The Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence

The Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence provides an avenue for recognition of outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the veterinary profession by ACVIM Diplomates.

Recipients have outstanding careers in veterinary medicine with national and international recognition for their contributions and service in such activities as clinical medical practice, instruction, research and/or public service. Nominations are accepted annually.

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Kirk Award Information

Past Award Recipients

Congratulations to our 2025 Recipient

Joan R. Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)

Professor of Veterinary Neurology & 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. Joan Coates' career spans over three decades, through which she has established herself as a leader in not only the ACVIM, but in veterinary specialty medicine as a whole. Currently Section Head of the Neurology & Neurosurgery Service at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Coates is internationally recognized for her contributions to veterinary neurology; driving improvements in our understanding of neurologic disorders and particularly in canine degenerative myelopathy. Dr. Coates is well regarded for her teaching prowess, having trained countless veterinarians and veterinary specialists over the course of her career with patience and an open mind. Within the ACVIM, Dr. Coates has served on several committees and was elected to the role of Specialty President for Neurology on the Board of Regents. Dr. Coates has also served on committees outside of the ACVIM, helping to build relationships between veterinary specialty medicine and primary care. Dr. Coates' history of outstanding contributions to the ACVIM and profession at large continues today, making her a highly-deserving recipient of the Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence.