- Dr. Christine Jenkins will receive the 2026 Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award.
- The AVMA is recognizing her lifelong commitment to mentoring and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students and veterinarians.
- Jenkins previously served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Veterinary Medical Services and Outcome Research at Zoetis.
- The award will be presented July 10 during the AVMA House of Delegates meeting in Anaheim, California.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has named Dr. Christine Jenkins as the recipient of its 2026 Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her career-long commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary profession.
Jenkins, the former Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Veterinary Medical Services and Outcome Research at Zoetis, has spent decades mentoring students, supporting future veterinarians, and helping expand opportunities for underrepresented groups.
“Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Jenkins has dedicated herself to mentoring and to creating opportunities for underrepresented students and veterinarians,” said AVMA President Dr. Michael Q. Bailey. “She is a transformative leader whose lasting impact on the profession makes her exceptionally deserving of this prestigious honor.”
Among her many contributions, Jenkins co-chaired the AVMA and Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession alongside fellow Patterson Award recipient Dr. Ruby Perry.
Jenkins will receive the award during the AVMA House of Delegates meeting on July 10, immediately preceding the AVMA Convention in Anaheim, California.
Named in honor of Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, founder of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and the United Negro College Fund, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes veterinary leaders who have made lasting contributions through innovative leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Information sourced from the American Veterinary Medical Association press release.
