AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY
INTERNAL MEDICINE (ACVIM)
1997 Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80214-5293
www.acvim.org
JUNE 13, 2013
CONTACT: Laurie Nelson
Marketing, Communications and Media Relations Specialist
Office: 303.231.9933
Cell: 303.324.9081
Laurie@ACVIM.org
American College of Veterinary Medicine Announces
Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence Winner Virginia Reef at 2013 ACVIM Forum
(Seattle, WA) The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is proud to announce Dr. Virginia
Reef of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) as the recipient of the ACVIM
Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence at the 2013 ACVIM Forum. This award is presented annually to
an ACVIM Diplomate with an outstanding career in veterinary medicine including national and international
recognition for contributions and service in activities such as clinical medical practice, instruction, research, and /
or public service.
Virginia Reef, DVM, DACVIM (Large Animal Internal Medicine) and Board-certified in 1984, has spent the
majority of her career focused on equine cardiology and ultrasonography. Combining her passion for research with
her love of horses, Dr. Reef has made many contributions to the field of Large Animal Internal Medicine. She has
published numerous landmark papers on advances in equine cardiology and ultrasonography. Her publication
record encompasses more than 50 original research papers and over 50 case reports. She has also published about
130 abstracts in proceedings, 11 major review articles and 80 book chapters.
Dr. Reef is Director of Large Animal Cardiology and Diagnostic Ultrasonography and is the Mark Whittier and
Lila Griswold Allam Professor of Medicine at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. She is a member of at least 17
veterinary organizations and in each has played a committed and involved role. She has coordinated clinical
laboratories for the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the ACVIM. Her reputation and
contributions extend worldwide. She has made many presentations within the US and has been an invited speaker at
prestigious international meetings.
In addition to her numerous academic achievements, Dr. Reef is known for her willingness to mentor young
veterinarians. Many of those she has mentored consider her an inspiration, generous with her time and support. Her
enthusiasm and willingness to share knowledge make her a truly distinguished contributor to the field of veterinary
medicine and to the ACVIM.
Dr. Reef’s clinical work primarily involves horses referred by practicing veterinarians. She is extremely committed
to supporting her colleagues, and was very involved in raising funds for new facilities at Penn Vet’s New Bolton
Center.
Dr. Reef has made significant contributions to her specialty through her clinical research, academic expertise,
teaching, and presentations to veterinarians worldwide. The ACVIM is proud to present her with the ACVIM
Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence at the 2013 Forum.
About the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
ACVIM is the national certifying organization for veterinary specialists in large and small animal internal
medicine, cardiology, neurology and oncology. Established in 1973, ACVIM’s purpose is to advance the
knowledge of animal health and diseases, and to foster the continued development of specialty veterinary care. For
more information, please visit www.ACVIM.org.
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