11/10/2025
Congratulations to Dr. Deirdra Johnson on this recognition for the outstanding veterinarian care she provides❤️
🌟 Congratulations, Dr. Deirdra Johnson! 🌟
We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr. Deirdra Johnson, recently recognized as Trupanion’s Vet of the Year! 🏆
Dr. Johnson’s dedication, compassion, and leadership in veterinary medicine inspire everyone around her. Her commitment to patient care and support for clients truly set her apart — making this award incredibly well-deserved.
CANADA EAST VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR
Read their inspiring story:
I want to take a moment to recognize someone truly special—my vet, Deirdra. Her compassion, knowledge, and dedication go far beyond what's expected. She treats every animal as if they were her own, and it shows in every interaction. Deirdra has a gentle way of making both pets and their humans feel safe, supported, and cared for, no matter how big or small the issue. Her love for animals is genuine, and the way she goes above and beyond does not go unnoticed. Deirdra, thank you for the difference you make every single day—you're not just a vet, you're a lifeline, a comfort, and a true blessing to so many.
- Cynthia K
I would like to nominate Dr. Johnson from CBS Animal Hospital for her outstanding compassion and dedication as a veterinarian. She treats every animal with genuine care and attention, always going above and beyond to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. When my cat Carl needed care, Dr. Johnson was incredibly thorough, kind, and reassuring throughout the entire process. With the help of our pet insurance through Trupanion, we were able to focus on Carl's recovery without the added stress of unexpected costs. I trust Dr. Johnson completely with my own animals, knowing they are in the most capable and caring hands.
- Rochelle F
A note from our winner:
It is an extraordinary honor to be named Trupanion’s Canadian Veterinarian of the Year. My journey into veterinary medicine began in a small town in Newfoundland, shaped by an early and enduring passion for both medicine and the ocean. Initially, I pursued a Masters in Aquatic Epidemiology, believing I would spend my career on or near the water, working with aquatic species. But it was during that academic journey that several mentors encouraged me to consider veterinary medicine to unite my interests in medicine, diagnostics, and marine biology. I entered the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island with a clear sense of purpose and was fortunate to receive recognition through several awards, including the Phibro Animal Health Award for aptitude and enthusiasm in aquaculture and the Dr. Darya Campbell Memorial Award for academic excellence as a student from Newfoundland. I was also selected for a highly competitive and exciting externship at SeaWorld, which solidified my commitment to working with marine species. However, during my years in veterinary school, my personal life evolved alongside my professional development; I married in my first year at the AVC and gave birth to my daughter in my final year of the program, just four weeks after writing the NAVLE board exam. With the demands of motherhood, my ability to travel and work offshore shifted, and I entered small animal practice to stay close to home. What began more as a practical pivot quickly became a rewarding calling. In small animal medicine, I uncovered a passion for urgent care, internal medicine, and advanced surgical procedures. I also found immense satisfaction in mentoring new graduates and fostering a collaborative, high-performing clinical environment. Now, years later, I find myself guiding families through every stage of their pet’s life: from their very first vaccinations to complex medical decision-making at the end of life, relationships that I consider both a privilege and a responsibility. I approach medicine with intellectual rigor, a commitment to continuing education, and a firm belief in evidence-based medicine and treatment. But above all, I lead with respect for my patients, my clients, and the emotional complexity of veterinary care. I believe family members are the experts in their own animals, and that the best outcomes are achieved through active, compassionate partnership with my clients. This award is not only a recognition of my past efforts but a charge to keep pushing forward; to stay curious, to stay cutting-edge, and to help shape a profession that is as progressive as it is profoundly human. To my colleagues, mentors, clients, and fellow veterinarians across Canada and beyond, thank you for your trust and inspiration. I remain deeply committed to advancing veterinary medicine and to honoring the animals and families we serve.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Johnson on this outstanding achievement and for all she does to make a difference every single day in the veterinary community! 💙🐾
