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!