Dr. Jo Ann Morrison Appointed as NVA's VP of Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety

Dr. Jo Ann Morrison Appointed as Vice President of Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety at NVA

National Veterinary Associates (NVA), a prominent leader in North American pet healthcare, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), to the newly established position of Vice President of Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety. This strategic move underscores NVA's commitment to enhancing veterinary care through rigorous evidence-based practices and patient safety protocols.

The Role of Dr. Morrison

In her new role, Dr. Morrison is set to spearhead NVA's initiatives in advancing evidence-based medicine. Her impressive background includes a wealth of experience in clinical veterinary medicine, academic leadership, and contributions to veterinary science, making her a key asset to NVA as they strive to integrate research findings and day-to-day operational lessons into effective clinical guidelines for veterinary teams.

Dr. Stacy Burdick, NVA's Chief Medical Officer, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Morrison's appointment, lauding her exceptional blend of clinical acumen and scientific leadership. “Jo Ann brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, scientific leadership, and experience translating research into meaningful improvements in patient care,” Burdick remarked. NVA believes that leveraging the continuous learning opportunities from daily veterinary practice will allow them to harness insights that can significantly enhance outcomes for pets and their caregivers.

Dr. Morrison’s Expertise

Before joining NVA, Dr. Morrison served as the Global Director of Veterinary Science and Health Outcomes at Mars Veterinary Health. During her tenure, she focused on initiatives aimed at promoting veterinary science, assessing health outcomes, and converting clinical research into actionable practices. Her leadership in producing Science Impact Reports helped highlight the contributions of veterinarians and research initiatives on a global scale, showcasing her dedication to improving veterinary care.

Previously, she held the position of director of veterinary science at Banfield Pet Hospital, where her efforts were concentrated on clinical data management, research, and the enhancement of medical quality initiatives. Dr. Morrison’s early career included five years in primary care and mixed-animal practice in the Midwest before she transitioned into academia, where she spent 11 years on the faculty at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, mentoring the next generation of veterinary specialists.

Commitment to Veterinary Excellence

Dr. Morrison's educational credentials further solidify her expertise; she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University and her master's degree in veterinary clinical sciences from Iowa State University. Her board certification as a veterinary internist highlights her deep understanding and commitment to veterinary medicine.

NVA's decision to create this role and appoint Dr. Morrison reflects its continued investment in advancing veterinary medicine. By fostering clinical learning, scientific collaboration, and a thorough understanding of medical outcomes, NVA aims to empower local veterinary teams. Dr. Morrison's expertise will play a pivotal role in guiding these teams towards making evidence-based decisions that are tailored to meet the individual needs of their patients.

As NVA continues to evolve and refine its approach to pet healthcare, Dr. Morrison’s leadership will undoubtedly help strengthen the connection between scientific research and practical veterinary medicine. At the heart of this initiative is the desire to offer pets and their owners more quality years together, solidifying NVA’s commitment to shaping the future of veterinary care.

About National Veterinary Associates

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) operates over 1200 veterinary hospitals and pet resorts across North America, including general practice hospitals, specialty clinics, and emergency facilities. NVA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for pets and their families through compassionate and comprehensive veterinary services. For more information about NVA, you can visit their official website at www.nva.com.