FVMA 2020 AWARD HONOREES DR. JEFFREY S. GODWIN – DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD We were honored to present this year’s Distinguished Service Award to FVMA past president Dr. Jeffrey S. Godwin. This award goes to members with exceptional achievements in, and who have contributed to, the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession. Dr. Godwin has been an active member of the FVMA for 40 years and served as president of the Brevard County VMA and the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. Dr. Godwin continues to keep the local veterinary community informed about business regulation changes that affect veterinary practices. In the community, Dr. Godwin has served as president of the Melbourne Rotary Club and as Chairman of the Board of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active member of the Leadership Team at Grace Church in Melbourne, Florida.
DR. JULIO A. IBÁÑEZ – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT One of two Lifetime Achievement Awards bestowed in 2020 went to Dr. Julio A. Ibáñez. This award is given to senior, practicing or retired, FVMA members who have made outstanding contributions to the association and to veterinary medicine. Dr. Ibáñez has been a small animal practitioner serving his community in Miami for 40 years. He is well known in the South Florida area for his long-standing and passionate dedication to the profession. He served on the executive board of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association from 2000-2012 and as president from 2003-2005. From 2003-2005, he was also president of the Miami Veterinary Foundation, which provides sterilization services and veterinary care to thousands of pets each year in under-served communities. In addition to these notable roles, Dr. Ibáñez has volunteered with non-profits like The Cat Network and Adopt-A-Pet. He is a true hero to the animals and the people who care for them. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, he was instrumental in coordinating relief efforts for pets in need. Dr. Ibáñez recently retired after many prestigious and hardworking years, and the FVMA thanks him for his everlasting contributions to veterinary medicine and our profession.
DR. DAVID T. WISE – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT A long-standing member of the FVMA, Dr. Wise has served in companion animal medicine and surgery as a distinguished veterinarian, practice owner and mentor for more than 40 years in Miami. He has greatly influenced the quality of small animal care and pioneered progressive and quality orthopedic and spinal surgical procedures in private practice for decades. Dr. Wise’s most impressive quality is his practice philosophy and pursuit of veterinary excellence in small animal medicine and surgery over many years. Dr. Wise established Knowles Animal Clinic in Miami, a 24-hour state-of-the-art practice, incorporating both a quality day practice with routine and advanced surgery and an emergency/critical care facility. He has inspired many to pursue both excellence and accountability in the veterinary profession. His mentorship has resulted in the graduation of approximately 120 young people, after Dr. Wise endorsed them for entrance into the veterinary profession. The FVMA is proud to honor Dr. Wise with this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
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