Alberta Chair in Beef Cattle Health named Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Murray Jelinski, the Alberta Chair in Beef Cattle Health and Production Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has been named the 2026 Veterinarian of the Year by the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.

Jelinski is being recognized for his pioneering research, leadership in veterinary education and long-standing contributions to the beef industry and veterinary profession across Western Canada. The award was presented during the WCABP annual conference held in Calgary on Jan. 15.

The Boehringer Ingelheim WCABP Veterinarian of the Year Award honours a veterinarian who demonstrates leadership in advancing bovine health and a strong commitment to veterinary practice, the cattle industry and the veterinary profession in Western Canada.

Jelinski’s research at WCVM has focused on several key areas affecting cattle health and welfare, including infectious diseases, hoof health, antimicrobial resistance, herd management and veterinary workforce demographics.

One of his most significant scientific contributions has been research into Mycoplasma bovis in feedlot cattle. The work helped advance understanding of the pathogen and informed improved diagnosis and management strategies. He has also contributed to research on toe-tip necrosis syndrome, a lameness condition affecting feedlot cattle, helping lead to new prevention and treatment approaches.

Jelinski has authored approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications, and his research continues to influence clinical practice and veterinary policy decisions in Canada.

In addition to his research work, Jelinski is recognized for mentoring veterinary students and young researchers through the WCVM and the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program, helping support the next generation of bovine veterinarians.

He has also been actively involved with the WCABP for more than two decades, serving as the organization’s secretary-treasurer for 21 years.

“Receiving both an Honorary Life Membership and the WCABP Boehringer Ingelheim Award was truly unexpected and profoundly humbling,” Jelinski says.

“My sincerest appreciation goes to my brother Mike for nominating me for the Honorary Life Membership, and to Cheryl Waldner and Nathan Erickson for the Veterinarian of the Year nomination.”

In their nomination, Nathan Erickson and Cheryl Waldner noted Jelinski’s impact on the profession through research, mentorship and leadership.