The American Association of Swine Veterinarians hosted its 56th annual meeting in San Francisco, California, where six College of Veterinary Medicine alumni and two students were recognized for their contributions to the swine industry.
Dr. John Waddell, Class of 1981, received the Howard Dunne Memorial Award. The award recognizes an AASV member who has made important contributions and provided outstanding service to the association and the swine industry.
Dr. Waddell earned his bachelor’s degree and DVM at the University of Illinois and later completed the college’s Executive Veterinary Program (EVP). In 2011, after 30 years at a large animal veterinary practice in rural Nebraska, he joined Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health as a professional services veterinarian, where he currently leads a team of five swine veterinarians.
Dr. Amanda Sponheim was honored with the Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year Award, which recognizes swine industry professionals who are extremely proficient and effective in their veterinary service to their clientele. The chosen recipient has also provided dedicated service to the AASV and swine industry.
Dr. Sponheim received a bachelor’s, DVM (2008), and EVP credential at Illinois. She is currently a senior key account veterinarian in the swine division at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Minnesota. Despite her busy career, Dr. Sponheim has mentored over 20 veterinary students during swine internships.
Dr. Brandi Burton is the president and managing partner of Suidae Health and Production, a role she obtained in January. Dr. Burton was honored with the Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award, given to an AASV member within five years of graduation who has shown exemplary service and professionalism.
Dr. Burton earned her DVM from Illinois in 2019. During veterinary school, she shifted her career focus from equine to swine medicine. As chair of the AASV Early Career Committee, she has been integral in developing new resources for early-career swine veterinarians.
Dr. Bryan Myers was named the Swine Practitioner of the Year for his remarkable proficiency and effectiveness in serving clients. A practicing veterinarian at Pipestone Veterinary Services, he provides health management and consultation for a few of the largest swine producers and production systems nationwide.
Dr. Myers earned his veterinary degree from Iowa State University and was a member of the very first EVP cohort at Illinois, completing the program in 1993.
Drs. Corrine Frugé and Brigitte Mason were awarded the AASVF-Zoetis Foundation Student Debt Relief Grants. The grant, given to 10 swine veterinarians two to ten years post-graduation, helps relieve the weight of the financial cost associated with completing veterinary medical education.
Of the 42 students nationally who submitted abstracts for presentation at the meeting, two first-year veterinary students from the University of Illinois were selected to present. Jacqueline Springer was one of 15 oral presenters at the AASV Student Seminar. She received a $500 scholarship. Benjamin Rogers presented at the student poster competition and received a $200 scholarship.
By Chloe Barbarise
