Ontario Veterinarians Honoured for Outstanding Volunteerism & Dedication to Assisting Animals in Need

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is pleased to honour two veterinarians with the prestigious 2014 OVMA Award of Merit. The Award of Merit recognizes individuals for their unique contributions to veterinary medicine. Along with a genuine love for animals and their owners, Dr. Mark Dilworth of the Beaches Animal Hospital in Toronto was honoured for his tireless work in helping rescue and rehabilitate animals in need and Dr. Deji Odetoyinbo of the Bathurst Animal Clinic in Toronto was recognized for his outstanding volunteerism and community involvement.

The OVMA Award of Merit is unique to other OVMA Awards because it invites nominations from both veterinarians and members of the public. This year's winners received a record number of votes from pet owners for going above and beyond the call of duty for both the animals in their care and the people who love them.

Mark Dilworth, DVM

Dr. Mark Dilworth was recognized by his clients for his outstanding commitment to helping animals in need, and as someone who gives selflessly of his time and medical expertise to assist animals that need help regaining their health and finding their forever homes. Dr. Dilworth has worked with animal rescue organizations throughout his career, assisting hundreds of dogs and cats through his work for those groups. Dr. Dilworth was lauded by his clients for his outstanding client service, dedication to assisting animals in need and improving animal welfare, and for always going above and beyond the call of duty. In the words of one of his nominators, "It is with his expert medical ability, the many extraordinary contributions he makes to animal well-being within his practice and in the community as a whole which leads us to believe that he is one of the OVMA's 'Stars Among Us'."

Dr. Dilworth graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001. For the first three years of his career, he practiced as an emergency veterinarian while also working with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). Dr. Dilworth began managing the Beaches Animal Hospital in Toronto in 2004, and became an owner in 2005.  He has a special interest in emergency procedures, ultrasound and internal medicine, as well as an extensive background in wildlife rehabilitation.

The Beaches Animal Hospital runs its own adoption program, which has allowed for the adoption of many stray or abandoned cats and the occasional dog. Beaches Animal Hospital also provides veterinary services to clients involved in the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.

Deji Odetoyinbo, DVM, M.V.Sc.

Dr. Deji Odetoyinbo was nominated by the clients and staff of Bathurst Animal Clinic for his outstanding volunteerism, service and commitment to the veterinary profession. Dr. Odetoyinbo is described by clients and staff as a dedicated, compassionate and caring practitioner who always goes above and beyond the call of duty to help patients and their families, as well as those in his community. In the words of one of his nominators, Dr. Odetoyinbo "treats each animal (and human) who walks (or flies, slithers, crawls or is carried) through his clinic doors with compassion and respect. He seeks not only to heal, but to teach and to learn."

Dr. Deji Odetoyinbo graduated from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria in 1984, and has been the owner of Bathurst Animal Clinic since 1998. He has been a very involved member of the veterinary community, serving as a volunteer for both local veterinary groups as well as the province's regulatory body. In 1995, Dr. Odetoyinbo served as Secretary of the Toronto Academy of Veterinary Medicine and representative to the OVMA. He has held multiple volunteer positions with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO), including a stint as a member and Chair of the Complaints Committee, Chair of the Accreditations Committee, and a member of the Discipline Committee.

Dr. Odetoyinbo currently volunteers with the Community Veterinary Outreach, an Ottawa-based non-profit organization established to meet the growing need for veterinary care among Ontario's homeless and vulnerably-housed citizens. Dr. Odetoyinbo is passionate about educating youth about veterinary medicine and responsible pet ownership. He has visited elementary schools in his Toronto neighbourhood to teach young students, and has mentored several dozen high school students in his clinic. He also appeared on an episode of the children's educational television show, 'This is Daniel Cook: Daniel Cook Goes to the Vet'.

Founded in 1980, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association represents thousands of Ontario veterinarians in private practice, government, academia, industry and public service. Its mandate is to advance and promote excellence in the veterinary profession in Ontario, and contribute to the betterment of animal health and the protection of human health.

Image with caption: "Dr. Mark Dilworth of Beaches Animal Hospital in Toronto (CNW Group/Ontario Veterinary Medical Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140206_C8219_PHOTO_EN_36399.jpg

Image with caption: "Dr. Deji Odetoyinbo of Bathurst Animal Clinic in Toronto (CNW Group/Ontario Veterinary Medical Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140206_C8219_PHOTO_EN_36400.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Veterinary Medical Association

For further information:

Julia Hayes, Communications Coordinator
1.800.670.1702, ext. 25 or [email protected]

Melissa Carlaw, OVMA Manager of Communications & Public Relations
1.800.670.1702, ext 15 or [email protected]