A Hartselle veterinarian received the Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association June 4 at the Sandestin Resort and Spa in Florida.

Dr. Jan Strother, founder and director of the North Alabama Cat and Bird Veterinary Clinic, was nominated and selected by constituent associations and approved unanimously by the ALVMA Awards Committee and Executive Board. The award is given to a vet who has made exceptions achievements and contributions to the advance of the profession and given of his or her time and energy beyond all reasonable expectations. Immediate Past President John Hammons, D.V.M., presented the award.

“Dr. Jan Strother has devoted her career to the principles of the Veterinarian’s Oath and the promotion of veterinary medicine. Jan has held local, state and national offices, in addition to serving on many committees that are necessary for our organizations to function,” Hammons said. “Dr. Strother has set a professional example that all veterinarians should emulate. It has been service above self and therefore Dr. Jan Strother deserves the Distinguished Service Award.”

Strother has been active in many professional organizations. She became a member of the ALVMA in 1986. She served as a president from 1997-1998 and vice-president from 2010-2012. She has also served as a member of committee chair of the Council on Public Relations and Public Relations Committee. Since 2003, Strother has served in the AVMA House of Delegates, and she is currently a member of the Human/Animal Bond Committee.

In addition, she is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the Association for Veterinary Family Practice, the North Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and the Madison County Veterinary Medical Association. She was elected a member of the National Academies of Practice in 2010.

This is not the first time that Strother has received awards from the ALVMA. In 2002, she was named veterinarian of the year. She was the recipient of the ALVMA service award in 1991 and 1993. Strother also won the Auxiliary Service Award n 1993.

Strother began her work with animals as veterinary technician. She later worked as a hospital and nursery director for Lion Country Safari South in Atlanta, Geo., and later the San Antonio Zoo. Strother graduated from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986, and opened the North Alabama Cat and Bird Veterinary Clinic in 1987.

Strother has been a guest on Good Morning American, the Today Show, Fox Pet News and man other television and radio shows.

She is married to Dr. David Newman, who is also a veterianarian. They live on a small farm with two dogs, nine cats, two horses and a donkey.