Hosmer veterinarian honored by SDVMA

The South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association held its 131st Annual Meeting at the Ramkota Convention Center in Sioux Falls August 7-10.

The meeting included continuing education opportunities for over 200 veterinarians and veterinary technicians, recognized outstanding accomplishments by professionals in the veterinary fields, and included the annual membership meeting.

The SDVMA also presented various awards at the meeting to recognize the commitment to, and excellence in veterinary medicine in South Dakota.

The Veterinarian of the Year award recognizes an SDVMA member for service and accomplishments benefitting the profession of veterinary medicine. Dr. Holly Roe-Johnson of Hosmer received the 2022 Veterinarian of the Year award.

Dr. Roe-Johnson has a unique and personal commitment to rural veterinary practice in South Dakota. She began her education at SDSU and graduate from Iowa State University with her DVM. She returned to South Dakota as part of the tuition reimbursement payback program, and she has paid back that investment many times over with her commitment to rural practice.

She started with a small practice and has grown that into a multi-doctor, multi-clinic practice that maintains veterinary services in four rural communities. She has also mentored a number of young veterinarians and employed a number of community members, contributing to the overall economy of the communities she serves.

She is an accomplished businesswoman and a veterinarian who is hailed as "tremendously talented," "an excellent example of veterinary medicine in our state", and an "example for us all."

In addition to her contributions to the communities she serves, she also serves the profession through her service to SDVMA as a past district representative and most recently as a member of the Veterinary Medical Exam Board.

Dr. Chris Chase was presented with the 2022 Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is awarded to honor an individual who has brought distinction to the veterinary profession through devotion to the care and well-being of animals, support for the profession, and contributions to the community.

The SDVMA Alliance raised almost $10,000 in a benefit auction as part of the event. The money is used for scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technician students.

The 2023 SDVMA Annual Meeting will be held August 6-9 in Sioux Falls, SD.