The ACVS Foundation Legends Award recognizes ACVS Diplomates who have developed a surgical or diagnostic procedure of significant value, proven by becoming the treatment or test of choice for a given condition. The procedure is novel, involves advancements in veterinary surgical science, and has ‘withstood the test of time.’ Even if modified over time, the procedure remains the method of choice for the condition.

A complete nomination packet will include the ACVS Foundation Legends Award nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and at least two supporting letters from ACVS Diplomates detailing how this nominee meets the criteria of the Legends Award and why this Diplomate should receive the award. The  complete nomination packet  must be forwarded to the ACVS office in  one email, with all required forms and letters attached by April 17, 2026.

The Nominating Committee reviews all nominations and makes a recommendation to the ACVS Board of Regents to be considered at the annual summer Board of Regents meeting. Following approval by the Board of Regents, the membership votes on the recommendation. The ACVS Foundation Legends Award is granted if the nominee receives 75 percent approval of the responding membership by mail or email ballot. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.

Award Recipients

The ACVS Foundation Lynn Wheaton Award recognizes ACVS Diplomates who demonstrate intentional and altruistic social responsibility through their work with a community, association, or other nonprofit organization(s). The nominee will have given their time and talent to positively impact the quality of life of people or animals and show a generosity of spirit and civic responsibility.

A complete nomination packet must include the ACVS Foundation Lynn Wheaton Award nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, a letter(s) of support from an ACVS Diplomate(s) detailing how the nominee meets the criteria of the award, and letters of support from an organization, community member, or other volunteers with whom the nominee has worked. The  complete nomination packet must be forwarded to the ACVS office in one email, with all required forms and letters attached by April 17, 2026.

The Nominating Committee reviews all nominations and makes a recommendation to the ACVS Board of Regents to be considered at the annual summer Board of Regents meeting. Following approval by the Board of Regents, the membership votes on the recommendation. The ACVS Foundation Lynn Wheaton Award is granted if the nominee receives 75 percent approval of the responding membership by mail or email ballot. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.

Award Recipients

ACVS Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award candidates are nominated by ACVS Diplomates and approved by the Board of Regents. Conferring the Distinguished Service Award recognizes and honors recipients for outstanding contributions related to the functions of the ACVS. The nominees must have demonstrated exceptional and meritorious service to ACVS. 

A complete nomination packet requires submitting the ACVS Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and at least two supporting letters from ACVS Diplomates to be acted upon by the Board of Regents. The complete nomination packet must be forwarded to the ACVS office in one email, with all required forms and letters attached, by April 17, 2026. A vote by the membership is not required for the ACVS Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award, and the Board of Regents’ vote is final.

Selection of the ACVS Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award recipient(s) are not done annually; however, awards are limited to no more than three annually. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.

Award Recipients

The ACVS Founders’ Award for Career Achievement recognizes ACVS Diplomates who have made significant contributions to the development of surgical techniques and methodology, and disseminating knowledge to colleagues, residents, and students. 

A complete nomination packet requires submitting the ACVS Founders’ Award for Career Achievement nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and letters of support from at least two Diplomates. The  complete nomination packet must be forwarded to the ACVS office in  one email, with all required forms and letters attached, by April 17, 2026.  

The Nominating Committee reviews all nominations and makes a recommendation to the ACVS Board of Regents to be considered at the annual summer Board of Regents meeting. Following approval by the Board of Regents, the membership votes on the recommendation. The ACVS Founders’ Award for Career Achievement is granted if the nominee receives 75 percent approval of the responding membership by mail or email ballot. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.   

Award Recipients

The ACVS Merit Award acknowledges contributions to the progress of veterinary surgery made by an individual from outside the College. The recipient of this award is an individual who has a career dominated by major and ongoing contributions to the art and science of veterinary surgery. Through their accomplishments, the candidate advanced many of the goals associated with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). 

A complete nomination packet requires submitting the ACVS Merit Award nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and at least two letters of support from ACVS Diplomates. The complete nomination packet must be forwarded to the ACVS office in one email, with all required forms and letters attached, by April 17, 2026. 

The Nominating Committee reviews all nominations and makes a recommendation to the ACVS Board of Regents. Following approval by the Board of Regents, the membership votes on the recommendation. The ACVS Merit Award is granted if the nominee receives 75 percent approval of the responding membership by mail or email ballot. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.  

Award Recipients

The ACVS Rising Star Award recognizes early- to mid-career ACVS Diplomates for achievements and contributions above and beyond standard expectations. The award seeks to celebrate those who excel in important aspects of surgical practice and inclusive leadership.  

A complete nomination packet requires submitting the ACVS Rising Star Award nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and at least two letters of support from ACVS Diplomates. The complete nomination packet must be forwarded to the ACVS office in one email with all required forms and supporting letter by April 17, 2026.   

The Nominating Committee reviews all nominations and makes a recommendation to the ACVS Board of Regents to be considered at the annual summer Board of Regents meeting. Following approval by the Board of Regents, the membership votes on the recommendation. The ACVS Rising Star Award is granted if the nominee receives 75 percent approval of the responding membership by mail or email ballot. The award is marked by the receipt of a plaque and recognition at the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with the annual ACVS Surgery Summit.  

Outstanding Surgery Residents’ Awards
The Outstanding Surgery Residents’ Awards, presented by the ACVS Foundation, recognizes those who have excelled during their residency presentations. ACVS and ECVS residents receive awards during the annual ACVS Surgery Summit for the Residents’ Forums, scientific poster presentations, and publication in Veterinary Surgery.

More Information and Surgery Resident Award Recipients

AO NA Resident Research Awards
AO VET North America created the AO NA Resident Research Awards. The resident abstracts are chosen based on their cross-disciplinary orthopedic relevance and embodiment of the “One Medicine” spirit of AO North America. 

AO NA Resident Research Awards Recipients

ACVS/ECVS Resident Speaker Exchange Program Awards
The ACVS/ECVS Resident Speaker Exchange Program Awards are presented by the ACVS Foundation. ACVS resident winners are invited to present at the next ECVS meeting.

ACVS/ECVS Resident Speaker Exchange Program Awards Recipients

On an annual basis, the ACVS Foundation confers the Student Surgery Proficiency Award upon selected members of the senior classes from each veterinary school in the United States and Canada. At the discretion of each institution, up to two awards may be given, one for proficiency in large animal surgery and one for proficiency in small animal surgery or one general certificate. Each award is given to a senior student who demonstrates exceptional aptitude through initiative, diagnostic skill, dexterity, and perioperative care of animals undergoing surgery.

Diplomates at each veterinary school are responsible for determining the appropriate time to nominate, elect, and recognize the award recipients. Nominations for the award(s) may be made by surgical faculty and house officers. The selection criteria should be based on academic and clinical proficiency in surgery and aptitude and interest in surgery. The recipient is chosen from the list of nominees by vote of ACVS Diplomates at the school or college. The award recipient(s) receives a certificate and a one-year subscription to Veterinary Surgery. For more information about this awards program, contact the ACVS office.

Award Recipients