AASV Life Member Dr. Fred Sick Named Iowa Veterinarian of the Year

October 29, 2023 — 

Dr. Fred Sick, 80, was named the 2023 Iowa Veterinarian of the Year by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association during the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association's annual meeting Sept. 28.

The Veterinarian of the Year award is given to a distinguished member who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine in the areas of organization, education, research, practice or regulatory service.

"Dr. Sick is such an exemplary person of a dedicated veterinarian and giving back to the profession in many ways, including mentoring of students and graduates," said IVMA executive director Dr. Randy Wheeler. "His outgoing personality and wonderful name add to his character."

Dr. Sick was one of three reviewed for this year's award.

He previously received the 2020 Outstanding Service Award from the Veterinary Medical Alumni Association at Iowa State University in Ames for his work to help young vets get their start in the industry; the Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and the IVMA Meritorious Service Award in 2003.

Dr. Sick received his bachelor's degree in animal science from ISU in 1965 and was then drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam. While in Saigon, he set up a food chemistry lab and performed rabies and other disease diagnosis for military dogs. This experience helped inspire him to go to veterinary school upon his discharge from the Army in 1969. He graduated with his DVM from ISU's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974.

He went on to practice mixed animal veterinary medicine for 23 years at Veterinary Central Vet Clinic in Sioux Center and then joined Boehringer Ingelheim as the site veterinarian in Sioux Center for an additional 17 years.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sick has been active in promoting animal heath, especially in the areas of research and vaccine development. Though he retired in 2014, he stays busy working part time for a research group in Brookings, SD.

Read more about Dr. Sick's accomplishments at Sioux Center News.

[Source: Sioux Center News 12 October 2023 by Renee Wielenga]