At our 2026 Annual Conference, held Jan. 28–31 in Minneapolis, MVMA recognized the recipients of our 2025 Veterinary Awards and inductees into the Animal Hall of Fame. Nine Minnesota veterinary professionals were honored, and three animals received awards in the categories Hero, Companion, and Professional.
Three Minnesota Dogs Inducted into MVMA’s Animal Hall of Fame
One of the most powerful ways a state veterinary medical association serves its members and the profession is through advocacy at the state legislature. MVMA’s advocacy work is shepherded by our Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), made up of members who gather twice a year to discuss issues and legislation impacting the profession and set priorities that inform its work.
Since 2022, MVMA has offered a program that connects our members with a mental health professional who is deeply knowledgeable about the veterinary profession.
By Michael Salchert and Alison Jarzyna, Attorneys at Larkin Hoffman
In the digital age, the ease of accessing and sharing content online has led to an increase in copyright infringement cases. Recently, an MVMA member veterinarian reached out to our firm, as a Supporting Member of MVMA, for a free consultation regarding a copyright infringement claim. The story below highlights the importance of understanding copyright laws and the potential liabilities that come with using online content.
Dr. Natalie Lucca (second from right) and her team: Alisia (CSR, left), Raelynn (technician, holding Russian tortoise patient), and Aaron (practice manager, right).
On a Friday afternoon in September, I made my way to Rochester to pay a visit to Dr. Natalie Lucca and her staff at Homeward Bound Animal Clinic, which opened its doors in April 2024.
Dr. Kyle Adkins (second from left) with his team.
At the end of a gravel road, in Crow Wing County’s Pine City, sits Country Doc Veterinary Clinic. You can’t miss the turn off of Paul Bunyan’s Scenic Byway, with towering pine trees and a welcoming sign that reads:
Director of Operations Tania Blake, second from left, and Dr. William Frahm-Gilles, far right, with members of the Access Veterinary Care team in June 2025.
Established in 2018, Access Veterinary Care has carved out a unique space in veterinary care in the Twin Cities. Access’s business model is helping bridge a gap in services and finding ways to make veterinary care more accessible. I recently visited the clinic, located in Crystal, MN, and spoke with owner Dr. William Frahm-Gilles and Director of Operations Tania Blake about how Access’ collaborative, community-minded model with a focus on education, transparency, and accessibility is making a difference for clients, patients, and partner clinics in the Twin Cities.
At left, Dr. Mary Olson speaks to the gathered crowd as a sheep goes into labor. At right, Dr. Nancy Peterson coaches a rotation student through delivering her first lamb.
Sitting down for a conversation with several current and former co-chairs of MVMA’s Miracle of Birth Center (MOBC) committee, it was apparent they share a bond born of working closely together over the course of many years. Currently a team of seven, made up of Drs. Mary Olson, Holly Neaton, Nancy Peterson, Kevin Haroldson, Katherine Pjevach, Marjorie Schleper, and Michaela Olson, these super volunteers are the driving forces behind the Miracle of Birth Center at the Minnesota State Fair. Recently retired from their co-chair roles, Drs. Florian Ledermann (who first advocated for opening a birthing center at the fair) and Dave Wright have also been instrumental in making the MOBC happen nearly every summer since 2001.
An American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) policy on biosecurity was recently adopted thanks to the leadership of Dr. Scott Dee, Minnesota’s Alt Delegate to the AVMA. This novel policy has significant potential to expand awareness of effective, evidence-based biosecurity protocols originally developed for the swine industry—and pave the way for their application in other species. His work on this issue couldn’t be more timely, given the threat posed by avian influenza and other emerging diseases.
A swine veterinarian and microbiologist, Dr. Dee has made a significant impact on the swine industry over the course of his career in industry, academia, and applied research. Recently retired, he became Minnesota’s Alternate Delegate to the AVMA last year, and he is now bringing his passion and expertise to the AVMA and working to broaden the impact of his research.
Dr. Travis Anderson, left, moderates at the Surgery Suite. At right, lead CVT Shelley Cravens and Dr. Krista Walkowiak pose with a patient inside the Surgery Suite.
Each summer, more than 100 volunteers educate the public about veterinary medicine while performing a total of 48 live spay/neuter surgeries at MVMA’s Surgery Suite exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.
The Small Animal Welfare Committee is one of 18 active committees, task forces, and action teams working through MVMA to advance and advocate for the veterinary profession in Minnesota. More than 200 MVMA members currently volunteer their time and expertise serving on committees of the association.
Dr. Coniferous Forest Green found himself in awe while having a conversation with a 9-year-old girl who not only dreams of being a veterinarian someday, but already has her whole veterinary career plan mapped out.
A Neighborhood Practice is Born
Dr. George Krienke was prepared to go back to Wisconsin to get a job in veterinary medicine closer to home, but by the time he graduated from veterinary school his wife had already climbed the ladder at her job which led him to buy a practice in Minnesota. A decision that years later has impacted an entire neighborhood, multiple family generations and shaped Rice Pet Clinic into what it is today.
Work-life balance is something all veterinarians strive for, but we all know it is easier said than done to find. Especially when you add in the stress of raising a family. A recent MVMA clinic visit to Black Dog Animal Hospital in Red Wing, MN, provided a great reminder of the benefits that come with prioritizing kindness not only to the people and pets that walk through the door, but also for the staff that work inside.
“We really do support each other as a team. We have a lot of young moms that work with us,” Black Dog owner and MVMA member Dr. Jennifer Scott said. “We try to support each other with work schedules, kids being sick and just show kindness. Being a veterinarian is part of who you are so it’s hard to have firm boundaries. When we were building the clinic, it wasn’t uncommon for kids to be here. My kids have grown up through the construction process.”
Dr. Joni Scheftel still remembers the moment that her life was changed forever. She was a partner in a mixed animal veterinary practice in Watertown, MN when a tragic farm accident caused the death of an 8-year-old boy and rocked the community.
“I needed to do something,” Dr. Scheftel recalls.
The staff at Buffalo Equine gathered around for a picture on a recent MVMA clinic visit and remarked that it was the first time the majority of them were together in one spot in weeks. Such is life for the busy clinic that has been a staple in Buffalo, Minn. And the surrounding community.
The clinic has MVMA ties all the way back to 1962 when Dr. Stanley Held (MVMA President, 1972-73) purchased the practice and operated it out of his house for years before opening what is now home to Buffalo Companion Animal Clinic. Buffalo Equine split in 2001 and at the end of 2012 opened the much-needed equine building and hospital we visited.
While the clinic name may catch your attention first, a deeper look through the doors of the Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic shows there is more that makes them a standout environment for staff, clients and the pets they care for.
Remember when the pandemic started? So does Homey Gnome. They were getting ready to open their brand-new clinic after Dr. Noemi Plantz signed the lease on February 26, 2020.
About Us
© Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association
101 Bridgepoint Way, Suite 100, So. St. Paul, MN 55075
Phone (651) 645-7533
[email protected]
Fax (651) 645-7539
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