Elevating Vet Med

Veterinary medicine thrives when we invest in one another. At The Bridge Club, we elevate the profession by recognizing brilliance today and reinvesting in its future. Through our awards and philanthropic initiatives, we celebrate those driving change and create pathways for the next generation to rise.

Awards

Creating a space for open dialogue and industry-wide participation.

Giving

Smaller, targeted virtual gatherings where individuals can engage on topics that matter most to them.

Leadership Award

One individual can spark a legacy that transforms an entire profession. Each year at VMX, The Bridge Club honors that extraordinary impact through the ICON Award—celebrating the leaders whose vision, courage, and contributions are shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Since 2018, The Bridge Club has honored some of the greatest minds in Veterinary Medicine. This distinct club defines what a true ICON is!

  • 2018 ICON Kristin Peck, CEO Zoetis
  • 2018 ICON Bob Vetere, Former CEO American Pet Products Association
  • 2019 ICON Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, Former CEO AAHA
  • 2019 ICON Julia Stephanus, Founder Avviare
  • 2019 ICON John Payne, Executive Chairman, Chou2 Pharma
  • 2020 ICON Dr. Eleanor Green, Former Dean, Texas A&M
  • 2022 ICON Jon Ayers, Former, CEO IDEXX
  • 2023 ICON Dr. Ruby Perry, Dean Tuskegee University
  • 2024 ICON Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition)
  • 2025 ICON Dr. Katherine Polak, Humane World for Animals
  • 2026 Harold Davis, BA, RVT, VTS (ECC, Anesthesia & Analgesia)

2026 ICON Category: Excellence in Veterinary Care
Each year, The Bridge Club spotlights a different area of impact within veterinary medicine through its ICON Award. For 2026, we honor Excellence in Veterinary Care—celebrating those who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through innovation, leadership, and compassion.

This year’s honoree may be a veterinarian, researcher, veterinary technician/nurse, or industry professional whose work exemplifies:

  • Expanding access to care in meaningful and innovative ways
  • Advancing the spectrum of care through leadership, education, or pioneering practices
  • Delivering practical, high-quality solutions that elevate outcomes for both patients and clients

Eligibility:

The nominee must meet the following criteria:

  • The nominee must be employed or work within the veterinary profession.
  • Practicing veterinary professional and/or industry professional graduating from an accredited organization
  • Has not previously been honored as an ICON
  • Meets the assigned criteria outlined annually for the award.

Award:

  • Honoree at annual ICON event during VMX
  • Recognition on stage in interview format at VMX
  • ICON Award

Selection:

  • All nominations are made by professionals within veterinary medicine.
  • Once submitted, former ICONs review and provide top three candidates
  • Final candidates shared with sponsors
  • The Bridge Club tally’s final votes

2026 ICON

Each year, The Bridge Club introduces a new ICON category to celebrate different areas of impact across the profession. For 2026, the focus is Excellence in Veterinary Care—recognizing those who are redefining what’s possible in veterinary medicine through innovation, leadership, and compassion. 

Watch and listen to the entire conversation between Paige Allen, RVT and Harold Davis, 2026 ICON.

Watch Listen on Spotify
Leadership Award

The Global Bright Minds Awards go beyond recognition—they spotlight the visionaries reshaping veterinary medicine. From industry influencers and practice game changers to champions of mental wellness, these bold thinkers are challenging the status quo and driving veterinary medicine forward today. Awards held in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Industry Influencer
An individual who uses their medium of choice: social media, articles, public speaking, or media appearances to shine light on the profession, medical advancements within vet med.

Practice Game Changer
An individual or team focused on making the practice better by addressing the challenges faced daily by developing new workflows, strategies and approaches to ultimately advance veterinary medicine.

Wellness Champion
Mental health and overall wellness are critical components to the veterinary practice. This person or team puts people first in specialty or general practice with wellness initiatives and care programs for the medical teams.

Eligibility:

  • The nominee must meet the following criteria:
  • The nominee must be employed or work within the veterinary profession.
  • Practicing veterinary professional and/or industry professional graduating from an accredited organization
  • Has not previously been honored as a Bridge Club Bright Mind

Award:

  • Recognition on stage at hosting conference

  • $500 Award or country equivalent

  • Bright Minds Award

Selection:

  • All nominations are made by professionals within veterinary medicine.

  • Once submitted, former Bright Minds winners will narrow the selections to three per category.

  • The final three candidates will then be voted on by members of Veterinary Medicine. ​

Bright Minds winners are selected through a balanced, two-part voting process designed to reflect both the voice of the veterinary profession and the insight of proven leaders. Fifty percent of the final selection is determined by a public vote open to the veterinary community, ensuring broad industry perspective and engagement. The remaining 50% comes from votes cast by previous Bright Minds winners—individuals who have been recognized for their own impact and innovation—bringing experienced, peer-driven judgment to the final decision.

Vote Today
Giving

An unforgettable celebration with a purpose—The Bridge Club’s Give Back Benefit is more than an event; it’s a movement. Held each year, this powerful gathering unites the veterinary community to support organizations dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine. Together, we raise vital funds to tackle the profession’s greatest challenges—while honoring the very heart of vet med: its people.

raised for veterinary specific charities

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