Published 4/19/2023

Elizabeth Giuliano, DVM, MS, DACVO, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and section chief of the Ophthalmology Service at the Veterinary Health Center, was recently named the recipient of the 2023 Jordan Hoyt Memorial Tribute to Women Award by the MU Status of Women Committee. The award honors Jordan Hoyt, a Mizzou alumna and 2016 recipient of the Tribute to Women Award, who passed away in 2019 at 37 as the result of a car accident.

Lynn Martin, DVM, MPH, DACVIM, an assistant teaching professor of equine internal medicine, and Mila Piva, a VM4 and Giuliano’s mentee, nominated Giuliano for the award. Awardees are selected annually for their work above and beyond expectations to create an equitable, fair and just environment for women at Mizzou, as well as their demonstrated respect for the diversity of women’s experiences and their promotion of the advancement of women through education, advocacy, support and activism. Giuliano was unable to attend the award ceremony, but in her written statement commented, “These women took the time and effort to nominate me for this award and I owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

Giuliano came to Mizzou as an ophthalmology resident and graduate student in 1999. In 2001 she became a faculty member and sought to become a role model for women at the university. “The field of veterinary medicine, while presently female dominated, still has a paucity of women in administrative and leadership roles nationally,” said Giuliano. “As I diligently worked toward tenure and full professor, I looked across the landscape of our university, the largely conservative field of veterinary medicine in general, and even within my specialty of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and realized something; It was abundantly clear to me that women needed other women as role models and advocates for each other, particularly within the LGBTQ community.”

Giuliano expressed her feelings about receiving the award. “As I reflect on being selected for this award, named after such an outstanding woman who contributed so much to our community, I keep thinking I should do more, be more and help more,” said Giuliano. “To all the women who may be listening and wondering if they can pursue their dreams in the face of adversity and bigotry, I say you can and you must, for you will never know how your life can help pave the way to a better, more equitable future for those that follow. You have my sincere gratitude, love and support.”

By Nick Childress