South Carolina Association of Veterinarians – November 14-17, 2024

Event

The South Carolina Association of Veterinarians (SCAV) held its annual meeting from November 14-17, 2024, in Greenville.

Awards

Distinguished Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Patricia Scharko

Dr. Patricia Scharko (Georgia '83), Columbia. Dr. Scharko is a professor and an extension and field veterinarian with Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health. She also serves as the designated scrapie epidemiologist and beef quality assurance coordinator for South Carolina. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM), Dr. Scharko is a past president of the ACVPM, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and American Association of Extension Veterinarians.

Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Tim Loonam

Dr. Tim Loonam (Georgia '00), Lexington. Dr. Loonam owns Grace Animal Hospital in Lexington. He previously served in the Army Veterinary Corps, during which time he cared for military working dogs in Iraq. Dr. Loonam works with Encore Vet Group, serving as director of university relations, and is active with the Veterinary Business Management Association.

Humanitarian of the Year

Dr. Sarah Scott

Dr. Sarah Scott (Mississippi '17), Gaston. Dr. Scott owns Scott Mobile Veterinary Services, a mobile mixed animal practice. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, she obtained a temporary North Carolina veterinary license so she could help coordinate relief efforts and get supplies to those in need. Dr. Scott lectures at veterinary conferences and provides leadership on the care of poultry and backyard birds.

Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year

Jessica DeAbate Zohra Badat

Jessica DeAbate, Eutawville, and Zohra Badat, Summerville. DeAbate works at Santee Animal Hospital in Santee. She is known for her skills as a veterinary technician, her willingness to volunteer for any task, going above and beyond in her role, and her calm demeanor. Badat works part time at Old Trolley Road Animal Clinic in Summerville. She also serves as the conference and membership coordinator for the SCAV. Badat is immediate past treasurer and current president of the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians.

Animal Hospital Employee of the Year

Rana Sargent

Rana Sargent, Greenville. Sargent is the referral relationship manager at Upstate Vet in Greenville. She began her more than 25-year career in the veterinary profession within the state as manager of the former Animal Emergency Clinic in Greenville. Sargent visits referral hospitals and advocates for the best service to pets and owners in the community. She is known for her support of the staff at Upstate Vet.

Officials

Drs. Rebecca Hughes, Walterboro, president; Stacy Logsdon, Simpsonville, president-elect; James Carter, Aiken, secretary; Heather Duncan, Little River, treasurer; and Boyd Parr, Newberry, immediate past president

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