SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WWAY) — A Southport veterinarian has been recognized as one of this year’s recipients of a Veterinary Appreciation Day award program honoring veterinary professionals across North America.
Jennifer Derby, a veterinarian at River Road Animal Hospital in Southport, was named the 2026 U.S. East Veterinarian winner in the Veterinary Appreciation Day Awards, according to an announcement by pet insurance company Trupanion.
The awards program, established in 2015, recognizes veterinarians, veterinary support staff and veterinary teams nominated by pet owners, colleagues and community members. Organizers said this year’s program received nearly 2,000 nominations and more than 86,000 public votes…