Lakewood, Colo. (November 7, 2022) – LAKEWOOD, COLORADO —The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) named Nicole Jameson-Fritz, RVT, VTS (ECC) as the association’s first Veterinary Technician of the Year Award winner, which celebrates the outstanding work technicians do every day in their practices.

Jameson-Fritz of Canada West Veterinary Specialists was nominated for her “overriding concern and responsibility for her patients” as well as her problem solving and troubleshooting abilities.

“Not only is she devoted to her craft, but she has also been a leader, teacher and role model for all our technical staff at every level,” said Alan B. Kuzma, DVM, DVSc, DACVS, surgeon with Canada West Veterinary Specialists.

The finalists are:
Michelle Frank, CVT, Caring Pathways, Berthoud, Colorado
Andrea Lombardi, CVT, MSPCA Angell at Nashoba, Westford, Massachusetts
Lisa Shoebridge, RVT, Burnhamthorpe Animal Hospital, Mississauga, Ontario

The award was created to acknowledge the vital role that veterinary technicians play on veterinary teams. When practices allow credentialed technicians to fully apply their skills, they can increase patient care, improve the client experience, and allow doctors to spend more time with patients. AAHA’s latest research shows that fully engaging your technicians also improves job satisfaction.

“In thinking about the veterinary technicians in my own practice, I can’t say thank you enough for the hard work and dedication to each pet and family they help. I would not be able to operate my hospital without the help of these talented individuals. I’m glad that AAHA is able to make this award available and thank Zoetis for their generous support.” P. Adam Hechko, DVM, North Royalton Animal Hospital and Immediate Past President, AAHA Board of Directors.

The Veterinary Technician of the Year award was made possible by the generous support of Zoetis.

To be eligible for the award, the nominee must be a credentialed veterinary technician from a veterinary practice who has worked at least ninety days with the practice and who is currently still working for that practice.

The winner will receive a cash prize, a commemorative plaque, lapel pin, and much more. Visit aaha.org/vtoy to learn more.

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About AAHA
Since 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association has been the only organization to accredit veterinary hospitals throughout the United States and Canada based on standards directly correlated to high-quality medicine and compassionate care. Accreditation in veterinary medicine is voluntary. The AAHA-accredited logo is the best way to know if a practice has been evaluated by a third party. Look for the AAHA logo or visit the accredited hospital locator on aaha.org.