HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Alyson Howard of New Brunswick, has been named 2022’s Canadian RVT of the Year by Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC). This esteemed award is presented to a Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technician (RVT) who exemplifies the definition of an outstanding individual in the RVT profession. Nominations are submitted annually from provincial member associations and members of the veterinary community and are reviewed scrupulously by RVTTC’s Board of Directors. “With many amazing submissions, this is a daunting task” said RVTTC Executive Director, Shannon Thompson. “Considering we are associated with so many dedicated professionals, it is a happy challenge to narrow the award to one recipient,” noted Thompson. The award was presented to Alyson Howard in Halifax, Nova Scotia this July, and was sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition.

Alyson Howard has been an Registered Veterinary Technician for over 17 years. Described by those who work with her as a very kind, calm, and patient person, Alyson excels as a leader, with an enduring commitment to her colleagues, patients and their families, and the field of veterinary medicine. Being an Registered Veterinary Technician was Alyson’s lifelong dream. Her passion has motivated her to travel throughout Atlantic Canada, leaving her home in New Brunswick, to respond to critical needs at various hospitals in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. On one such occasion, Alyson accepted a particularly challenging position at a veterinary hospital in Newfoundland. Buckling under the weight of a massive labour shortage, the hospital was in full crisis mode, with few staff and no management. Alyson established new policies and processes and developed a skills training program for her team members to foster growth and development. This in turn attracted new talent, whom Alyson quickly recruited and trained in the field. Under Alyson’s leadership, the hospital is now thriving. As Alyson’s employer, Dr. Lesley Steele noted, “You can feel the change in the culture, walking in the door. The team is happy.” Dr. Steele continued, “Alyson deserves an award above anyone due to her sacrifice and total, total commitment to the job.”

Hills Pet Nutrition has been a long-standing sponsor of this award, providing an all-expense paid trip to the CVMA Convention. Thank you to Hills Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of RVTs.

RVTTC extends its warm congratulations to Alyson on this achievement! For more information about the Canadian RVT of the Year Award, and other awards and bursaries presented by RVTTC, please visit RVTTC — Awards (rvttcanada.ca)

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The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing almost 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. RVTTS’s mission is to unite, advance, and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician profession across Canada through leadership and advocacy to promote excellence in animal healthcare. To learn more about RVTTC, please visit rvttcanada.ca.

RVTTC Contact:
Shannon T. Thompson (Brownrigg) RVT (she/her)
CEO/Executive Director
sthompson@rvttcanada.ca