The William R. Fenner Early Career Award for Outstanding Service

Awarded to a Diplomate exemplifying exceptional service within the first 15 years following Board-certification.

Named in honor of Dr. William Fenner's outstanding and dedicated service, the ACVIM William R. Fenner Early Career Award for Outstanding Service is awarded to a Diplomate exemplifying exceptional service in the College and/or their Specialty in a volunteer capacity within the first 15 years following Board-certification. First awarded in 2023, the Fenner Award may be presented once annually, but need not be awarded if a meritorious nomination is not provided during a given year.

Past Recipients:

  • 2024: François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, PhD, FHEA, DACVIM (LAIM) | Purdue University CVM

  • 2023: Jessica Ward, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) | Iowa State University CVM

Eligibility:   
  • Diplomates are eligible for nomination within the first 15 years of their Board-certification.
  • Diplomate must be an ACVIM member in good standing.
  • Once nominated, individuals will remain in consideration for the award for three years. (If nominated in year 15, the individual will remain in consideration through year 17 of their Board-certification).
  • Diplomates are not eligible if they are voting members of the Board or serving on the ACVIM Recognition Awards Selection Committee (generally, if receiving compensation in the form of a salary or stipend for service to the College). 
Selection Criteria:   
  • An outstanding record of service to the ACVIM either as an elected official of the College, or through voluntary service to the College on task forces, committees, or as an advocate of the College to the veterinary profession or public.  
  • Evidence of a leadership role in one or more activities of the ACVIM.  
  • Those nominating should be able to clearly articulate the nominees’ specific qualifications for the award for work within the ACVIM and their qualification for the award specifically. 
Know a dedicated early-career Diplomate?

Nominations are made by completing an online nomination application, including the nominee’s Curriculum Vitae, a nomination letter, record of service to the ACVIM, and at least three (3) supporting letters from colleagues. Nominations are due December 31 annually. 

Submit a Nomination
Raelene Wouda accepts the Fenner Award from Dr. William Fenner

Congratulations to our 2025 Fenner Award Recipient

Raelene M. Wouda, BVSc, DACVIM (Oncology), MANZCVS Veterinary Oncologist, Veterinary Specialist Services of Queensland
"For a young Diplomate, this year’s recipient's commitment to volunteering and contribution to our organization is remarkable... she [brings] a deep sense of understanding of the ACVIM’s history and passion for what the ACVIM represents to her work, an understanding that she got from her mentors and a passion that arose from within. " - Dr. William R. Fenner
Raelene Wouda accepts the 2025 Fenner Award

If you have questions about ACVIM Recognition Awards, please email Awards@ACVIM.org.