https://goodnewsforpets.com/avma-launches-frederick-douglass-patterson-lifetime-achievement-award/Veterinary leader honored for lifetime achievements in mentoring and promoting access to quality pet care
Dr. Michael J. Blackwell, director of the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee and former chief of staff in the Office of Surgeon General of the United States, will receive the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2025 Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the veterinary profession.
Dr. Michael Blackwell
“To be honored with an award bearing Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson’s name is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” Dr. Blackwell said. “His leadership made space for people like my father and me to serve, not just animals, but the families and communities who love them. I accept this recognition with gratitude and as a call to keep working toward a more inclusive profession that meets people where they are and makes care possible for every family.”
Dr. Sandra Faeh, 2024-2025 AVMA President
“The AVMA is proud to name Dr. Blackwell as this year’s Frederick Douglass Patterson award winner,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA President. “Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Blackwell has been dedicated to the highest ideals of veterinary medicine and to mentoring underrepresented groups across the profession, which has created pathways for advancement and cultivated a more inclusive professional community.
“Dr. Blackwell has not only provided guidance and support, but has actively fostered a culture of inclusion, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, and has made an enormous impact in educating on access to care,” Dr. Faeh added.
The Program for Pet Equity’s mission is to advance pet family health equity through a One Health approach, transforming communities to ensure access to essential care and integrated services. Before serving as its director, Dr. Blackwell held various roles, including dean of the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Surgeon General, and Chief Veterinary Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, among others.
Dr. Blackwell has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and two Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medals. He is the 2020 recipient of the Avanzino Leadership Award and the 2021 recipient of American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award.
Dr. Blackwell received the Patterson award at the AVMA’s summer House of Delegates meeting at 8 a.m. EDT Friday, July 18, immediately before the AVMA’s annual Convention, held this year in Washington, DC.
Recipients of the Patterson award are recognized for making significant contributions to the veterinary profession through innovative and transformative leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; having demonstrated a commitment to advancing these values within the veterinary profession; and having brought honor and distinction to the field through their exemplary efforts.
Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson (1901-1988) received his DVM degree in 1923 from Iowa State University and a PhD in 1931 from Cornell University. He became President of the Tuskegee Institute and oversaw its development into Tuskegee University. While President, Dr. Patterson founded both the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in 1944.
For more information about the AVMA’s DEI initiatives, please visit www.avma.org/diversity and www.journeyforteams.org.
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