IAAAM Awards for Excellence

At the 1988 International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine Annual Meeting it was moved and accepted by the Executive Committee that the Association adopt the concept of Merit Awards for members with recognized outstanding contributions to the field of aquatic animal medicine. In 1998 a fourth award was added to recognize outstanding contributions to education in the aquatic field.

The four Merit Awards listed below are distinct and separate from Honorary Membership in the Association, in that specific contributions to specific aquatic animal species or fields will be recognized, as opposed to longevity within the Association.

The Executive Board of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine establishes herewith the following merit awards, which may be conferred annually, and which will consist of appropriate symbols of recognition for outstanding contributions made to the discipline of aquatic animal medicine.

All awardees are to be recommended by any current standing members of the Association to the Executive Board by receipt of nominations by the President or President-Elect, 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting of the Association. Upon approval by two-thirds of the Executive Board, the nominations will be placed on the floor at the Annual Membership Business Meeting for approval by members in attendance at that Meeting.

Members wishing to nominate Association members for these awards should send a letter of nomination, curriculum vitae for their nominees, and any other pertinent information to the Chair of the Nominations committee. All nominations received will be turned over to the Executive Board for evaluation and possible recommendation to the Membership.

IAAAM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AQUATIC CLINICAL MEDICINE (1988)

This award is to be made to a member of the Association, who in his/her activities within the past 10 years, has achieved a record of excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • clinical scientific research
  • clinical therapeutics
  • clinical diagnostics
  • clinical education

THE MARK KEYES AWARD FOR MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVATION (1988)

This award is to be given to an active member of the Association, who in his/her activities within the past 10 years, has made a significant impact on the conservation of one or more species of marine mammal through any or all of the following areas:

  • scientific research
  • political action
  • management of the species in the wild
  • management of the species in captivity
  • education

Dr. Keyes was for many years a veterinary researcher and diplomat for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and was instrumental in the northern fur seal management program of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. This award is given in his honor.

THE CHRISTENSEN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FISH HEALTH (1988)

This award is to be given to an active member of the Association, who in his/her activities within the past 10 years, has made significant advances in the field of fish health and medicine through one or more of the following areas:

* basic scientific research
* applied research
* education

Dr. Christensen was for many years Director of Fisheries Medicine at the Royal College of Veterinary Medicine in Copenhagen, Denmark, and this award is given in his honor.

THE WILLIAM MEDWAY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING (1999)

This award is given to an individual who, in his/her activities within the past 10 years, has made a significant impact on teaching aquatic sciences of one or more species or all of the following areas:

  • Clinical education
  • Clinical scientific research
  • Conservation
  • Management of wild or captive aquatic species

Dr. Medway taught clinical pathology and zoological medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine for thirty years (1958-1988). He was a pioneer in the field of marine mammal medicine and was a charter member of the IAAAM. This award is given in his honor.  The Medway Endowment Fund is also named in his honor.