OVMA Names Forshey Ohio Veterinarian of the Year

Columbus, OH, March 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- State Veterinarian Tony Forshey was recently recognized with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association's (OVMA) highest honor, the Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award, presented by OVMA President Dr. Jason Johnston, recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions, dedication and service to the veterinary profession, the community and animals.

"He has served the animal kingdom, the general public and his colleagues by giving an active voice to the veterinarians of Ohio," Dr. Johnston said during an awards ceremony at the OVMA's annual Midwest Veterinary Conference.

"Through his knowledge, compassion and dedication to the profession, he has strived to ensure that only the highest standards of veterinary medicine are practiced in Ohio."

Dr. Forshey began his career as a well-known and respected food animal practitioner, earning national recognition as one of the country's pre-eminent swine veterinarians. He took his expertise to the state level, first becoming the assistant state veterinarian and later the state veterinarian, a position he holds to this day. In 2010, he took on the difficult task of shepherding the work of the newly formed Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board—a role, Dr. Johnston said, that has been critical in advancing fair, humane standards.

"He is a friend and a colleague," Dr. Johnston said in conclusion, "but most of all, he is a model of our profession."

The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is a non-profit organization providing services to its members in the areas of continuing education, advocacy on public policy matters, and access to variety of professional resources. The OVMA represents more than 2,400 veterinarians practicing in various fields and specialties. The OVMA's principal purpose and mission is to foster life-long learning, stewardship, compassion and community in veterinary medicine.

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