The Alaska State Veterinary Medical Association (AKVMA) is proud to announce that Dr. Pamela Tuomi has been named the recipient of the 2025 AKVMA Meritorious Service Award. The award was presented on October 11 during AKVMA’s annual symposium in recognition of Dr. Tuomi’s extraordinary career, leadership, and lasting contributions to veterinary medicine in Alaska and beyond.
Over more than five decades, Dr. Tuomi has shaped the profession as a clinician, mentor, researcher, and leader. Her influence can be felt across the state—in small animal practice, wildlife and marine medicine, emergency care, and through the many veterinary professionals she has guided and inspired.
Dr. Tuomi entered veterinary medicine at a time when women faced significant institutional barriers. As one of only three women in her graduating class, she responded to early resistance with quiet determination and excellence. In Anchorage, she founded College Village Animal Clinic, creating a culture of learning and mentorship that continues to this day.
Her work extended beyond companion animals. Following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Dr. Tuomi played a pivotal role in the veterinary response, developing sea otter treatment protocols and contributing to the CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine. When the Alaska SeaLife Center opened in 1997, she became its Senior Veterinarian, pioneering treatments for marine species and mentoring interns for more than two decades.
She also helped found Pet Emergency Treatment (PET)—Alaska’s first 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital—and held numerous leadership positions, including AKVMA President, member of the State Board of Veterinary Examiners, and active roles with the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine.
Her colleagues describe her as humble, approachable, and generous with her time and knowledge.
“I can think of no single individual who has had such a broad impact across the state of Alaska—but also nationally and internationally,” one nominator shared. “Her years of service embrace the full breadth and diversity of our profession, while touching uncountable lives who have scattered throughout the veterinary field.”
Another wrote, “She made you feel like you belonged in this field, no matter where you were starting from. I expected her to be intimidating—and instead found someone who reminded me of James Herriot: wise, kind, humble, and tirelessly devoted to her work.”
Dr. Carrie Goertz presented the award to Dr. Tuomi. “Pam, your lifetime of service, leadership, and mentorship has made a lasting impact—not only here in Alaska, but across the veterinary profession,” Goertz said. “You’ve trained us, inspired us, challenged us, and cared for us, just as you’ve done for countless animals.”
