Veterinary Association Names New President, Mark Russak, DVM

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has named Mark Russak, DVM, as president of its Board of Directors.

“The staff at the American Animal Hospital Association is pleased to welcome Dr. Russak as our new president,” said Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP, executive director of AAHA.  “Each of our board members has demonstrated a clear dedication to improving pet health and the veterinary profession. Dr. Russak’s involvement with AAHA ensures that we will continue to be on the cutting edge of the veterinary profession.”

Dr. Russak earned both his bachelor’s degree and DVM from Colorado State University, and his certificate in veterinary practice administration from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University.

Dr. Russak recently retired from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine after teaching there for seven years. While there, he served as an assistant clinical professor in the primary care service and, most recently, director of student affairs. His teaching emphases were in the areas of the art and business of veterinary practice, leadership, and communication. Before the move to academia, he owned a multi-doctor AAHA practice in Kensington, Conn. for nearly 25 years. He hosted a weekly television pet health show for MS State TV for 6 years, and had a regular “Pet Care” column in a local newspaper. Dr. Russak and his wife Ellen recently moved back to Berlin to spend time with his family

“Dr. Russak is a strong leader to our Board of Directors,” Cavanaugh added. “We are excited to see what he contributes to AAHA in the coming year.”

The Board of Directors is responsible for implementing AAHA policy to promote the growth and betterment of veterinary medicine.

Established in 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association is the only organization that accredits companion animal practices throughout the United States and Canada for dedication to high standards of veterinary care. More than 3,300 AAHA-accredited practices pass regular reviews of AAHA’s stringent accreditation standards that cover patient care, client service and medical protocols. The AAHA Standards of Accreditation, viewed as the standard of veterinary excellence, contain more than 900 individual standards.

For pet care information or referral to an AAHA-accredited practice, visit healthypet.com.