SASKATOON — Saskatoon-based Veterinarian Dr. Murray Jelinski was named the 2026 Veterinarian of the Year by the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners, honouring him for his decades of contribution to research and mentorship in cattle health.
This is the second award in about four months for Jelinski, as he received the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s JJ Murison Distinguished Veterinarian Award in the fall of 2025. The JJ Murison award recognizes members for outstanding service and contributions to veterinary medicine.
“Receiving both an Honorary Life Membership and the WCABP Boehringer Ingelheim Award was truly unexpected and profoundly humbling,” said Jelinski, who thanked his brother Mike and his colleagues at the University of Saskatchewan, Cheryl Waldner and Nathan Erickson, for nominating him.
“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. I also acknowledge and thank the Board members and Boehringer Ingelheim for these awards.”
Jelinski was presented with the WCABP Veterinarian of the Year award, in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, at the WCABP's annual conference in Calgary earlier this year to recognize individuals for their contributions to bovine veterinary medicine across Western Canada.
He was selected for his pioneering research, long-standing service to the veterinary profession and significant contributions to the beef cattle industry. He currently serves as the Alberta Chair in Beef Cattle Health and Production Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
Jelinski’s work focused on several aspects of cattle health and welfare, including veterinary workforce demographics, infectious diseases, hoof health, antimicrobial resistance, and herd management. He served on the WCABP board for over 20 years, including as Secretary-Treasurer.
He said he was surprised to receive both awards, especially the WCABP Veterinary of the Year, since the board, where he served for 26 years, had adopted a policy of not surprising recipients to give them a chance to prepare a short acceptance speech.
“I was given no warning and hence was very surprised. It is also a great honour, and we have many, many deserving veterinarians within our organization, so that also made it a surprise,” Jelinski told SaskToday.
“I have received multiple awards over my 40-plus years, and each one is special. I am always surprised, humbled, and very grateful. Being recognized by your peers is special and something I don’t take for granted.”
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. His work, about 100 peer-reviewed publications, is widely cited and continues to influence veterinary medicine.
In addition to his research, 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.
The Veterinarian of the Year Award recognizes veterinarians who demonstrate leadership in advancing bovine health while maintaining a strong commitment to veterinary practice and the cattle industry in Western Canada.
