- ACVIM announced its 2026 Recognition Award recipients during the ACVIM Forum in Seattle.
- Jody Lulich received the Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence.
- Chris Sanchez earned the Lee & Inge Pyle Service Award for volunteer leadership and service.
- Christopher Fulkerson was recognized with the William R. Fenner Early Career Award for Outstanding Service.
- Three Diplomates received Specialty Lifetime Achievement Awards for contributions to large animal internal medicine, oncology, and small animal internal medicine.
- Recipients were selected through a peer-nomination process recognizing excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and professional service.
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) has recognized six veterinary specialists for their lasting contributions to veterinary medicine through its 2026 Recognition Awards, presented during the ACVIM Forum in Seattle.
The annual awards celebrate ACVIM Diplomates whose work has advanced clinical care, research, education, and leadership within veterinary internal medicine while helping improve outcomes for animal patients.
Recognizing Excellence in Veterinary Medicine
Jody Lulich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), professor of internal medicine and co-director of the Minnesota Urolith Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, received the Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence. The award recognizes a distinguished career and significant contributions to veterinary internal medicine and the ACVIM.
Chris Sanchez, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), associate dean of clinical services for large animal operations and professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, received the Lee & Inge Pyle Service Award for her exceptional record of volunteer service to the organization.
Christopher Fulkerson, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), interim associate dean and clinical associate professor at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, earned the William R. Fenner Early Career Award for Outstanding Service, which honors exceptional volunteer contributions made within the first 15 years after board certification.
Lifetime Achievement Recognition
Three Diplomates were also honored with Specialty Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognizing distinguished careers and lasting contributions within their respective disciplines.
Janice Kritchevsky, VMD, MS, DACVIM (LAIM), professor emerita at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the award in large animal internal medicine.
Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, received the award in oncology.
Albert Jergens, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), AGA, professor and associate chair of research and graduate studies at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the award in small animal internal medicine.
ACVIM officials said recipients are selected annually by a rotating committee of Diplomates based on peer nominations and their demonstrated impact on veterinary medicine through scientific achievement, clinical excellence, education, mentorship, and professional service.
Information sourced from the ACVIM press release.
