ABVMA announces new 2012 President, Dr. Jennifer Willans

EDMONTON, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) is very pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Willans has been appointed to the position of ABVMA President.

Dr. Willans started volunteering with the ABVMA early in her career serving on the Companion Animal Committee from 2001-2004, and the Practice Inspection Practice Standards Committee since 2004. Jennifer (Jen) was appointed as a member of the ABVMA Council representing the Calgary Region in 2008 and she took over the position of President at the Association's Annual General meeting held in Edmonton on February 12, 2012.

Jen was born and raised in Edmonton in a medical family. Her father is a retired pathologist, and her mother is a nurse with a master's degree in counselling psychology.

Jen completed three years of an honours zoology degree at the University of Alberta prior to attending the Western College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 1998. After graduation, she was employed as an associate veterinarian at the 9^th Avenue Animal Clinic in Calgary from 1998 to 2006. Dr. Willans became board certified with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice in 2004. In 2006, Jen became a business partner in the Landing Animal Clinic in Calgary where she continues to work today.

Dr. Willans served as the secretary of the Calgary Academy of Veterinary Medicine from 2003 to 2006. She has been the vice chair of the Canine/Feline Examination Committee with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners since 2008, and the ABVMA delegate to the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Committee since 2009. In the community, Jen has served on various committees with the Calgary Arts Development Authority from 2003-2008.

Jen lives in Calgary with her husband Jason who is a business consultant for technology-based companies. They share a passion for travelling, the outdoors, and the arts.

Midge Landals, Manager, Communications and Member Services
[phone]