Dr. Tiffany Durzi Honoured with UGFA Award for Veterinary Excellence

Dr. Tiffany Durzi, clinical veterinarian and Primary Care Veterinary Educator at the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Smith Lane Animal Hospital has been recognized by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA) for her contributions toward excellence in professional veterinary practice to the community.  

Durzi is the recipient of the 2023 UGFA Veterinary Excellence Award, which is presented annually to recognize a UGFA Veterinarian Member for their outstanding accomplishments in professional practice.  

Durzi was nominated for the award by her colleague and fellow veterinarian at the Smith Lane Animal Hospital, Dr. Shannon Gowland, in recognition of her passion and outstanding medical knowledge in primary care practice, and for her compassionate mentorship of the student veterinarians she supervises as part of her teaching responsibilities. 

“I am so proud of Tiffany for all her accomplishments,” says Gowland. “She is truly an excellent veterinarian and educator, a strong advocate for our profession and an incredible role model for our students. Her knowledge, dedication, energy, sense of humor, patience and kindness make her a wonderful colleague to work with. I am so happy she has received this award; she truly deserves to be recognized and celebrated.” 

Durzi received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from OVC in 2000. She began her career working in mixed-animal practice and then spent seven years practicing small animal medicine and surgery before accepting the position of Director of Clinical Teaching Facility at the St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2010, she returned to OVC as a clinical veterinarian at the Hill’s Primary Healthcare Centre. She instructs student veterinarians during Phase 4 clinical rotations as a Primary Care Veterinary Educator and also serves as the Chief of Service for the OVC Fitness and Rehabilitation Service. In 2021, she became certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners with a Specialty in Canine and Feline Practice. 

“This is a very well-deserved award that recognizes Dr. Durzi’s crucial role in the success of our primary healthcare centre,” says Dr. Luis Gaitero, Associate Dean of the Clinical Program at OVC. “Tiffany is an inspiring professional and educator who is respected by the entire community. Her forward-thinking initiatives have enhanced OVC's role as one of the global leaders in primary care veterinary education. She is an exemplary leader, taking care of the entire team and serving as a role model for students and colleagues on how veterinarians could facilitate team well-being and cohesiveness.” 

Alongside colleagues Gowland and Dr. Omar Khan, Durzi co-hosts the Vet Sessions podcast, where the three veterinarians welcome guests to discuss common clinical questions and dissect what it means to be a primary care veterinarian. 

"I am so very fortunate for the opportunity to work with such a supportive and inquisitive team at the Ontario Veterinary College,” says Durzi. “I love working with all the staff and students because everyone is so passionate about learning, and they remind me daily how important the veterinarian is to the community. I hope that more students consider a job in clinical veterinary medicine at an academic institution!"