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The American Association of Swine Veterinarian’s Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award was presented to Dr Chris Sievers during the 52nd AASV Annual Meeting, held virtually. The award is given annually to an AASV member five or less years post graduation who has demonstrated the ideals of exemplary service and proficiency early in his or her career.
Chris grew up outside of Storm Lake, Iowa, on a crop, cattle and hog farm where he gained his initial livestock experience. He also raised his own calves and pigs for 4-H and FFA projects. Following his passion for animal agriculture, he attended Iowa State University (ISU) where he received a BS in animal science (2012), DVM (2016), and MS in preventative animal medicine (2016).
His path into swine medicine was solidified by internships and the mentorship that accompanied them, especially through the Swine Veterinary Internship Program coordinated by ISU.
Dr Sievers realized during a summer internship at the Swine Vet Center that the clinic was where he wanted to practice after graduation. “I really enjoyed the veterinarians and how they worked with their progressive clients,” he recalled. “It was a good match for me and where I wanted to be after veterinary school.” Today, Chris continues to enjoy his work at the clinic. Most of his clients are medium-size swine operations in Iowa. He also helps oversee research for the Swine Vet Center.
Dr Sievers is dedicated to the swine veterinary profession and to the AASV. Recognizing the AASV as a tight-knit community and its members as family, he embraced opportunities to become involved as a student through poster and oral presentations during the annual meeting. He served as the president of the AASV student chapter at ISU and represented all student members as the Student Delegate to the AASV Board of Directors. Currently, he is a member of the AASV Influenza Committee.
Nominated for this award by colleagues and clients, many noted Dr Sievers’ resourcefulness, his ability to make science-based recommendations, and his willingness to share what he has learned. Dr Sievers humbly credits his clients with much of his success as a veterinarian.
Upon acceptance of the award, Dr Sievers commented, “I am extremely honored and humbled in being selected for the 2021 AASV Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award. I would not be where I am today without all the support of my family and friends, especially my wife Brooke, two sons Gavin and Carter, my parents Todd and Laura Sievers, and the team at Swine Vet Center. I am also very fortunate for all the mentors I have had throughout my journey of becoming and growing as a swine veterinarian starting before vet school and continuing today. This also would not be possible without my amazing clients that push me to further my knowledge and improve my skills daily. I look forward to the many years ahead of consulting with my clients and serving the swine industry.”
March 2, 2021 - AASV
