UPEI’s Dr. Larry Hammell receives award for excellence in veterinary medicine
Dr. Larry Hammell, professor of health management, Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI, is the recipient of the College’s 2022 Atlantic Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care.
The award is presented annually to a retired or practicing veterinarian in Atlantic Canada. It recognizes professionals who: have demonstrated exceptional service and contributions to the veterinary profession; exemplify the highest values of compassion, leadership, and dedication to the profession; are active in the community; and/or have made advancements in the profession.
Dr. Hammell’s award was announced at the Atlantic Provinces Veterinary Conference held April 21–23, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“Larry has been a tremendous resource to the aquaculture industries in the region and has done a great job of training the future scientists who will carry on and expand his work,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “He has been a great asset to the AVC and to the University and is a leader in his field. He is most deserving of this award.”
Dr. Hammell graduated from the University of Guelph in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in biology degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1988. He received his Master of Science degree in epidemiology from UPEI in 1992. He then joined AVC as an assistant professor and aquaculture clinician in the Department of Health Management. Throughout the next 30 years, he held various positions such as: coordinator, AVC Fish Health; director, AVC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences; chair, Department of Health Management; interim dean, UPEI’s School of Graduate Studies; and associate dean, AVC Graduate Studies and Research.
Dr. Hammell has contributed significantly to the advancement of the veterinary profession, particularly in fish health, at AVC, on both coasts of Canada, and internationally. He taught or participated in 22 courses at AVC and continues to supervise or co-supervise graduate students and post-doctoral fellows and publish literature. He is currently contributing to the implementation of a global aquatic health strategy with the World Organization of Animal Health.
“Larry is an esteemed colleague, mentor, and friend to AVC and to veterinarians all over the world,” said Dr. John VanLeeuwen, interim dean. “Congratulations to this highly regarded clinician and epidemiologist of aquatic animals. He is very deserving of this award.”
