Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC), (SAIM)
During his 20+ years in the field, Ken has discovered and refined his role as a veterinary technician by
promoting compassionate and progressive care for the patients and their families. He obtained his VTS certification in emergency and critical care as well as small animal internal medicine and achieved his master's degree in Veterinary Science. He is currently the Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer for Veterinary Emergency Group, and the Program Director for the RECOVER Initiative. Over the years, he has received the Veterinary Technician of the Year award by NAVTA, the Veterinary Technician of the Year award by the California Veterinary Medical Association, the RVT of the Year award by the California RVT Association, and the AVECCTN Specialty Technician of the Year award. Ken co-edited the VeterinaryTechnician and Nurse’s Daily Reference Guide for Canine and Feline, and the Manual of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking, and publishes articles and presents internationally on topics in ECC, transfusion medicine, and the veterinary nursing profession.

Ken works to bring further recognition of the vital role of the veterinary technicians and nurses through work with organizations, being a Past President of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, and President-elect of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. He is also an advocate for the Open Hospital Concept, encouraging veterinary practices to invite the pet owners to “the back” as a part of the team.

Ken invites everyone to ask “Why?” to understand the “What” and “How” of our field, and to continually
pursue new limits as veterinary professionals and individuals.