Athens, Ga. – A mixed-animal practitioner in rural east Tennessee was recognized recently as a “Young Achiever” by the Alumni Association of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
Kimberly Lewis Carney (DVM ’01) of Harrogate, Tenn., received the award at a ceremony held March 24 during the college’s 49th Annual Veterinary Conference and Alumni Weekend. Carney went to work at Harrogate Hospital for Animals the day after she graduated. In the decade since, she has earned the reputation of a veterinary trendsetter, a veterinary missionary and an educator.
Endoscopy, ultrasonography, laser surgery and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine all became available to Harrogate’s clients thanks to Carney’s leadership and efforts. She also spearheaded an effort to create a shared emergency service with other veterinary practices in the tri-state area that serves patients from Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.
The creation of the emergency service spurred the growth of a local association of Christian Veterinary Mission, an international non-profit that works to improve veterinary education and animal care in 23 countries. Carney first became involved with the group while attending veterinary school at UGA and currently serves as chair of the international agency’s board of directors. She recently accepted an offer to serve the organization for three years in Bolivia, where she will teach at the veterinary college in Santa Cruz and work with indigenous subsistence farmers. She expects to depart later this year.
Additionally during the last nine years, Carney has served as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Memorial University in the veterinary technology program. She also mentors veterinary technician students and accepts five to 10 interns annually.
Carney helps provide housing for interns and preceptors from veterinary programs worldwide. Students from as far away as Japan, Columbia and Brazil come to Harrogate to be exposed to practical veterinary medicine at a high standard of care. Housing the international visitors provides her family, staff and community with a chance to experience other cultures.
Recognizing her desire to work with others to improve animal health, Pfizer Animal Health asked Carney to participate in the “ELITE” Sedation and Pain Management speakers group. The program provides her with annual training on advances in pain management, which she shares with others through wet labs and lectures.
Carney also serves her community by participating in political endeavors and the local Kiwanis Club and as an active member of her church. She closes the practice for one partial day each month so that she and her staff can volunteer at a local food bank.
At home, Carney, her husband and their son raise Haflinger horses.
The college’s alumni association recognizes a few distinguished alumni each spring, including a “Young Achiever” who has graduated within the last decade. Nominees must have graduated from the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine and made contributions in one or more of the following areas:
• Animal and human health related public service;
• Professional service;
• Involvement in veterinary educational research and/or service;
• Contributions to the local community, state or nation;
• Involvement in veterinary associations at the local, state or national level; and
• Contributions to the college’s Alumni Association.
UGA College of Veterinary Medicine
The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, to conducting research related to animal and human diseases, and to providing veterinary services for animals and their owners. Research efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for animals and people, improving the productivity of poultry and livestock, and preserving a healthy interface between wildlife and people in the environment they share. The college enrolls 102 students each fall out of more than 560 who apply. For more information, see www.vet.uga.edu. For more information about the Alumni Association of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, see www.vet.uga.edu/alumni/.
