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Celebrating the 2026 ACVIM Recognition Award Recipients

Congratulations to this year's outstanding Diplomate awardees.
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Al Jergens, Jody Lulich, Janice Kritchevsky, Ruthanne Chun, Chris Sanchez and Chris Fulkerson pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony

Summary

Each year, the ACVIM Recognition Awards give our college the opportunity to honor outstanding Diplomates who have pushed boundaries, elevated standards, and inspired generations of veterinary specialists.  Please join us in celebrating the recipients of the 2026 ACVIM Recognition Awards:

This year's awardees were honored during the ACVIM Recognition Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at the 2026 ACVIM Forum in Seattle, Washington on June 12, 2026. View the press release here and read on to view photos of this year's recipients and read quotes from their nominators. 

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Sarah Gillings, Jody Lulich, and Cameon Ohmes pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony
Jody Lulich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM) | The Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence
"In my view, as a veterinarian, as an investigator, as an educator and as a human being, Jody Lulich is one of the finest individuals I have had the privilege to know."
Watch Dr. Lulich's award video
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Cameon Ohmes, Chris Sanchez and Sarah Gillings pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony
Chris Sanchez, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM) | The Lee & Inge Pyle Service Award
"Whether the ask is large or small, her first instinct is to assist and support her colleagues, then get the details later. With this general approach, it’s no surprise that Dr. Sanchez also has a long history of service to the ACVIM."
Watch Dr. Sanchez's award video
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Sarah Gillings, Chris Fulkerson, and Cameon Ohmes pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony
Christopher Fulkerson, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) | The William R. Fenner Early Career Award for Outstanding Service
"Chris is always willing to lend a helping hand to students, interns, and residents, and has been an active contributor to numerous committees, both locally at Purdue and at the national level with ACVIM. Through these efforts, Dr. Fulkerson consistently demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on others."
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Janice Kritchevsky, Sandy Taylor pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony
Janice Kritchevsky, VMD, MS, DACVIM (LAIM) | The Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award for Large Animal Internal Medicine
"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."
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Ruthanne Chun and Jenna Burton pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony
Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) | The Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award for 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."
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Al Jergens and Jana Raessler pose on stage during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony
Albert Jergens, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), AGA | The Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award for Small Animal Internal Medicine
"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."
Nominations for 2027 are now open!

Award nominations are accepted through December 31 annually. Start a nomination now to recognize a deserving colleague or mentor at the 2027 ACVIM Forum in Montreal, Quebec!

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Jody Lulich hugs Sarah Gillings during the 2026 ACVIM Awards Ceremony