The World Veterinary Association (WVA) proudly celebrated outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession during the 2026 WVA Global Veterinary Awards Ceremony, held online with participants joining from across the globe.
The Awards recognize exceptional veterinarians whose work advances the WVA’s strategic priorities of Animal Welfare, Veterinary Education, Medicines Stewardship, and One Health. Through these awards, the WVA honours individuals whose dedication, leadership, and innovation have created lasting impacts on animal health and welfare, public health, veterinary education, and society.
Opening the ceremony, WVA Councillor for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Anis Bouraba, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence within the veterinary profession. WVA President Dr. Isao Kurauchi emphasized the value of celebrating veterinarians whose work often takes place behind the scenes but has significant global impact.
Despite not having an external partner supporting the Awards programme this year, the WVA Council remained committed to continuing the initiative and ensuring that outstanding veterinary achievements continue to receive international recognition.
The 2026 recipients were:
Animal Welfare Award
Dr. Michelle Groleau (Canada)
Veterinary Education Award
Professor Dr. Yong Meng Goh (Malaysia)
Medicines Stewardship Award
Dr. Josiah Mandieka (Kenya)
One Health Award
Dr. Gary A. Vroegindewey (United States)
Each recipient was recognized for a distinguished career and exceptional contributions within their respective field. Following the presentation of the awards, the audience had the opportunity to hear directly from the winners and participate in a live question-and-answer session.
The WVA extends its sincere congratulations to all award recipients and its appreciation to the many veterinary organizations and individuals who submitted nominations. The high calibre of nominations received this year reflects the remarkable work being undertaken by veterinarians around the world.
Commemorative awards will be sent to each recipient following the ceremony.
The WVA encourages Constituent Members and veterinary organizations to continue identifying and nominating outstanding colleagues for future editions of the WVA Global Veterinary Awards, ensuring that excellence within the profession continues to be recognized and celebrated worldwide.
- Animal Welfare Award
Dr Michelle Groleau (Canada)
Dr Michelle Groleau is a Canadian veterinarian whose career has spanned clinical practice, academia, public service, and national leadership in animal welfare. She has promoted evidence-based animal welfare, the principles of the 3Rs, and responsible animal use through her work at Canadian universities, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. She currently serves as Director of Animal Welfare at the CVMA and contributes to several national and international initiatives, including the WVA Task Force on Animal Sentience. - Veterinary Education Award
Professor Dr Yong Meng Goh (Malaysia)
Professor Dr Yong Meng Goh is a leading veterinary educator and academic leader in Malaysia. He serves as Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universiti Putra Malaysia and chairs the Deans Council for Veterinary Medicine Malaysia. He has been a strong advocate for innovation in teaching, curriculum development, accreditation, and educational quality assurance, and has contributed to the harmonisation of veterinary education standards across the ASEAN region and internationally. - Medicines Stewardship Award
Dr Josiah Mandieka (Kenya)
Dr Josiah Mandieka has dedicated his career to strengthening veterinary medicines regulation, stewardship, and public health protection. He has played a key role in developing systems for the registration, licensing, inspection, and oversight of veterinary pharmaceuticals, and helped establish pharmacovigilance programmes to improve medicine safety and accountability. His work has contributed significantly to responsible veterinary medicines use and stronger regulatory systems in Kenya. - One Health Award
Dr Gary A. Vroegindewey (United States)
Dr Gary A. Vroegindewey has devoted more than four decades to advancing One Health through veterinary public health, disaster preparedness, global health security, and international collaboration. He currently serves as Professor and Director of the One Health Program at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. His career has included leadership roles within the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, the U.S. Department of Defense, academia, and WOAH, helping strengthen global preparedness and cross-sector collaboration.