Bovine Veterinarian sent a survey through the AVC-L listserve and asked members which veterinarians have had or are having a significant impact on feedlot medicine. The individuals featured in this article were identified by their peers as: “Having exhibited high levels of leadership, passion and dedication for many years as well as being excellent thinkers, challenging paradigms and developing new, progressive strategies for feedlot medicine.” Dr. Calvin Booker and Dr. Kee Jim were two of six featured Veterinarians in this article who have significantly impacted and are impacting feedlot medicine today.

The following caption was used to describe Dr. Calvin Booker in this article:
“He is the single most influential driver of epidemiology, the commercial field trial model and economics in private feedlot veterinary practice over the last 15 years.”

Dr. Kee Jim was described as the following:
“Not afraid to challenge the dogma and gurus.” “Has a unique ability to focus on the real issues, a true scientist.” “Has probably done more to advance feedlot medicine than anyone else in North America.”

At the 39th annual American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) conference held in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Dr. Calvin W. Booker was recognized by his peers when he was awarded with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Merial Award for Excellence in Preventative Veterinary Medicine – Beef.

The award, sponsored by Merial (originally sponsored by MSD AGVET Division of Merck & Co.), was established in 1982 and consists of a $1500 general scholarship contribution made in the name of the recipient’s veterinary college of choice and a specially designed plaque in bronze bas-relief.

The award was presented to Dr. Booker in recognition of his achievements as a veterinary epidemiologist, his contribution to several ground-breaking research projects in beef cattle preventative medicine, and his work in the development of innovative concepts in the delivery of feedlot veterinary services. A Partner at Feedlot Health Management Services (FHMS) in Okotoks, Alberta, Dr. Booker is part of a professional services team that provides comprehensive herd health programs, field veterinary services, veterinary and production consulting services, and computerized health recording systems to feedlots throughout western Canada and the United States. Moreover, as Manager of the Research Department at FHMS, Dr. Booker leads a team with extensive research capabilities that focus on identification, development, and evaluation of applied technologies in commercial feedlot production systems. In addition to his production and research work, Dr. Booker plays an active role in promoting beef production by sharing his knowledge at national and international tours of local feedlots and while attending international conferences. Currently, Dr. Booker is also an Affiliate Faculty Member in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University.

The AABP is composed of veterinarians interested in bovine medicine. It was founded in 1965 as a "not-for-profit" organization and has grown to a membership of approximately 6,000 veterinarians and veterinary students. Most of the members are from the United States, but there are approximately 500 Canadian members and 300 members from other countries. The AABP’s goal is to assistant their members in enhancing their professional lives through relevant continuing education that will improve the well-being of cattle and the economic success of their owners, increase awareness and promote leadership for issues critical to cattle industries, and improve opportunities for careers in bovine medicine.