St. John’s Vet Centre Wins National Award

Published

[News Release July 16, 2019]

The Veterinary Specialty Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador (VSCNL) is the 2019 recipient of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Practice of the Year Award. This prestigious award is given annually to a Canadian veterinary practice for outstanding achievement within their local community. The award was presented on July 16 during the CVMA Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony held during the CVMA’s annual convention. This year’s convention held in Toronto, Ontario, was executed as a joint congress in partnership with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

“It’s a great honour to be recognized by the CVMA,” said Dr. Trina Bailey, co-owner of VSCNL. “Our vision was to create a centre of excellence to provide specialty and emergency care allowing pets and pet owners to remain in the province. It was also incredibly important for us to build a team who was committed to the community in which we live and work. It’s a wonderful feeling to see this dream in action.”

The Veterinary Specialty Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador is the only referral hospital and 24/7 emergency facility in the province. The VSCNL team provides surgical, radiology, rehabilitation, and chemotherapy services; visiting specialists are brought in throughout the year to expand the circle of care. In addition to providing industry-leading services and care, VSCNL also works to give back to the community through numerous charitable activities throughout the year including sponsorship of local amateur sports, the SPCA St. John’s, St. John’s Regatta, and local food banks.

“The CVMA Practice of the Year Award, established in 2013 and sponsored by Scotiabank, is just one of the CVMA’s annual awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the Canadian veterinary profession,” expresses Dr. Terri Chotowetz, CVMA President. “The VSCNL is the only hospital in Newfoundland and Labrador providing access to advanced specialist, diagnostic and treatment options 24-hours, 365 days a year, lessening the financial impact of travel for pet owners as well as the stress of travel for both the pet and pet owner.  The glowing letters of support provided in VSCNL’s nomination package, highlighting the care, compassion, and skill Dr. Bailey and her team provides, as well as outlining the centre’s community engagement and educational programs, made it an honour to select VSCNL as the 2019 CVMA Practice of the Year Award recipient.”

“We would like to thank the CVMA for recognizing the efforts of the VSCNL team,” said John Mackenzie, co-owner of VSCNL. “Dr. Bailey and I would also like to thank our incredibly talented and caring team. Our staff work hard to care for each patient that comes in and they never hesitate to give back to our community.”

Visit vscnl.ca or call 709-221-7838 to learn more about the Veterinary Specialty Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador. Please visit canadianveterinarians.net for additional information on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association,.

For media inquiries please contact:
Allison Kenny
P: 709-221-7838
E: akenny@vscnl.ca

About the Veterinary Specialty Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador (VSCNL)
The Veterinary Specialty Centre is home to a team of highly trained veterinary professionals. Lead by Newfoundland and Labrador’s only board-certified surgeon, Dr. Trina Bailey, the VSCNL team consists of a board-certified radiologist, emergency veterinarians, an occupational therapist, veterinary technicians and assistants, and administrative staff. VSCNL is the only facility in the province providing 24/7 emergency services, diagnostic imaging, surgical, blood donor, and rehabilitation services.

The Veterinary Specialty Centre works collaboratively with veterinary practices across the province and is an extension of the primary care veterinarian’s ability to provide advanced, quality care. Through this collaboration, and the expert level of care offered at VSCNL, pet owners in the province can remain in province to access the specialty care they require for their pets.

About the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Practice of the Year Award
Each year, through its awards program, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and tireless commitment to Canada’s veterinary community. Established in 2013, the Practice of the Year Award consists of $1,000 and a plaque and is sponsored by Scotiabank, a leader in banking services for professionals. The award recognizes a veterinary practice team for outstanding achievement within their local community. Such achievements may include innovations in the provision of veterinary services, commitment to work-life balance, meaningful community or charitable involvement, or implementation of ‘green’ practice procedures. Nomination packages submitted for all CVMA Awards undergo a rigorous review process by the CVMA Awards Selection Committee after which the recipients are approved by CVMA Council.

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