Veterinary Heroes: Emergency Medicine winner Charity J. Uman, MS, DVM

dvm360^®, the No. 1 multimedia platform in the veterinary industry, announced the 8 winners of its inaugural Veterinary Heroes™ recognition program on November 16, 2021, including Emergency Medicine winner Charity J. Uman, DVM, MS. Inductees were honored during a celebratory gala at Fetch, a dvm360^® conference, on December 1, 2021, at the San Diego Convention Center in California.

The Veterinary Heroes™ program honors individuals who have achieved landmark successes within veterinary medicine. Veterinary leaders are nominated by their peers for their remarkable achievements in improving patient outcomes. A panel of distinguished judges from the dvm360^® Advisory Board chose 1 honoree in each category who has made a measurable difference.

The Veterinary Heroes^TM program is sponsored by Nationwide, Merck, Zoetis, Clevor®, Blue Buffalo, NorthStar VETS, and MedVet.

The winners of the 2021 Veterinary Heroes™ program are being featured in an 8-part series. Part 3 focuses on Emergency Medicine winner Charity J. Uman, DVM, MS.

Uman is known for her infectious passion for veterinary medicine. Her journey into the veterinary sector began when she was 18 years old and working as a kennel attendant at a local Humane Society. As an inspiration to many, she spent the next 9 years following her passions and another 7 years applying to veterinary school until she was accepted.

After receiving an MS from the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Center, Center for Animals and Public Safety, she earned her DVM from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Uman then completed a clinical internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where she received the Sharon Drellich Memorial Award for demonstrating a high level of professionalism, collegiality, and compassion.

Since 2010, Uman has been a practicing veterinarian, spending the past 6 years at VCA Veterinary Specialist of CT, where she has risen from emergency department doctor to director of the emergency department. Uman’s nominator commended her on her efforts in providing the highest quality of care to both her patients and clients—especially amid the difficult times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many clients find solace in her advice and guidance, as she makes them feel connected to their pets’ treatment plans, the nominator said. Deemed an outstanding colleague, Uman is considered a hero at her practice and an integral part of her team.

“I was totally shocked and surprised! I had no idea someone nominated me for the 2021 dvm360® Veterinary Heroes™ recognition program,” Uman said in an interview with dvm360®. “I am only as good as the people around me and wouldn’t be where I am without the wonderful people I’ve met along the way and the amazing staff I work with today. Thank you.”

Her favorite aspects of her job are helping a variety of animals such as the “amazing beauty in rehabilitating, then releasing, injured wildlife”, and seeing the joy and smiles on her client’s faces when the team successfully treats their pet. In her spare time, Uman can be found trail and ultrarunning, and is always smiling when she is outside listening to the birds.