By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director UF Professor Dr. Paul Gibbs Distinguished Service Award Dr. Paul Gibbs, B.V.Sc., Ph.D. of Gainesville has been awarded the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Distin‑ guished Service Award at the FVMA’s 83rd Annual Conference held May 4-6 in Tampa. The award is presented for exceptional achievements and contributions by a member toward the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession. It is reserved as a very special honor and is not given every year. Dr. Gibbs, a veteri‑ narian and virologist in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of infectious diseases and pathology, was associate dean for students and instruction at the college. Dr. Gibbs has served as a member of UF’s veterinary faculty since 1979, when he became a founding member. He has been a full professor in the college since 1981 and also holds joint appointments with the College of Medicine’s Depart‑ ment of Molecular Genetics and Microbi‑ ology as well as with the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Depart‑ ment of Environmental and Global health. He was instrumental in the establish‑ ment of a joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Masters of Public Health degree program offered by the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and PHHP in 2007. Between five and 10 freshmen enroll in this program every year. Dr. Gibbs is previous past chairman of the college’s curriculum committee and works with state and other govern‑ mental agencies to aid in the identifica‑ tion of foreign animal diseases, a subject for which he has developed an online continuing education course for Florida veterinarians. Dr. Gibbs also has developed a course in International Animal Health aimed at
veterinarians practicing in the developing world. In addition, he has helped Florida middle and high school students learn more about emerging diseases by part‑ nering with science teachers throughout the state to provide them with training tools on emerging diseases. From 1994-1999, Gibbs directed UF’s International Center, serving as the university’s chief international officer. As a virologist, his career focused on the international control and eradication of emerging viral diseases having epidemic potential. Dr. Gibbs retired from UFCVM in the spring. Dr. Henry F. Richter Presidents Award Dr. Henry F. Richter was pre‑ sented the President’s Award given in special recognition to honor his dedication and service to the veterinary profession and to his community. His award was presented by FVMA President Dr. James Kanzler and the FVMA Executive Board. A Floridian now retired and residing with his wife, Sue, on their farm in West Virginia, Dr. Richter was Dr. Kanzler’s mentor when Kanzler first began practic‑ ing veterinary medicine. “Hardworking, innovative and honest, he served his clients and patients well,” said Dr. Kanzler. “A consummate practi‑ tioner, he provided excellent care for all creatures. His guidance was invaluable and his enthusiasm for veterinary medi‑ cine was contagious. He mentored many young veterinarians.” Dr. Richter, a graduate of Auburn Uni‑ versity College of Veterinary Medicine, completed his preceptorship in Eau Gallie (Melbourne) FL and purchased his own practice in Palmetto on the Gulf Coast. “Without his support and encourage‑ ment, I would never have become a veter‑ inarian,” said Dr. Kanzler. “His guidance
was invaluable and his enthusiasm for veterinary medicine was contagious. For me, a day never goes by without being reminded of something I learned from Hank. Whether it is a surgical technique or providing compassion to my patients and clients, his advice and example still impact my practice. He was a blessing to me and is a credit to our profession.” Chelsea Bowman: CVT of the Year Chelsea Bowman, CVT, of the DeSoto Animal Hospital in Bradenton, was named the 2012 Certified Veterinary Technician of the Year. That award is given in recog‑ nition of the outstanding contributions made by a CVT to the overall success of the veterinary practice operated or staffed by an FVMA member veterinarian. Ms. Bowman has been at CVT in the practice of Dr. James Kanzler since 1997, earning her degree at the St. Petersburg College. “Calm under pressure, she has the ability to calm and control the most frac‑ tious of cats,” said Dr. Kanzler. “She is an excellent technician and her techni‑ cal skills are without peer. But her most important attributes are her attention to detail and organizational mindset.” Due to her efforts, inspectors are always impressed with our drug logs, radiography records and OSHA compli‑ ance, said Dr. Kanzler. She is responsible for ordering all of the pharmaceuticals and supplies, maintains a good relation‑ ship with the distributors and pharma‑ ceutical representatives who call on our practice and she works hard to make sure we have everything we need to provide proper care to our patients. “Chelsea is proficient at client commu‑ nication and tries to make sure our clients are well informed and satisfied with our service,” said Dr. Kanzler. www.fvma.org | 17