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.
