AASV Foundation Presents Heritage Award

March 12, 2008 — Tracy Ann Raef

Dr. Rod Johnson, AASV Foundation chair, presented the 2008 Heritage Award to Dr. Roy Schultz, Avoca, Iowa. The award was presented during the association's annual meeting. It recognizes individuals who have lifelong outstanding achievements in swine veterinary medicine.

For nearly 50 years, Dr. Schultz has been a leader in swine medicine. It's often difficult to summarize a lifelong career but three words best describe Dr. Schultz' - Pigs, People and Passions. It is his commitment to swine producers, their pigs and the industry that has earned him an international reputation and recognition.

Dr. Schultz began his veterinary career as a private practitioner in Avoca, Iowa. For 20 years, he cared for and treated both small and large animals. It was in the 1960s when swine medicine changed from vaccinations to complete herd health care that Dr. Schultz decided to devote his career to swine medicine. He was one of the charter members of the newly established American Association of Swine Practitioners (now AASV). Since 1969, the AASV has been a great part of his life.

In 1998, Dr. Schultz turned over his practice to his son, Gary, and partner, Dr. Jim Hoffmann, and became a swine consultant, serving both U.S. and international clients. His original research into Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae garnered him international recognition and expert status on several international committees. He continues to be a frequent speaker at veterinary and producer meetings.

Throughout his career, Dr. Schultz has been a lifelong learner. Having received his veterinary degree from Iowa State University in 1960, he later pursued a master's degree in veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine (1981). He is a diplomate in swine health management by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (emeritus).

Dr. Schultz is a past president of the AASV, and has served on numerous committees of the AASV, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the U.S. Animal Health Association. In 2007, he was recognized as one of 10 Masters of the Pork Industry. He has earned several awards from the AASV including Swine Practitioner of the Year, Howard Dunne Memorial Award, and the prestigious Howard Dunne Lecturer. Dr. Schultz was the first recipient of the Science in Practice Award from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Stange Award for Meritorious Service in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State. He is the only foreign veterinarian to have been named Venezuela Swine Practitioner of the Year.

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Tracy Ann Raef, Communications Specialist, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University