Nominations for the 2011 Penn Vet World Leadership in Animal Health Award, currently the largest award in the veterinarian profession, are officially open.

The award, which was first issued in April 2008, is given annually to "the most influential veterinarian in the world," as described by Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, PhD, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Each year, a committee comprised of government and academic officials from around the globe evaluates nominees and determines the award recipient based on each individual's achievements and contributions to the veterinary profession.

The award totals $100,000 in unrestricted funding and was designed in tandem with the Penn Vet Student Inspiration Awards. According to Hendricks, the question was initially, "Would $100,000 change a student's life?" The World Leadership Award evolved from a wish to empower veterinary students and promote the veterinary profession as a whole.

Hendricks said the committee generally receives about 15 nominations per year from an array of sources