TOPEKA, Kan. (January 18, 2003) ” Dr. Susan Cotter, Distinguished Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, in North Grafton, Mass., is the 2003 recipient of the Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented annually by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. to honor a veterinarian who has made significant contributions to the health and well-being of companion animals through a lifetime of service.
Known around the globe as a leading medical investigator in comparative oncology and veterinary clinical oncology, Dr. Cotter, in collaboration with Dr. Max Essex, Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at the Harvard School of Public Health, was at the forefront of pioneering research regarding the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This work conducted by Dr. Cotter and Dr. Essex has had an immeasurable impact on feline health and welfare.
In addition, Dr. Cotter’s FeLV work contributed significantly to the rapid pace of early research into human Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
“It is an immense honor to recognize Dr. Susan Cotter with this award. Her contributions to the veterinary profession over the years have truly made a difference in the lives of people and pets everywhere,” said Mary Beth Leininger, D.V.M., Director of Professional Affairs for Hill’s, and former AVMA President.
Beyond Dr. Cotter’s accomplishments in the feline health arena, she has also been recognized for her work on the use of chemotherapy for treatment of cancer in companion animals and its impact on human health.
Her chemotherapeutic protocols were adopted by the Veterinary Cancer Society as the standard to which all other protocols should be compared. Over the years Dr. Cotter has refined her protocols, and with her seminal publications on the topic, she has helped gain the acceptance and value for the use of chemotherapy in the management of companion animal cancer.
“I was totally surprised and thrilled when I heard that I had been selected for the Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Dr. Cotter. “It is my understanding that quite a few really distinguished professionals had also been nominated, what a wonderful honor.”
Dr. Cotter is also the author or co-author of over 60 original publications in refereed veterinary and human medical journals. Some of which include, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, and Journal of American Animal Hospital Association. She is also an author or co-author of over 40 chapters in textbooks and has authored the textbook entitled Comparative Transfusion Medicine.
In recognition of her lifetime of service, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is making a $20,000 donation to the Morris Animal Foundation in Dr. Cotter’s name. The Morris Animal Foundation, founded in 1948, improves the health and well-being of companion animals and wildlife by funding humane health studies and disseminating information about these studies.
For almost six decades Hill’s has provided the most technologically advanced therapeutic and wellness foods to veterinary professionals. Hill’s Prescription Diet® brand offers a complete line of therapeutic pet food to nutritionally manage more than 50 disease conditions. Science Diet® products are specially formulated to provide superior nutrition for a wide range of lifestage and special wellness needs. To learn more about Hill’s products and our commitment to companion animal health and to the veterinary profession, please contact us at 800-548-8387. You can also visit us online 24 hours a day at www.hillspet.com.
