My Take Tuesday: The John Steiner Award for Practitioner Excellence

Dr. John Steiner was an incredible veterinarian. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell in 1968. He practiced first in New York and later in Lexington, KY as a prominent veterinarian at the famous Hagyard Equine. He was a sought-after speaker at both national and international veterinary meetings. He was a diplomat of the American College of Theriogenologists, specializing in equine reproduction, and served as President of this organization in 2005-2006. He authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters on a variety of equine reproduction topics. He influenced the entire veterinary industry and practiced the highest standard of care.

In 2008, Dr. Steiner passed away tragically after he was struck by a horse he was treating. I remember receiving the devastating news. I was in a Theriogenology lab exercise preparing to collect semen from a stallion. The professor gave us the sad news just as class was beginning. We all huddled in a circle and paused for a moment of silence as we remembered this giant of a man and the humongous hole that was left with his passing.

Just a few months later, in January of 2009, the Society for Theriogenology (SFT) created the Dr. John Steiner Award for Practitioner Excellence. The intent of this award is to recognize veterinarians who epitomize the objectives of the Society for Theriogenology to establish and promote standards of excellence, to disseminate emerging information to veterinarians and students, to serve as a global resource for scientific exchange, to foster client education and awareness, and to encourage a network of collegial exchange.

The award requires a unanimous vote by the SFT Executive Board. The award is presented at the annual Theriogenology Conference. Past winners include Dr. Tom Riddle (one of the founders of Rood & Riddle equine in Lexington, KY), Dr. Gary Warner (a pioneer in bovine reproduction and sports medicine), Dr. Don Sanders (a prolific author of over a dozen books), Dr. Jimmy Alexander (a respected bovine reproductive specialist), Dr. Marty Greer (veterinarian of the year Westminister Kennel Club 2023), Dr. Pete Sheerin (a renowned equine reproduction specialist), Dr. Mike Thompson (a successful business owner from Holly Springs Mississippi) and the legendary Dr. John Myers from Vinita, Oklahoma. I consider each of these exemplary veterinarians as cherished friends.

This last weekend, I was surprised to be awarded this honor at the annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama. I was overcome with emotion as the announcement was made. As I accepted the award, nearly all of the past recipients were in the audience. I humbly spoke of the giants in the veterinary industry that were in our presence and the impact they have had on me.

I reflected on an observation that King Solomon made, ¨I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.¨ (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

My career has been a product of both time and chance. So many random opportunities have presented themselves along the way. I have been very fortunate. I have experienced both successes and failures, triumphs and defeats. It has been wonderful! I wouldn’t do anything different, as each experience has helped me become who I am. I am so grateful for the mentors and friends that have helped me along the way. I am but a product of their efforts.

I am especially grateful for the loyal clients of Mountain West Animal Hospital that have trusted me over their years with the care of their animals. Without their trust, I would not be able to accomplish anything. This trust is something that I hold most sacredly, and I do my absolute best to never take this trust for granted.

This is a wonderful profession! I love what I do. I have been extremely blessed. The past 14 years have been full of adventures all over the world with animals of all types. I have followed my heart and intuition. It has been an exhilarating ride. I am excited for what the future holds.

And that is my take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM