Dr. Robert (Bob) Gerlach, retired Alaska State Veterinarian, was presented the 2024 AKVMA Meritorious Service Award during the Alaska State Veterinary Medical Association (AKVMA) Symposium held at the Hotel Captain Cook September 28, 2024. He was recognized for his many years of outstanding service on behalf of Alaskan veterinarians.
Dr. Sarah Coburn presented the award and spoke of Dr. Gerlach’s many contributions to AKVMA and to the veterinary profession as a private practitioner and as the State Veterinarian. Dr. Gerlach’s commitment to One Health principles, ability to collaborate across agencies and industry groups, impressive breadth of knowledge, and continued desire to learn and improve are just some traits that make him an outstanding leader. He has been an incredible advocate for animal welfare and agriculture in Alaska.
In 2001 Dr. Gerlach became the Wild Food Safety Coordinator for Department of Environmental Conservation, in the EPA Fish Contaminants National Advisory Program. He developed the fish tissue monitoring program that is still in place today and provided data to support the fish tissue consumption guidelines issued by the Department of Health. In 2003 he became the State Veterinarian for Alaska. Dr. Gerlach retired earlier this year after more than 20 years in that role. He has been an active member of AKVMA throughout his career in Alaska.
In one way or another Alaskans have all benefited from his dedication to the profession. Whether presenting at a national scientific conference or talking to a child about her chicken at the 4-H poultry show, Dr. Gerlach is kind and approachable. He is well respected by his veterinary colleagues, co-workers, and agriculture partners. Dr. Gerlach is a true public servant.
Dr. Bob graduated with his VMD from University of Pennsylvania in 1982. He was a mixed animal veterinarian in Pennsylvania, with a focus on dairy, until 1985 at which time he became the attending veterinarian and post-doctoral fellow at the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, NM, conducting respiratory toxicology research. In 1987 he moved to Alaska and worked in private mixed animal practice until 2001.
The 2023 recipient of the AKVMA Meritorious Service award was Dr. Nelson Priddy. While practicing as a veterinary surgeon and fulltime dad, this doctor found time to serve on the AKVMA Board including being our AKVMA President then later having served as a member of the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Even after his tenure on various veterinary boards ended, he has frequently found himself involved with veterinary outreach such as testifying on behalf of colleagues for legislative issues like the PDMP. His commitment to the profession never ended when his board position did.
Many of the veterinarians in state know him but for others who may not know him as well, we would like to provide a brief summary of his career. Doctor Priddy graduated veterinary school from Colorado State University in 1992 and went into general practice for 5 years. He was then accepted as both an intern and surgical resident at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr Priddy obtained his board certification and has practiced as a surgical specialist throughout the state of Alaska since August of 2002. During his professional career in Alaska, Dr. Priddy has been a wealth of surgical knowledge and a valuable resource for many practitioners. He has always been willing to share his knowledge and surgical expertise with his colleagues. No matter how busy his schedule was, he would always make every effort to return phone calls and assist colleagues who were in need of urgent advice on surgical cases. Additionally, during his tenure he was the only surgical specialist who would provide emergency surgical services on weekends.
His retirement will leave a void both personally and professionally in our state due to the vast number of colleagues that he originally called his client but now more accurately refers to as his “friends.” The AKVMA would like to thank Dr. Priddy for his many years of service, his commitment to our profession, and his ever-present optimism. To commemorate his award, we presented Dr. Priddy with a personalized plaque, a vintage meritorious service pin, and a cozy rain jacket to keep him warm and dry on his outdoor adventures. We wish him the best in his retirement and hope he can now spend more quality time with his family and veterinary friends throughout Alaska.
Dr. Mary Ann Hollick was presented the AKVMA Meritorious Service Award during the AKVMA Symposium held at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel on October 8, 2022. She was recognized for her many years of outstanding service on behalf of Alaskan veterinarians. Dr. Amanda Taylor presented the award and stated, “Dr. Hollick has been a true pillar of AKVMA, and her efforts, tenacity, and dedication are of unprecedented caliber.”
Dr. Hollick has served on the AKVMA Board of Directors since 2006 and has represented Alaskan veterinarians on a national level with her role as an AVMA Delegate. She has worked tirelessly to advocate for legislative and regulatory issues that benefit the Alaska veterinary community.
A graduate of university of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989, Dr. Hollick has been engaged in the veterinary profession for over 30 years.
