Veterinarians, nominated and selected by their peers, exemplify leadership and achievement in improving patient outcomes.
dvm360®, the No. 1 multimedia platform in the veterinary industry, announced the 8 winners of its first Veterinary Heroes ™ recognition program on November 16, 2021, including the winner of the Emergency Medicine Charity J. Uman, DVM, MS. The newcomers were honored at a festive gala at Fetch, a dvm360® conference, on December 1, 2021 at the San Diego Convention Center in California.
The Veterinary Heroes ™ program honors those who have made breakthroughs in veterinary medicine. Veterinary leaders are nominated by their peers for their remarkable achievements in improving patient outcomes. A top-class jury from the dvm360® Advisory Board selected a winner in each category who made a measurable difference.
The Veterinary HeroesTM program is sponsored by Nationwide, Merck, Zoetis, Clevor®, Blue Buffalo, NorthStar VETS, and MedVet.
The 2021 Veterinary Heroes ™ program winners will be presented in an 8-part series. Part 3 focuses on the Emergency Medicine Charity winner J. Uman, DVM, MS.
Uman is known for her infectious passion for veterinary medicine. Her journey into the veterinary sector began when she was 18 years old working as a kennel keeper at a local Humane Society. As an inspiration to many, she spent the next 9 years pursuing her passions and applying to the Veterinary College for another 7 years before she was accepted.
After receiving an MS from the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Center, Center for Animals and Public Safety, she earned her DVM from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Uman then completed a clinical internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where she received the Sharon Drellich Memorial Award for her high level of professionalism, collegiality and compassion.
Uman has been a practicing veterinarian since 2010 and has spent the last 6 years at VCA Veterinary Specialist of CT, where she rose from emergency doctor to director of the emergency department. Uman’s candidate praised her for her efforts to provide the highest quality of care to both her patients and her clients – especially during the difficult times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many customers find solace in their advice and guidance as it makes them feel connected to their pets’ treatment plans, the nominee said. As an outstanding colleague, Uman is considered a heroine in her practice and an integral part of her team.
“I was totally shocked and surprised! Little did I know that someone was nominating me for the 2021 dvm360® Veterinary Heroes ™ recognition program, ”Uman said in an interview with dvm360®. “I’m only as good as the people around me and I wouldn’t be where I am without the wonderful people I met along the way and the great people I work with today. Thanks very much.”
Her favorite aspects of her job are helping a wide variety of animals, such as the “amazing beauty of rehabilitating and then releasing injured wildlife” and seeing the joy and smiles on their clients’ faces when the team succeeds their pet treated. In her free time you can find Uman trail and ultra running and always smiles when she listens to the birds outside.
