Sheila McGuirk, medical sciences professor in the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) and a highly regarded dairy veterinarian, was honored at last week’s World Dairy Expo as Industry Person of the Year.
“Sheila is extremely deserving of this award,” said SVM Dean Mark D. Markel. “She is a testament to the stature and dedication of the faculty and staff at our school.”Each year, the expo recognizes one individual for excellence in research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing, or other fields that provide goods or services to the dairy industry.
Widely recognized as an expert in large animal internal medicine and food animal production medicine, McGuirk has made outstanding contributions to research, teaching, outreach, and the dairy industry in her 30-year career at UW-Madison.
Dr. Sheila McGuirk of the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine receives the 'Industry Person of the Year' Award from World Dairy Expo President Mike Holschbach at the Alliant Energy Center on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012. Photoo courtesy: Chelsea Holschbach.
She has taught more than 1,800 veterinary students, advised 25 graduate students, and authored more than 60 research publications, mostly focusing on diseases in calves. In addition, she has treated thousands of cows at UW Veterinary Care; written countless articles for continuing education and industry publications, including Hoard's Dairyman magazine; and served as speaker at hundreds of veterinary medical meetings.
“This is such a great honor made possible by great mentors, special opportunities, and incredible support,” said McGuirk. “I couldn’t do what I do without my family, colleagues at the School of Veterinary Medicine, the World Dairy Expo, and my friends in the dairy industry being with me along the way.”
McGuirk has given a great deal of her time and energy to the World Dairy Expo over the course of her career. She has always volunteered for the lengthy process of checking in cattle, and in recent years she has recruited veterinary medical students to help by developing a one-credit course in Biosecurity and Evaluation of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection.
She was given the award during the World Dairy Expo Dinner with the Stars Awards Program on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall in Madison, Wis.
Prior to coming to Wisconsin, McGuirk earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Cornell, her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Georgia, and a master's degree in veterinary clinical sciences and Ph.D. in veterinary physiology and pharmacology from the Ohio State University.
