Veterinarian Jody Lulich honored with 2012 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award

St. Paul, Minn.–

Veterinarian Jody Lulich of the University of Minnesota was honored with the 2012 Mark L. Morris, Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lulich, an internationally recognized expert in veterinary urology, was named this year's honoree based on his significant achievements in nephrology, urology, education and work with the Minnesota Urolith Center at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to authoring more than 400 scientific papers, Lulich is credited with creating a nonsurgical method to remove uroliths from the urinary bladder in dogs and cats.

His specialization in nephrology and urology has earned him an international reputation as a clinical investigator and educator in this field, Hill's says in a prepared statement.

"This year, nominees boasted a wide range of experience in different fields of the veterinary profession," says Daniel S. Aja, DVM, director of professional affairs at Hill's. "Dr. Lulich's pioneering work in the area of canine and feline lower urinary tract infections and gift of inspiring the hearts and minds of the next generation in veterinary medicine put his name at the top of the list."

Lulich received his DVM degree (cum laude) from Tuskegee University In 1984. He later completed an internal medicine residency and PhD at the University of Minnesota where he currently serves as professor of internal medicine in the university's Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. He is also the co-director of the University's Minnesota Urolith Center. Lulich has presented more than 200 seminars worldwide, and in 2007, he was voted Speaker of The Year at NAVC.

In recognition of Lulich’s lifetime of service, Hill’s is donating $20,000 to the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) in his name. The MAF, founded by Dr. Mark Morris, Sr., in 1948, advances veterinary research. The foundation has funded more than 1,700 animal health studies aimed at breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, prevention and cures.