Veterinary Events and Conferences

WSAVA President’s Award Presented to Dutch Veterinarian Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn

vetreportSeptember 27, 2017

Dutch veterinarian Dr Jolle Kirpensteijn has been awarded the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) President’s Award in recognition of his service to the association.  A past president of the WSAVA and long-standing advocate of its work, Dr Kirpensteijn received the Award from current president Dr Walt Ingwersen during the WSAVA’s Annual Assembly Meeting on 24 September, prior to WSAVA World Congress 2017.

Dr Kirpensteijn first became involved with the WSAVA as a Member Representative for the Netherlands in 2005.  He joined its Executive board in 2006 and served as WSAVA President from 2010 to 2012. He resumed the role temporarily in 2013, following the sad passing of incoming president Dr Peter Ihrke.

During his presidency, Dr Kirpensteijn worked to enhance the effectiveness of the WSAVA’s operations.  He focused particularly on strengthening continuing education (CE) initiatives, improving communications and helping create a clear strategy to ensure the WSAVA became a truly global community.

Dr. Kirpensteijn is currently working as Chief Professional Relations Officer in the Global Professional and Veterinary Affairs team for Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Commenting on the presentation of the award, Dr Walt Ingwersen said: “During his time as president, Jolle transformed the WSAVA, moving it rapidly along the path towards professionalization and financial self-sufficiency. Many of the initiatives he introduced enabled us to accelerate the pace at which we were building our global veterinary community and providing tools and resources to enable them to carry out their work more effectively.  During his long service, Jolle was a friend and mentor to many, including me. Simply put, the WSAVA would not be where it is today without his vision and leadership.”

Dr Kirpensteijn added: “The WSAVA is a fantastic association, and it has been my honour to help it support and champion companion-animal veterinarians around the world.

“We achieved a great deal during my presidency, but I’m most proud of the relationship we built with the OIE – the World Organisation for Animal Health. This intergovernmental organisation is responsible for improving animal health worldwide. Professor Michael Day and I convinced the OIE that companion animal veterinary care plays an important role in tackling global infectious diseases, such as rabies.  In 2011, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote increased collaboration and were granted full observer status at the OIE General Assembly.  We have had a fruitful and important partnership ever since.”

Professor Day is the WSAVA Chairperson for the Vaccination Guidelines Group and One Health Committee.

Dr. Kirpensteijn said, “I am honoured to receive this award and look forward to continuing my long and happy association with the WSAVA through my role at Hill’s.”

Dr Kirpensteijn was presented with a certificate and an engraved award.