The Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence
Presented for outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the veterinary profession by ACVIM Diplomates.
The Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence is presented annually at the ACVIM Forum. Recipients have outstanding careers in veterinary medicine with national and international recognition for their contributions and service to the veterinary profession in such activities as clinical medical practice, instruction, research and/or public service.
Eligibility:
- Active and retired Diplomates of ACVIM are eligible.
- Except for rare and exceptional circumstances, a period of at least fifteen years must elapse after becoming a Board-certified Diplomate before an individual becomes eligible.
- Once nominated, individuals will remain in consideration for the award for three additional years.
- Individuals are not eligible while they are serving as members of the Board of Regents, as elected officers of any specialty, or as members of the selection committee for this award.
Selection Criteria:
- Having an outstanding career in veterinary medicine with national and international recognition for one's contributions. Selection is based on the life career of the nominee rather than on a single activity or incident.
- Production of major published works and/or development of significant diagnostic, therapeutic or control techniques and/or procedures.
- Sustained (15 or more years) service as a Diplomate in such activities as clinical medical practice, instruction, research and/or public service.
- Demonstrated mentorship to interns, residents, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, junior faculty or beginning specialists
- Contributions to veterinary organizations and the ACVIM.
Know a prominent Diplomate leader?
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.
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Congratulations to our 2025 Kirk Award Recipient
Joan R. Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Missouri CVM
"When you meet Joan, what comes across is a passion for neurology and a hyper-disciplined love for the history...She holds herself to this really high standard of matching the giants that came before her, and in doing so, she became a giant herself."
- Dr. Fred Wininger
- Dr. Fred Wininger
If you have questions about ACVIM Recognition Awards, please email Awards@ACVIM.org.