AVMA honors Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, for lifetime contributions to DEI

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has named Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH, the recipient of the AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award.¹ The award recognizes a veterinary member of the AVMA who has made significant contributions to the veterinary profession through transformative leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and whose efforts have brought distinction to the field.²

Blackwell, who earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University in Alabama, is recognized for his leadership and commitment to DEI, which he combines with One Health objectives.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, especially one named for Frederick Douglass Patterson, [DVM, PhD], a man whose visionary leadership opened doors for people like my father and me,” Blackwell said during the opening of his award acceptance speech at the AVMA House of Delegates’ regular annual session on July 18, 2025, which was held together with the AVMA Convention in Washington, DC, this year.¹ “As a Tuskegee graduate, I carry his legacy with me every day.”

Michael Blackwell, DVM, MPH (left) receiving his award from Sandra Faeh, DVM, AVMA president. (Photo courtesy of R. Scott Nolen and American Veterinary Medical Association)

Currently, Blackwell is the director of the Program for Pet Health Equity in the Center for Behavioral Health Research at the University of Tennessee. In this role, he ensures veterinary care is accessible to all pets, including those from families with limited resources.

Blackwell, along with his team, created AlignCare, a nationwide initiative that uses a community-funded, One Health approach to help care for pets and their families. He also leads the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, an organization focused on bringing attention to the lack of access to veterinary care.

During his tenure as dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine from 2000 to 2008, Blackwell worked to advance DEI by appointing a DEI director, offering mentorship programs, expanding support services for underrepresented students, and working with organizations committed to DEI in veterinary medicine.

“Progress happens, problems are solved, [and] justice is realized when leaders lead. Leadership in our profession demands more than clinical excellence; it requires us to see the whole family, to understand the barriers they face, and to act with courage and compassion. It means listening to those we serve and to each other with humility and purpose,” Blackwell said during his acceptance speech.

Prior to serving as the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s dean, Blackwell served in the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Services for 23 years, during which he was the organization’s chief veterinary officer. In addition, he served as deputy director of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. More than 2 decades later, Blackwell retired as assistant surgeon general with the rank of rear admiral and chief of staff in the Office of the US Surgeon General.

He has also been a practice owner in Oklahoma and Maryland, was the Humane Society of the United States’ (now named Humane World for Animals) chief veterinary officer, and assumed the role of president and CEO of Blackwell Consulting, which offered services related to FDA regulations, public health, veterinary medicine, and organizational and human resources management.

At the end of his acceptance speech at the AVMA House of Delegates, Blackwell directly addressed the audience. “You’re not only stewards of veterinary medicine; you’re architects of its future,” he said. “Let us lead in a way that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Let us lead in a way that ensures no family is left behind when it comes to the care of their beloved pet.”

References

1. Michael Blackwell honored with AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 30, 2025. Accessed July 31, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/michael-blackwell-honored-avma-frederick-douglass-patterson-lifetime-achievement-award
2. AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 31, 2025. https://www.avma.org/about/awards/avma-frederick-douglass-patterson-lifetime-achievement-award