AVMA’s Executive Vice President Recognized
Schaumburg, Ill. — The Banfield leadership award was received by Bruce Little, DVM, executive vice president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Little was recognized by Banfield Pet Hospitals with the company’s Industry Leadership Award.
In addition to the Industry Leadership Award, Banfield announced the creation of a $20,000 scholarship, to be known as the Bruce W. Little FutureVet Scholarship, at Dr. Little’s alma mater, Kansas State University. Dr. Little will help develop criteria for the scholarship with faculty at the university’s college of veterinary medicine.
Presented at Banfield’s Pet Care Industry Summit in Portland, Ore., the award is given annually to an individual who has created profitability for, made substantial improvements to, and invested in the future of the veterinary profession and industry.
“I am deeply honored to be named the Banfield Industry Leadership Award recipient,” Dr. Little said. “It gives me special pleasure to have a scholarship endowed in my name at Kansas State University. I am pleased to be able to contribute to the educational experience of future veterinarians who might be so honored.”
John Payne, senior vice president of practice development at Banfield, said, “Dr. Little has made a huge impact over his lifetime in the veterinary profession and has worked with industry partners in developing programs that help all veterinarians.”
During the summit, Dr. Little was recognized for his numerous accomplishments as AVMA executive vice president, which include a 27 percent increase in membership. Dr. Little is also responsible for creating the first Human Resources Department and Convention and Meeting Planning Division at the AVMA, which resulted in the AVMA Annual Convention becoming one of the most highly attended veterinary meetings in North America.
In addition, Dr. Little has overseen the establishment of the Communications Division, which heightens the AVMA’s profile with the national and international media, helped create a stand-alone Scientific Activities Division to provide quality scientific information available in veterinary medicine, and an Animal Welfare Division to address science-based questions involving animal welfare issues.
In July, Dr. Little announced his plan to retire from the AVMA by Dec. 31, 2007.