The Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award

Celebrating prominent leaders who have made significant contributions in one of the six ACVIM specialties.

The ACVIM Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes prominent leaders by specialty and celebrates those who have made significant contributions in cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology, or small animal internal medicine. The awards may be given up to once annually per specialty, but need not be awarded if meritorious nomination is not provided during a given year. 

View Past Recipients

Eligibility:   
  • Active, Retired and Disabled Diplomates (in good standing) of the ACVIM are eligible.
  • Except for rare and exceptional circumstances, a period of at least 15 years must elapse after becoming an ACVIM Diplomate before an individual will be considered eligible.
  • Once nominated, individuals who do not receive the Award will remain in consideration for the next year.
  • Diplomates are not eligible while they are serving as members of the Board of Regents, as elected officers of any specialty, or on the Selection Committee for this award.
  • Diplomates given compensation in the form of a salary or stipend for service contributions will not be eligible for consideration of that portion of their service to the College.
  • No individual who has won the Award may be nominated again in the future.  
Selection Criteria:   
  • Having an outstanding career in veterinary medicine within their specialty, with recognition for one's contributions. Selection is based on the nominee's entire career rather than on a single activity or initiative.
  • An outstanding record of service to and leadership of their respective specialty, either as an elected official of the College, or through voluntary service to the College, their specialty, and/or on task forces, committees, or as an advocate of their specialty to the veterinary profession or public.  
  • Contributions to their specialty, including attendance at and participation in meetings (providing lectures, abstracts and special sessions, etc.).  
  • Demonstration of innovative service contributions that have advanced their specialty through administrative, committee, or other efforts.
  • A demonstrated history of mentoring residents, student, interns, graduate students and others. 
Know an accomplished specialty 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. 

Start a Nomination
Warwick Bayly accepts the LAIM Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award from Dr. Sandy Taylor at the 2025 ACVIM Forum

Congratulations to our 2026 Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

Janice Kritchevsky headshot

Large Animal Internal Medicine Janice Kritchevsky, VMD, MS, DACVIM (LAIM)

"For her lifelong commitment to large animal internal medicine, her leadership within the College, and her profound impact as a mentor and innovator, I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition."
Ruthanne Chun headshot

Oncology Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

"Her career reflects a lifetime of contributions that have transformed veterinary oncology, strengthened institutions, inspired countless trainees, and expanded the mission of our profession to include both scientific excellence & social responsibility."
Al Jergens headshot

Small Animal Internal Medicine Albert "Al" Jergens, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), AGAF

"Dr. Jergens’ record of service reflects a career-long dedication to advancing veterinary internal medicine through leadership, mentorship and scholarship, leaving a lasting impact on the profession and the training of future specialists."
Quotes from Dr. François-René Bertin, Dr. Xuan Pan, and Dr. David Wong

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