Meet the 2026 Veterinary Heroes: James Mackey, BS, AAS, CVT, CVPP, VTS

James Mackey, BS, AAS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), thrives when delivering custom anesthetic plans and provides “superior care for each case,” according to his nominator. However, he stands out for his efforts to share his knowledge of practical skills with others through training and mentoring clinical care professionals, publishing articles, and presenting continuing education events.

Mackey has also worked with multiple clinics in the Northeastern US to help improve their surgery and anesthesia teams, according to his nominator. His recent projects have also included overseeing the establishment of a surgery and anesthesia department for Integrity Veterinary Center.

His nominator wrote that they have been fortunate to work with Mackey, who brings passion and skill to his role. He is “proving a model for what modern veterinary anesthesia can and should look like while sparking interest and empowerment...among both technicians and doctors,” they wrote.

“The exceptional care and skill James provides to each case he encounters would be enough to give nomination, but the fact that he shares and promotes this knowledge so freely allows his passion, knowledge, and skills to spread exponentially,” the award nominator continued. “Invoking awe and inspiring others make James a hero; championing others to become the hero[es] make[s] James a legend.

Congratulations to Mackey from dvm360! You can check out the rest of our 2026 recipients and learn more about Mackey here.