For demonstrating excellence in primary care and commitment to patient-centered care, veterinary student Heather Kim has been named a 2026 Award for Proficiency in Primary Care recipient.

Bestowed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the award recognizes one student from each AAHA-accredited veterinary teaching hospital annually. 

Kim, a fourth-year DVM student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, was nominated by the Veterinary Medical Center’s (VMC) Primary Care Service members for demonstrating achievements that went above and beyond during her time in veterinary school. Fourth-year students complete clinical rotations on services within the VMC’s hospitals and through external partnerships. 

Kara Carmody, head of Primary Care and an associate professor, notes Kim confidently took ownership of patient cases with strong history-taking and physical exam skills—addressing all the pillars of preventive care. 

“Heather asked thoughtful, clinically relevant questions about her cases, demonstrating strong clinical reasoning skills and her personal commitment to becoming a great clinician,” Carmody says. “She demonstrated strong client communication skills, even completing an ‘establish care’ new puppy exam on her own. Heather’s approach will serve to provide high-quality medical care to her future patients while also fostering strong client relationships.”

As part of the award, Kim will receive five years of complimentary AAHA membership, digital journal and continuing education subscriptions, and a plaque.