Honored Mentor
Ross A. Lirtzman
DVM, DACVS
Ross was a resident when I was a student,and was by far a favorite of mine and our class! Behind his jovial, agreeable and charismatic side was a serious, precise and academic veterinary surgeon. He was serious about learning, teaching and advancing veterinary surgery and especially committed to pursuing legitimate scientific endeavors. As a resident he was actively involved in the kidney transplant program and the total elbow development program at UC Davis. And he would come along side of any student showing a sincere and keen interest in surgery and encourage them along their studies. He'd recommend texts, papers and other resources for them to fill in their knowledge base. After his residency he pursued bio-medical/bio-device research for a half dozen years before returning to clinical medicine, which he has truly set-the-bar for. His state of art facility in Arizona is truly ‘human-grade’ and even in private practice has set new standards in arthroplasty by validating and advancing intra-operative imaging to ensure ideal implant location. Every time I’m in town Ross always sets aside time to meet and open up the clinic even on weekends when it’s closed to show me all the new things he’s brought to the hospital since my prior visit. Ross has truly chosen well and has enjoyed a rich and satisfying career. Early in my own training, I can never forget some of the best advice I ever received, and it was from Ross when he shared: “the best residency in the world is the one you get”. Both a friend and a colleague, Ross is a true role model.
- John Haburjak, DVM, DACVS
I am deeply touched and truly humbled to receive this recognition as an ACVS Honored Mentor. To be acknowledged in this way by my peers is both unexpected and profoundly meaningful. Mentorship has never felt like a duty to me - it is more a privilege. Every conversation, every case, every teaching opportunity has been a shared journey of growth. And I've learned just as much from my colleagues as I've ever hoped to teach them. Watching others discover their own confidence, skill, and purpose in surgery has been one of the greatest joys of my professional life. I, too, have been shaped by remarkable mentors who showed me not only how to operate, but how to care - with patience, humility, and respect. To stand in that same role for others is a responsibility I hold close to my heart. And so this recognition is not mine alone - it belongs to all the students, interns, residents, surgical teams, support staff, and industry partners who continue to inspire me every day. You remind me constantly why this work matters and you make every long day worthwhile. Thank you for this incredible honor. I accept it with deep gratitude and with renewed commitment to guiding, supporting, and learning alongside the next generation of veterinary orthopedic surgeons. With heartfelt appreciation.
- Ross A. Lirtzman, DVM, DACVS
Donors
- John Haburjak, DVM, DACVS
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