Dr Dyneah M. Classen was named the 2021 Swine Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) during the association’s 53rd Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. The award is given to the swine practitioner who has demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of veterinary service to clients.
Dr Classen is a partner and veterinarian in Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd, where she is responsible for overall animal health as the Director of Health for the Carthage System, as well as assigned herds. She joined the practice in 2007 and became a partner in 2010. She earned her DVM (2007) and BS in animal science (2003) from the University of Illinois.
While Dyneah worked at a veterinary clinic as a teenager, she had also grown up around pigs. She recognized her passion for working with pig farmers in rural Illinois and sought out internships and experiences to become a swine veterinarian. One internship brought her to Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.
As a member of the AASV dedicated to the future of the veterinary profession, Dr Classen has served as a member of the AASV Pig Welfare Committee and member and chair of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee.
“Her strong work-life balance makes her a good role model for students entering into our swine veterinary profession,” expressed a peer.
Asked to share her thoughts about receiving this award, Dr Classen replied, “I am surprised. I didn’t even know I was nominated. I’m very grateful and a little emotional. To have your peers honor you with such an award is very humbling.”
Dr Classen lives in Hamilton, Illinois, with her husband Nathan and four children Elsa, Freya, Willa, and Noah.
March 2, 2022 - AASV