WMAH continues to celebrate the life of Dr. Anna Worth, who passed away in May of 2009. Dr. Worth was unparalleled in her dedication to the health and well being of companion animals and promoting awareness in animal health care. Her enthusiasm, positive energy, and progressive ideas helped make WMAH into what it is today. Beyond WMAH, Dr. Anna was very involved in organized veterinary medicine.

Locally, she served on the Board of the Bennington County Humane Society. She also served as President of the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), where she founded and edited the VVMA newsletter. She served as the Vermont delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association from 1992 – 1999. In 1992 she received the Massachusetts SPCA Veterinarian of the Year Award, and in 1997 the David Walker Award.

She served as chairperson for the Vermont Cruelty Task Force and the Vermont Animal Welfare Committee. Anna became passionately involved with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), an international organization focused on raising the level of companion animal health care and providing standards and accreditation for 3,000 hospitals and 40,000 veterinary professionals. She served on numerous AAHA committees, including the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Accredited Referral Practice Task Force, and the Animal Welfare and Ethics Task Force. She acted as the AAHA representative for the CATalyst Council, National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

In 2005 she helped found the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, which provides funds to pets and clients in need. From 2008 to 2009, during her illness, she served as the AAHA President and championed Student Advocacy, Mentoring Guidelines, and had numerous speaking engagements at veterinary colleges in the US and Canada. During her AAHA tenure, she continued to be involved in other veterinary activities, including a Veterinary Management Group, the AAHA Veterinary Management Institute, and President of the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics. Because of her accomplishments and far-reaching influence, she is missed by members of her profession worldwide.