ASAV Roger Clarke Practitioner of the Year

Awarded to one individual, who in the eyes of their colleagues or the wider profession, demonstrates outstanding service to the profession and the public through academic pursuits, standard of practice, professional profile, altruism or a combination of these components.

Background to the Award

In 2024, the ASAV Practitioner of the Year Award was renamed the ASAV Roger Clarke Practitioner of the Year Award to commemorate Dr Roger Clarke. During his long and productive career Dr Roger Clarke devoted countless hours of his time to assisting developing nations improve their veterinary practices and standards of care through continuing education.

Among Dr Clarke’s veterinary passions was his tireless commitment to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). He was Australia’s national representative from 1980-2003 and afterwards enjoyed a role in the WSAVA Assembly. He also promoted a scientific stream devoted to animal welfare in the WSAVA Annual Congress, making it the first international veterinary association to recognise the importance of animal welfare in veterinary science.

During his time as convenor of WSAVA CE in the Asia-Pacific region, he assisted in the formation of the Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Associations (FASAVA), which acts as an international small animal veterinary group and forum for members to discuss our region’s specific needs. He also helped to develop FASAVA’s constitution and rules and was elected the inaugural chairman from 2007-2011.

This is an opportunity to nominate an ASAV member who has had a significant impact on the profession, industry, and community.

The ASAV Roger Clarke Practitioner of the Year Award may be awarded to one individual who demonstrates outstanding academic pursuits, service to the public, service to the profession, a well-regarded public image, or a combination of these.

Essential criteria
The recipient must qualify for each of the below:

• Be actively engaged in practice with a component of at least 50% focus on small animals, for a minimum period of five years and be a member of good standing.
• Is a practitioner, who in the eyes of their colleagues or the wider profession, demonstrates outstanding service to the profession and the public through academic pursuits, standard of practice, professional profile, altruism or a combination of these components.
• Nominations are to be supported by testimonials from colleagues and/or the public.

Desirable criteria
In addition, the following criteria will further qualify a worthy recipient of this award:

• Is a practitioner who has rendered an outstanding level of mentoring, support or leadership to colleagues.

Application details

• An eligible applicant must be nominated by another colleague.
• Nominations are now open.
• Submissions must be received by Friday 5 June 2026, 5:00pm AEST.
• Winners should be available to attend the 2026 ASAV Conference Gala Awards Dinner, at the Novotel Sunshine Coast, QLD, on Wednesday 19 August 2026 to receive their award, however recipients may nominate a suitable representative (ASAV member) to accept on their behalf.