Find The Location Closest To You
Payment Plans & Insurance
Cat Doctors
Pet Health Answers
Dr. Link Welborn named recipient of 2022 AVMA Award
Learn more, visit out pet health library:
Posted on August 8, 2022 in News
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today named Dr. Link Welborn, chief executive officer of Veterinary Study Groups, Covetrus Chief Veterinary Officer North America and past president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), as the winner of the 2022 AVMA Award.
Established in 1931, this award recognizes distinguished members of the association who have contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine in its organizational aspects, exerting outstanding leadership in building stronger local, state, or regional associations, or contributing to the improvement of the national organization.
"Dr. Welborn's service to the AVMA with advocacy and industry partners has been paramount in our advances in animal health and the economics of veterinary medicine," said Dr. Jose Arce, president of the AVMA. "It is my pleasure to present him with the 2022 AVMA Award."
Dr. Welborn has served in numerous leadership roles with the AVMA and AAHA. In addition to serving as AAHA president, Dr. Welborn has represented AAHA in the AVMA House of Delegates and served on the AAHA-AVMA Preventive Healthcare Guidelines Task Force. He has been the chair of AVMA's House of Delegates Allied Groups Caucus, AVMA Workforce Advisory Group and AVMA Economics Strategy Committee.
With AAHA, Dr. Welborn has chaired task forces that produced the most recent major enhancements and revisions to the standards of accreditation for primary care small animal practices, the first standards of accreditation for small animal specialty practices, and the 2017 Canine Vaccination Guidelines.
As CEO of Veterinary Study Groups (VSG), the umbrella organization for the over 60 Veterinary Management Groups, Dr. Welborn helped spearhead the development of the AAHA/VMG Chart of Accounts, AAHA-Accredited VMG Groups and the VSG/AVMA Principles of Veterinary Data Ownership & Stewardship.
A diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, certified in canine and feline practice, Dr. Welborn earned his doctorate of veterinary medicine with honors from the University of Florida in 1982, and currently owns six AAHA-accredited animal hospitals in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Welborn has previously been recognized with the AVMA President's Award, AAHA Practitioner of the Year Award, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award and Florida Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award.
"Over the last 40 years, I've been privileged to participate in numerous collaborative efforts with an unwavering focus on win-win outcomes for all the stakeholders in the veterinary profession including the animals and people for which we care," said Dr. Welborn. "I am honored and humbled to receive the AVMA Award."
About the AVMA
Serving more than 99,500 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.
Article courtesy of AVMA
U.S. shelters report increase in dog flu cases
No Matter What Kind of Trip, This Pet Travel Checklist Can Help
Not-So Holly Jolly Holiday Hazards
Stressed about vet bills? We can help!
About AAHA
Caring for your pet (250)
Community Events (18)
From Our Clients (15)
Recalls (1)
Tips & Advice (231)
Veterinary Services (50)
Dr. Welborn was the valedictorian of his 1976 graduating class from King High School here in Tampa and as a President's Scholar, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Welborn graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982. He is Board Certified in Canine and Feline Practice and is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and Certified PennHIP Veterinarian.
He is past president of the prestigious American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and served as Chairman of the AAHA Standards Enhancement Task Force that developed the most recent revisions and enhancements to the AAHA Standards of Accreditation for primary care small animal practices. He also served as Chairman of the Accredited Referral Practice Task Force that developed AAHA Standards of Accreditation for small animal specialty practices. He currently serves in several national veterinary leadership roles including being the Chairman of the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines Task Force and serving as a member of the AAHA-AVMA Preventative Healthcare Guidelines Task Force.
Dr. Welborn has received the following honors:
• 2022 AVMA Award
• Prestigious AVMA President's Award
• American Animal Hospital Association Practitioner of the Year Award
• University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award
• Florida Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award
• Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society Outstanding Service Award
Underwater photography and attending Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Florida Gator football games are among his favorite activities. Dr. Welborn's family includes: wife, Laura, daughter, Kaitlin, son, Christopher, furry friends, Jenner and Emma Rose, two birds, Harper and Connie, and a marine aquarium full of aquatic companions.
Link V Welborn
DVM, DABVP, CCRT
Hometown: Laurel, Mississippi
Pets: Jenner, Emma Rose, Harper, and Connie
Employee since: 1987
Find me at: All Creatures, The Cat Doctors, North Bay, Pebble Creek, Temple Terrace, Cheval
The Cat Doctors
Temple Terrace (East Tampa/Near USF)
Pebble Creek (New Tampa/Wesley Chapel)
North Bay (Town 'n' County/Westchase)
All Creatures (Lutz/Pasco)
Cheval (Lutz/North Tampa)
Home Delivery Stores
For the pets
AAHA Accredited
© 2023 Tampa Bay Veterinary Group | all rights reserved