A Ponoka veterinarian has been presented with the prestigious Young Vet of the Year award for 2016.
Dr. Trevor Hook, who practices out of the Central Veterinary Clinic has won the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association’s (ABVMA) recognition for the award, which recognizes a new member - with less than five years of experience - for their enthusiasm for the profession and their demonstration of leadership as both a veterinarian and within the association.
The 31-year-old veterinarian was presented with the award during a ceremony held at the ABVMA’s meetings held in Edmonton Feb. 26-28.
“It’s pretty exciting and yet kind of humbling,” said Hook during an interview at his office this week.
Hook, who was born in Fernie, B.C. and grew up in Hinton, graduated with honours from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan five years ago and moved to Ponoka shortly afterwards to begin work at Central Veterinary Clinic.
“I’ve always had a scientific mind and was driven toward the medical field, specifically evidence-based medicine,” he said.
“I love being in a smaller rural community and practice, one of the reasons why I moved to Ponoka. You get to know the people personally and I love the challenges and variety a mixed practice provides.”
Another advantage to being in a community known for its animal sports events is it also matches well with his interest in equine sports medicine and surgery.
While the award will look good on the wall, Hook added it will also give him a good chance to promote good medicine.
“I enjoy helping and taking care to ensure the food supply is safe and educating people about not just animal medicine, but about agriculture as a whole. That’s just as important to me,” he said.
And Hook more than satisfies another requirement of the award - being active in the community.
He is a former volunteer firefighter plus gives back through officiating hockey, though he has stepped back recently following the birth of his daughter four months ago. He is also very active participating in hockey, soccer, running and a number of other outdoor activities. His wife is also involved as president of the local KidSport charity.
Meanwhile, through his practice, Hook supports vet students - including training vet students from Calgary - and those that aspire to be veterinarians via encouragement and employment opportunities.