Since 1967, the IVMA has selected and recognized a Veterinarian of the Year. This year, AVMA past President Dr. Rena Carlson, co-chair alongside Dr. JV Bollar of the VOY selection committee, presented the award during the IVMA business meeting and awards luncheon.
Dr. Carlson’s speech noted that the VOY award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the IVMA. Award winners must be an Idaho licensed veterinarian, demonstrated active membership in the IVMA member for a minimum of ten years, and must be nominated by the president of their regional veterinary association or a committee entrusted with the responsibility.
“But those are just the prerequisites”, emphasized Dr. Carlson. “What truly distinguishes a nominee is something deeper—something you cannot measure with CE hours or case logs.
A nominee for this award must be someone dedicated to the veterinary profession. Someone recognized by colleagues as an outstanding veterinarian. Someone who contributes not only to their practice, but to their community, their teams, and the people and animals they serve.”
Dr. Carlson revealed that the selection committee choice for the 2026 IVMA Veterinarian of the Year is Dr. David Ard.
Dr. Ard earned his Animal Science degree in 1988 and his DVM in 1992 from WSU. He settled in Lewiston in 1998 and purchased Southway Animal Clinic where he served as owner, surgeon, mentor, and trusted clinician until his retirement.
Known for his expertise in orthopedic surgery and endocrine disease management, Dr. Ard built a reputation for exceptional medical skill paired with deep compassion for his clients and patients.
Dr. Carlson recognized Dr. Ard’s distinguished leadership in the veterinary profession, specifically his service as President of the North Idaho Veterinary Medical Association and member of the IVMA Board of Directors. She noted that he served as a liaison to the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, where is his credited for improving relations and reducing regulatory burdens for veterinarians statewide.
Dr. Ard was joined on stage by previous IVMA VOY award recipients present at the awards luncheon.
