UC Davis Veterinary Hospital Recognizes Staff with Annual Awards
The UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) recently acknowledged the dedication and hard work of its staff members with the annual VMTH Staff Excellence Awards. Chief Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Michael Mison presented the awards.
The VMTH Staff Excellence Awards are divided into these categories:
• Leadership/Staff Excellence
• Small Animal Hospital
• Large Animal Hospital
• Laboratory/Pathology/Pharmacy/Central Services/Diagnostic Imaging
• Supervisor
• Administrative/Client Services
• Unsung Hero
The 2026 VMTH Staff Excellence Awards winners are:
Leadership/Staff Excellence Award Winner: Jennifer LaSance
Jenn is the true essence of a leader – being the first one in, always stepping in to help where help is needed, and leading with a can-do attitude. She always represents the group that is not present when there are discussions about workflow and duties, and she responds promptly, effectively, and with compassion when intervention is needed. She is always positive and fiercely loyal to her group. As a leader, Jenn comes up with good solutions, and her feedback methods are advanced. As a supervisor, she has built and maintained a highly organized, efficient, and well-functioning service. Jenn has an exceptional ability to coordinate the many moving parts required to keep a busy surgical service running smoothly. She exemplifies the professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence that this award is intended to recognize.
Small Animal Hospital Award Winner: Tina Souza
Tina is an outstanding veterinary technician who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, colleagues, and students. Every day, she comes to work with a positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care. Her attention to detail, clinical expertise, and calm, steady presence makes her someone that both patients and team members can depend on, even in the most challenging situations. Tina leads by example through her work ethic, professionalism, and genuine care for those around her. Her contributions to the hospital extend far beyond her daily responsibilities, and she has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, faculty, students, and clients alike.
Large Animal Hospital Award Winner: Jessica Behar
Jess consistently goes above and beyond. During a period of short staffing, she stepped up without hesitation, stayed late to ensure that patients received excellent care, and maintained a positive, supportive attitude throughout. Jess is wonderful to work with and is always willing to help her teammates. Her dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference for both our patients and our team.
Laboratory/Pathology/Pharmacy/Central Services/Diagnostic Imaging Award Winner: Michelle Solorio
Michelle has continued to master the technical knowledge required to resolve a wide range of complex issues. She approaches every challenge with the same level of dedication and professionalism. Michelle’s ability to bridge clinical and technical responsibilities has made her an indispensable resource and a trusted mentor to colleagues. Her meticulous attention to detail, paired with her willingness to step up whenever and wherever she is needed, reflects a depth of dedication that elevates the standards of our entire team. Michelle has consistently demonstrated the exceptional skill, commitment, and positive spirit that this award is designed to recognize.
Supervisor Award Winner: Megan Loscar
Megan consistently creates a positive and supportive work environment through her clear communication, proactive approach, and exceptional organizational skills. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to balance kindness with professionalism. She approaches every interaction with compassion and respect, while not shying away from addressing challenges directly and constructively. Whether navigating difficult conversations, resolving conflicts, or guiding team members through challenges, Megan consistently seeks solutions that support both individuals and the broader goals of the hospital. She demonstrates integrity, accountability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to excellence in everything she does. She keeps the needs of patients, clients, staff, and the hospital at the forefront of her decision-making and is always focused on achieving the best possible outcomes. Megan exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional supervisor and leader and is highly deserving of this recognition.
Administrative/Client Services Award Winner: Alex Beech
Alex consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to the hospital through his support of the electronic medical records system and the many staff members who rely on it every day. He is responsive, approachable, and genuinely committed to improving workflows across the hospital and laboratories. What sets Alex apart is not only his technical expertise but also his willingness to listen to end users, understand operational challenges, and collaborate on practical solutions. He actively seeks feedback, welcomes suggestions, and follows through on improvements that make a meaningful difference. In addition to his technical contributions, Alex consistently provides outstanding customer service through his patience and professionalism.
Unsung Hero Award Winner: Diana Taylor
Diana’s 20+ years of experience are a tremendous asset not only to the patient population but also to her colleagues. She consistently helps junior technicians improve their skills and helps them grow professionally. Diana has a wealth of knowledge to pass on – individual kudos from her colleagues include her patience in teaching how to best place a catheter and how to handle some of the more challenging patients. She approaches her job with the heart of a true teacher and caregiver.
Congratulations to all award winners!
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