MVMA Awards

Veterinarian of the Year – Dr. Stephen Levine

The Veterinarian of the Year award is given to a member who has given much to the veterinary profession as well as to their community – a well-rounded member who is outstanding in the veterinary profession.

This year Dr. Stephen Levine was selected to receive this award. Dr. Levine is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and owner of Veterinary Surgical Specialists. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and he attended the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded his DVM there in 1979. He has taught surgery at the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine and is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. His particular interests in small animal surgery are joint reconstruction and fracture repair. Although his practice is based in Inver Grove Heights, he and his associates continue to travel to other veterinary clinics to perform a variety of surgeries. The goal of his practice is to make surgical care attainable to as many patients as possible.

Congratulations Dr. Levine as the MVMA Veterinarian of the Year!

Outstanding Faculty Award – Dr. Ralph Farnsworth

The Outstanding Faculty Award is given to a University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member who has provided outstanding service to Minnesota veterinarians; who give of their time and talent to the veterinary profession, and are dedicated contributors to organized veterinary medicine.

Award recipient, Dr. Farnsworth, is a lifetime Minnesota Veterinary Medicine Association member who has served the profession as a University of Minnesota faculty member for over 40 years.  Dr. Farnsworth supported Minnesota’s dairy industry as an extension veterinarian and supervisor of the mastitis and udder health lab.  Dr. Farnsworth developed many ground breaking improvements for diagnosing and controlling mastitis during his career.  Dr. Farnsworth also became a pioneer in zoo medicine serving as principle veterinarian for the Como Zoo for 30 years.

Dr. Farnsworth has been involved in many continuing education programs for veterinarians on mastitis control and he has also participated in hundreds of extension programs for dairy farmers.  Dr. Farnsworth has participated in almost every phase of teaching, including classroom teaching, laboratory sessions and clinical teaching through field service work at the Como Zoo and on dairy farms.  Dr. Farnsworth has also conducted extensive research into the causes of mastitis and udder lesions, as well as the development of diagnostic techniques for herd level evaluation for mastitis in dairy herds. 

Congratulations Dr. Farnsworth as the Outstanding Faculty Award Recipient!

Outstanding Industry Representative Award – Brad Christensen

The Outstanding Industry Representative Award is given to an individual who has consistently exhibited service to veterinarians or the MVMA, and have promoted the profession through liaisons with the  MVMA, veterinarians, and the profession in general.

This award was given to Brad Christensen.   Brad recently celebrated his 35^th year with Midwest Veterinary Supply (MVS).  During this time Brad has been an excellent employee, consistent performer,  and has won many awards and honors from MVS and the companies MVS represents . Brad has developed close personal relationships with many veterinarians over the years.

Brad was instrumental in the founding and operating the annual MVS golf outing held each summer at the New Prague Country Club for nearly 20 years. It was great summer event that  attracted veterinarians from all over the state.  Looking back, this event may have set the stage for future events such as the MVMA Foundation’s Annual Golf Classic . 

The MVMA also hosted a summer CE event in Northern Minnesota for about 25 years in which Brad and MVS provided a great deal of time and support.

Brad has attended every  MVMA State Convention since 1982, as an exhibitor for MVS and a supporter of our foundation events by providing items for the silent auction.

Congratulations Brad Christensen as the Outstanding Industry Representative Award Recipient!

Veterinary Service Award – Dr. Charles Gehrman

The Veterinary Service Award is given to individuals who have promoted the veterinary profession and the well-being of animals, yet not required to be veterinarians.

The Veterinary Service Award was given to Dr. Charles Gehrman.  In addition to being a dedicated veterinarian to his clients in the western part of the Twin Cities, Dr. Gehrman has been a mentor to many pre-veterinary and veterinary students over the years.  He has endeared himself with students before and after they enter graduate school in veterinary medicine.  He has offered Gehrman Animal Hospital as a place and opportunity for young students to observe, shadow and sometimes even find a part-time position at his veterinary clinic in order for students to learn more about veterinary medicine and practice life.

Congratulations Dr. Gehrman as the Veterinary Service Award Recipients!

Distinguished Service Award – Sen. Steve Dille

The Distinguished Service Award is given to a member who has given special service to the profession of veterinary medicine, improving the profession as a result of their service.

This year the award was presented to Sen. Steve Dille.  Sen. Dille has served in the legislature since 1986.  He is a graduate of the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine and he has a farm in Meeker County.  He is a tireless supporter of animal agriculture and veterinary medicine.  He has been instrumental in introducing, managing, amending or controlling nearly every piece of legislation affecting veterinarians.  He currently sits as the ranking minority member of the Agriculture and Veterans Committee.  He is well-respected in the legislature by both Republicans and Democrats.

Congratulations Sen. Dille as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient!

President’s Award – Dr. John King, Jr.

The current MVMA president can choose an individual that he feels has contributed significantly to the veterinary profession, MVMA, and for promoting the human-animal bond, animal health and welfare or public health.

Dr. King was selected to receive this award by President Hershey.  He received his DVM in 1989 from the University of Minnesota.  From 1989-90 he participated in an internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada.  Dr. King was owner and associate veterinarian of LeSueur Veterinary Services in LeSueur, MN from 1990-2002.  In 2002, he was selected to be the Executive Director of the Board of Veterinary Medicine where he continues to serve.  In addition, Dr. King owns Veterinary Ventures, PLLC, an ambulatory, primarily equine veterinary practice.

Congratulations Dr. King in receiving the President’s Award!