Three veterinary nurse/technicians have been recognized for leadership in their field of practice by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). The trio of veterinary professionals each received the Dr Earl H Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarships which included complimentary registration to VMX 2022, held 15 to 19 January, 2022, with a travel package to Orlando, Florida, enrollment in a VMX hands-on workshop and VIP access to VMX special events.
The scholarships are awarded annually to veterinary technicians and nurses who demonstrate a positive impact either in the growth of the profession or in their field of practice.
The 2022 Dr Earl H Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarships recipients are:
Belinda Andrews-Jones, RCVS, RVN, VTS (ECC), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, National Health Service (NHS), Streetvet, Dorset, England, United Kingdom Stephanie, Hollich, LVT, Chase Animal Hospital, Huntsville, Alabama Andrea Hannigan, CVT, Community Veterinary Service, Animal Health Center, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi
- Belinda Andrews-Jones, RCVS, RVN, VTS (ECC), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, National Health Service (NHS), Streetvet, Dorset, England, United Kingdom
- Stephanie, Hollich, LVT, Chase Animal Hospital, Huntsville, Alabama
- Andrea Hannigan, CVT, Community Veterinary Service, Animal Health Center, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Starkville, Mississippi
“The scholarship honors the memory of Dr Rippie, a leader in the veterinary profession and past NAVC Board president and member who recognized veterinary nurses to be the spoke in the wheel of veterinary practices as well as the heart of the hospital,” said Gene O’Neill, NAVC CEO.
“Dr Rippie was a true champion of the profession, he valued and promoted the skills veterinary nurses offered to the health and well-being of animals. We are so proud of this year’s scholarship winners who exemplify the exceptional qualities and values of these essential members of our veterinary practice teams.”
Dr Rippie served the profession in several capacities:
- Past Board president of the North American Veterinary Community and former NAVC Board secretary-treasurer
- Past president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association
- Nine-year member of the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates representing New Jersey
During VMX 2022, the NAVC launched the Veterinary Nurse Empowerment Initiative to elevate and advance veterinary nurses and credentialed technicians to help them reach their full potential and ultimately improve the efficiency of veterinary teams and the health of animals everywhere.
The application period for the 2023 Rippie Scholarships opens April 1, 2022.
