Dr. Murray Jelinski of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is the recipient of the 2026 Veterinarian of the Year Award presented by the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. He is recognized for his pioneering research, leadership in veterinary education and significant, long-standing contributions to the beef industry and veterinary profession.
The Boehringer Ingelheim WCABP Veterinarian of the Year Award honours a veterinarian for being a leader in advancing bovine health, and for demonstrating a strong commitment to veterinary practice, the cattle industry and the veterinary profession, specifically in western Canada. Dr. Jelinski was announced as the winner at the WCABP annual conference in Calgary on January 15, 2026.
“From WCABP membership and Board of Directors we would like to thank Boehringer Ingelheim for honoring one of our own again this year for vet of the year,” says Dr. Jay Thurgood, WCABP Past President. “WCABP will forever be indebted to Dr. Murray Jelinski for his years of dedicated service he provided to the association and the bovine veterinarians we represent across western Canada.”
Dr. Jelinski is the Alberta Chair in Beef Cattle Health and Production Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). His research spans several key areas in cattle health and welfare, including veterinary workforce demographics, infectious diseases, hoof health, antimicrobial resistance and herd management. He has also been an integral part of the WCABP for the past 21 years, serving as the organization’s Secretary-Treasurer.
One of his most significant scientific contributions is his research on Mycoplasma bovis in feedlot cattle. This groundbreaking work greatly enhanced understanding of the pathogen and informed best practices for diagnosis and management. He also advanced understanding of toe-tip necrosis syndrome, a lameness condition affecting feedlot cattle, leading to the development of preventive measures and treatment protocols. With approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications, his work is widely cited and continues to influence clinical practice and inform policy decisions in veterinary medicine.
“Receiving both an Honorary Life Membership and the WCABP Boehringer Ingelheim Award was truly unexpected and profoundly humbling,” said Dr. Jelinski. “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 Year nomination. I also acknowledge and thank the Board members and Boehringer Ingelheim for these awards.”
In addition to his research, Dr. Jelinski is a respected mentor who guides numerous undergraduate and graduate students through the WCVM and the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program, helping shape the next generation of veterinary leaders. He is also an active reviewer for several scientific journals and serves as Associate Editor for the Canadian Veterinary Journal.
In submitting the nomination for Dr. Jelinski, Nathan Erickson and Cheryl Waldner commented on his role as an active and influential leader in the veterinary community.
“His research has had a profound impact on clinical practices; his mentorship has shaped the careers of countless students; and his leadership has helped guide the veterinary profession through critical challenges. Dr. Jelinski’s legacy will continue to inspire and benefit veterinary professionals and cattle producers for many years to come.”
Jacques Bouthillette, Business Unit Director, Bovine with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc., explained the Boehringer Ingelheim WCABP Veterinarian of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leaders who are making significant contributions to the cattle industry in western Canada while also demonstrating a strong commitment to the veterinary profession.
“Congratulations to Dr. Jelinski for being recognized as the 2026 WCABP Veterinarian of the Year,” Bouthillette said. “His contributions to bovine veterinary medicine in Canada are exceptional. His research continues to deliver valuable insights that advance cattle health, welfare and farm profitability, shaping clinical practices and informing policy across the country.”
Bouthillette thanked the WCABP for its work to seek nominations and select the recipient of the award.
The Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners is the voice of over 250 veterinarians specializing in the treatment of dairy and beef cattle in the four western provinces. WCABP provides continuing education for its members and encourages youth to consider a career in bovine practice. WCABP serves as an advocate on issues directly affecting members’ scope of practice and provides expert opinion to government, educational institutions, and other related industries on issues affecting the food animal industry.
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca
Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca/animal-health
Boehringer Ingelheim Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners Veterinarian of the Year Award is given annually to a veterinarian in Western Canada who meets some, but not necessarily all, of the following criteria:
Jenna Rolston
Administrator
Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners
Email: info@wcabp.com
Phone: 1-866-269-8387
Merry Garbutt
Corporate Communications
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
Email: merry.garbutt@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Phone: (905) 631-4531
Download Nomination Form (PDF)
Nomination Deadline: December 1, 2026
