Iowa's Top Vet

Dr. Fred Sick ('74)
Fred Sick was named the 2023 Iowa Veterinarian of the Year by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association during the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting. “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.” Throughout his career, 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. He’s also still involved with the ISU Extension service and serves as the adviser with the Pre-Vet Club at Dordt University in Sioux Center and Northwestern College in Orange City. Though the vet club has been around for a decade or so, he’s been mentoring students since right after getting his first job in Sioux Center. At first, that meant mainly letting students job shadow him. Now the local club has monthly meetings and does an annual tour, either to a vet clinic or to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.