Island veterinarian Steven W. Atwood of Animal Health Care Associates in West Tisbury has been elected as a distinguished practitioner-member of the National Academies of Practice. Dr. Atwood was installed at a gala membership banquet on March 20 in Arlington, Va., at which the academies inducted new members from 10 health care professions.

Founded in 1981 in recognition of the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in health care, the organization includes distinguished practitioners and scholars from dentistry, nursing, osteopathic medicine, medicine, psychology, podiatric medicine, social work, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. Only 150 distinguished members can be elected to membership, so selection is an honor. Each year, the academies sponsor a forum on public policy issues. This year’s is promoting prevention and wellness.