The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) named Dr. Judith Batker the 2018 WVMA Veterinarian of the Year during it’s 103rd annual convention in October.

A 1995 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Batker co-founded Country View Veterinary Service, located in Oregon, Wis., with Drs. Larry Mahr and Rene Reynolds in 1999. In 2017, she left that practice and co-founded Country View Equine Clinic, also located in Oregon, Wis., with Drs. Laura Anderson and Stephanie Miesen.

Alan Holter, DVM, assumed the role of WVMA president at the WVMA’s 103rd annual convention in October.

“Veterinary Medicine and the WVMA have been an important part of my life and career for the past 28 years,” Holter said. “I have grown to appreciate what an honor it is to be a veterinarian and I look forward to continuing the excellent service and resource the WVMA offers to all the veterinarians in Wisconsin.”A graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Holter has been practicing at Dodgeville Veterinary Service, a small animal practice, since May 1990. He has served on many WVMA committees since 1992 and served on the WVMA Executive Board from 2012-2016. In his community, he is involved with his church and the local Humane Society.

The WVMA held its annual awards program at the 103rd WVMA Convention on October 11. Congratulations to these award winners!

Presidential Award
Dr. Katrina Geitner is the recipient of the 2018 WVMA Presidential Award. Outgoing WVMA President Dr. Robert Leder presented Dr. Geitner with the award, which is given to an individual or company who the president feels has gone above and beyond to help him and the WVMA.

Veterinary Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

Graduation Year: 2006

On June 12, WVMA President, Dr. Robert Leder, presented Edwin Schott, of the Sauk Prairie FFA, with the State FFA Veterinary Science Proficiency Award at the Wisconsin FFA Convention in Madison. This award recognizes the student who best demonstrates an understanding of veterinary medical practices and animal health care in Wisconsin.

Schott started his Supervised Agriculture Experience by riding with his Mom, Dr. Lynae Schott, on emergency calls after school. After helping his Mom, Schott began helping other veterinarians at Sauk Prairie Veterinary Clinic. When a veterinarian at the clinic suffered a heart attack, Schott was able to work full-time during the summer for the clinic and later assisted that veterinarian with physicals tasks. This unique experience gave him a lot of hands-on experience, and he continues to work for the clinic part-time.

Michelle Hintz grew up in Marion, Wis. and attended Fox Valley Technical College for two years before attending the University of Wisconsin – River Falls for two and a half years. It was in college that she became serious about pursuing veterinary medicine as a career.

“Growing up, I knew that I wanted to do something with animals and I always enjoyed science and math,” says Hintz. “In high school, I became interested in the veterinary field, but was not sure which career path I wanted to take.”

By Morgan Randall, WVMA student representative

As I sit to think back on the past two years, what strikes me first is how quickly time flies! I’m sure many of you feel the same way when you think back on veterinary school and how quickly it went even though some days were long. My time as student representative for the WVMA has flown by just as quickly. When I started in the position during my first year, I had no idea where the role would take me. Sitting here now at the end of my term and third year of veterinary school, I’m thankful for the opportunity I have had to get to know so many wonderful people from around the state and to serve my fellow students. 

On April 8, students of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine class of 2019 participated in the Blue Coat Ceremony hosted by the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) at the Union South Varsity Hall.  

During the ceremony, third-year students were presented with their “blue coats” signifying the end of classes and the beginning of clinics. Family and friends of the students attended the event which included special presentations from Dr. Robert Leder, WVMA President; Dr. Mark Markel, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Linda Sullivan and Dr. Harry Momont, both of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. A photographic review was compiled by the class of 2019 and a special student address video was given by class members Deanna Scheller and Carl Magnessun.

As a way of keeping the association green and growing, Student Representatives, Morgan Randall and Danielle Schuld along with WVMA staff have worked to increased student participation during the 2017-2018 school year.

A student connects with a veterinarian during a Networking Dinner

“By listening to fellow students, we have been able to really target WVMA events to their interests,” says Randall. 

The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) awarded Mary Ann Hittle, DVM, of Menasha, with the WVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award at its 102nd Annual Convention on Thursday, October 12. 

Dr. Scott Spaulding and Dr. Mary Ann Hittle

Dr. Melinda Wright, a past associate of Dr. Hittle’s, has witnessed the dedicated following of clients she has gathered during her 38 year career.