143 Millennium - Twenty-third Edition MEDICINE, HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Equine Performance Veterinarians Moody, TX EMERGENCY ROOM NURSE Incline Village Community Hospital Incline, NV DR. DENNIS CLARK Dr. Dennis Clark approaches his veterinary work with a simple yet critical understanding: it is about both the animal and its owner. He values thoughtful conversations about treatment, especially when decisions are complex. In this way, he can determine the right path forward for the animal, which is ultimately what matters most. Dr. Clark is the president and chief executive officer of Equine Performance Veterinarians, a mobile practice that provides on-site care for horses. He travels to various area farms to address lameness issues, perform pre-purchase exams, conduct dental exams and ensure no horses need to be hospitalized. Founded in 2019, Dr. Clark’s practice marks a return to veterinary care following a 10-year career as a professor at McLennan Community College. He previously owned Mid Tex Mobile Equine Veterinary Services from 2003 to 2013, but had to step away following a car accident. Dr. Clark was named the 2024 Texas Equine Veterinarian of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. He recently purchased a small animal clinic that will enable him to expand his practice while staying focused on the more personal aspects of animal care. The fast pace and heavy pressure of an emergency room would overwhelm most, but it is where Melissa Frager thrives. As an ER nurse at Incline Village Community Hospital, she faces unique challenges every day, yet one thing remains constant: her unwavering devotion to her patients. Ms. Frager’s healthcare career began in 2011 as a certified nursing assistant, before becoming a registered nurse with Carson Tahoe Healthcare. She transitioned to the emergency room at Carson Valley Health, where she spent 10 years, then to Incline Village Community Hospital. For her, success is simple: she attends work because she loves what she does. Ms. Frager received the DAISY Award in 2024, one of nursing’s highest honors, in recognition of the compassionate and skillful care she provides. That same year, she was voted Second Best Nurse and earned her board certification in emergency nursing. She is now working toward trauma certification. Another goal is to help her community by offering Stop the Bleed courses to the local schools. As she considers her future path, Ms. Frager is committed to ensuring that everyone in her community receives the care they need. MELISSA FRAGER, BSN, RN, CEN
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