For Immediate Release – January 30, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Each year during the Oklahoma Veterinary Conference hosted by the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) deserving individuals are honored for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. Nominated by their peers and voted on by a committee awards, are given in the following categories: Corporate Industry Representative Award, OVMA Volunteer of the Year and Veterinarian of the Year.
The Corporate Industry Representative Award was established to honor an individual who is consistently providing exceptional service to Oklahoma veterinarians and promoting the profession through liaisons with the OVMA and veterinarians. The 2020 award went to Laurel Klotz, from Newcastle, OK. Laurel is employed with Midwest Veterinary Supply (MVS) and has been involved with the veterinary industry for over 16 years. She started her path in the industry by working as a veterinary assistant during nursing school and during her time as an assistant she found her true calling. After graduation Laurel worked as a registered veterinary technician (RVT) and practice manager for nearly 12 years.
Klotz joined the Midwest family five years ago and, in that time, she has successfully partnered with and managed equine exclusive, mixed animal, food animal, and companion animal accounts. In 2015 she was honored with the “OSR Rookie of the Year” award but she didn’t stop there. In 2017 she won the MVS Presidents Club award and in 2017 and 2018 she earned the MVS Dennis MacDaddy McFarland Equine Top Sale Award for her region. She also sits on the advisory board for Murray State Colleges’ Veterinary Technology Program, is a member of Oklahoma’s Network for Veterinary Practice managers, and most recently was asked to join an advisory board with local equine veterinarians as they team up to start an initiative that will elevate the experience veterinary students receive when networking for internships, post-graduation job placement, and enhancing their skill sets.
Earning the honors of OVMA Volunteer of the Year was Dr. Gary Stone, from Chandler, OK. This award honors an OVMA member who has shown outstanding contributions to the OVMA by actively serving in a leadership capacity and by supporting and advancing organized veterinary medicine, increasing public awareness through their works or actions, and is also active in their community. Dr. Stone has been an outstanding example of that in his many years of general veterinary practice where he cared for both large and small animal clients. But his dedication to the profession doesn’t end there, throughout all his work he has led by example for younger practitioners and those who have ever met him know his interest and promotion of veterinary medicine is a role he takes very seriously.
In recent years he has directed his efforts to serving the people of Oklahoma as a staff veterinarian at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. However, it is his untiring efforts with the OVMA’s most visible public relations effort, the Oklahoma City State Fair and the Tulsa State Fair, that made Dr. Stone a clear choice for this award. He has spent countless hours preparing for the live animal exhibits to be delivered and ensure they are cared for both nutritionally and medically while they are at the exhibits. It hasn’t been uncommon for him to spend the entire night at the exhibit to assist and facilitate in the delivery of healthy newborn sheep, goats, and pigs and it always done with a smile. Dr. Stone has been an active member in OVMA and has served on the Board of Directors for two terms and on several committees.
The Veterinarian of the Year Award honors an OVMA member who has contributed to the advancement of organized veterinary medicine on the local, state, regional, or national level. This honoree has demonstrated outstanding compassion and achievement in advancing the welfare of animals and contributed to community, practice, education, research, or regulatory services. The honor of 2020 OVMA Veterinarian of the Year was awarded to Dr. Rosemarie Strong.
Dr. Strong, from Oklahoma City, OK, graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU CVM) in 1989 and has practiced small animal medicine at Memorial Road Pet Hospital for the past 23 years. During this time, she has also served in many high-profile capacities such as American Veterinary Medical Association delegate, OVMA Treasurer, and OKC District Director. She currently serves on the OSU-OKC Veterinary Technician Board and the OSU CVM Board.
Known for the enthusiasm and leadership she brings to all her community service projects, from church groups to volunteering at her kids’ school while they were growing up, to her current involvement with the Mabel Bassett Prison Dog Program, Dr. Strong has proven time and time again she has no problem stepping in and helping where she is needed especially in the world of veterinarian medicine. Her talents and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed and Dr. Strong has acquired numerous accolades throughout her time in college and her career. During her time in college she won numerous awards such as Who’s Who in College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Veterinary Medicine Leadership Award. After college she received the OVMA President’s Award from Dr. Larry Woods, and the OVMA Companion Animal Practitioner Award.
The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association is a professional trade organization for veterinarians dedicated to advancing the art and science of veterinary medicine, promoting high educational and ethical standards within the veterinary medical profession, promoting the health and welfare of the livestock industry of Oklahoma and protect and improve the health of all animals, and educating the public concerning animal health and its relationship to human health. To learn more about the association click here.