Heather Fairall Named CVT of the Year at FVMA
April 21, 2026
We are thrilled to celebrate Heather Fairall, LVT, who has been honored as the Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) of the Year by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA)!
Heather, the lead technician at The Animal Hospital and Pet Resort at Southwood, received this prestigious recognition this past weekend at the Florida VMA Annual Conference. "It means the world that Dr. Moodoyan thought of me for the nomination in the first place," Heather shared. "It’s deeply validating; it helps me realize that I am making a tangible difference for my coworkers, our clinic, our patients, and our clients."
Congratulations on this achievement! How did it feel when you found out you were named the FVMA CVT of the Year?
Initially, I thought it was a spam email! I wasn't even aware I had been nominated, so once I realized it was valid, I was in a state of surprise and disbelief. As someone who navigates imposter syndrome, accepting praise can be a challenge. It took a few weeks to really sink in. To me, I was just doing my job—nothing I considered "above and beyond"—so the recognition was a wonderful, humbling shock.
What was the motivation that led you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
I grew up in hospitals. My mom was in the human medical field, and I always had a deep love for animals. Combining the two felt like the only real option for me.
How has your team supported your evolution from a young professional to an award-winning technician?
I’ve been with Southwood for eight years, and they’ve seen me through several trials and triumphs. The doctors have been incredibly patient with my endless questions, and my trainers pushed me to try things that once terrified me—things I’m now the "go-to" person for. My bosses have also become my mentors, making Southwood a safe space for me to develop both personally and professionally.
What is the most rewarding part of your day-to-day work in the clinic?
In general practice, we don’t always get the "adrenaline rush" of life-saving emergency procedures, but watching my team grow is my version of that reward. Seeing them tackle new challenges without me and growing in their own confidence gives me an immense sense of pride as their lead and trainer.
In your opinion, what is the most important skill that a technician can bring to their team and their patients?
Compassion. It’s compassion for coworkers during long shifts, for aggressive patients because we understand their fear, and for clients, even when we disagree. My manager and mentor, Jen, taught me the "Four Pillars" of client choices: financial, emotional, physical, and time. Keeping these in mind allows us to look at every scenario through a lens of empathy, which ultimately prevents burnout.
If you could go back to your first day as a tech and tell yourself one thing, knowing you’d eventually earn this recognition, what would it be?
I’d tell myself to "shut up and listen." When I first started, I was still in school and lacked a bit of self-awareness; I actually almost lost my job because of a "know-it-all" demeanor. Luckily, someone had a hard, honest discussion with me that helped me realize how much I still had to learn. I’d tell my younger self to embrace that humility from day one.
What advice would you have for those who are interested in pursuing their licensing??
Pursue it. While many skills can be learned on the job, we must strive to hold our industry to a higher standard. Licensing provides a level of professional respect and job security that follows you wherever you go. It signifies a foundation of education that makes you an invaluable asset to the field, but it does not replace hands-on experience.
Now that you’ve reached this milestone, what’s next on your horizon? Are there new skills or opportunities you’re excited to pursue?
Clinically, I’m excited to dive deeper into ultrasound techniques and explore mid-level practitioner opportunities. Simultaneously, my career is naturally gravitating toward training and leadership, so I see a future transition into a practice manager role as a way to combine my clinical passion with team development.
The FVMA CVT of the Year award honors a certified technician with at least three years of experience who has significantly contributed to their practice through compassion, commitment, and leadership. Eligible nominees must demonstrate a dedication to high-quality patient care, client satisfaction, team motivation, and continuous professional education.
Heather, congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment! We are so proud to have you on Team Vetcor!
