UF veterinary college names 2006 Distinguished Award winners

June 1, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two veterinarians associated with major small animal practices and a longtime supporter of education in the state of Florida have been honored in the 2006 University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine alumni council’s Distinguished Awards program.

Three awards were designated: one for alumni achievement, one for distinguished service to the veterinary profession and one for special service.

This year’s Alumni Achievement award recipient is Neil Shaw, D.V.M., a 1993 graduate of the college. Shaw also completed his residency in small animal medicine at UF in 1996, becoming board-certified in that specialty the following year. Shaw is co-founder and medical director of Florida Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center, a 40-veterinarian specialty referral and emergency hospital in Tampa.

Shaw also is a past president of the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Association.

“For many years, Neil has been extremely active and involved with local county authorities, animal services and animal welfare organizations in promoting the interests of the veterinary profession and the welfare of the animal population,” wrote Arthur M. Simon, D.V.M., in a letter supporting Shaw’s nomination.

Larry Dee, D.V.M., a 1969 graduate of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and co-owner of Hollywood Animal Hospital, Hollywood, Fla., has received the Distinguished Service award.

Board-certified in canine and feline practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Dee has a history of extensive involvement with organized veterinary medicine. He is
president of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and has been active in the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Broward County Veterinary Medical Association. He is a past president of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association. Dee was the first Charlie Bild VIP at UF’s veterinary college and has also served on its advisory council.

E.T. York, Ph.D., a fixture on the state’s educational scene for many years, rounds out this year’s selections as the recipient of the Special Service Award.

York is a former chancellor of the State University System of Florida and served as provost for agriculture and vice president for agricultural affairs, executive vice president and interim president at the University of Florida. He was instrumental in establishing the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and has remained involved in advisory committees over the life of the college he helped to create.

“When Dr. York’s name is mentioned, his untiring support for the establishment of our college comes to mind,” wrote Paul Nicoletti, D.V.M., in a letter of support.

The awards were presented May 27 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts during college commencement exercises.