Three veterinarians portrait images
From left to right: Dr. John Campbell, Dr. Jordan Woodsworth and Dr. Barbara Ambros.

WCVM veterinarians and alumni earn national honours

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has recognized three veterinarians from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) for their exceptional achievements in improving health care for livestock and companion animals in Canada.

By WCVM Today

The awards were presented during the CVMA’s 75th annual convention, which took place from July 6 to 9 in Quebec City, Que.

The WCVM award recipients include a veterinary advocate for beef cattle health care, an animal health champion for remote veterinary services, and a veterinary anesthesiologist whose work has led to advances in small animal medicine and veterinary practice. 

  • Dr. John Campbell, a WCVM professor and researcher, was awarded the 2023 CVMA Merck Veterinary Award for his decades of cattle work that has led to overall improvements of the bovine industry. His work has particularly enhanced beef cattle production medicine and disease surveillance in beef cattle. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, this award honours a veterinarian whose work has significantly contributed to the advancement of food animal medicine and surgery — including herd health management.

  • Dr. Jordan Woodsworth, a WCVM clinical associate, PhD candidate and program lead for the WCVM’s Northern Engagement and Community Outreach program, was the 2023 recipient of the CVMA Humane Award for her dedication to animal welfare in Canada. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, this award recognizes leadership in the care and well-being of animals.

  • Dr. Barbara Ambros, a professor and board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist at the WCVM, received the 2023 Small Animal Practitioner Award in recognition of her contributions to small animal medicine and small animal practice. This award, sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, is presented to a CVMA member whose work in small animal practice, clinical research or basic sciences has significantly contributed to the advancement of small animal medicine, surgery or small animal practice management.

Additionally, two WCVM alumni earned honours during the CVMA awards evening:

  • Dr. Darrell Dalton, a 1980 WCVM graduate, received the 2023 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) President’s Award for his long and dedicated service to the association and his tireless contributions to the veterinary profession. The CVMA President's Award recognizes an individual member for their exceptional contributions and devotion to the association.

  • Dr. Rob Ashburner, who graduated from the WCVM in 1984, was the 2023 recipient of the CVMA Distinguished Member Award in honour of his significant contributions to the national veterinary profession. This award is annually presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA council, executive, boards and committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

More than 600 veterinary professionals attended the CVMA’s annual convention — Canada’s only national multi-species convention. As part of the conference, participants explored issues and challenges pertaining to the workforce shortage in veterinary medicine through the CVMA Summit titled “Evolution of veterinary practice in a disrupted and demanding world.”

Invited veterinary experts examined veterinary medicine as it emerges through a global pandemic while facing a global workforce shortage, creating new internal and external demands on veterinary teams.

Visit the CVMA website to view news releases.