Dr. Michelle Jens Sprague, Audubon, Iowa, was honored with the 2010 Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Dr. Sprague received the award on March 8 during the association’s annual meeting in Omaha, Neb. 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.
Dr. Sprague is a partner and director of sow health at the Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinic in Audubon, Iowa, where she delivers high-quality herd health and production care to swine producers in Iowa and the region.
Active in AASV since 2002 as a student member, Dr. Sprague serves as a member of the Pig Welfare Committee. She is also working with the AASV Production Animal Disease Risk Assessment Program. In 2008, she presented at the AASV annual meeting, delivering a practice tip on GPS mapping of swine sites. In 2007, she chaired pre-conference seminar and spoke at the annual meeting.
“Dr. Sprague has been an outstanding committee member who contributes frequently to the issues under discussion,” said Dr. Lisa Tokach, colleague and fellow committee member. “She has demonstrated the ideals of exemplary service and proficiency early in her career.”
“I am honored to receive this award,” Dr. Sprague said. “The AASV is a wonderful organization comprised of phenomenal people. It is a privilege to work with and serve the membership of this association, my colleagues at AMVC and the swine industry in general.”
Dr. Sprague is also an active member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Active in the First United Methodist Church in Audubon, Iowa, Dr. Sprague serves on the church council.
Dr. Sprague is a 2005 graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband, Steve, reside in Audubon, Iowa.