2023 Zaslow Distinguished Service Award Winner

Dr. Kate Hopper

University of California, Davis

Kate is a Professor of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the University of California, Davis. She graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed residencies in emergency and critical care at both the University of Melbourne and UC Davis. Kate also completed a PhD in acid base physiology at UC Davis. Her current research interests include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, clinical acid base and electrolyte disorders and mechanical ventilation. Kate is a co-editor of the textbooks Small Animal Critical Care Medicine and Small Animal Emergency Medicine.

Please join the VECCS Board of Directors in a warm and whole-hearted congratulations to Dr. Hopper.

Thank you for your years of dedication and service to VECCS!

2022 Gary L. Stamp Award Winner

Dr. Elke Rudloff

Milwaukee, WI

Dr. Rudloff is a 1991 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She worked as an emergency and critical care specialist, supervising/mentoring over 30 ACVECC Diplomates since 1995, and is currently a Hospice Veterinarian with BluePearl Pet Hospice. She is certified in veterinary medical acupuncture and is certified as an instructor in RECOVER CPR. She now focuses on pain management, senior care and hospice/palliative care for small animals. She is a Master Gardener Volunteer and novice fly-fisher.

Please join the VECCS Board of Directors in a warm and whole-hearted congratulations to Dr. Rudloff.

Thank you for your years of dedication and service to VECCS!

2023 Practice Leader of the Year Award Winner

Lisa M. Smith

Newark, DE

Lisa has 25+ years of experience in the field of Veterinary Medicine. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in 3D Fine Art with a concentration in Metals from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA, and studied Animal Science at the University of Delaware. Lisa became an LVT in 2008, obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialist Credentialing in Emergency and Critical Care in 2014, and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Forensic Sciences from the University of Florida in 2016. Lisa is a Technician Manager at BluePearl Pet Hospital – Christiana in Delaware, and enjoys working shifts in ER, ICU, and surgery. Lisa is a RECOVER Certified Instructor and provides RACE approved CE lectures to technicians on topics including RECOVER BLS and ALS CPR training and hands-on certification, Wound Management and Bandaging, Triage, Biosecurity in Veterinary Practice, and Veterinary Forensics. She provides training to K9 Search and Rescue groups and Animal Control Officers on topics including Triage, First Aid, CPR, and Animal Evidence Collection. Lisa also serves on the Board of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association as the Technician Representative and is on the Advisory Board of the Rowan College Veterinary Technology Program.

Please join the VECCS Board of Directors in a warm and whole-hearted congratulations to Lisa.

Thank you for your years of dedication and service to VECCS!