A local vet has won a province-wide award from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). Dr. Tracy Godfrey was presented with the Associate of the Year Award at the OVMA Conference at the end of January. According to the OVMA website, the award is presented to an associate veterinarian who has demonstrated superior customer service and has proven to be an asset to his/her practice and community.
Tracy was nominated by Dr. Pia Gamberg, owner of Kemptville Animal Hospital where she has worked for the past six years. One of Dr. Godfrey’s clients and another staff member at the Kemptville Animal Hospital also wrote letters supporting the nomination. “Dr. Godfrey is extremely thorough in the care of our beloved pets, and she makes us feel that we are a key part of this care,” one of her clients wrote.
According to the OVMA website, Dr. Godfrey is also described by her colleagues as having superior medical and clinical knowledge, and a compassionate and supportive demeanor. “As an advocate for the pets in her care, Dr. Godfrey often researches alternative solutions for complex cases to provide her clients with detailed analyses and equip them with the information needed to make the best decisions for their pet,” it says.
Dr. Godfrey knew she had been nominated, but was definitely not expecting to win. “When they phoned me, I was in a bit of shock,” she says. “There are a lot of associates in Ontario.”
Dr. Godfrey grew up in Kemptville and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2009. She says she enjoys working with animals, and the challenge and diversity that comes with the job. “It keeps you on your toes,” she says.
Everybody at the Kemptville Animal Hospital is very proud and happy for Dr. Godfrey. She says she is not used to the attention and it was a challenge getting up in front of an entire room of people to accept the award at the Conference. That being said, she is very appreciative that her colleagues and clients took the time to nominate her and that she ultimately took home the award. “It’s welcome for sure,” she says.