Dr Nicola Neumann (pictured) and Dr Gregg Takashima have been named winners of the WSAVA's President's Award.

Dr Nicola Neumann and Dr Gregg Takashima are honoured for exceptional service to the association.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has revealed the joint recipients of its 2022 President's Award.

Dr Nicola Neumann MRCVS, founding member of the WSAVA's Congress Steering Committee, and Dr Gregg Takashima MRCVS, a distinguished contributor to the WSAVA’s clinical committees, will receive the prestigious award during the association's forthcoming World Congress. 

The honour recognises exceptional service to the WSAVA, with the awardees selected by the WSAVA President, Dr Siraya Chunekamrai from Thailand. 

Dr Neumann practices in Ireland and was instrumental in developing WSAVA World Congress into the leading global event it is today. From 2010-2013 she was a founding member of the Association's Steering Committee and created the blueprint for World Congress. 

A member of the WSAVA Executive Board, Dr Neumann has served as a Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) and has developed congress bidding, evaluation processes and standing operating procedures from scratch. 

Dr Takashima was a member of the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) from 2011 to 2019, during which he co-author two of the WSAVA's most downloaded resources - the GNC's Global Nutrition Guidelines and Global Nutrition Toolkit. 

He is a passionate believer in the human-animal bond, evidenced through his work on the WSAVA's One Health Committee. In 2017, Dr Takashima contributed to the WSAVA Animal Welfare Guidelines and Welfare Charter created by its Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee. He is also CEO of the Animal Care Group of Lake Oswego in the USA. 

WSAVA president, Dr Chunekamrai said: “Thanks to their passion and dedication over many years, both of this year’s awardees have left an indelible mark on the WSAVA.

“Dr Neumann was instrumental in creating WSAVA World Congress as we know it today – a first-rate global congress with an amazing scientific program – but also an annual gathering of our community during which our members can learn and share experiences with their global colleagues. During her time with us, her kindness, common sense and wisdom helped us to overcome every challenge and we are forever grateful for her contribution.”

She added: “During his tenure, Dr Takashima contributed significantly to the betterment of the veterinary profession globally, particularly in the area of nutrition. He also played a key role in the development of the WSAVA through his contribution to our other committees and, in particular, to our current strategic plan. He embodies the core values of the WSAVA and is a great ambassador for our work.”

The WSAVA World Congress takes place in Lima, Peru from 29-31 October.

Image (C) WSAVA.