The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) awards those who have demonstrated outstanding work in their communities. Whether it is volunteering for committees or associations, engaging in volunteer work at home or abroad, or working to improve animal welfare in the province, OVMA’s award winners are improving the veterinary profession every day.
Meet some of the 2022 OMVA Award Winners
John Donovan, DVM receives Award of Merit
“The OVMA Award of Merit recognizes individuals for their practice of, or help to, veterinary medicine. It is awarded for distinguished public service to the veterinary profession in any form.”
Graduated in 1995, Dr. John Donavan joined the Prescott Animal Hospital as a Mixed Animal Veterinarian. In 2009, the clinic merged to be the Prescott Animal Hospital/Rideau-St. Lawrence Veterinary Services. As part owner Dr. Donavon helped the business grow extensively, including mergers with other practices, the development of a large animal surgical facility and the addition of a new champion animal clinic.
In addition, Dr. Donavon has mentored and trained more than 100 veterinary externship students and more than 70 high, school, veterinary technician, and international veterinary students.
He is currently the Regional Representation for the Ontario Animal Health Network, a member of multiple veterinary associations and advocates for the veterinary profession at highschools.
Dr. Donavon coaches various sports teams, volunteers with 4-H, volunteers his expertise at local horse shows, and sponsors many local bovine and horse events.
Michael Krystolovich, DVM receives Associate of the Year Award
“The OVMA Associate of the Year Award recognizes an associate veterinarian who has demonstrated superior customer service and has proven to be an asset to their practice, as well as their community.”
Dr. Michael Krystolovich graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 before joining the Upper Grand Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ontario in 2017. His main areas of interest are dairy herd problem solving, nutrition and surgery.
Colleagues says Dr. Krystolovich has solved many complicated herd-level problems for clients through his determination and compassion and that his commitment to being the best veterinarian can be evident in everything he does.
Dr. Krystolovich is also an OMAFRA-appointed food safety veterinarian and regular holds presentations for local farm produces in his community.
Scott Reid, DVM receives Golden Life Membership Award
“The OVMA Golden Life Membership Award recognizes OVMA members who are retired from full-time career pursuits of veterinary medicine or who have been a veterinarian for a minimum of 30 years and have served the profession in an extraordinary manner. Recipients receive an honorary lifetime OVMA membership.”
Dr. Scott Reid provided exceptional veterinary care and developed strong relationships with clients throughout his career at the Dunnville Veterinary Clinic. For 35 years, he developed a passion for zoological medicine, which led him to work with unique species at various zoos in southern Ontario, including African Lion Safari.
Dr. Reid currently provides locum services for seven hospitals, including an after-hours clinic where he spends his weekends tending to emergencies.
He has mentored countless veterinary students, and high school and elementary students. Dr. Reid has been the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships including the R.V.L. Walker Award, Kievit Memorial Scholarship, W.G. Stevenson Memorial Scholarship, K.W. Kennel Club Scholarship and the OVMA Award of Merit in 1999.
He has published several case studies, shared his insights for OMVA’s | Matter campaign and has written a book, My Book of Memories, about his adventures and experiences working as a veterinarian.
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association prestigious awards program was established in 1986. More than 100 individuals have been recognized. To see a list of past award winners, click here.