).¹ A life member of the University of Missouri's Mizzou Alumni Association (MAA), Nave was also named the 1987 Alumnus of the Year by the College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, he received the MAA’s Faculty Alumni Award in 2001.³

References

1. Dr James Nave named recipient of 2023 AVMA Advocacy Award. News release. July 14, 2023. Accessed July 14, 2023. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/dr-james-nave-named-recipient-2023-avma-advocacy-award
2. About us: meet our executive team. Nave Veterinary Group. Accessed July 14, 2023. https://navegrouplv.com/about-us/
3. James E Nave, BS AG ’66, DVM ’68. Mizzou Alumni Association. Accessed July 14, 2023. https://www.mizzou.com/s/1002/alumni/19/interior.aspx?sid=1002&gid=1001&pgid=13426&sitebuilder=1&contentbuilder=1