The 2026 awards highlighted diverse approaches to improving patient health. Kristen Slagle of Oklahoma State University won the Rising Star Award for designing a clear, perforated hideaway box that allows hospitalized cats to feel secure while remaining visible for clinical observation. Sarah Wilmes of Binder Animal Hospital received the Veterinary Technician and Team Member Award for implementing prepaid sample-collection kits, which helped the practice secure over 1,000 diagnostic samples in 2025 alone.

Dr. Samantha Gruenwald of Frankenmuth-Birch Run Veterinary Hospital earned the Veterinarian Award for integrating preventive wellness protocols into every exotic-animal exam, regardless of the initial reason for the visit. Finally, the Veterinary Corporation and Group Award went to Pointer Health, a company whose platform uses predictive modeling to identify disease risks across 170 conditions by analyzing a patient's existing medical history. Dr. Kent Thornberry, President of CareVet, noted that these winners demonstrate that meaningful progress often stems from challenging standard workflows to better serve the next patient.