Two members of the UC Davis veterinary hospital's Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service were recipients of awards at the recent 45th Annual Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) Conference and Expo. Award recipients are selected by an independent committee of AAV members.

Longtime exotics service technician Kristina Palmer, RVT, VTS (Clinical Practice-Exotics), won the President's Award, given to a veterinary professional who provided extraordinary service to the AAV. Palmer helped the AAV launch a Zoom webinar educational series and also provided content for the events.

"Kristina is a great advocate for technicians, education, and most importantly for patients (in our specialty)," said Dr. Stephanie Lamb, president of AAV. "She is a very worthy recipient of the President's Award."  

Professor Michelle Hawkins, VMD, DABVP (Avian Practice), won an Outstanding Service Award, given to AAV members who are ending service on various organizational committees. Dr. Hawkins served on the AAV Legislative Committee.

More information on the awards can be found in the AAV 2024 Annual Report video (14:00-16:15).

The AAV is a diverse global professional organization dedicated to advancing and promoting avian health, welfare, and conservation through education, advocacy, and science. The AAV has more than 1,700 members comprised of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and allied professionals that work in private practice, colleges and universities, zoos, government, and industry. Many of the AAV’s members are considered global leaders in avian conservation and wild bird health. The AAV strives to preserve and protect birds in the wild and their native habitats.

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