The American Animal Hospital Association on Feb. 19 became the first organization to receive the Pioneer Professionals Award from VetPartners, the association of consultants who serve companion animal veterinarians.

With its focus on accreditation and practice management, AAHA has supported key initiatives that have contributed to the development of the veterinary profession and was instrumental in the founding of the VetPartners organization, said Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA.

Weinstein and Richard Goebel, DVM, presented the award to Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, executive director of AAHA, and John Albers, DVM, former AAHA executive director and currently a member of VetPartners.

The Pioneer Professional Award is presented for service to the profession of consulting or advising veterinary medical practices. Previous honorees include John (Jack) Judy, DVM, PhD; MaryBeth Leininger, DVM; and Roger Cummings, CVPM. The award was presented at the VetPartners annual meeting in Las Vegas.

"This is truly an honor. What a wonderful association we’ve had with you," Cavanaugh said in accepting the award.

In coming years, the greatest challenge for both AAHA and VetPartners will be to help veterinarians stay in step with rapid, ongoing, global change.

"Clearly, we’ve got tough things to deal with, but wonderful opportunities at the same time," Cavanaugh said. "There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll be able to come out on top and that veterinary medicine will remain a wonderful career.

"I promise to uphold the great things that have been happening and continue with some wonderful, innovative things that you’ll be seeing in the next year," he said.