Special to Atmore News
Dr. Hank Lee, co-owner of Lee Veterinary Clinic located in Atmore, was presented the Veterinarian of the Year Award by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) during an annual awards luncheon.
Dr. Lee grew up on a beef cattle and row-crop farm in Atmore. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in 1996, followed by a DVM from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.
In 2002 he and his wife, Dr. Lacey Lee, started Lee Veterinary Clinic, P.C. They have grown to a five-doctor mixed-animal practice with a 20,000 square foot hospital complete with equine surgical and haul-in cattle facilities.
Dr. Hank Lee is a full-time large animal veterinarian, with most of his time devoted to equine lameness and surgery. He heads up the equine podiatry section of the practice. Together with the team of hospital farriers, they help area veterinarians and horse owners with their more problematic lameness cases.
He serves as an adjunct professor in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Department, through which he instructs senior veterinary students in a one-on-one environment. Between the students from Auburn and the externships provided to senior students from other veterinary schools, Dr. Lee directly helps in the development of 15-20 graduate veterinarians per year.
Dr. Lee continues to be very active in the veterinary community. He is a past president of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and currently serves as the chairperson of the legislative committee which keeps him deeply involved in animal-related legislation in the state.
The Lees have two children, Emily and Gus, who enjoy spending time in and around the practice.
Since 1907, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association has been committed to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine. More than 1,030 members work to ensure that laws and regulations promote the health and well-being of all animals and protect public health and human welfare. Large and small animal practitioners, students, and veterinary school graduates make up ALVMA membership.