As a tech for more than 17 years, I can tell you being a part of a team that values technician input has been the secret to my career longevity. Most veterinary technicians stay in this field for only five to seven years!

I had two main mentors very early on: a veterinarian, Mark Fox, DVM, and a veterinary technician specialist, Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry), CVJ. They showed me that technicians are more than just animal holders and cage cleaners.

As veterinary technicians we play many important roles—from husbandry and diagnostics to client communication and critical nursing care. Being a part of a team where my mentors cared about my future, asked questions, and helped flourish my love of anesthesia made me into the technician I am today.

I am proud to be a veterinary technician, and, like this year’s AAHA Veterinary Technician of the Year nominees, I hope to inspire the next generation of amazing techs to go above and beyond to create even more opportunities for our profession.

I am proud to introduce the first ever AAHA Vet Tech of the Year and the amazing finalists below. Thank you to all my colleagues in the profession for all that you do!

2022 Winner: Nicole Jameson-Fritz, RVT, VTS (ECC)

Nicole Jameson-Fritz believes in leading by example to model a healthy culture. As a technician supervisor responsible for more than 50 other veterinary professionals, it’s her responsibility to set culture expectations and actively maintain them, which, she says, begins with a smile and genuine connection.

“I believe in leading by example, ensuring that I smile and say hello to those I see, showing genuine gratitude for assistance and the work that people perform, as well as being patient, kind, and supportive,” she wrote in her application. “I check in with my coworkers to see how they are managing, help where I can, and strive to demonstrate genuine care and concern for their well-being. I endeavor to be available for the team, to be a good listener for their professional needs and difficulties, and even for their personal challenges at times too.”

Nicole has been an RVT for more than 25 years, which she attributes to the resiliency and coping skills gained through her work in emergency and critical care medicine. However, she writes, “I do have to continually remind myself of the importance of ‘putting my oxygen mask on before assisting others,’ to be sure that I am able to perform at my best. There is significant value in being able to demonstrate and express the importance of self-care, as I believe self-care is something many caregivers, by nature, struggle with.”

She gives career presentations, helps facilitate summer internships, and runs the practicum rotations for veterinary technician students and recent graduates at her practice, giving them an “opportunity to experience specialty and emergency veterinary medicine in a supported and mentored program.”

Visit aaha.org/vtoy for more information on the nomination process and prizes.

2022 finalists

Congratulations to the other three finalists who are equally deserving of appreciation and acknowledgement. The finalists are listed alphabetically by last name, and the order does not indicate any rank or placement in the contest.

Michelle Frank, CVT

For Michelle Frank, CVT, one of the things that has created her long lasting love of veterinary medicine is her ability to be introspective and ask the right questions.

“I often stop to think, “Why did that co-worker do something that way?” Or maybe, “Why did they not do it that way?” It helps me better understand myself and my co-workers. I feel that it’s important for us all to remember that we are all human, capable of making mistakes, and capable of growth. Therefore, we need to look out for each other, support each other, find ways to build each other up rather than break each other down.

Michelle works for Caring Pathways, a mobile veterinary hospice provider. As the first technician hired by Caring Pathways for their hospice program, she feels lucky to have the freedom and trust to build and grow the position.

In her own words: “I have transitioned from working solely in emergency and specialized medicine (that has a large focus on technical knowledge and skills), to working in hospice, which requires a lot of emotional social skills. I have had to take all that I have learned from my previous jobs on what we medically can do and then focus on ‘what is best for this pet.’ I must take a step back and really listen to what the client and pet is trying to show me. I get to see the pet in its own home where it may act differently than in the clinic.”

Ultimately, Michelle keeps her mission of being a patient advocate at the heart of everything she does. “I am first, and always, an advocate for the patient,” she states. “When I see obvious suffering, I express this and work to help guide the client in a direction that feels right for them and the pet. I have worked really hard to get my mind around the concept of finding a balance between what is best for the pet, what is within the client’s capability, and incorporating the most safe, appropriate and up-to-date medical interventions in the home.”

Andrea Lombardi, CVT

For Andrea Lombardi, CVT, veterinary medicine is a mission of love and compassion. Not only does Andrea provide excellent patient care but working for MSPCA Angell at Nashoba gives her the opportunity to give back to her community.

As she states: “Knowing that we may be the last resort for some clients, we are able to offer high-quality care at a reduced rate to help our clients and their furry family members. I contribute to the surrounding community by providing a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment for people who are less fortunate to bring their pet(s) to receive care at our facility. By doing so, their pets can remain with their families instead of being surrendered or euthanized due to financial constraints. This in turn provides emotional and physical support to their families and contributes to the owner’s overall well-being. Given that our clients are stressed due to their own financial limitations, I help ease their worries and assure them that we will provide exceptional care to help them and their pet(s).”

Andrea finds continuous joy in veterinary medicine by contributing to every aspect of the practice, whether it be keeping a clean environment, talking to clients in difficult situations, managing a high-risk patient under anesthesia, mentoring her co-workers to help them succeed and learn new skills, managing the inventory, or providing reviews and constructive feedback to the team. Through all of this, she says, “I try to set the tone to have a positive work environment that everyone enjoys being a part of.”

Andrea never loses sight of the importance of her role in pets’ and clients’ lives. When remembering a recent client who could not afford care for his dog at any other type of facility, she writes, “He also shared that he is having to live out of his truck with his dog and the uncertainty of being able to just afford gas. He was so grateful for us and so happy that we could help!”

Lisa Shoebridge, RVT

For Lisa Shoebridge working clinically has been a lifetime achievement. For the past 17 years, Lisa has been a veterinary technician at Burnhamthorpe Animal Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario, where she was hired immediately upon graduation. Over her years there, she says her philosophy has evolved and is now more all-encompassing, to include not only the patients but also the clients.

She writes: “Clients are our most valuable partner when it comes to caring for their pets. As a pet owner, I know how stressful it can be entrusting your pet to someone else’s care. I treat all my patients as though they are my fur babies for the day and their owners as if they were my family.”

After 17 years in the profession, Lisa envisions a future where more employers will recognize the importance and benefits of credentialed veterinary technicians, including how to best use their abilities and skill sets.

“We need to encourage and retain veterinary technicians in the profession through respect and meaningful mentorship.” That mentorship came for her in the form of Tracey Bourdeau, who Lisa calls “the most influential mentor in my life. She provided me with mass amounts of insight and knowledge into how to perform my duties, and taught me almost everything I know to this day.”

Lisa recalls a particularly memorable case with an Australian Shepherd named Darby.

Darby's owner was adamant that something was seriously wrong with her boy, and she was right. This case was a solid reminder that, as Lisa says, “I truly believe the human-animal bond is incredibly strong and intuitive and we should always take the time to listen to owners and respect their observations. Never dismiss their concerns as they know their pets best. Darby went to surgery for a splenic mass and made a full recovery. Fortunately, the histopathology of the mass came back as benign.”

Lisa believes being an RVT is being an advocate for all animals and acting as their voice and guardian within and outside our practice walls. “Being an RVT is an honorable profession where we can make the difference in so many lives,” she said. “So we should.”

About the AAHA Veterinary Technician of the Year (VTOY) award

Veterinary technicians are at the heart of any veterinary practice and deserve to be recognized and celebrated. This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of credentialed veterinary technicians and their key role in patient care. Learn more at aaha.org/vtoy. This award is possible thanks to the generous support of Zoetis.