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Alberta Veterinarian Honoured for Transforming Global Standards in Emergency and Critical Care
June 20, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – Dr. Søren Boysen was named the 2025 recipient of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 25, in recognition of his pioneering work in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and his lasting contributions to veterinary emergency and critical care.
Dr. Boysen is a globally recognized leader in veterinary POCUS and co-founder of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Ultrasound working group. He co-led the development of the international veterinary POCUS consensus statements and is a driving force behind the POCUS domain in the RECOVER initiative for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A 1996 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Boysen completed an internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College and a residency in small animal emergency and critical care at Tufts University. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care) in 2003.
As the primary author of the original veterinary FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam, Dr. Boysen introduced POCUS as a practical, life-saving diagnostic tool now widely used in both emergency and general practice. His mantra “POCUS to LIVE; LIVE to POCUS” reflects his passion for innovation, education, and hands-on care.
Throughout his career, Dr. Boysen has advanced emergency and critical care veterinary medicine across Canada. As chief of service at the Université de Montréal, he helped establish Québec’s first veterinary intensive care unit and small animal emergency and critical care residency program – accomplishments that required mastering French and navigating provincial regulatory hurdles. At the University of Calgary, he co-developed the emergency curriculum and served as a founding clinical contributor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Boysen’s influence extends globally. He has collaborated on over 50 research projects across 10 countries and 12 universities, delivered more than 250 continuing education sessions, and published more than 150 scientific articles and two textbooks. He is widely regarded as the most published veterinary author on POCUS.
“Dr. Boysen’s groundbreaking work has redefined how small animal medicine is practiced,” says Dr. Serge Chalhoub, professor, University of Calgary. “His teaching, mentorship, and relentless pursuit of excellence have empowered thousands of veterinarians around the world.”
Dr. Boysen’s teaching achievements are equally notable. He is a multiple-time recipient of the CVMA Teacher of the Year Award, a Student Union Teaching Award winner, and was named Speaker of the Year by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. His leadership in POCUS training has transformed care across species—from cats and dogs to exotic and large animals.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Small Animal Practitioner Award, sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, recognizes leadership and innovation in small animal practice.
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org