Dr. Lesley Kovar WSVMA Veterinarian of the Year 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Bothell Pet Hospital’s Dr. Lesley Kovar Named  Veterinarian of the Year by the WSVMA

Honor Bestowed at 2023 Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference

BOTHELL, Wash. – Dr. Lesley Kovar, with Bothell Pet Hospital, received the 2023 Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) Veterinarian of the Year award on Saturday, September 23, 2023 as part of WSVMA’s Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference annual awards luncheon in Tacoma, Washington. This award is given to a WSVMA member as recognition for their outstanding achievements in veterinary medicine.

“Dr. Kovar has spent her last 30 years serving the clients and pets at Bothell Pet Hospital, while simultaneously consistently volunteering with Sarvey Wildlife Center and training senior veterinary student through WSU’s preceptor program.“ This program has seen generations of students build their hands-on skills under Dr. Kovar’s guidance; always with the goal of learning and growing while continuing to advance the care of veterinary medicine.”

Continued Dr. Nicholson, “Embodying what is sought for in a mentee, Dr. Kovar has been there for her students sharing all the ups and downs of veterinary medicine. Whether that is the skill to handle a difficult case, a sympathetic shoulder to lean on or the willingness to lend a hand, she continues to be there to impart her wisdom and expertise on our future vets.”

Dr. Lesley Kovar originally received this nomination due to her decades long work mentoring the next generation of veterinarians as well as her career-long support of many regional and international nonprofits in need of her unique skill set. This work included support of Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, World Vets and, most recently, the Rainier Animal Fund. She is also the leading force behind Bothell Pet Hospital’s work with Greyhound Pets, Inc. where hundreds of Greyhounds have received the essential care needed to regain their footing and ensure they were ready for adoption.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Kovar’s hard work and dedication was recognized and that she received this honor,” shared Sarvey Wildlife Care Center Executive Director Suzanne West. “We appreciate her compassion and the donation of her time to our organization. Her involvement with our efforts makes the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Washington wildlife possible. We are so fortunate to have her as part of our team and her work has had a significant impact helping our patients return to the wild.”

The “WSVMA Veterinarian of the Year” award is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine. Contributions to their practice, community, and other professional endeavors are considered during the selection process.

About Dr. Lesley Kovar

After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Cornell University, Dr. Kovar worked as a zookeeper for several years before deciding to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. In 1991 her vision became a reality: she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University and went on to join the Bothell Pet Hospital team in 1993.

It is important to note that Dr. Kovar has spent her last 30 years at Bothell Pet Hospital building strong client relationships through her exceptional patient care while simultaneously fostering the hospital’s mentorship program. Dr. Kovar’s commitment to training has also included her dedication to the technicians and assistants in her employ; always with the goal of ensuring the full team is continuously learning and growing while advancing the care of veterinary medicine in our region. It is this dedication and passion that led Dr. Kovar to accept her expanded role as medical director at Bothell Pet Hospital. Dr. Kovar also remains committed to using her skills to help wildlife through her volunteer work with the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center and to be there for under-served communities as part of her international work with World Vets.

About Bothell Pet Hospital

Founded in 1954, Bothell Pet Hospital has provided exceptional veterinary care for nearly 70 years. The Bothell Pet Hospital team remains committed to ensuring that pets continue to receive the highest standards of care. Their teams’ diverse and comprehensive medical experiences, along with their dedication to learning the latest innovative procedures and technologies, help offer local pets the best medical, surgical and dental care available. Care with a focus on excellence, compassion and up front honesty. For more information, please visit bothellpethospital.com

About WSVMA

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,900 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association’s mission is to “advance the cause of veterinary medicine to better the lives of those touched by it.” Visit the WSVMA Web site, www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association, veterinary medicine, and animal care.

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