2019 SCAV Awards

Five Receive Awards at the SCAV Annual Conference

COLUMBIA, SC—The South Carolina Association of Veterinarians (SCAV) has recognized five individuals for their sterling work in the veterinary field. The awards in five categories were presented at a banquet recently held at the SCAV Annual Conference on the Isle of Palms.

Dr. Mary Keisler of Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital in Lexington was named the South Carolina Veterinarian of the Year. This award is presented to the veterinarian who has served SCAV, the community and their fellow veterinarians in such a way as to exemplify the highest ideals of the profession. Dr Keisler’s favorite area of medicine is dermatology which means she often gets to handle the most difficult cases or be asked to give an opinion on a case the rest of us may be seeing, said a colleague.

Dr. Boyd Parr is the 2019 South Carolina Distinguished Veterinarian of the Year. This award is presented to someone who has served the veterinary profession during the years of their practice. Dr. Parr, who is the State Veterinarian and Director at Clemson Livestock Poultry Health has an extensive list of accomplishments and service to organized veterinary medicine.

Kathyrn “Katie” Bailey was named the 2019 South Carolina Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year. This award is presented to someone who has made outstanding contributions as a professional in the past year. Katie, who works at the South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care (SCVSEC) has been described as an amazing example to staff through her dedication, passion, skill level, efficiency and integrity.
Amie Brunagan received the 2019 South Carolina Veterinary Hospital Employee of the Year award. This award is presented to a veterinary clinic employee who has made outstanding contributions of service as an employee of a veterinary clinic who is not licensed in South Carolina as a veterinary technician or as a veterinarian. Amie has been an employee at SCVSEC for 15 years and commended for being skilled in every aspect of the hospital from emergency to internal medicine, procedures, anesthesia, protocols and so much more.

Kelli Howell was named the 2019 South Carolina Humanitarian of the Year. This award is presented to a veterinarian or non-veterinarian who has been responsible for exemplary contributions to the health and welfare of animals. A little over seven years ago, Kelli felt moved to begin her own German shepherd rescue efforts in our state and for the past four years has run South Carolina German Shepherd Rescue as an official 5013c organization based out of her home. To date, Kelli and her group have placed over 1500 German Shepherds and GSD crosses in new homes.

The South Carolina Association of Veterinarians (SCAV), established in 1911, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 715 veterinarian members. The Association strives to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine by providing opportunities for professional education and development and by enhancing the relationships between veterinarians, agriculture, pet owners, government and the public at large; and to protect the public health by promoting proper involvement in human and animal health care by the veterinary profession. For additional information about SCAV, visit www.scav.org.


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