Alberta Veterinarian Honoured for Dedicating Entire Career to Canadian Livestock Industry
Alberta Veterinarian Honoured for Dedicating Entire Career to Canadian Livestock Industry
Press release: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, July 6, 2018
Vancouver, B.C. – Dr. Kathleen Parker was awarded the 2018
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Merck Veterinary
Award for dedicating her entire career to contributing to the
Canadian livestock industry, including poultry, swine, beef, and
more recently, small ruminants.
After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine
(WCVM) in 1981, Dr. Parker established a mixed animal practice in
central Alberta. The large animal ambulatory service has evolved
into a comprehensive mixed animal practice today at a clinic in
Three Hills, Alta. where she also runs a purebred Suffolk Sheep
Farm with her husband.
Her dedication and passion for the improvement of animal health has
been demonstrated through her lifetime commitment to her own
practice, as well the various positions she has held within small
ruminant organizations and her involvement with industry
events.
Dr. Parker remains a valued keynote speaker at symposiums,
workshops, and conferences across Canada. She strives to encompass
the overall scope of the animal health industry by empowering
producers, students, and clients to learn and understand the
purpose and benefit of livestock welfare. She is a veterinarian
that teaches those around her because it is her belief that
knowledge is power.
“She has devoted countless hours to producer meetings, continuing
education events for producers and veterinarians alike, and has sat
on numerous boards and advisory committees,” says Dr. Leisa
Floreani, veterinarian at the Fairview Veterinary Clinic Ltd.
“Furthermore, she has also mentored dozens of veterinary students
from both the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary. The
value of her tireless efforts towards developing young
veterinarians cannot be overstated.”
One of her biggest contributions to the health of small ruminants
in western Canada was securing the funding and authors to develop
the various modules that make up the Flock Health Manuals available
through the Alberta Lamb Producers website
(http://ablamb.ca/index.php/resources/flock-health-management/sheep-health-resources).
The Merck Veterinary Award, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, is
presented to a veterinarian whose work in large animal practice,
clinical research, or basic sciences is judged to have contributed
significantly to the advancement of large animal medicine and
surgery, including herd health management.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about CVMA.
Congratulations to Dr. Parker from Alberta Lamb Producers on
receiving this prestigious award!
