Bill Text: MS SC619 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize Dr. Chris Duke of Ocean Springs as Mississippi's "Veterinarian of the Year" for 2019.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2019-03-21 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC619 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2019-SC619-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Wiggins
Senate Concurrent Resolution 619
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DR. CHRIS DUKE OF OCEAN SPRINGS AS MISSISSIPPI'S "VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR" FOR 2019.
WHEREAS, we join the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association in recognizing a colleague, Dr. Chris Duke, as Mississippi's "Veterinarian of the Year" for 2019; and
WHEREAS, it was early 1983 when 25-year-old Chris Duke arrived in Ocean Springs to begin work as a newly minted Veterinarian, just out of Veterinarian school at Auburn University. He joined the staff of Dr. John Broussard's practice on Bienville Boulevard (U.S. 90), but within months, any thoughts he may have had of "easing into" his career quickly ended after the untimely death of Dr. Broussard. Dr. Duke continued to work at the clinic as an employee of the family until Memorial Day weekend of 1984, when he purchased the practice from the Broussard family and renamed it Bienville Animal Hospital; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, construction of the 4,700 additional square feet, which was added to the original animal clinic, was essentially a new veterinary clinic and not simply an addition. Occupancy of what was once again renamed Bienville Animal Medical Center took place in October 1993. This newer, state-of-the-art complex was recognized by the trade publication Veterinary Economics with a Merit Award in 1995; and
WHEREAS, for the next 35 years, he remained at the Bienville Animal Hospital caring for Ocean Springs' pets, mentoring other young veterinarians and, in the process, becoming a fixture in the community. Dr. Duke's 35 years of dedicated service to his community and profession were recognized when the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association named him the "Veterinarian of the Year" for 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association was founded in 1906, but only began awarding the Veterinarian of the Year Honor in 2009. Chris is the 11th winner. True to his nature, he was humble in accepting the award. "There are many men and women in this state who do an excellent job of being a Veterinarian," he said. "They not only represent the profession well, but they mentor the next generation"; and
WHEREAS, Bienville Animal Medical Center now employs five full-time veterinarians and two part time and has a total staff of 46. The facility was expanded in 1990. In 2005, Dr. Michael Dill became Dr. Duke's co-owner. Duke, 60, was asked what keeps him going after 35 years in practice. "I love this profession," he said. "I am having more fun and getting more joy out of veterinary medicine than I ever have, because all those things I worried about as a young man I have come to realize over the years are part of the job. I still get tough cases, tough scenarios sometimes, but hopefully, when things don't turn out the best for our veterinary clients, I do a good job communicating, consoling and comforting in situations like that"; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend the career of a Veterinarian who has brought honor to his profession, his community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize Dr. Chris Duke of Ocean Springs as Mississippi's "Veterinarian of the Year" for 2019, and extend to Dr. Duke and his family our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Chris Duke and his family, forwarded to Dr. Pat Hidalgo, President of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
