Two members of the team at Gimli Veterinary Services have been recognized by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) for their contributions to veterinary medicine and mentorship within the profession.
Dr. Lisa Taylor was named Veterinarian of the Year, while registered veterinary technologist Erin Peters received the RVT Mentorship Award during the association’s annual awards ceremony held Feb. 21 at The Gates on Roblin near Winnipeg.
According to the MVMA, the Veterinarian of the Year award recognizes a veterinarian member who has made significant contributions to the profession while enhancing the profession’s image among the public. Recipients must be nominated by another MVMA member and are appointed by the association’s council.
The Mentorship Award, created in 2021, honours veterinarians and veterinary technologists who demonstrate excellence in supporting colleagues and those entering the profession. The award highlights the importance of mentorship in helping members reach their full potential while promoting collegiality and professional well-being.
Taylor was recognized for her contributions to veterinary medicine in the Interlake region and for being compassionate, kind and skilled in her work. She has been practising veterinary medicine for 39 years and will celebrate 30 years of Gimli Veterinary Services this June, with details of a celebration event to be announced later.
“I was very surprised and very honoured to be considered,” Taylor said of receiving the award.
Her passion for animals began early.
“My love of animals and various jobs I worked as a teenager with animals inspired me to pursue this career,” she said.
Over the years, Taylor said the relationships she has built within the community have been one of the most rewarding parts of the profession.
“The wonderful clients who love their animals, despite all their shapes and sizes, and the wonderful staff who I work with every day,” she said.
Despite the challenges that can come with veterinary medicine, Taylor said the work continues to inspire her.
“The joy of working with animals and all the wonderful people of the Interlake, along with the wild and varied cases that we have the privilege of working with.”
Her advice to young people considering veterinary medicine is simple.
“Make sure you love to learn and continue to study your whole life,” she said.
Peters, who has worked as a registered veterinary technologist for 12 years, said she was initially surprised when she learned she had been selected for the RVT Mentorship Award.
“My initial reaction was confusion and shock,” she said. “Once I read the email over a few times, my emotions turned into excitement and gratitude. I was honoured that my coworkers felt I was worthy of such an amazing award.”
Peters was recognized for her dedication to mentoring RVT students and new technologists, helping them build confidence while fostering a positive learning environment within the clinic.
Growing up with pets helped shape her decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
“Being able to experience the special bond and the joy they would bring me daily led me to research careers involving animals,” she said. “From there I came across the role of an RVT and was immediately sure it was all I wanted to pursue.”
In her daily work, mentorship often involves helping colleagues build their skills and confidence.
“For me, mentorship on the daily looks like answering questions other staff have, assisting with skills and offering tips or tricks I may have when we have RVT students or new staff,” she said. “I try to be kind, welcoming and willing to offer all of the skills and knowledge I have gained in the last 12 years.”
She added that mentorship is particularly important in veterinary medicine due to the pressures of the profession.
“It’s an extremely high-stress, fast-paced and demanding career,” she said. “If someone is new and feels frightened or nervous to ask questions or try new skills, they may get discouraged and leave the profession entirely.”
Both Taylor and Peters said they are honoured to receive recognition while working as part of the Gimli Veterinary Services team.
Veterinary care also plays an essential role in rural communities such as those in the Interlake.
“Access to care, especially in rural communities, can be a big issue, particularly the further you head north of Winnipeg,” they said. “We’re glad to be stationed in beautiful Gimli doing what we love — helping animals and providing gold-standard care to the Interlake region and surrounding communities.”
