Nancy Collins, DVM, who while engaged in private practice in Southern California became a distinguished regulatory authority and advocate for the state’s consumers and their animals, received the AAEP’s Sage Kester “Beyond the Call” Award for her commitment to improving equine welfare and the lives of others through service above self.
The “Beyond the Call” Award is named in honor of its first recipient, the late Wayne O. “Sage” Kester, DVM, and recognizes a current or former AAEP member who has made significant and long-lasting contributions to equine veterinary medicine and the community. Dr. Collins was honored Nov. 20 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 63 Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Collins established Collins Equine Veterinary Services in 1978, two years after receiving her veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis. While running her practice, she was appointed to the California Veterinary Medical Board in 1990 and served until 2003, including four years as president. During this time, she became active in the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and served as AAVSB president from 1994-1995. AAVSB appointed Dr. Collins to the National Board Examination Committee in 1995, and she served for three, three-year terms. She chaired the NBEC from 2000-2001.
Among Dr. Collins’ accolades are a 2002 resolution from the California Senate in appreciation of her extraordinary care, devotion, and services beyond the call of duty to the consumers of California and their animals, and for her accomplishments as an outstanding public servant; and a commendation the same year from California Governor Gray Davis for her public service. She also received the Dan Mahan Memorial Award from the Southern California Veterinary Association for her dedicated service to the veterinary profession and well-being of animals; and the 2008 NBVME Award from the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for significant personal contributions to the national licensing examination program.
Dr. Collins has also been a volunteer leader within the AAEP. She served on the board of directors from 1998-2000, and has been a member of the Ethics, Practice Management and Prepurchase Exam committees.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.
