The American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) held its annual diplomate meeting virtually on July 26, 2025, bringing together leaders, practitioners, and new diplomates dedicated to advancing veterinary preventive medicine. The meeting highlighted exceptional contributions in the field, recognized outstanding professionals, and welcomed a new class of diplomates.
Awards and Recognitions
Helwig-Jennings Award
Dr. Richard E. Hill Jr. (Michigan State ’83), Loudon, Tennessee, received the Helwig-Jennings Award for his outstanding and prolonged service to the ACVPM. Dr. Hill’s 30-year career with the USDA included roles as executive director for veterinary services at the National Import and Export Services, field veterinary medical officer, director of the Center for Veterinary Biologics, and manager of the quality assurance program at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. He also served as a past chair of the AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, a member of the AVMA Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee, and a past president of ACVPM.
Distinguished Diplomate Award
Two leaders in veterinary preventive medicine were honored for their significant contributions:
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Dr. Sarah Hamer (Michigan State ’11), College Station, Texas, is a professor of epidemiology, the Richard Schubot endowed chair, and director of Texas A&M University’s Schubot Center for Avian Health. She is recognized for advancing public health, One Health initiatives, and veterinary education.
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Dr. Donald Noah (Ohio State ’85), Tazewell, Tennessee, serves as a professor of public health and epidemiology and assistant dean for One Health at Lincoln Memorial University’s Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Noah’s 37-year career includes active duty in the U.S. Air Force and senior leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense. He is a graduate of Harvard’s National Preparedness Leadership Institute and the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service.
Welcoming New Diplomates
The ACVPM welcomed a distinguished group of new diplomates representing diverse regions and specialties in veterinary preventive medicine. Some of the newly certified diplomates include:
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Cherissa Abdul Hamid, Lubbock, Texas
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Alexandra Apgar-Arpin, Kyle, Texas
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Richard Blair, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
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Michelle Blake, Austin, Texas
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Desiree Boso, Madrid, New York
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Andres Alejandro Castro Cortes, Traverse City, Michigan
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Casey Cazer, Dryden, New York City
(The full list includes over 50 professionals dedicated to advancing preventive medicine.)
ACVPM Leadership
The meeting also highlighted the current leadership guiding the organization:
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Dr. Kristen Voehl, Milton, Massachusetts, President
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Dr. Matthew Doyle, College Park, Maryland, President-Elect
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Dr. Thomas Doker, Aiken, South Carolina, Treasurer
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Dr. Barbara L. Jones, Durham, New Hampshire, Immediate Past President
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Dr. Sean Altekruse, Bethesda, Maryland, President of the Specialty in Epidemiology
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Dr. Thomas Berg, Richland, Michigan, Executive Vice President
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Dr. Erik Torring, Boerne, Texas, Senior Vice President
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Dr. Suzanne R. Todd, Erie, Pennsylvania, AVMA Veterinary Specialty Organizations Committee Representative
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Dr. Stephen Cassle, Humacao, Puerto Rico, Operations Director
Councilors include Drs. Evelyn Crish, Linda Pimentel, and Scott Willens.
The ACVPM’s virtual annual meeting served as a vital platform to celebrate achievements, share expertise, and support the ongoing mission of improving public and animal health through preventive veterinary medicine.
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