Chris Booth (’96 DVM’00) approached one of his family’s best cows, stuck in a ditch in the pasture. Her sides heaved with labored breaths, and her head hung low. She was suffering from milk fever, a common metabolic disease in dairy cows. While his parents were away for the weekend, Booth, responsible for the herd, rushed to the barn to bring back calcium as treatment, anxiously watching for any sign of recovery. Gradually, the cow perked up, struggled to her feet and made her way back to the barn. That moment inspired Booth’s future in veterinary medicine.
Booth is one of seven veterinarians at Dairy Doctors, a Plymouth, Wisconsin-based practice dedicated to dairy herd health. The practice embodies a legacy of care, innovation, and collaboration rooted in the training six of the seven team members received at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM).
For Booth, the journey to becoming a veterinarian began on his family’s 50-cow dairy farm in Cuba City, Wisconsin, where he was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association. His passion deepened during his undergraduate years at UW-Madison, where he helped conduct research on a mastitis vaccine.
“My UW education gave me valuable opportunities to grow both in knowledge and practical skills,” says Booth. “The biggest lasting impact from my time at UW was the invaluable knowledge and experience I gained from the Food Animal Production Medicine instructors. They were a dream team for any future dairy veterinarian, providing an outstanding foundation.”
Booth’s journey is one of many unique paths that led to Dairy Doctors. Eric Weinhold (DVM’92), originally from Glendale, Wisconsin, found his passion for dairy veterinary medicine working summers at Cedarburg Vet Clinic. After graduating from the SVM, Weinhold joined Dairy Doctors following a clinic merger. He credits the group’s teamwork and collective commitment to exceptional service as defining qualities of the practice.
“One thing we always do at the end of the day is share stories and experiences from the week,” says Weinhold. “This often leads to further growth in my education. I’ll always be a ‘practicing veterinarian,’ always striving to improve.”
Jeff Bleck (’92 DVM’96) was drawn to Dairy Doctors for its location near progressive dairy farms and its focus on family and work-life balance. Growing up on a Registered Holstein herd in New London, Wisconsin, Bleck’s passion for dairy farming and veterinary medicine developed early.
“The Food Animal Production Medicine instructors at the SVM played a major role in shaping me as a veterinarian,” says Bleck. “The knowledge and training I received from them made me the vet I am today.”
A less conventional route brought Brandon Debbink (DVM’17) into the field of veterinary medicine. Originally an education major at UW-Oshkosh, he switched to veterinary science after discovering his interest in food sustainability and production. Debbink’s passion for teaching aligns with Dairy Doctors’ dedication to mentoring future veterinarians.
“What I love most is our team approach to all aspects of dairy herd health,” says Debbink. “What also makes Dairy Doctors special is that for most of us, it’s our first and only job. That speaks volumes about the satisfaction we find in our work and the great relationships we have with our clients.”
Kent Bindl (DVM’02), another member of the Dairy Doctors team, grew up on a small dairy farm in Grant County, Wisconsin, where his passion for veterinary medicine arose from hands-on experiences with his family’s herd. His path to Dairy Doctors began during his fourth year at the SVM.
“I knew when I spent a two-week ambulatory rotation with Dairy Doctors that this was the area and group of veterinarians I wanted to practice with,” says Bindl. “A combination of progressive dairy clients and a group of doctors who seemed to practice a high level of medicine made Dairy Doctors an attractive choice.”
Growing up in a small town of 450 people where his family ran a rendering plant, Eric Rooker (DVM’13) also found his veterinary medical inspiration early as he observed local veterinarians working at the plant. For Rooker, his time at the SVM not only solidified his passion but also provided critical skills through mentorship and research opportunities. He points to his experience working on a cutting-edge research trail as transformative.
“It forced me to grow my skill set in areas such as inductive reasoning, data management, statistical analysis, on-farm skills, and client interaction,” he says. “This was a huge step beyond the skills that were taught in years one, two, and three, and they’re skills that continue to drive me and my daily practice interactions.”
Together, the Dairy Doctors team combines decades of expertise and a shared commitment to their clients and community. They host an annual client appreciation picnic, lead initiatives such as the “Gallons of Goodness” milk campaign to support local food pantries, and offer scholarships for students pursuing veterinary and agricultural education. The practice also offers externships for students worldwide, fostering the next generation of veterinarians.
“One unique aspect of Dairy Doctors is how well we get along and communicate,” says Bleck. “After our calls, we meet to go over the day’s events or simply talk about life. We are fortunate to have specialists in different areas of veterinary medicine, and we use everyone’s expertise to help our dairy clients succeed and provide the best care for their animals.”
One more new SVM graduate will join the Dairy Doctors team upon graduation this spring.
“They are a fantastic group of veterinarians and highly influential in the industry,” says Morgan Anderson (DVMx’25). “I look forward to learning from their mentorship and building a successful career.”
By Simran Khanuja