The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) presented several awards to Purdue alumni at its annual Crossroads Veterinary Conference earlier this month. The awards included the IVMA President’s Award, the Achievement Award, the Volunteer Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given posthumously.
Dr. Matt Cantrell, of Zionsville, Indiana, received the President’s Award from the outgoing IVMA president, Dr. Aaron Johnson (PU DVM 2005). The award is for an Indiana veterinarian or citizen who has made exceptional contributions to the association during the president’s term in office. Dr. Cantrell earned his Purdue DVM degree in 2010 and works at Community Pet Healthcare in Zionsville. A dedicated IVMA volunteer, Dr. Cantrell is an IVMA past president who led the IVMA Efficiency Working Group in 2022, adding resources and information for IVMA members.
Dr. Katie Becker, of Indianapolis, was awarded the IVMA Achievement Award, which is presented to an IVMA member who has graduated within the last five years and achieved outstanding accomplishments in veterinary research, civic activities, academia, and/or organized veterinary medicine. A 2017 Purdue DVM graduate, Dr. Becker practices at the Fall Creek Veterinary Medical Center in McCordsville, Indiana. She is actively involved in leadership within the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and also has participated in the IVMA Power of 10 program.
Dr. Tony Rumschlag, of Noblesville, Indiana, received the IVMA Volunteer Award, which is presented to an IVMA member who has provided leadership or service to a particular project or program of the association. Dr. Rumschlag earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1985 has a long record of active membership in the IVMA, including serving as IVMA president in 2008. Dr. Rumschlag also has served the veterinary medical profession and organized veterinary medicine by volunteering on various committees and task forces. In addition, he is a member of the Indiana Animal Health Foundation board. Now retired following a long career in veterinary industry, Dr. Rumschlag oversaw the IVMA Staffing Task Force in 2022. Proposals developed by the task force were approved by the IVMA Board on January 11, 2023, and will continue to direct the strength and legacy of IVMA for decades to come.
The award ceremony culminated with the presentation of the IVMA Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded posthumously to Dr. Max Rodibaugh, a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 1977. The award recognizes an IVMA member for cumulative service and accomplishments benefiting the veterinary medical profession, organized veterinary medicine, and the community. Dr. Rodibaugh’s widow, Mrs. Carol Rodibaugh, and many family members, were present for the award ceremony.
Dr. Rodibaugh began one of the nation’s first swine-only veterinary practices in 1980 in Frankfort, Indiana. His professionalism, veterinary ethics, and commitment to prioritizing the best interests of his clients, fostered his reputation as an expert in the field of swine medicine and trusted advisor to peers and pork producers everywhere. He was a sought-after speaker, mentor, and leader in numerous industry organizations.
Dr. Rodibaugh’s dedication to the profession he loved resulted in his receiving many industry awards, culminating most recently with the presentation of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Heritage Award, a peer-nominated award for lifelong outstanding achievements in swine medicine. He is only the sixth recipient of the award in the history of the organization. Dr. Rodibaugh passed away in May 2022.
The annual IVMA award ceremony took place Thursday, February 2, during the association’s Crossroads Veterinary Conference in Noblesville. The event also included the installation of newly elected IVMA officers. The new president is Dr. Greg Kurtz, a 1982 graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. He served as an at-large member of the IVMA Board of Directors from 2019 to 2022 and was IVMA president-elect in 2022. Dr. Kurtz also serves on several task forces. A livestock veterinarian with a focus on cattle reproduction and dairy herd health consulting, Dr. Kurtz co-owns the Kurtz Veterinary Clinic in Hagerstown, Indiana with his wife and DVM classmate, Dr. Robyn Kurtz.
The new IVMA president-elect is Dr. Lindsey Hedges, of Lebanon, Indiana. Dr. Hedges is a 2011 Purdue DVM graduate who serves as director of veterinary mentorship with Mission Veterinary Partners. The new immediate past president is Dr. Aaron Johnson. The award ceremony and installation of officers was a highlight of the annual IVMA conference, which also featured many continuing education sessions covering a variety of topics including surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, equine, and large animal medicine. The IVMA is the professional organization for veterinarians who care for Hoosier pets, farm animals, zoo animals, wildlife, and public health, and is the human side of animal health.