Recognising exceptional service to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), both recipients were handpicked by Dr Siraya Chunekamrai, President of WSAVA, to receive their honor at the upcoming World Congress to be held next month in Lima, Peru.

Dr Nicola Neumann, who practices in Ireland, has been honoured as a driving force behind developing the WSAVA World Congress into a leading global event.

“Dr Neumann was instrumental in creating WSAVA World Congress as we know it today,” says Dr Chunekamrai.

“A first-rate global congress with an amazing scientific program, but also an annual gathering of our community during which our members can learn and share experiences with their global colleagues.”

A founding member of the WSAVA’s Congress Steering Committee from 2010-2013, Dr Neumann created the blueprint for World Congress and following the appointment of a Professional Congress Organizer (PCO), she served on the WSAVA Executive Board as Congress Liaison Officer from 2014-2019.

“During her time with us, her kindness, common sense and wisdom helped us to overcome every challenge and we are forever grateful for her contribution,” says Dr Chunekamrai.

Recognised as a distinguished contributor to WSAVA’s clinical committees, Dr Gregg Takashima is the CEO of the Animal Care Group of Lake Oswego in the USA. Dr Chunekamrai says Dr Takashima embodies the core values of WSAVA.

“During his tenure, Dr Takashima contributed significantly to the betterment of the veterinary profession globally, particularly in the area of nutrition,” she says. “He also played a key role in the development of the WSAVA through his contribution to our other committees and, in particular, to our current strategic plan.”

Dr Takashima joined the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) in 2011 and was its co-chair until he stood down in 2019. Co-authoring the GNC’s Global Nutrition Guidelines and Global Nutrition Toolkit, two of the WSAVA’s most frequently downloaded resources, Dr Takashima is a passionate believer in the human-animal bond.

Representing more than 200,000 Veterinarians worldwide, WSAVA works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. The WSAVA World Congress brings together experts from across the globe in order to share experience and cutting-edge knowledge on all aspects of companion animal veterinary care.

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